Torba is also a popular haven for local f shem en and yachtsmen seeking to unload their catch or the quiet haven of the well protected harbor. In addition a ferry boat makes daily runs across the unspoiled Gulf of G ll k to Didim, a wonderful opponunity to view the magnificent Temple of Apollo and trip at the same time. For many years Yal kavak has been centre, one of the most important fishing centers on the Turkish Aegean, citizens home to tleets of fishermen and sponge divers. Today, the majority of the local men still work the sea. Above the village s- tands a Greek church, over one hundred years old and in surprisingly good condition.
Greek inscriptions are still visible above the doorway.
This peaceful village is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It has modest restaurants and sev eral pensions and motels, but it re tains a small-scale atmosphere for the simple reason that most of the village is designated an official ar chaeological site so that no land scaping alterations or new ground breakings are allowed. The original Lelegian city of Myndos stood a few kilometers southeast of here. In the 4th century BC King Mausolus decided to build a new Myndos and transplanted the entire population. While the area's archaeological status forbids diving with tanks, snorklers will find more walls under water here, as well as an ancient breakwater in the harbour, Those visiting by boat will want to stay close to the island on the eastern side of the entrance to avoid hitting underwater stn c tures.