About Bodrum
Bodrum is most famous for having the largest and loudest outdoor nightclub in the Mediterranean - Halikarnas. It has a capacity of 5000 people and internationally known DJs tour throughout the summer. Bodrum welcomes the summer masses and is somehow able to maintain its charisma and charm. With laws in place restricting the height of buildings, you are able to admire the peaceful setting of white-washed sugar cube-style houses and palm-lined streets. With its good visibility, clean water, and warm temperatures Bodrum is the perfect place for gulet cruises, snorkeling, and diving. Visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology or the Castle of St Peter built-in 1947 by the Crusaders.
How to get to Bodrum
Bodrum is easily accessible by plane, bus, and boat. Bodrum-Milas Airport is just 36 kilometers away from Bodrum city center. And both Dalaman and Izmir Airports are just 3 hours driving distance from Bodrum. Bodrum can be reached by boat or ferry service from Kos as well. The ferries depart every day from April to the end of October and start from just some euros for a one-way adult ticket. There are regular bus services to Bodrum from major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, and Bursa to name just a few.
Where to eat in Bodrum
Turkish cuisine is one of the most popular in the world and the food and restaurants in Bodrum are a good reason why. Set in a quaint cobblestone courtyard is Kocadon Restaurant, an ideal restaurant to dine in the evenings. Decorated with candles and lanterns, the setting is romantic and the food delicious. Try the octopus; it is renowned not only in Bodrum but the whole of Turkey.
Not far from Bodrum, in the small village of Gumusluk is a lovely garden restaurant called Limon Café. Guests can view the ruins of Myndos City while enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast spread. They also serve authentic Turkish food for lunch and dinner.
Other restaurants to mention are Hoca’nın Yeri for Turkish savory pastries, borek and gozleme, Çökertme Kebab for cheap eats, and Sakız Ana in Ortakent for authentic home-style Turkish food.
Things to do in Bodrum
This popular resort town and yachting port of southern Turkey boasts a wide array of things to do and see including the fascinating ruins of the Mausoleum, the Castle of St Peter, and much more. The Mausoleum is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was built by the Carian King, Mausoleum, in the 3rd century. Today, some ancient tomb chambers, torn stairways, and a drainage system are the only features remaining of the ancient wonder. Anyone can get lost in the glory of the olden times amidst some magnificent gardens in the Mausoleum.
Another splendid attraction of the city is the Castle of St Peter. This fascinating castle was built by the Knights Hospitaller at the beginning of the 14th century. It is considered one of the world’s most well-preserved medieval structures. The view from the battlements of the castle is absolutely stunning. Inside the castle, you will find the famous French tower with the tomb of a great Carian princess. The castle also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and has won countless awards after being founded in 1961. It exhibits many magnificent findings from the coastline of Turkey.
Among the other top-notch attractions in Bodrum are the lovely white windmills of the 18th century. These windmills are made out of stones and surrounded by wooden planks. It creates some great photographing opportunities for travelers and reminds us of the islands of Greece. Located close to Gumusluk is the charming village of Karakaya. It is a 300-year-old settlement half of which is abandoned. Still, with much of the village restored to its original state and some pretty windmills producing a charming view. The village of Karakaya can serve as a perfect picnic spot.
Bodrum provides some great opportunities for water sports and boat tours. Many of the private charters on the southern coast depart from Bodrum because of its proximity to not only the Turkish coastline but also many of the Greek Islands including Kos, Kalymnos, and Patmos. Some tours can even go as far as Santorini and Mykonos. You will find many scuba diving clubs around the town to obtain a proper diving experience. And you will find some find windsurfing centers with good equipment, boards, and sails to make your adventure even more exciting. And to relax after a tiring day, you can enjoy a traditional Turkish bath in the local hammam.
After your time exploring Bodrum, why not travel further down the coastline to Marmaris or Fethiye? If en route back to Istanbul, Izmir is also a great city to visit.
