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How to Plan Your Trip to Bodrum, Turkey — Aegean Sea Views, Luxury Hotels, and Incredible Restaurants Included

Come for the sparkling western Aegean coast, stay for the shopping, art scene, and fine dining.

majaiva/Getty Images

Situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast, Bodrum, a city of about 200,000, is known for its small and fragrant mandarins and for its summer scene. On the glittering coastline in the warmer months, some of the largest boats in the world come flocking to the Turkish marinas. Bodrum’s reputation has been cemented, for some, as a sun-soaked luxury escape within Europe. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The exceptional luxury resorts along the water, including LXR's Susona Bodrum, in the Torba neighborhood, or the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Paradise Bay.
• Wine tasting at Karnas Vineyard, a family-owned winery producing Turkey's first zinfandel.
• Shopping the night bazaars for what one of our experts calls "a taste of the old Bodrum."
• Fine dining at ambitious restaurants like Orfoz, next to the Zeki Müren Arts Museum.
• The local arts scene; visit Zai Yaşam, an arts center, or the well-known art gallery Pilevneli.

But Bodrum is more than just glitz and glamour. Tucked away within this city are culinary delights, thought-provoking artists, and bazaars worth traveling for. Bodrum is a city that caters to the well-heeled, yes, but it is also a city of beaches and night markets, of boutique hotels and bespoke wineries. 

For a guide to planning your trip to Bodrum – including when to go, where to stay, and what to do – read on. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Susona bodrum, lxr hotels & resorts.

Courtesy of Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts

At the 70-key Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts , which opened in Bodrum’s Torba neighborhood in 2020, bougainvillea and other native plantings line pathways and buildings. Guests staying at this hotel can enjoy an expansive view of the Aegean, multiple pools, a small beach, a spa with a hammam, and numerous casual and upscale dining venues.

The Bodrum Edition

The tony Yalikavak Marina is home to several shiny international hotel brands. “If you want the nightlife and craziness, you can have it — but if you want calm, you can have that, too,” Mina Dilber, founder of the lifestyle brand Anim Living , told T+L contributor Richard Godwin. At the 108-room Bodrum Edition , open since 2018, travelers will find a series of dining destinations, including the culinary hotspot Brava, a restaurant helmed by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. 

Courtesy of The Bodrum EDITION

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

Yalikavak’s Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum , a 2014 addition to the area, offers 130 guest rooms and overlooks Paradise Bay. Eleven dining and drinking concepts, a spa, a kids club, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and even luxury helicopter tours round out this bespoke hotel. 

Courtesy of Aman Resorts

Part of the Aman brand, Amanruya is a 36-room hotel in the Göltürkbükü neighborhood that opened in 2018. Pavilions are fashioned from stone and open into individual gardens with private swimming pools. The resort also offers a category of pool suite accommodation, also with a private pool. A comprehensive list of activities includes fishing, sailing, and cruising on a traditional Turkish gulet — a wooden masted vessel.

In the Göltürkbükü neighborhood, not far from Yalikavak, art galleries, jewelry makers, and clothing stores are interspersed between boutique hotels. More Turkish in scope than international, travelers can find the beating heart of Bodrum’s art scene, particularly at the 74-room Maçakizi , a boutique hotel that originally opened in the 1970s and that was refreshed in 2000. It often hosts pop-up exhibitions from artisan retailer ’74Escape .

Best Things to Do 

Karnas vineyards.

Visit the 165-hectare Karnas Vineyards , which is planted to both grapes and olive trees. Visitors can sit down, dine, and taste wine overlooking the fields. As Feride Yalav-Heckeroth reported in the September 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure , the vineyard was founded by the İşmen family in 2005 “to produce Turkey’s first zinfandel — a grape they fell in love with during a trip to California’s Napa Valley.” The winery’s low-intervention and sustainable wines are available alongside their formidable multicourse tasting menu each night, for around $100.

Foodrum Culinary Park

Head over to Pelin Dumanli’s Foodrum Culinary Park , in the residential Bitez neighborhood. Dumanli, a formally trained chef, offers culinary classes and bazaar tours for small groups in her fully outfitted space. 

