As we go through this life journey, we sometimes need to stop and reflect on the beautiful sunsets we are blessed to watch.

Gümüşlük - Three nights Gümüşlük is a quaint seaside village and fishing port on the Bodrum Peninsula, Muğla Province, southwestern Turkey. Our first destination in the Bodrum region was Gümüşlük. It is the most charming and quaint fishing village, and the waters just offshore in its pristine little bays are littered with the ruins of ancient Myndos. The hillsides around the Gümüşlük bay area are protected against future developments, which means, unlike many other holiday destinations in Turkey, it has not been overexposed. We spent three nights enjoying the tranquillity and magic of this village and loved the sleepy vibe, the stunning views and the people, who are incredibly kind, fun and full of positive energy. Being a no-traffic zone added to the charm of the village. The beautiful waterfront seafood restaurants are all on your doorstep when staying at the impressive and recently renovated Liman Hotel ; they are all furnished with fresh white decor and overflowing with fresh and colourful flowers. We recommend Fonda Cafe for your daily coffee fix and Karafaki Erhan Usta for a beautiful fresh seafood lunch or dinner, and you won't be disappointed. If you fancy purchasing a gift for someone special, the ceramic store Durmuş Bahar next to Liman Hotel is very welcoming with some beautiful gift ideas. It was also the perfect spot for a haircut, and not only are you gifted with a magnificent view but a superb hairdresser with Ali Maraz Dalkılıç . The best value haircut with a view at $10AUD. We loved our time in Gumusluk and recommend everyone visit this hidden gem; you will feel the magic too.

Fonda Gümüşlük - Four visits Fonda is a cafe in Gumusluk on the Bodrum Peninsula and became our local coffee shop. It is located directly below the lovely boutique hotel Liman Hotel where we stayed. The Fonda team were always bright and cheerful and were happy to talk with us in our broken Turkish, serving great tasting coffee (cappuccino) and freshly squeezed orange juice. We stayed strong and resisted the delicious looking deserts; however, they looked tempting! We even asked them for some cups and a bottle opener to take upstairs to enjoy sundowners, and they were only too happy to help. They even added ice and poured our drinks for us. We often grabbed an early morning coffee and watched this beautiful fishing village come to life from Fonda, a perfect start to the day. Definitely local pricing and excellent coffee, so this became our go-to coffee shop. Fonda also has a magical outdoor seating area by the water, relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.

Konstanze German Pub Bistro - One visit Konstanza Pub Bistro is a german pub with magical sunset views in Turgutreis on the Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey. We came for a late afternoon drink, watched a mesmerising sunset, and had a tasty dinner. The team were fun and full of positive energy, they were proud of their beautiful establishment, and customer service was their priority. They loved their work and were very attentive; we were also grateful for how they ordered a taxi, which was so kind. When the mixologist grabs fresh herbs from the garden bed to garnish your cocktails, you know you're in a great location. The Mexican margarita was a surprise too! Having a wiener schnitzel was simply an offer we could not refuse; perfectly cooked; it was great to be enjoying one of our favourite dishes that we lived on in Vienna back in 2020. The location of this place enables you to listen to all the other venues' live music while enjoying those fantastic Aegean sunsets. Pricing was very reasonable, with quality food and drinks, all served with smiles.

71 Derece Marina - One visit 71 Derece Marina (71 Degrees) is a rare fine dining restaurant with views of the marina, located in the D-Marin Yacht Club in Turgutreis, on the Bodrum Peninsula of Turkey. It was exactly what we were looking for during our stay in Gumusluk , a short 15-minute taxi drive. There is nothing better than having a slow lunch while looking over a pool and yachts docked in a marina. Even with a language barrier, the team gave us excellent service and memories , and they were very kind and attentive. Wayne had been craving a tender piece of succulent steak, and 71 Derece delivered exceptionally. We are big fans of the Turkish pide (Turkish style pizza), and this one was delicious and cooked to perfection from the wood-fired oven located in the heart of the restaurant. Unfortunately, cocktails were off the menu (but usually available during the summer season . We were visiting during shoulder season, so we missed out); however, they did have an extensive spirit list that Wayne approved. The wine list was limited, but their selection was still being replenished for summer again due to shoulder season . The decor was lovely, and great to have white-clothed tables and real fabric napkins. 71 Derece has a beautiful outdoor setting to enjoy the sun, or, like us, you can partially sit inside while still sunning your legs at the pool edge. There were also plenty of small areas where you could tuck yourself away ; it was nicely designed. Pricing was very reasonable considering the location of being hosted in a Yacht club and especially the meat quality . Even in the low season, the outside was fully booked, which was positive .

