Hamam Bay

36°38’45” N – 28°51’75” E

In the bay on the east side of the Kapidag Peninsula’s connection with the Kurtoglu Cape to the mainland, there are ruins dating back to the Byzantine period, some of which are now in the sea.  According to a rumor, Kurtoğlu Müslühiddin Reis, who gave his name to the Kapıdağ Peninsula, lived between 1487-1535 and this ruined structure is thought to be a section of a residence belonging to him.  During his life, Kurtoğlu also served as an admiral in the Ottoman navy and as a banner lord of Rhodes.  Another rumor is that the building here was built by the king of the city hundreds of years ago.

Surrounded by pines and unprecedented blue waters, you can connect around this structure, especially to the west coast, by anchoring your boat at the stern.  Although it is heavily visited by excursion boats or private boats, the sea of ​​the bay is very clean.  The main reason for this is that the isthmus between Kurtoğlu Cape and the mainland makes a valley and accelerates the wind from the open seas towards the interior of the bay, almost as if it came out of a blow dryer.  For the same reason, sailing off the coast  of Hamam Bay is just  enjoyable.  Since you are in a closed area, the seas do not tide high, and your wind is plentiful.

You can reach the top of the isthmus from the 200-meter narrow path surrounded by olive and pine trees in the bay, and witness the magnificent sunsets with the view of the Aegean Sea and Gökgemile Harbor.  In addition, Lydae, the ancient city on the hill, is reached by a half-hour walk from Yavansu, also known as Martı Bay, near Hamam Bay;  It is a must see place for history buffs.