While you’re in the neighborhood, put local arts on your radar. “Zai Yaşam is a great arts center housed in five buildings,” said Ceylin Türkkan Bilge, creative director of the fashion label Siedrés , in the September 2023 issue of T+L. “There’s a gallery, a library, and a lovely garden where they have jazz concerts in the evenings.” By car, the two spaces are only five minutes apart. 

In Yalikavak, said Mina Dilber, an outpost of one of Istanbul’s most prominent art galleries, Pilevneli , has opened up shop in Bodrum. “There’s such a buzz about this place — one of its super-exciting recent exhibitions included work by the cutting-edge digital artist Refik Anadol,” she said. “There’s a great gift shop, too. It’s a must-must-visit!”

Best Shopping 

Ceylin Türkkan Bilge recommends the night bazaars “for a taste of the old Bodrum.” “There are two main markets, one around Bodrum Castle and one along the Türkbükü promenade, by the sea in Göltürkbükü,” Bilge says. “You’ll find plenty of bag shops, but also stalls selling ankle bracelets, beaded jewelry, clothing, and handmade leather sandals. A stall called Ipekçe Türkbükü is my favorite for cotton dresses.”

Despite the profusion of luxury brands in the Yalikavak Marina, Dilber favors shops like Misela , which offer a less western fashion perspective. Misela, she says, is “one of Turkey’s leading bag and accessories brands.” 

Leleg Living , Yalav-Heckeroth writes, a boutique that is adjacent to the restaurant Leleg, diners can purchase “wares used in the restaurant, as well as wooden furniture, all made by local craftspeople using natural materials.” 

On Tuesdays and Fridays, it’s well worth a visit to the Yalikavak Bazaar, one of Bodrum’s many outdoor markets. This traditional bazaar sells an array of fresh spices, olives, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables from local vendors.

Best Restaurants

Brothers Cağrı and Cağlar Bozçağa have established an ambitious destination restaurant in Bodrum at Orfoz , next to the Zeki Müren Arts Museum. The seafood-centric tasting menu features locally caught fish in numerous incarnations and ends each might with a plate of seasonal fruit. 

Courtesy of Orfoz Restaurant

Bodrum Müdavim

In Bodrum’s City Center, Bodrum Müdavim offers both a view of the 1400-era Bodrum Castle and a compelling menu dedicated to fresh seafood. But some come just for the Raki; the restaurant boasts one of the city’s best selections of this national drink of Turkey. 

The 72-seat Malva , a destination restaurant within Susona Bodrum, leans into micro-local and seasonal cuisine under the skillful knife of head chef Necmi Agac. Biweekly trips to the Yalikavak Bazaar inform the restaurant’s menu, as does the small rooftop garden that grows just steps away from the restaurant’s kitchen. 

Limon Gümüşlük

Bilge recommends Limon Gümüşlük , calling it a “particularly stylish and secluded restaurant that serves Turkish meze in a dreamy garden full of vintage furniture.” It’s in Gümüşlük, an area of Bodrum known for its fragrant mandarin groves. Arrive early and grab a table in time for sunset. 

Best Time to Visit 

Freeartist/Getty Images

Bodrum’s high season is summer, and the majority of the hotels are open from late May though the end of October. The season is busiest in the months of July and August, but the weather stays warm well into early fall–up into the 80s and 90s, in fact. Crowds can be more manageable and prices can be more affordable in the shoulder season, which is worth considering if you’re able to travel outside of the summer months. 

How to Get There

Bodrum can be reached by bus, plane, car, and by ferry. From Istanbul, the flight to Bodrum’s Milas–Bodrum Airport takes about one hour. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus provide between five and six daily nonstop flights between the two cities. 

There are buses available from Istanbul to Bodrum, but the system is not easy for non-natives to navigate. The ride is also long; it can take close to 10 hours. Hiring a private car is another option, but it is expensive. Flying is a more cost-effective alternative. 

Travelers can also reach Bodrum via a ferry from Kos, Greece. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Ferries run regularly during the warmer months and cost under $30 each way. 