NOMAD Bar & Bistro - Twenty visits The place you feel like you have visited many times before, the warmest welcome as you arrive from the lovely NOMAD team. We decided to spend our Friday lazy lunch in our local neighbourhood; as we were feeling the Fitzroy, Melbourne vibe and were very grateful, we chose Nomad. A newly opened Mediterranean Bar & Bistro eatery, family-owned of only two weeks, was already operating like a well-oiled machine. From the stunning design and fit-out to the most delightful owners, after spending the best of ten years in New York, have recently returned home to Serbia and a beautiful team. It truly felt like we were regulars and popping back in to say hello to old friends. A wonderful wine list and the food was absolutely mouthwatering, we started with our fave caesar salad, which was delicious, followed by ribs and gnocchi, each dish was tasty and full of flavour. A very comfortable terrace for outdoor dining, tucked away in a quiet tree-lined street, along with a very stylish indoor dining, we became fast fans of the big round table in the corner. After lunch, it was cocktail time, and Ivana was an expert, taking our requests and making fabulous creations to suit our style. We were very impressed, we stayed until late evening continuing our cocktail journey with Nomad. After such a wonderful experience, we returned a few days later to say hello to everyone and received the same warm welcome and were delighted with sampling even more dishes. The risotto was definitely one of the best we have had. It was fresh and clean, leaving you feeling light and satisfied. Definitely the next best new restaurant in this quaint neighbourhood, the place to try and will keep you coming back for more. Update - we continued our friendship and regular visits to NOMAD during our six-month stay in Belgrade and the beautiful NOMAD team has become family. The quality of the food continues to surprise us and we look forward to visiting our NOMAD family again on a future visit to Belgrade.

Karafaki Erhan Usta Gümüşlük Balık Restoranı - One visit Karafaki Erhan Usta is a seafood restaurant in Gümüşlük, Bodrum, Turkey and deserves its high google rating of 4.7. Now be warned, you'll need to walk past every other restaurant or take our advice and use the small laneway behind the restaurants to walk straight to this restaurant located right at the end of all the laneway. Extremely welcoming, warm, and friendly service is the standard in Turkey; you will be hard-pressed to find the opposite. The decor bursts with colours, fresh flowers, and beautifully clean and white wooden furniture. You sit by the seaside and are enveloped by ornamented trees with the 'Nazar Boncuğu’ Pearl of the look (The blue evil eye) . It truly is a charming setting. We had a very long, slow lunch starting with warm bread and lovely local olives. I enjoyed a meal of the freshest fish, but even better Wayne was spoilt with succulent lamb chops cooked to perfection. You could easily stay all day here, and your lunch will become dinner. We were surprised with the most delicious homemade treat after our meal; it was incredible! The location is magical, and the sunsets will be sure to delight you too. This restaurant benefits from being at the end of the small walking street, so you get a better view being on the corner and a little less of the crowds. Pricing is very reasonable, and the wine list is limited, same as all the places along the strip. They all have similar wines; however, better pricing for the same wines at Karafaki Erhan Usta, so you could not fault them. Tip: Don't confuse Karafaki Erhan Usta with Karafaki Restaurant ; they are a short distance from each other, both excellent restaurants, although we felt Karafaki Erhan Usta was a level above.

