Gümüşlük & Rabbit Island

Village / Town

A fishing village atop the sunken harbour of ancient Myndos — waterside tables, Rabbit Island reached on foot via the “King’s Road,” and a legendary sunset.

At the western tip of the Bodrum peninsula, Gümüşlük is built over the ancient city of Myndos and, being under protection, is one of the rare fishing villages saved from concrete sprawl. The sunken harbour remains of Myndos, still visible beneath the cove and along the shoreline, combine with the clarity of the water to give the village an air of time stood still. The tables of the fish restaurants lined right at the water’s edge let you enjoy fresh fish with your feet almost touching the sea.

Rabbit Island, across the cove, can be reached on foot across the shallows formed by a submerged ancient breakwater — the path locals call the “King’s Road,” where the sea is usually between knee and waist deep. Gümüşlük is one of the Aegean’s most famous sunset spots; as the sun sinks behind Rabbit Island, the village silhouette and the boats in the harbour turn into a matchless picture. With its summer classical-music concerts, art galleries and quiet lanes, Gümüşlük is a corner for those seeking peace over show.