Neighborhoods to Visit 

Bodrum’s active City Center is where most tourists will find themselves. Bodrum Castle is here, as are plenty of souvenir shops, cafés, small restaurants, and surprisingly beautiful views of the water. A walk through the narrow streets offers a true feel of this historic city. 

nejdetduzen/Getty Images

The Yalikavak Marina offers a slightly more luxurious look at life in Bodrum. Here, you’ll find upscale shopping, destination restaurants, and beach clubs; it’s a look at the good life, yachts and all. But it wouldn’t be Bodrum without a trip to this neighborhood, in all its maximalist glory. 

The laid-back fishing enclave of Gümüşlük, also part of Bodrum, has private beaches, waterfront restaurants, and a relaxing vibe that you may not find in some of the busier areas of the city. It’s worth visiting this local-centric area for a sense of how life on the Aegean is lived. 

How to Get Around

Bodrum is extremely spread-out, and hiring a taxi to get from one area to the next is necessary. Some areas of Bodrum (like the Marina and the City Center) have taxi stands available, but you may want to consider setting up a hired car in advance with your hotel’s concierge if you plan to go far afield. Taxi drivers typically require cash payment, so come prepared with Turkish lira. 

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EUROPE , TURKEY · August 2, 2023 Last Updated on March 21, 2024

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BODRUM, TURKEY

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The Bodrum Peninsula sits on Turkey’s southwest coast on the Aegean Sea. It is easily accessible from Istanbul and has long been a summer destination for wealthy Turkish travelers.

In recent years, Bodrum has become an international hot spot for celebrities and the jet-setting elite who flock here in the summer months to vacation on the beautiful Turkish Riviera.

Bodrum offers an array of luxury resorts, world-class dining, fun beach clubs, and excellent shopping, all set around the crystal blue Aegean Sea.

In July, I spent seven days in Bodrum celebrating my birthday with a group of friends. We lived like kings and queens for the week: We stayed at the best hotels, dined at the best restaurants, and partied at the best beach clubs.

Based on my experience, I put together this ultimate guide to Bodrum to help you make the most of your visit to this little slice of paradise. 

10 Things To Do In Bodrum

The Bodrum peninsula is about 250 square miles. While many people visit to relax and party here in the summer there is a lot to do and see. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Bodrum .

1) Explore Bodrum By Yacht 

There’s no better way to explore the coastline of Bodrum than by yacht. There are dozens of islands and over 100 inlets around the Bodrum Peninsula providing an array of beautiful spots to explore by boat. 

During my birthday week, we rented a gorgeous 115ft yacht for the day from Gulet Bookers . We had 15 people in our group but the yacht could accommodate up to 60 people and had plenty of room for lounging, beautiful estate rooms, and all the water toys you could want on board. 

The crew was excellent. They kept our drinks filled and served us a wonderful sunset dinner. We swam in private bays, danced, and did an excursion to a seaside bar at an amazing new hotel, Bodrum Loft , which has killer views and delicious handcrafted cocktails that would rival any of the top bars in the world. 

This was by far my favorite day in Bodrum and I would highly recommend booking a boat through Gulet Bookers . They offer luxury charters at reasonable prices in Turkey, Greece, and Croatia.

2) Stay At Macakizi Hotel

Macakizi Hotel made Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2021 and after spending a blissful week here in July, it’s easy to see why. It’s hard to explain how much I love Macakizi Hotel – it exudes a hip, old-world, unpretentious charm.

Built into a hillside, Macakizi is situated on the north side of the Bodrum peninsula, at the very end of a beautiful bay in the charming fishing village of Türkbükü, just a 50-minute drive (or 2o minute water taxi ride) from Bodrum Airport and a 40-minute drive from downtown Bodrum.

The property opened in the late 1970s and is richly landscaped with walking paths that meander through trees, vines, bushes, and vibrant flowers. The basic rooms are small, and very expensive in the summer months (expect to pay over 1,000 euros a night), but you don’t stay at Macakizi for the rooms. You stay here for the gorgeous property and all its luxury amenities including seaside lounge chairs that are reserved daily for guests, and the excellent concierge service.