Agrilia Restaurant - One visit We were fortunate to have the chance to experience this fantastic restaurant on their last week of operating in the Alavya Hotel. After six years, they are now taking a break to embark on a new location. The hotel is the epitome of style and comfort with this current venture. From sitting upstairs with a log fire in beautiful lounge chairs to our table sitting right at the front of the restaurant overlooking the cobblestone street was perfect for people watching. We could only imagine watching the people in summer with all the radiant pink Bougainvillea flowers blossoming and surrounding you in the cobblestone streets. The hotel's interior oozes style, and you are greeted as you walk in with a selection of fine local delicacies in the boutique delicatessen. As you continue, you'll be greeted with the main restaurant and bar, then you move into the idyllic outdoors, and there is a magnificent full-length pool that in summer would be the place to be when you're in Alacati. Be prepared to take on a culinary journey of unique textures, from the impressive starters to desserts, including pasta flavoured with vodka (yes, you heard correctly) and lamb cutlets cooked to perfection. They hosted an impressive wine list of high-quality Turkish wines, including all our favourites from Chamlija and a small selection of champagnes to begin your culinary journey. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do cocktails this time; however, the bar was very inviting. The perfect pacing of the meals and the chef's passion for flavours and unique and delicious combinations provide you with a divine dining experience. Very professional and friendly team, all with excellent knowledge of the menu and wine list, and were very attentive during our slow dining. The team had plenty of time to engage in great conversation, and our waitress gave us an excellent overview of the area and its history and her personal journey in life. Wishing the team every success for their subsequent tenure, we have no doubt they will continue to sprinkle their cheerful energy and deliver on their promise of superior dining to all future guests. Click here to find out where to next.

Karafaki Restaurant - One visit Stay strong and resist the other restaurant owners trying to lure you into their establishment. Karafaki Restaurant Gümüşlük, the one with the lighted boned fish sign above the entrance, is worth visiting. They have excellent service owned by brothers, and their passion and high level of customer service shine through. They are very understanding; you could see the disappointment when my hubby ordered the sizzling beef (which didn't disappoint) instead of a freshly caught fish dish. With so much competition, all the restaurants need to serve the freshest fish, and Karafaki Restaurant delivers a range of beautiful, tasty fresh fish cooked to perfection. For Wayne, the sizzling beef was a welcome relief from all the fish meals he has been exposed to in our recent travels! I'm trying to convert my hubby, but it is a slow process (nearly 20 years)! We started with a starter of the most delicious cheese-filled mushrooms and fried calamari. I enjoyed the fresh fish; it was filleted, deboned and served with a beautiful fresh salad, which was complimentary, which was very thoughtful. All the restaurants have a similar look and feel; they are beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and white decor, a real greek vibe; however, an insider's tip, walk upstairs. You'll be rewarded with fewer people and a more impressive view of the bay. Typical pricing for ordering fresh fish caught directly in front of you. There is a small wine list, and slightly more expensive than others along this small restaurant strip.

Liman Hotel Gümüslük - Three nights What a location, a small boutique hotel right in the heart of Gumusluk on the Bodrum Peninsula with stunning views of the Aegean Sea with small fishing village vibes; make sure you stay for more than one night! The team and Yasemin & Özcan, your hosts are very warm and welcoming; they helped us organise a taxi from our previous Airbnb and helped with getting our washing done. The rooms are spotlessly clean too. Liman Hotel has recently been renovated and is very modern, stylish and clean. The stand out is its location, right in the heart of Gumusluk with simply beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and port. We stayed three days and fell into the fishing village vibe—early morning coffees from the excellent coffee shop Fonda Gümüşlük directly underneath Liman Hotel. Make sure you book a sea view room; you'll be blessed with a lovely balcony that is large enough for two people to sit, enjoy a wine or coffee and enjoy the crystal clear blue sea, sunset, and all the street life as the owners of each restaurant tempt guests with the latest catch of the day. Unfortunately, we skipped breakfast each day simply because of the filling dinners during our stay. We do recommend Karafaki and Karafaki Erhan Usta, both exceptional seafood restaurants. We noticed most people only stay one night; however, visiting longer gives you those unique experiences of exploring this little gem without the crowds; a simple smile and a wave, and you're one of the locals by the end of your stay. While the room may be small, the location, style, view and quality of linen make up for any concerns about room size, and we were very comfortable during our stay. Liman Hotel is very affordable, especially during shoulder season, the best time to visit before the crowds arrive.