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As soon as a humble fishing village and now a glittering vacationer vacation spot, Bodrum is the place Europeans go to flee the gray skies of again residence and bask within the year-round sunshine, gaze upon whitewashed homes backed in opposition to hillsides, and spend their evenings partying till daybreak.
Sure, Bodrum has a fame for being a little bit of a celebration city lately, however it’s additionally a spot you are able to do to calm down by the turquoise sea, or expertise world-class eating and keep in luxurious lodges.
It’s a spot the place smooth yachts bob in the identical waters as soon as sailed by historic mariners, and this stunning port metropolis effortlessly pairs historic heritage and vacation hedonism.
Whether or not you need energetic or rest, there are many issues to do in Bodrum to maintain you entertained from daybreak to nightfall (and past).
From historic castles, to snorkeling beneath Mediterranean hues, to unbelievable views and markets that check your bargaining expertise, right here’s what you need to do in Bodrum, it doesn’t matter what your causes are for visiting.
1. Full day boat journey on the Bodrum Peninsula
Each coastal vacation spot on the Bodrum Peninsula presents a collection of day boat journeys, it’s the factor to do. There’s an expertise to match your wants; you simply must make a little bit little bit of effort to pick the appropriate one.
Keep away from a budget journeys touted by the Journey Brokers who function by the waterfront, the place you may be squashed on a celebration boat for 70, and served a mediocre lunch. As a substitute, head all the way down to your native boat harbour (earlier than 10am or after 6pm) and discover one of many smaller, independently run boats. The Yalıkavak Marina has loads.
Discover a boat that takes a most of 10-12 passengers, and supply a soothing tour through wind and sails to propel you thru the Aegean. Assured you’ll decompress out of your travels, and choose up some good native suggestions from the Captain and fellow passengers.
One in all my favorite suggestions is a journey aboard the Siesta, which is moored in Bitez. Lunch was a recent collection of conventional Turkish meze, adopted by Kofe kebabs, cooked recent on the BBQ. Captain Zariff makes certain that every of his passengers enjoys their day – he’s a wonderful host.
2. Take pleasure in a Turkish Bathtub (Hamam)
Many of the larger lodges have Turkish Bathtub amenities, supplied as a part of their spa providers. There are additionally a few unbiased Turkish Baths similar to Bodrum Hammam, however my favorite hamam is one utilized by the locals.
You’ll discover the Bardakçı Hamam located down one of many again streets of downtown Bodrum. It dates again to the mid-1700’s, and is the oldest Hamam within the space. Simply look previous the unassuming exterior and step inside for a memorable Turkish Bathtub expertise.
That is no Spa expertise! The inside is fundamental and small, and women and men share the Sizzling Room space. There’s no standing on ceremony, and the service can appear a bit tough and abrupt – you might even really feel such as you’ve had a flip in a spin-cycle on the finish of it.
However the therapeutic massage is rigorous, adept,, and applicable. Out of all of the Turkish Baths I’ve had within the native space and Istanbul, the Bardakçı Hamam is the very best.
3. Tour Bodrum Citadel & The Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology
40+ years in the past this fortress was in ruins, however right now it’s absolutely renovated and stands proudly within the centre of Bodrum Bay. Bodrum Citadel, in any other case generally known as Citadel of St Peter, was in-built 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of St John, and renovated again in 2017.
The partitions have been remarkably well-preserved and the turrets and towers give the fortress a fairytale like high quality.
In addition to housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, its elevated vantage level permits for nice views of the encompassing space.
The museum is the biggest museum on this planet that’s solely devoted to underwater archaeology. Guests can gaze upon its historic vases, jewellery and an enormous hoard of Mycenaean copper ingots, Historic Egyptian seals, Roman amphorae, and Medieval Islamic glassware.
The museums intensive assortment is an enchanting perception into Bodrums historic historical past, in addition to providing a glimpse of discoveries from beneath the waves.
4. Discover the markets and purchasing
Every city and village has a weekly farmers market, and the bigger places even have a pazaar part that features pretend designer garments, textiles, housewares, and vacationer trinkets.
The craft markets stalls of Gümüşlük and Yalikavak, supply distinctive handcrafted crafts which might be higher high quality and extra distinctive than the mass produced objects accessible in numerous the outlets. Particularly these within the vacationer lure areas.