The focal point of the hotel is a vibrant beach club with a lively beach bar, and an over-water deck jetting out from the rocks into the Aegean Sea. Two of my favorite days during our trip were spent lounging here, taking in gorgeous views of Türkbükü Bay, listening to music, drinking rosé wine, reading a book, swimming in the sea, and chatting with other hotel patrons.

Macakizi Hotel has an excellent restaurant and the breakfast, which is included in your stay, is the best breakfast I’ve had at any hotel. Fresh local tomatoes, cucumber, olives, fresh fruit, freshly baked bread, an array of fresh local cheeses, locally made yogurt, and made-to-order egg dishes accompanied with fresh vegetable juices and coffee. Did I mention everything is fresh?

3) Türkbükü Boardwalk 

The little fishing village of Türkbükü embodies the overall boho-chic spirit of Bodrum and is definitely worth visiting. Türkbükü has excellent hotels so it’s also a great area to stay. 

Macakizi Hotel and No:81 Hotel (where our friends stayed) are both located on Türkbükü Bay. Macakizi is at the end of the bay where the boardwalk ends and No:81 Hotel is right next door so during our stay we were able to walk from our hotels to the boardwalk to dine and shop.

The boardwalk wraps around Türkbükü Bay, a beautiful little bay that is dotted with yachts and sailboats. Along the boardwalk, there are an array of great restaurants, beach bars, and boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, home goods, and souvenirs. It’s a charming place to spend a few hours shopping, exploring, and taking photos. 

4) Beach Clubs

Bodrum is home to an array of luxury beach clubs, where you can dine, lounge, drink, and dance while listening to some of Turkey’s most popular DJs. Here are a few of the best beach clubs that I personally experienced during our Bodrum trip and loved. 

These beach clubs are lively and have great DJs that draw a fun crowd. In Bodrum, beach club patrons tend to arrive around 2pm and have lunch, and then by 4pm everyone is up drinking and dancing.

• Momo Bodrum – Beautiful spot to hang for the day, about two miles from Yalikavak Marina, in the same bay as The Bodrum EDITION . DJ has everyone up dancing by 4pm. Best day to book this beach club is Sunday.
• Lucca Beach – Mandarin Oriental’s beach club, chic upscale spot for lunch, lounging and swimming, you can take a water taxi from Türkbükü directly to Mandarin Oriental – they have their own private dock. Everyone will be up dancing by late afternoon when the DJ comes on. Best day to book this beach club is Saturday.
• Macakizi Beach Club – The beach club at Macakizi hotel goes off every day with great DJ music and a lively beach bar scene from 4pm-8pm, dies down for dinner from 8pm-11pm, then picks back up again until 2am. Macakizi has its own private dock so you can take a water taxi here if you aren’t staying in Türkbükü. 
• Before Sunset – If you like to dance, check out Before Sunset. They serve great cocktails in a beautiful seaside setting and a big party crowd with notable DJs, light shows and a massive dance area.  

Bodrum has excellent shopping that is very affordable. Most of the beach clubs have pop-up shops and most of the hotels also have little boutiques on property where you can buy chic swimsuits, beach cover-ups, jewelry, and shoes as well as dresses and clothes for going out at night. 

If you want to shop for more affordable, locally-made clothing and souvenirs head to the Türkbükü  Boardwalk, as I mentioned above. No:81 Hotel also has a cute clothing boutique. There is also good shopping in Bodrum Old Town.

If you’re looking for designer bags, shoes, clothing, and jewelry head to Yalıkavak Marina . 

One thing to note about shopping in Turkey: It’s part of the Turkish culture to haggle and negotiate when buying. Be sure to shop around and find the best prices and then come back and negotiate on everything you want to buy.

6) Yalıkavak Marina

The Bodrum Peninsula is home to Yalıkavak Marina , one of Europe’s most renowned luxury marinas. Yalıkavak Marina is able to accommodate the biggest yachts in the world and is lined with designer shopping boutiques, and upscale restaurants and bars.

Yalikivak Marina is extravagant and beautiful and the perfect place to spend the afternoon window shopping and taking in your ultra-luxurious surroundings. It’s also a great place to have drinks and dinner.

