The Best Travel Guide to Bodrum (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Bodrum

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Overview

Bodrum The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

Bodrum — with its picturesque crescents and white-washed houses — is a year-round travel haven. This port city, nestled on the western coast of Turkey, has earned its reputation as 'Turkey's Saint-Tropez', and lives up to it with flair. But there's more to Bodrum than just sun, sand and sea. Today, it stands as a key centre of trade, art and entertainment. This coastal gem effortlessly weaves the traditional and the modern, crafting a harmony that is quintessentially Bodrum.

Facts

Population:	Bodrum City: around 36,000 Bodrum Municipality: around 181,000
Currency:	Turkish Lira, TL1 = 100 kuruş
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	112
Newspapers:	Turkish Daily News (in English) — www.hurriyetdailynews.com Turkish Press (in English) — www.turkishpress.com
Website:	bodrum.bel.tr/en visitbodrum.com/en
Opening hours:	Banks are normally open on weekdays from 8:30 am to noon. In tourist areas, they reopen after lunch, from 1:30 pm until about 5 pm. ATMs are plentiful. Shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am until 1 pm, and again from 2 pm until 7 pm.

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Section in Bodrum

Bodrum is a captivating holiday destination, offering a rich blend of intriguing historical sites and idyllic beachfront relaxation spots for the sun-seekers. Its close proximity to the Aegean Sea opens up a world of exploration — from the shimmering waters to the hidden reefs and caves. Meanwhile, the fascinating ruins of the ancient city of Halikarnassus continue to enchant travellers, casting a spell with their rich history and timeless charm.

Bodrum Ancient Theatre

Bodrum Ancient Theatre

Testament to the grandeur of ancient Halikarnassus — present-day Bodrum — the amphitheatre dates back to the 4th century BC and boasts a breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea. This Bodrum landmark, among the best-preserved structures of its bygone era, is conveniently within walking distance from the city centre.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, still stands today, albeit in remnants. Its true appearance remains a mystery to many, but it's believed that the renowned sculptor, Skopas, lent his talent to parts of its decoration — and it was undoubtedly extravagant. Nowadays, visitors can only gaze upon the remains of the once majestic building's walls, the rest having been claimed by earthquakes and the passage of millennia.

Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle

Home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the castle stands as one of Bodrum's most recognisable landmarks. Constructed by the German knight-architect Heinrich Schlegelholt in 1404, it boasts a majestic presence with its impressive stone facades.

Museum of Underwater Archeology

Museum of Underwater Archeology

Located in within the Bodrum Castle walls, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology is an acclaimed, dynamic institution, well worth dedicating a few hours to. Its exhibits feature unique ancient artefacts, including a shipwreck from 1400 BC and a large collection of glass. Be sure not to miss the exquisite collection of amphorae.

Temple of Apollo at Didyma

Temple of Apollo at Didyma

Even if ancient ruins aren't your cup of tea, a trip to an archaeological site is worth the detour. The journey will take you through the quaint countryside, threading through small towns and villages that might otherwise escape your notice. Just a few kilometres from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, you'll find Didyma — home to a grand temple dedicated to Apollo. Didyma was more than a religious site; its oracle rivalled the fame of Delphi's. While the original temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, the existing ruins hail from the Roman times. The remnants of 120 columns stand as testament to the temple's once monumental size.

Bardakçı Turkish Bath

Bardakçı Turkish Bath

A tradition that dates back to centuries before the Turks reached Anatolia, the Hamam (Turkish Bath) has become a ritual tightly bound to Islam and deeply ingrained in Turkish culture. Like everywhere else in the country, Bodrum boasts a variety of Hamams, most of which are located within hotels. The Tarihi Bardakci Hamam stands as the oldest bath in town, offering a truly authentic Hamam experience.

Ancient City of Milas

Ancient City of Milas

Located about 50 km northeast of Bodrum, Milas holds a notable reputation as a carpet-making centre, boasting a long history in crafting carpets with a distinctive weave in soft tobacco hues. It's a charming town to meander through, offering romantic shopping bazaars and a variety of archaeological sites. Plus, you'll find the prices here are pleasantly lower than in Bodrum.

Ancient City of Ephesus & Selçuk

Ancient City of Ephesus & Selçuk

This excavation rivals the famous sites of Pompeii. Once home to around 400,000 residents, ancient Ephesus was built around the temple of Artemis — another marvel among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins we see today primarily hail from the Roman era. The remnants of the Temple of Artemis stand outside the main ruin area, while the hill above is graced with the cathedral of Saint John, said to be the final resting place of the evangelist. Legend holds that Saint John lived in Ephesus alongside the Virgin Mary.

Boat Trips

Boat Trips

Bodrum harbour is a bustling hub for 'gulets' — traditional boats that whisk visitors away on tours of the stunning coastline. These comfortable vessels feature spacious rear decks and cosy cabins. Whether you prefer a short ride, a day trip or something longer, you'll often find the captain doubling as the cook. If you're after a more exclusive experience, you could rent a sailing boat complete with a crew, or hop on a bathing boat to one of the picture-perfect beaches. And all around the peninsula, you'll stumble upon quaint, shady bays.

Beach Life

Beach Life

The beaches around the Bodrum peninsula provide excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling. With bathing boats or dolmuş, reaching them is a breeze. Bagla, located 14 km from Bodrum on the south coast, boasts fine sandy beaches, while Gümbet — just about 3 km west of Bodrum — is often the go-to for windsurfers. On the west coast, you'll discover inviting beaches at Akyar, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak. Each of these are quaint villages brimming with charming fish restaurants and popular anchorages for sailors. Don't miss Kara Ada (Black Island) Bay either, where you'll find caves hiding hot water springs.

Bitez Beach

Bitez Beach

Just a 6 km jaunt from Bodrum city centre, this 7 km stretch of coastline is beautifully framed by atmospheric mosques. Bitez Beach, with its sandy shores and shallow waters, is perfect for water sports or simply bathing. It's a bustling hub that pulses with life, making it an ideal gathering point.

Camel Beach

Camel Beach

Camel Beach — a favourite among both tourists and locals — is a little hidden gem nestled between Ortakent and Yahşi. Known for its crystal-clear waters and the resident camels that lend the beach its name, it also boasts an array of great eateries. The ideal way to reach this oasis is by boat, as navigating there might be tricky if you're not familiar with the area.

Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island

Just a 40-minute bus ride from Bodrum, Rabbit Island lies between the two beaches of Gümüşlük. Hiding beneath it are the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos. The shallow waters even allow you to walk from the mainland to this picturesque island which, true to its name, is home to a few fluffy bunnies.

Bodrum Windmills

Bodrum Windmills

Perched atop a hill, these 18th-century stone windmills transport you back in time to when they were used for flour production. Whitewashed and captivatingly picturesque, they present an inviting destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering enchanting views of the city below.

Bodrum Port

Bodrum Port

Bodrum Port is where everything begins and ends — a picturesque harbour where colourful cruises, yachts and gulets create a serene spectacle that's a feast for the eyes. The port is the perfect starting point for a boat trip. Don't miss the chance to pop into one of the nearby restaurants. The seafood here is the freshest in town.

Myndos Gate

Myndos Gate

One of the entrances to the ancient city of Halikarnassus, Myndos Gate is all that remains of the 7 km-long wall that once enclosed the city. Believed to have been constructed in the 4th century BC, its remnants still hum with history, offering a spot to enjoy breathtaking views and a pleasant stroll.

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