Gumbet is a purpose-built beach resort on Turkey's South Aegean coast, just two kilometres from the historic resort of Bodrum. Built up a hillside, its narrow, winding streets are lined with bars and clubs that pump out music for the mainly British party animals that make the town their second home each summer.
The sandy beach stretches the full length of the town and there are bars along the beachfront so you can enjoy being waited on hand and foot from the comfort of your sun-lounger – always handy after a heavy night. Culture is on tap at Bodrum's nearby 15th-century castle.
Getting there/getting around Gumbet
You'll fly into Bodrum Airport, which is 50 kilometres from Gumbet. It's unlikely, as most holidaymakers come here on a package, but if you are travelling independently, there's a dolmus (minibus) that takes you into the centre of Gumbet.
Even if you are keen to explore the surrounding countryside and ancient ruins around Gumbet, there's no need to hire a car as there are plenty of tours to the main sights. The resort is hilly, but taxis are cheap if you don't feel like walking.
Gumbet beaches
There's just one main beach in Gumbet, which boasts golden sands mixed with shingle. Its calm, shallow waters make it both great for delicate paddling after a heavy night in the clubs and safe for families.
The beach is quite narrow and gets packed in the summer months. The waters are not clean enough to warrant a Blue Flag award, but are mostly reassuringly transparent.
Gumbet sightseeing
There's not much of historical value to see in purpose-built Gumbet, but it's worth taking a dolmus into Bodrum and climbing the numerous steps up the15th-century Castle of St Peter. You'll love the exceptional views from the summit.
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology is highly recommended, with treasure from sunken Roman ships and seriously old artefacts dating back to the 14th century BC to see. Other ancient sights include the Myndos Gate which may date back to the 4th century BC, and the marble Mausoleum.
Family attractions in Gumbet
The Turkish love children and welcome families, and as much of the accommodation in Gumbet is self-catering, it is a good place to go to if you are on a budget. There's a water park in Bodrum (Aquapark Dedeman) with 24 waterslides, if the beach gets boring.
The sea is calm, so toddlers can paddle safely. When booking your accommodation, do bear in mind that it's a very lively resort. Either avoid the busiest areas or travel out of season when it's quieter.
Day trips from Gumbet
You can take a variety of day trips to see some of Turkey's many historic sights. These include a visit to Dalyan's 2,000-year-old Lycian tombs, which were chiselled out of sheer rock face, followed by a visit to a nearby mud bath and sulphur springs.
Marmaris is another option. It's excellent for shopping and a visit to the 16th-century hilltop castle which now houses the Marmaris Museum gives you a bit of local history. There are also numerous boat trips available from nearby Bodrum's harbour, such as day trips to the Greek islands of Kos or Rhodes or a yacht ride out to the Turkish isle of Karaada, which has hot springs to relax in.
Eating out in Gumbet
Turkish food is quite delicious (including the kebabs that in the UK are mostly eaten when people are hammered). Meals are cheap, too, with a three-course dinner and wine costing as little as £7.
Local delicacies include marinated lamb kebabs, borek (flaky pastries) and sweets such as baklava (honey-drizzled filo pastry with pistachio) and Turkish Delight. Luckily for those not inclined to go Turkish, there are plenty of eateries offering reassuringly English fare such as fish and chips, and a good English fry-up to help the hangover.
Gumbet nightlife
Night-time is when this town really gets alive, and there is row after row of bars lining most of the streets trying to tempt you to spend your tourist moolah on cheap local spirits and wine.
Smileys, The Roxy, Legends, Shakers and Outback are just a few of the bars which pump out the latest tunes and stay open till the early hours of the morning for serious party animals.
Gumbet shopping
There are souvenir shops around the centre of town and specialities include ludicrously cheap fake designer clothing and bags. If you're after a touch of authenticity, however, there's a market on Sundays.
The covered bazaar in Bodrum has loads more shops. Don't take the first price you're offered, the locals barter for everything and will expect you to do the same. Watch out for DVD copies, which can be of poor quality and not worth forking out £2 for.