We had my birthday dinner here at Sakhalin Bodrum. Sakhalin was named for the largest and most beautiful island in Russia. Founded by Russian restaurateur Boris Zarkov and brand chef Vladimir Mukhin, Sakhalin boasts an incredible seafood menu and quite possibly an even better ambiance. 

7-8) Bodrum City & Bodrum Castle

Bodrum City is a beautiful port city on southwest side of the Bodrum peninsula, featuring twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle (also known as Castle of St. Peter), a medieval fortress built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that was completed in the 4th century B.C.

In 2016 Bodrum Castle was added to the tentative list of Unesco world heritage historical sites in Turkey. You can book this 5-hour Private Bodrum City Tour where you’ll explore the ancient city of Bodrum Castle, the Underwater Museum of Archeology (home to the world’s oldest known shipwrecks), and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Book This Tour: Private Bodrum City Tour

9) Day Tour: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary 

While in Bodrum you can also take a guided day trip from Bodrum to enter the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city is regarded as one of the best-preserved sites in the Mediterranean.

During this tour, you’ll visit magnificent ruins, including the Library of Celsus, and the house of the Virgin Mary. This tour includes pick-up in Bodrum, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch at a local restaurant. 

Book This Tour: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour

10) Day Trip To Kos

The Greek island of Kos is just a short 20-minute boat ride away. If you want to check two countries off your backlist in one day you can book this day trip to visit Kos . You will get picked up in the morning, from your hotel in Bodrum and get to spend all day on Kos.

Book This Tour: Day Trip To Kos

The Best Areas & Hotels On The Bodrum Peninsula

There are an array of luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels across the Bodrum Peninsula. Here are the best areas to stay in, and the best hotels in those areas in each price range.

1) Türkbükü 

While Yalıkavak is booshie and ultra-luxurious, Türkbükü is unpretentious, easy-going, and fun while still being upscale. As I mentioned above, the little fishing village of Türkbükü embodies a boho-chic spirit and is home to the Türkbükü Boardwalk, a fun stretch of restaurants bars, and shops along Türkbükü Bay.

It also has some of the best hotels in Bodrum. I loved staying in Türkbükü and would highly recommend booking a hotel in this area. Here are 7 of the best hotels in Türkbükü .

• Macakizi Hotel – There are an array of luxury hotel chains taking over Bodrum, so it’s important to support locally-owned boutique hotels in the area like Macakizi, plus as I explained, this place is amazing and easily the best hotel in Türkbükü. Pricey but worth it .
• No:81 Hotel – Ideally situated on the boardwalk next to Macakizi, No:81 Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel. Our friends stayed here so I checked out their room and we spent one afternoon at the beach club. The rooms were modern, clean, and nicely appointed and the beach club was excellent. I highly recommend this hotel as a more affordable option in lieu of staying at Macakizi.
• Mandarin Oriental Bodrum – Largest Mandarin Oriental property in the world, over 150 acres set on a gorgeous bay with a world-class beach club and top-notch restaurants such as Hakkasan. Mandarin Oriental has its own dock and is just a short water taxi ride away from Türkbükü Bay.
• Galen Hotel & Beach – Budget-friendly, beach hotel with free breakfast and 24/7 front desk .
• Divan Hotel Bodrum – Beachfront hotel, budget-friendly , spa services, private beach.
• Mavi Suite Türkbükü – Budget-friendly , 4-star boutique hotel on the boardwalk in Türkbükü.
• Flamm – Beachfront boutique hotel, clean, modern, sophisticated, affordable.
• Bodrum Loft – Not in Türkbükü, but a short water taxi ride away, gorgeous property on a beautiful, peaceful bay.

2) Yalikavak

As I mentioned about, the draw of Yalikavak is its new ultra-luxurious marina with an array of upscale restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Yalikavak Marina is a bit over the top for my personal taste but I can see the appeal.

For those who are traveling in super yachts, Yalikavak Marina can accommodate their large ships making it an ideal location. Here are 7 of the best hotels in and around Yalikavak . 