5. Wander the neighborhoods in Bodrum
Some guests are drawn to the exercise and vibrancy of Bodrum city, the place you’re spoilt for alternative with its historic sights, purchasing, eating places, bars, and golf equipment.
However simply stroll down any of its cobbled backstreets away from the center of Bodrum, and also you’ll discover small eating places that cater to the native Turkish crowd. Right here, you’ll get extra to your cash in addition to a soothing and genuine eating expertise.
In addition to discovering the quiet again streets of the Vacationer hubs, the Bodrum Peninsula has an array of quieter villages to discover. Gündoğan, Kucukbuk, Kadikalesi, Gümüşlük and Akyarlar are a number of of my coastal favourites.
On the inland villages of Derekoy and Dagbelen you might stand out as one of many few English-speaking guests, and it could be a problem to order a tea the way in which you prefer it, however they each supply a neighborhood slice of Turkey, the place life is unhurried, and the immediacy of right now’s fashionable existence dip slowly out of view like a waning sundown.
6. Drink Turkish Espresso in a neighborhood belediyesi (Cafe)
It is best to attempt Turkish Espresso, even when it’s simply as soon as. However don’t head to a vacationer cafe and pay 10 Euros for the expertise. As a substitute, go for one of many native Belediyesi (municipal) cafes, and pattern a Turkish espresso the place the locals drink, and it’ll solely set you again about 2 Euros.
7. Dance the evening away
Bodrum is famed for its nightlife and also you’ll discover loads of seashore bars, nightclubs and reside music venues all through the city of Bodrum.
Most of the cities like Bodrum, Gumbet and Turgurtreis, have a “Bar Road”, providing a loud array of bars and golf equipment to get together the evening away. You’ll be able to even go to the native Marina Bars for prime value cocktails.
However I a lot favor a beach-front desk, to look at the solar go down while having fun with an ice chilly native Efes Pilsen beer.
If you happen to’d favor to go offshore; each Bodrum and Turgutreis supply glass-bottomed catamaran evening golf equipment, the place you possibly can get together til daybreak with a view of the Aegean at your toes.
8. Attend a Classical Music Competition
The marina cities in Bodrum, Turgutreis and Yalikavak, every maintain annual Classical Music festivals.
Turgutreis and Yalikavak have their very own small amphitheaters, and Bodrum holds occasions in Bodrum Citadel and in addition within the renovated historic Bodrum amphitheatre located within the hills above Bodrum, which has sweeping views of the Bay and its Citadel.
Sit on the marble steps and admire the views of Bodrum Previous city
One other well-liked Classical Worldwide Music Occasion is held in Gümüşlük annually on the previous Eklisia Greek Church behind the dolmus station.
The grounds are opened up for overflow seating, and it’s a relaxed setting for a month’s price of classical performances and live shows.
You’ll be able to be taught extra about Turkey’s most well-known singer on the Zeki Muren Arts Museum.
9. Take a day journey to Ephesus
Day journeys are touted in all the vacationer hubs. Probably the most well-liked is a day journey to Ephesus. It’s a 3-hour journey in every route, and there’s an tour that may get you there and again in a day, providing you with 1/2 day to tour this historic Greek website.
Ephesus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 2015 with the Temple of Artemis considered one of many Seven Wonders of the Historic World.
We wished extra flexibility after we visited Ephesus, so we rented a automotive, and stayed in a single day within the close by city of Selcuk, after which spent a leisurely morning touring Ephesus, and stopped off at a neighborhood Kusadasi Seaside on the way in which again to Bodrum. I like to recommend doing it this fashion you probably have time.
If you happen to’d favor to tour historic ruins a little bit bit nearer to the Bodrum Peninsula, on the opposite aspect of the Milas-Bodrum airport is the traditional metropolis of Iassos, and within the hills above Bodrum, is the traditional metropolis of Pedesa.
Whereas neither of those are in the identical league as Ephesus, they’ll get you your ancient-site repair. You’ll be able to hike as much as Pedesa from Bodrum, however you’ll want a automotive for Iassos – and that journey will take you about 90 minutes from Bodrum.
10. Scuba dive century-old shipwrecks
The crystal clear water and exquisite underwater surroundings is why Bodrum is a scorching spot for diving. There are many nice places to dive and see some marine life within the Mediterranean and Aegean Oceans.
You can even dive to quite a few shipwrecks, and even a aircraft wreck, off the coast of Bodrum.
