Turkey: Bodrum

The sun shines differently here. The nights are longer, the drinks more enjoyable. And then there is love in Bodrum ... You have to experience it to truly understand the attraction of Bodrum.Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum, home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus, is these days better known as a popular holiday resort. Enchanting villages of houses painted in white and trimmed with purple bougainvillea together with miles of sandy beaches and ideal locations for water sports.

Bodrum casts a magic spell. It exerts a lasting fascination on everyone who visits, irrespective of age, nationality or sex.
Bodrum retains its charm despite the crowds and development. Women feel more beautiful, men feel more intriguing. This is Bodrum's spell.

Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: the castle, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum.

While the nights in Bodrum town itself are noisy, crowded and vital, the smaller villages offer cozy taverns and restaurants overlooking quiet bays and can all be reached easily by Dolmus, car or even by boat.

Souvenir from Bodrum: the Nazar or Boncuk

Holiday visitors to Turkey from the UK have a choice of airports. Regular flights to Bodrum leave the UK everyday but there are also frequent flights to Dalaman, Antalaya and Izmir.
For visitors to resorts on the East coast like Kusadasi, Izmir will be the best choice, but Bodrum is more convenient for travellers to the south coast areas like Bitez Bay, Yalikavak Bay and the Datca peninsula.

town and city map

new Bodrum panoramic view

Hos(h) Geldiniz - that's Turkish for "welcome", we also invite you to

learn more Turkish

send a Bodrum Postcard

3 days forecast

here

Peninsula places

Bitez

Ortakent

Turgutreis

Gölköy

And there is history in Bodrum. Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: the castle, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum.

Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some with live music) and, of course, some of the best discos in Europe keep you going until dawn.
A different spectacle in Bodrum is its marina, which is a busy place hosting elegant yachts that come from all parts of the world. Bodrum Cup, a unique race for wooden sailing yachts is held every 3rd week in October.
The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the traditional yachts: the well known Bodrum Gulet
Bodrum is the one of the starting points for an unforgettable

»Blue Cruise« (or 'Mavi Yolculuk'as it is called here) along the turquoise coast of the Gökova Gulf or down to Marmaris.

Shopping makes a delight in Bodrum. Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads (the Boncuk) are among the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow, white-walled streets. Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions.

Insider Tips
Haggle your way to a bargain (aim for a half of the asked price) in Bodrum’s boutiques and twice weekly markets (craft market on Tuesday; fruit and veg on Friday). Take your time to choose your Turkish carpet over a tea - most shops are open till midnight.
Work up a sweat to expel those toxins at a 'hamam'. These Turkish baths are hot, steamy and the best hangover cure ever. But drink a lot of water before you go.
Take a tip from the locals and dilute the powerful aniseed liqueur Raki with water. It'll mean you can drink far more of it...
Girls, expect plenty of attention from the local Turkish man, and remember you can minimise it when walking in town by wearing clothes that do not show too much naked skin.