• The Bodrum EDITION – 108 guest rooms, suites, and villas, most with views of the Aegean Sea — some with private pools, balconies, and gardens. Just two miles from Yalikavak Marina, one of the top-rated new hotels in Bodrum .
• Yalikavak Marina Hotel – Situated at the heart of Yalikavak Marina with direct access to all the shops and restaurants there plus an array of amenities and gorgeous views. 
• Allium Bodrum Resort & Spa – Chic boutique hotel with a private beach and full-service spa with a Turkish bath , walking distance to Yalikavak Marina. 
• G Beyond Residences & Villas – Stylish, Mediterranean hotel with full-service spa and free breakfast, excellent option for travelers seeking a lovely, central location with great views.
• MGallery The Bodrum Hotel – Private beach, beautiful views, full-service spa, mid-range priced option in Yalikavak.
• Arts Hotel Yalikavak Bodrum – Mid-range priced hotel option in Yalikavak, private beach, modern, wood-paneled rooms. 
• 4Reasons Hotel & Bistro – Budget-friendly with a pool and outdoor restaurant, 4 minute drive to Yalikavak Marina. 

3) Bodrum City

The beautiful port city of Bodrum is where you’ll find many of the top tourist attractions, tours, and landmarks on the peninsula such as Bodrum Farmers’ Market, Oasis Mall, Bodrum Castle, and Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).

Bodrum City sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova so it acts as a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Since it’s the oldest town in Bodrum, it offers an array of budget-friendly restaurants and hotels. Here are 6 of the best hotels in Bodrum City .

• Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – 5-Star, luxury hotel , beautiful build out on the sea with a private beach.
• Doria Hotel Bodrum – 5-Star Hotel with mid-range pricing , near the beach in Bodrum.
• Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences Le Chic Bodrum – Mid-range pricing , located on the beach in Bodrum City center.
• Su Hotel – Budget-friendly , Mediterranean hotel in Bodrum City Center, near Bodrum Ferry Terminal.
• El Vino Hotel Suites – Budget hotel set in a garden with views of the sea and city.
• Costa Viva Bodrum – Clean budget hotel, located near the beach, in Bodrum City Center.

The Best Restaurants In Bodrum

Bodrum has incredible food; it is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The produce we enjoyed in Bodrum is some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world. Many of the restaurants here serve up Meditarian-inspired cuisine.

While in Bodrum you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, freshly baked bread, and delicious homemade sauces that will have your mouth watering long after you leave Turkey.

While this is certainly not an extensive list, based on my experience spending seven days eating my way through Bodrum, here are 10 of the best restaurants in Bodrum .

• Macakizi Hotel – Excellent spot for dinner or lunch seaside at the water’s edge. Visit the Macakizi website to make lunch or dinner reservations. 
• Lucca Beach Club – Lucca Beach at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is a great spot for a beach club lunch experience. You can book a water taxi directly to their private dock. The beach club party gets going around 4pm.
• Momo Bodrum – Momo is a fun spot for lunch and drinks in a beautiful setting. The food is exceptional and the beach club party gets going around 4pm.
• Sakhalin – Located in Yalikavak Marina,  Sakhalin Bodrum is a lovely dinner spot that has an incredible seafood menu and a beautiful, upscale ambiance. 
• MIAMI – Located on the Türkbükü boardwalk, MIAM is a fun dinner spot that serves Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful setting (request a seaside table), plus they have a lively after-dinner party scene with a DJ.
• Hakkasan – Also located at the Mandarin Oriental, Hakkasan is a beautiful spot for an upscale dinner. Food is pricey but excellent and their build out over the water is stunning.
• Naru Bodrum  – Naru serves up fresh Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine in a gorgeous setting in the Pine Trees, about 25 minutes drive from Türkbükü. Great for lunch or dinner.
• Atilay – Great dinner spot located on the Türkbükü boardwalk. Atilay has been a local favorite since 1988, offering a seasonal selection of mezze, salads, and fish in a lovely setting (request a seaside table).
• FENIX – Located in Yalikavak Marina, FENIX offers a unique atmosphere embodying Istanbul’s spirit, serving up international and South American cuisine in an upscale Aegean atmosphere. Great for dinner and drinks.
• Brava Restaurant – Located inside The Bodrum EDITION, Brava serves up Latin-Aegean-inspired dishes. Their elevated menu celebrates the biodiversity of Bodrum, using only the freshest local produce.

