The Area
Villa Muranco is situated 25 minutes drive from Bodrum/Milas international airport or via Istanbul with a short internal flight to Bodrum.

30 minutes to Bodrum town center. 15 minutes to the best kept secret and unspoilt bays on the Bodrum peninsula. Two minutes to the local village shops where freshly baked bread and basic groceries are available. Five minutes to the town of Mumcular where a variety of shops, chemists, doctors etc. are available.

Mazi  Bodrum  Milas  Suggested local activities

Nearby places of interest:

Mazi and Surrounding villages
Those seeking azure seas within a serene ambience will welcome the unspoilt beauty of this hidden Aegean gem. Set off the beaten track, the tiny hamlet of Mazi tumbles down a surprisingly verdant hillside to a horseshoe shaped cove. It is a tranquil haven where you have both the peace and space to unwind.

Away from the popular coast of Bodrum, Mazi is a secluded seaside village that is unlikely to be found on the map and it’s hard not to believe you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise known only to the locals. Pretty stone cottages are dotted around the tiny bay and milking time provides the only rush hour!

Take the time to explore this well-preserved area, perhaps visiting the famous carpet town of Mumcular, bustling with its busy markets, or, the pretty coastal town of Guvercinlik where you can weave your way through its pretty the winding streets. Spend an evening in Tuzla, a town famous for its fish restaurants and perhaps enjoy an al fresco meal under the millions of stars illuminating the night sky.

Mumcular is a small town located 29 kilometers north of Bodrum. With its outlying villages, the region is famous for its production of honey, tobacco and olives and its vibriant Sunday market. Villa Muranco is situated 3 km. from Mumcular Town.

A few years ago, all the local villages decided to concentrate on the specialist production of rugs and the area is now renowned for its quality carpets. The shearing of sheep, the spinning and colouring of wool and weaving of the final products are all carried out by local women and their daughters. In fact some say there is virtually no house with females aged from 7 to 70 who are not in some way involved in production of carpets!

Bodrum
The bustling sophisticated town of Bodrum is only 30 minutes drive from Villa Muranco. Bodrum offers a vast array of restaurants catering from simple Turkish cuisine to an international selection of food as found in any European city. You can also chose between small bars playing traditional Turkish music right up to huge, floating night clubs playing the very latest music. Bodrum offers something to suit the style, taste and lifestyle of every visitor.

Bodrum's whitewashed buildings snuggle up against the hillsides that rise above two semi-circular bays, separated by the imposing castle of St Peter. Restaurants catering for every taste line the picturesque harbour where the masts of traditional wooden gulets sway gently. Daily trips to the Greek island of Cos, take only 30 minutes from Bodrum Marina. And venture further to inland Turkey and visit Milas, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Bafa Lake and many more historical and archaeological sites.

Given Bodrum's unabated popularity, it comes as a surprise to find many parts of the peninsula almost untouched by tourism. Villa Muranco just the shortest of drives inland remains blissfully unaffected by the intrusions of modern life, with laden donkeys still used to carry firewood for the traditional bee-hived shaped ovens to bake the unleavened 'pide' bread. The coastline still reveals several unspoilt backwaters with hidden bays and coves and aquamarine waters. This, combined with the bohemian atmosphere of Bodrum and its superb shops and restaurants, makes it a destination to return to year after year.

Milas
Milas is one of the oldest settlements of the Turkomen tribes, the customs and clothing has been retained in the traditional characteristic of the region. In the Milas area carpets unique to the region are woven. It is believed that the carpet making tradition in the region began with the making of prayer mats in the 16th century. The 18th and 19th century carpets from the region are classical (traditional) in their pattern and color and Baroque in style. Milas on Tuesdays, has one of the largest markets in Turkey, selling a vast array of goods from organic vine tomatoes to Gucci t-shirts!!?

Suggested local activities

• Mountain bike hire is available at Villa Muranco.
• Horse riding is available nearby.
• Villa Muranco is surrounded by pine forests, ideal for exploring walks – maybe during the cool of the early morning before settling down for a delicious Turkish breakfast?
• Private boat trips can be arranged by Murat and Franco to some of the most exclusive and unspoilt bays which are not accessible by road. These trips will be inclusive of lunch.
• Sea fishing trips can be arranged nearby with one of the local fisherman (who can also supply the fresh fish if you have requested a meal to be prepared by your hosts)
• And no trip would be complete without visiting a Hamam’s (Turkish Bath) while in Turkey.