A number of the shipwrecks price scuba diving to see are the SG 115, a retired coast guard boat that sunk in 2007. The C-47 Dakota, which was a retired Turkish Air Power aircraft that sunk in 2008 by BOSAD, and in addition has a man-made reef, in addition to the Pınar 1, which was a retired Navy Coastguard ship used as a water tanker. It was sunk in Might 2007 by BOSAD.
11. Bathe on the calm Camel Seaside
Bodrum is well-known for its seashores and so it wouldn’t be proper to go to the world and never discover a few of the beautiful shoreline. Most of the public seashores in Bodrum are blue flag seashores, which implies they adhere to the federal government’s requirements of cleanliness and pure magnificence.
A well-known seashore in Bodrum is Camel Seaside, which is known for having camels on the seashore (hense the identify). It’s additionally an important family-friendly seashore with a shallow shoreline, crystal clear water and a few shady spots to retreat to when the solar will get too scorching.
One other well-liked seashore you would possibly wish to take a look at is Bardakci Cove, which is one other stunning spot in Bodrum for swimming.
12. Wander round Bodrum Marina
The Bodrum Marina is a soothing place to walk round and admire all of the luxurious yachts that dock right here. You’ll discover loads of upscale eating places, boutique shops and seashore bars to sip cocktails in.
13. Go to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
If you happen to’re searching for historic landmarks nearer to Bodrum, probably the most iconic historic landmark within the space is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
Little or no stays of Halicarnassus, however the mausoleum itself. The tomb was constructed within the 4th century BC, between 353-350. It was constructed for Mausolus, and his sister/spouse Artemisia || of Caria.
It was designed by the Greeks and has comparable options to these present in Lycia.
The tombs is beautiful, with sculptural reliefs on every of its 4 sides, which have been mentioned to have every been designed by 4 Greek sculptures.
The mausoleum is so stunning and architecturally monumental, that it was dubbed one of many Seven Wonders of the Historic World.
It has been largely broken attributable to earthquakes however you possibly can nonetheless admire its magnificence.
14. Take a day journey to Greece
As soon as upon a thousand years in the past, Bodrum was thought-about a part of Greece. It grew to become Bodrum of Turkey in 1522 after Suleiman the Magnificent took over rule of Turkey.
However it nonetheless stays shut sufficient to some Greek islands that it’s doable to take a day journey there.
One island that’s well-liked for a day journey is Kos. That is largely due to its proximity, but additionally as a result of it’s beautiful.
Kos is understood for its beautiful sandy seashores and Historic Greek and Roman landmarks, significantly the harbor city which is the place you’ll discover the Fifteenth-century Neratzia Citadel. You can even see the Historic Agora ruins, and a Third-century Casa Romana villa which is understood for its attractive mosaics.
Turkish and Greek ferry corporations service Bodrum and Turgutureis. Yow will discover ferries to the Greek Islands of Kos, Rhodes and Kalymnos. Relying on the season, frequency of routes will fluctuate, and completely different providers are supplied through; Bodrum Specific Traces, Yeşil Marmaris Line and Bodrum Ferry Boat.
15. Stroll within the Footsteps of Alexander the Nice at Myndos Gate
The Myndos Gate is positioned within the far western aspect of Bodrum and is the stays of the previous metropolis wall from the Historic Metropolis of Halicarnassus.
There may be not an enormous quantity to see of the gate, however the stays stand on a cliff which provide breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding landscapes.
16. Roam across the Bodrum Windmills
Probably the most well-known websites of Bodrum is the seven windmills that stand between central Bodrum and Gumbet, which overlooks two attractive bays.
If you happen to get pleasure from climbing, a hike as much as the windmills is definitely an exercise in Bodrum to not be skipped.
The windmills have been utilized in 18th century, however have been closed within the late 1800s. The windmills have seen higher days, however the views from them are unmatched.
17. Eat your coronary heart out on Turkish Meals
Turkish meals is extra than simply grilled meat and kebabs, although you could find this too. You’ll discover Turkish meals will also be fairly wholesome in some dishes, and all of them are scrumptious. Listed here are some dishes we suggest you take a look at.
Doner Kebabs
Point out Turkish meals, particularly to a Brit, and so they’ll recount drunken, post-pub encounters with a doner kebab because it oozes meat juices down your wrist.