Getting To Bodrum

Bodrum is easily accessible. Turkish Airways offers multiple flights daily from Istanbul to Bodrum and the new Istanbul International Airport (IST) is impressive and not a bad place to spend a few hours on a layover. There are tons of designer shops, restaurants, bars, and boutiques in the airport. 

From Istanbul Airport it’s a quick 1hr 15 minute flight to Bodrum. You fly into Milas-Bodrum International Airport (BJV). From the airport, it’s an easy 50 minute cab ride or 20 minute water taxi ride to Türkbükü. 

If you want to take a water taxi from the airport to your hotel make sure to set this up in advance. You should also set up your pick-up in advance as there are no Ubers in Bodrum and taxis can be hard to find.

Best Time To Visit Bodrum

If you want to experience everything Bodrum has to offer including a lively beach club scene then summer is the best time to visit. June, July, and August are considered high season in Bodrum. This is when all the hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, and shops are open and in full swing. 

But while summer is an ideal time to visit it can be pricey, hard to get reservations, and very hot, especially in July when average temperatures peak at 94°F and sea temperatures around Bodrum average 76°F.

If you want to avoid the crowds and score better prices on hotels I suggest visiting during shoulder season. May and September are both great months to visit Bodrum. Flights to Bodrum and hotel prices are much cheaper during these months, most places are open, and the weather is great.

September, in particular, is an ideal month to visit. In May, the sea around Bodrum can be a bit chilly averaging around 64°F in the spring, but in September the sea is still warm with an average temperature of 73°F in the fall.

Other Things To Know About Bodrum

Here are a few other useful Bodrum tips to help you make the most of your stay!

How To Dress In Bodrum

Turkey is a predominately Muslim country with over 99% of the population being registered as Muslim. The Muslim dress code for women is very conservative (don’t show your shoulders or wear shorts or skirts above the knee), so I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as the dress code in Bodrum.

When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised to see that across Bodrum, the dress code is beach chic casual meaning you can basically wear whatever you want. In fact, many women dressed sexy beach chic casual – so basically the same attire you’d wear in St. Barts or St. Tropez. During the day for lunches at beach clubs, you can wear a bathing suit with a cover-up and sandals.

At night you’ll see most women in dresses, and flat sandals. If you’re eating dinner in Yalikavak Marina you can dress up a bit more and wear a fancier dress and high heels, but this is the only place I would recommend heals. For the rest of Bodrum flat sandals are ideal.

For men, during the day, t-shirts, shorts, and sandals are fine. For going out to dinner at any of the upscale spots in Bodrum, men should wear collared short (or long) sleeve shirts paired with nice shorts or slacks and loafers. 

If you want to pay in cash in Turkey you need to get Turkish Lira. Most places do not accept US dollars. All the small local shops and a lot of the taxi cabs require you to pay in cash in Turkish Lira. However, most of the high-end restaurants, bars, and boutiques take credit cards. 

Reservations

If you’re visiting Bodrum in the busy summer months of June, July, and August it’s crucial that you make dinner and beach club reservations in advance: All the best places get booked up quickly in the summer. 

Unless you have clout, the best beach club tables and cabanas seem to be given out on a first come first serve basis so while you’ll need a reservation, you’ll also need to arrive early (before 2pm) if you want to snag a good table or cabana, especially if you have a large group.

If you’re staying at a luxury hotel let your concierge make all your bookings because they will be able to get much better reservations than you will get on your own. Our concierge at Macakizi Hotel worked with us for weeks leading up to my birthday week to ensure we had all the best places booked for our large party.

Getting Around Bodrum

Getting around Bodrum can be tough. Plan ahead and leave extra time for logistics. Taxis are hard to find and the roads are small and full of potholes leading to extended driving times around the peninsula. 

When possible, I highly suggest taking a water taxi. If you’re staying at a luxury hotel with its own dock they can call a water taxi to pick you up at your hotel and take you to any of the nearby beach clubs, restaurants, or hotels on the water that have their own docks.

