BITEZ
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		Bitez successfully combines a centuries old place of life with a full range of tourists amenities, and is a favorite haunt of both, water sports enthusiasts and those in pursuit of calm and tranquillity in an unspoiled setting. Holiday accommodation is situated within a few paces of the clean, sandy beach. The larger hotels offer a high standard of all modern facilities, including fresh water swimming pools, Turkish Bath, sun lounges and beach service; while smaller family-run guest houses will look after you and your family as if you were honored and invited guests. After the first holiday in Bitez, many families return to the same hotel year after year.
		THE BEACH Lapped by the tiny waves of the Aegean, the beach is the center of activity. Whether you just want to soak up the sun with a good book, or join in a game of beach volleyball, the friendly atmosphere will give you the 'feel good' factor on Day One. There's no need to get up at the crack of dawn to for cool drinks, snacks and ice creams throughout the day there are many small cafes along the length of the beach, simply decorated with colorful tubs of exotic flowers. There are a few small shops selling beach essentials, a chemist, and general stores for selfcaterers. The sea slopes gently down, with plenty of shallow water for younger children to splash around in, and incoming boats and wind surfers are safely zoned away from swimmers.

		THE VILLAGE Bitez village is a typical hamlet with an agricultural economy. Local matters are discussed at the central tea house by the mosque, where you too will be welcome to sit and enjoy a glass of cooling Turkish tea. If you're planning a barbecue, the village boasts two butchers, as well as a couple of small supermarkets. Just past the mosque is a family-run Turkish Delight manufacturer, where you can see this famous sweet being made, and try out the different flavors. The Post Office lies just beyond for mailing those postcards home.
		ACTIVITIES Top windsurfing enthusiasts have long known Bitez as a venue for international competitions. Professionals and beginners alike will find the bay ideal for learning the basic skills or perfecting techniques. Equipment may be hired from one of the surf schools or through your hotel. Sailing dinghies and small catamarans may be hired, and qualified instruction is also available. Exploring the foot paths winding through the mandarin groves between the beach and the village is a special pleasure for walkers. Here you will catch a glimpse of the real life of the village people as they care for their livestock and tend the fruit trees.

		DAY TRIPS A visit to Bodrum combines history with excellent shopping, and enough hustle and bustle to make you feel glad to return to Bitez. The imposing Castle of St. Peter gives today's Bodrum its unique character, evoking the days of chivalry and courtly love. Yet, the castle is a relative newcomer to the town, which traces its origins to before 2000 BC.
		Bodrum, or Halicarnassus as it was known, was made the capital of the ancient Province of Caria by Mausolus, who is remembered today through the word mausoleum. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, its site is now an Underwater Museum. The Roman theatre overlooks the town from above the mausoleum, and at sunset, past and present seem to merge in this romantic setting. When the Knights of St.John built the castle in the early 15th century, they used many of the stones from the already ruined mausoleum. These green tinged blocks may still be seen in the castle walls. The Knights stayed for over a century until they were driven out by Suleyman the Magnificent in 1523. The castle gradually fell into disuse until the middle of this century when it was extensively renovated to become the home of the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. It is now a showcase for the marvelous finds of antiquity discovered in the area, and is recognized as a worldwide pioneer in the field of underwater archaeology.
		MILAS Ardent shoppers will relish a trip to the famous Tuesday market in Milas, where many a fabulous bargain can be struck for locally made carpets and other traditional goods, such as fine lace work and leather goods. There are many small cafes, 'lokanta', in Milas which serve local food at astonishingly low prices. Milas is a 30 minute journey from Bitez.
		BOAT TRIPS The stately wooden boats which cruise into the bay are traditional to this area, and every summer give pleasure to thousands of visitors on their own voyages of discovery in these most tranquil and unspoiled cruising grounds. Designed for comfort and pleasure, a gulet will take you to small, undeveloped coastal villages, where the world famous Turkish hospitality becomes an unforgettable experience. Gulet crews are noted for their cooking, and you can expect to dine on the freshest fish or other succulent local specialties. Gulet cruises may be booked through one of the Bitez agents, or from the small jetty towards the end of the beach.
		HOW TO GET TO BITEZ Bitez is served by the new airport Milas-Bodrum, only 42 km which can be reach on well a prepared dual carridge way in 40 minutes. And there is also Izmir or Dalaman, both three and a half hours in a bus. Turkey has a very good national coach network which links Bodrum to all major cities and towns. Regular public transport (called 'Dolmush') connects Bitez to Bodrum. A daily car ferry also runs daily between Bodrum and the Greek island of Cos.
		TRAVELING INLAND Nowhere is as rich in sites of Classical Greek, Roman and Biblical history as this corner of the Aegean. A 'must' for every visitor is Ephesus. The ruins of this once proud city, whose stubbornly pagan citizens caused St. Paul to flee, are a microcosm of ancient history. In nearby Selçuk is the tomb of St. John, and on the edge of Ephesus is the site of the last home of the Virgin Mary, recognized as a place of pilgrimage by the Vatican. Of the many imposing Greek and Roman public buildings, those of Miletus are well preserved, and easily combined with a visit to Didyma.
		The white terraces of Pamukkale are world renowned, and bathing in the mineral-rich waters is said to be therapeutic. The ruins of ancient Cnidus lie at the end of the Datça peninsula and are best visited by boat to recapture the atmosphere of this once important sea-faring city. The impressive ruins are totally unspoiled, with some of the old city still buried by centuries old olive groves.
		BITEZ TOURISM ASSOCIATION Bitez, Bodrum TURKEY Tel. 0252 363 7962 Fax: 0252 363 7845 E-mail: info@bitez.net