A Turkish delight of a destination
Want pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and dramatic scenery? It’s not often a holiday destination ticks all the boxes, but Bodrum has those in the know absolutely hooked. Thanks to a curving shoreline and the clear, azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Bodrum city breaks are well-suited to those who love to be beside the seashore.
Which stretch of sand you choose to set up camp on depends on whether you’re into water sports (such as scuba diving), a family friendly splash around or a quick dip before lounging in the sun. Once you’ve maxed out your beach time, there’s plenty to keep you busy, as city breaks to Bodrum can be filled with shopping, eating delicious food or taking to the dance floor at one of the city’s lively, sophisticated nightclubs.
On the pampering, relaxation front, trying a traditional, invigorating ‘hammam’ (Turkish bath) treatment is an absolute must-do. Bodrum is also a top choice for history fans, who can step back in time visiting the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. So, whether you’re looking for a holiday steeped in antiquity or a relaxing seaside break, Bodrum is a true Turkish delight with something to charm everyone.
All resorts in Bodrum
Three tips for a top trip
Flag down a bus
The cheapest way to travel along the Bodrum Peninsula is by bus and, handily, you don’t need to look out for stops, as you can hail a ride anywhere along the route.
Try a Turkish spa
Head to the Bardakçı Hamam for pampering. Founded in 1749, it’s said to be the oldest Turkish bath in Bodrum and is famed for its marble-clad interior and excellent massages.
Get a caffeine fix
You can’t really say you’ve been to Turkey until you’ve sipped on a cup of local-style coffee, brewed with sugar and cardamom. Try some at one of Bodrum’s many easygoing cafes.
Best attractions to see in Bodrum
An ancient city
Wonder at the remains of the ancient city of Ephesus. Now a Unesco World Heritage Site, it was once the site of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
A floating beach club
For a rather unique night out, don your glad rags and catch a boat to one of Bodrum’s luxe floating discos, which bob about just offshore.
A real-life shipwreck
In the bowels of Bodrum Castle, you’ll find a fascinating collection of carefully excavated shipwrecks, while up top are expansive views of the sea that wreaked havoc on the vessels below.
Your Bodrum questions, answered
Bodrum beaches span the full spectrum, from pebbly through to fine sand. Where a rocky shoreline exists, there are often lounger-covered platforms with steps leading straight into the water.
Yes. Bodrum’s vibrant markets are great places to pick up souvenirs – there’s everything from hand-made crafts (at Gümüşlük and Yalikavak markets) to cheap and cheerful textiles.
Go to Bodrum during the summer months when temperatures reach maximum highs of 36℃ during the day but often cool to around 20℃ in the evening. This period also sees very little, if any, rainfall. However, because of its Mediterranean climate, the weather in Bodrum is often good throughout the year. Temperatures in October are still often around 20℃ in the day, while most months only experience a few days of rainfall.
The city of Bodrum makes for a great family destination for all ages. The majority of the beaches are very family-friendly and offer water sports that children can also enjoy. There are also several waterparks and theme parks in the region, including the Bodrum Aquapark and Lunarpark. The Midtown Shopping Mall and Oasis Shopping Centre both have cinemas and a theatre. Many resorts provide supervised activities and outdoor play areas, while many restaurants also cater to young ones with high chairs and children’s menus.
Yes, and there are lots of festivals to choose from, including kite-flying and camel-wrestling ones near Bodrum’s distinctive windmills, as well as more refined affairs that feature classical music.
Bodrum is well known for its rich history, its picture-postcard surroundings and its much-loved coastline. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the few surviving seven wonders of the ancient world, is a popular archaeological site that attracts visitors from across the globe. The Theatre of Halicarnassus and Myndos Gate are also both worth exploring for visitors with an interest in the past. The city has beautiful beaches beloved by both tourists and locals. Yahsi Beach has crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling. Gumbet Beach offers several popular water sports to enjoy, while Kumbahce Beach provides a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views.
Bodrum hosts a variety of shopping options for those planning to enjoy a little window shopping. There are several markets in the city, including the Ortakent Farmers Market, the Yalikavak Market and the Bodrum Bazaar. Here, visitors can find everything from fresh, locally grown foods to unique treasures. There are also popular retail shopping centres, including the Oasis Shopping Center and the Midtown Shopping Center. Down by the marina, visitors can also find several high-end boutiques among the bars and restaurants.
Visitors to Bodrum are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay. The neighbourhood of Gumbet has a relaxed atmosphere but still manages to offer plenty of fun activities alongside several lively bars. Gumusluk, a 40-minute drive, has beautiful surroundings and is a popular destination for the more upmarket crowd. Found near downtown Bodrum, budget-friendly Bitez is close enough to the city’s lively nightlife but you'll have enough peace to enjoy a stay. For those in search of something off the beaten path, the charming village of Torba makes the ideal destination.
How long you plan to stay in Bodrum depends entirely on what you want to do. Many of the city’s historic and cultural sites can be explored within a few days, but the countless beaches, restaurants and shops are sure to keep visitors busy for much longer. However, a week or two should typically be a long enough period to take in all of Bodrum’s best sites, while still finding plenty of time to relax and enjoy all that the region has to offer. You can always come back!