The native Turkish model is much more appetizing and scrumptious. A well-liked kebab is the Tuvak (Rooster) Doner, and also you’ll see the kebab stands in all the native resort cities.
In Bodrum, there’s a wide variety on supply alongside Ataturk Cad. (which runs parallel to the bay), a agency favorite is Akyol Bufe.
In Turgutries there are additionally numerous choices, particularly across the space near the placement of the Saturday farmer’s market. The picture beneath exhibits the entrance of Zeyno, which serves a succulent and flavourful hen wrap for two Euros.
Turkish Breakfast
Strive a neighborhood restaurant for a conventional Turkish breakfast of salty cheese and olives, served with flavourful tomatoes, and different seasonal native merchandise, all served with recent bread and home made native jams and preserves.
A tranquil setting for breakfast in Yalikavak is Gulten Abla. The restaurant is a transformed Greek home, with loads of exterior seating within the shade, and is a soothing place to kick begin your day.
Lokanta’s for Lunch
If you happen to’re searching for a fast and low cost lunch, head to a neighborhood lokanta for a peasant lunch of a bowl of white beans and salad. There’s normally no menu, and very often not numerous English spoken, however the home made meals is reasonable and attractive.
For an important location, that’s open for lengthy hours, and all the time appears to draw the locals, go to Dalgiç in Gümüşlük.
Meze
A conventional dinner on this space of Turkey begins with a collection of chilly meze, adopted by scorching meze, a salad, after which your alternative of fish.
To be sincere, when the climate is scorching, I a lot favor ordering a collection of completely different meze for dinner. A few of my favourites are Fava (mashed white beans with, oil, garlic, and lemon) – and a bit like hummus; hydari, made with thick Turkish yogurt, garlic, and dill.
Aubergines (eggplant) are a well-liked base for meze dishes; mashed aubergine and yogurt and garlic; or chopped with recent, candy tomatoes, and purple chili pepper. You’ll discover that yogurt, garlic, and olive oil are well-liked meze elements.
The most effective eating places in Bodrum providing the biggest servings of flavour-packed meze is the Limon Cafe, Gümüşlük, which presents a fairytale hillside setting for watching the sundown.
Gözleme
Most of the native lokantas serve Gözleme, however I believe it tastes extra scrumptious when purchased at a neighborhood farmers market, and also you snack on it as you wander round.
Gözleme is made out of giant, paper-thin circles of dough; stuffed with any combination of cheese, greens, and meat; then folded and cooked on a dome-shaped griddle. My choice is for a spicy combination of aubergine, tomatoes, onion, and white cheese.
Gözleme may be very filling and can hold your starvation at bay. They’re the final Turkish road meals.
Is Bodrum, Turkey price visiting?
The Bodrum Peninsula has a distinctly European really feel. It’s fringed with a crystal clear stretch of the Aegean Sea, and is simply 20 minutes to the closest Greek Island of Kos. To me, the Bodum Peninsula is a multi-dimensional gem; you simply must enterprise beneath the floor to find it.
Certain the Gumbet space caters to the 18-30 get together crowd; however only a quick drive North to Turkbuku and also you’ll uncover a spot that has been touted within the NY Occasions as “Turkey’s San Tropez” and attracts the glitterati from Istanbul and varied European cities.
Bodrum has an extended historical past; the truth is, the Father of historical past, Herodotus, was born right here. Bodrum can also be close to to not one, however two of the 7 wonders of the traditional world, in addition to being residence to one of the vital prestigious Museums of Underwater Archeology, which is housed within the Bodrum Citadel.
Within the vacationer hubs, there are additionally loads of consuming, purchasing, and leisure choices. However, throughout my journeys, I prefer to step off the well-trodden path; discover the again streets, and immerse myself in every day interactions and actions with the locals.
When is the very best time to go to Bodrum?
Though the excessive season in July and August, and the climate can high 100f/38c levels, the bigger cities like Bodrum can turn into an disagreeable crush of vacationers, particularly in its pedestrian purchasing areas.
As a substitute, I’d suggest visiting throughout one of many season-shoulder months of June or September, when it’s nonetheless scorching, however the crowds have thinned and the general public transport remains to be common, however not as packed.
What number of days do you want in Bodrum?
As a result of Bodrum is a peninsula with so many seashores and vacationer sights to discover, you may keep anyplace from 5 days to every week. You may stretch a trip out to 2 weeks in case you wished to, however we suggest the best period of time to spend in Bodrum is every week.
The place to remain in Bodrum
Every neighborhood presents its personal model of Bodrum – whether or not you’re chasing nightlife, historical past, or horizon-wide views.
On the coronary heart of all of it, is Bodrum City, which presents a energetic mixture of bazaars, bars, and the enduring fortress rising above the harbor. I like to recommend first time guests keep right here if you wish to step straight into the thrill. For a style of glamour, Gümbet is simply across the bay, and is known for its all-night golf equipment and seashore events.
If luxurious and tranquility is what you want, then head to Torba or Türkbükü, the place boutique resorts and stylish seashore golf equipment supply a extra fashionable backdrop.
Yow will discover loads of lodging choices on this interactive map:
Getting round Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum is a peninsula on the South West aspect of Turkey. It connects to the Aegean Sea within the North and the Mediterranean within the South.
You will get round Bodrum utilizing the minibusses (Dolmuş in Turkish) and whereas they’re an affordable approach to get round, lots of them function on Turkish time – they present up once they really feel prefer it. Don’t fear although, they do present up finally.
These small passenger vans zip between places and, though it’s the usual mode of transport for the village locals, the dolmuş can get packed, however that’s all a part of the journey.
Throughout peak season, the dolmuş begins early within the morning and runs to early the following morning. Every city has a central dolmuş station and you’ll flag one down anyplace alongside its route.
Fares and routes are posted on the windscreen, and also you move your cash to the driving force through the opposite passengers – a change comes again the identical approach.
As a result of public transport is considerably unreliable, we suggest you rent a automotive to get round Bodrum. That is by far the quickest approach to see all of the sights in Bodrum with out having to attend for a very long time for a bus.
Ideas for visiting Bodrum
- Ebook your lodging prematurely. Bodrum is a well-liked vacationer spot, particularly for households, which implies lodges and residences typically get booked up. Plan forward and save your self some cash and stress.
- Be careful for the solar. If you happen to’re visiting Bodrum in the summertime, be aware that the solar can get robust and there’s little or no cloud cowl. Keep out of the warmth in the course of the day and put on solar safety.
- Get journey insurance coverage. If you happen to’re planning on visiting in April – September, there’s a probability that Bodrum is met with forest fires. This will have a huge impact in your journey and in some circumstances might even imply it’s a must to cancel it 🙁
- However at any of the coastal places, you don’t must enterprise very removed from the primary thoroughfares to seek out good native companies, with non-tourist costs. Ebook excursions and excursions by the Journey Brokers within the vacationer areas, or do it your self utilizing the native dolmuş service.
- Be aware of earthquakes. Although a critical earthquake hasn’t occurred in Bodrum for a few years, there are nonetheless typically tremours. Learn up on what to do throughout an earthquake earlier than you go simply in case.
Last ideas
Bodrum is a well-liked vacationer scorching spot in Turkey identified for having world-class family-friendly resorts, beautiful seashores and, for the youthful crowd, superb nightlife. However in case you’re unsure what to do in Bodrum Turkey, then I hope you already know now.
I really like Bodrum as a result of it’s a holiday-destination Jekyll and Hyde. Its mass tourism, and quaint local-ism.
It’s heaving crowds, squashed into slim cobbled streets haggling for bargains; however it’s additionally sparse farmer’s markets milling with locals.
It’s sipping costly cocktails in open-air evening golf equipment, pumping dance music ’til daybreak; and it’s having fun with a harbour-side cup of Turkish Espresso, because the fisherman survey the panorama at daybreak’s early mild.
If you go to the Bodrum Peninsula, you’ve two selections: both it comes at you full pressure and also you simply let it simply wash over you; otherwise you go searching for its different, quieter aspect, and eek-out the reminiscences you’re searching for.
I’m a frequent customer to the Bodrum Peninsula, and every time I go to, I all the time handle to unearth some new little gem mendacity in watch for me.
Concerning the Writer: Roving Jay writes and publishes the on-line Bodrum Peninsula Journey Information, and the e-book “Bodrum Peninsula Journey Information: Uncover Turkey’s Aegean Gem.” Jay had a 4-year love affair with this nook of Turkey and retains the reminiscences alive by writing about her adventures and sharing her native data with different guests to the world.
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