Bodrum Ultimate Guide Wrap Up

Bodrum, in my opinion, is similar to St. Barts or St. Tropez but much more affordable and without the snobbery. Food, drinks, beach clubs, and shopping are still pricey at the luxury hotels in Bodrum but it’s still cheaper than many luxury destinations, and if you wander off the beaten path and go to local spots it’s very affordable.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Bodrum. I knew it would be nice but it was more upscale, fun, and more relaxed than I imagined it would be. It has everything St Barts and St Tropez have but without the pretentiousness, which I found very appealing.

If you’re looking for a new luxury seaside destination to try, I definitely recommend booking a trip to Bodrum.

We hope that this Bodrum guide has inspired you to visit the Turkish Riviera. If you have questions or advice please share with our readers in the comments below.

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November 10, 2023 at 1:03 pm

As someone who has been to Turkey twice (I’m obsessed with it, my parents ended up going after). I feel like I need to go back a 3rd time just to go to Bodrum! Great post, thanks for all the tips and pics.

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Home > Bodrum Travel Guide – 15 Best Things To Do & See

Bodrum Travel Guide – 15 Best Things To Do & See

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Here is your guide to Bodrum, Turkey. It has everything you need to know and all the Bodrum travel advice that you need. We’ve got a list of the best things to do in Bodrum, top Bodrum sites, and tips for where to stay in this amazing city.

Türkiye is full of fantastic beach resorts to visit , but some stand out above the rest. There’s a reason why so many famous people are seen floating by in Bodrum Bay aboard an imposing luxury yacht.

It’s because Bodrum is a little bit upmarket, and as such, it’s a sophisticated place to stay for a few days.

Is Bodrum cheap? Not as much as other places, but it’s definitely a fantastic place to go .

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Things To Know About Bodrum Turkey

Bodrum sits on the southwestern coast of Türkiye , lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea. It’s a town that is authentic yet upmarket, and you’ll find many rich people wandering around. Of course, it’s also a bustling tourist spot every high season in Bodrum.

Bodrum’s early beginnings were very modest, especially compared to how it is now. These days, you’ll see a massive marina with costly yachts inside it, luxury stores, and white-washed houses along cobbled streets. In the beginning, Bodrum was a fishing village, but in the 1960s, it began to grow. Many professional people from Istanbul bought summer houses in Bodrum. Hence, it gained the name ‘Little Istanbul.’

If you want to go somewhere laid back and beachy , yet you want an extra side order of glamour and sophistication, Bodrum is a good choice. The likes of Ellen, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, and billionaire Russians have been spotted on massive superyachts around the Bodrum coastline .

Get from Istanbul to Bodrum with this guide.

Best time to visit bodrum, turkey.

It’s going to come as no surprise to learn that Türkiye is hot in the summer months, so if you’re not a fan of soaring temperatures (sometimes over 40 degrees), then July and August aren’t for you. These are the busiest times, and you’ll find very little space around the crowded streets.

However, the shoulder months of May, June, the end of September, and October are beautiful times to visit. You’ll still find very warm temperatures at this time, but the oppressive heat has gone, and it may occasionally rain – although not that often. It’s undoubtedly still beach weather until the middle of October.

Things To Do In Bodrum Peninsula

There is plenty to see and do in and around Bodrum. You can choose to enjoy your time chilling out and doing little at all, or you can explore to your heart’s content. Here are a few things to see and do.

1. Enjoy A Boat Trip

The single best way to enjoy the sun and the beautiful coastline is to take a boat trip. The sparkling waters are ideal for swimming, and if you want to lay back on a boat and chill out, there are plenty of boat trip options .

2. Castle Of St Peter

The commanding Castle of St Peter sits with the perfect view over Bodrum town, and visiting it will give you the most amazing views over the bay. The castle was built in 1402 as a defense against invaders. As with most castles, it passed hands several times throughout history, and the Ottomans even built a large mosque inside during their reign.

Today, the castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

If you want to visit a mosque, there are beautiful options around the country.

3. museum of underwater archaeology.

Inside the castle, you will find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of Bodrum’s absolute must-sees. Inside, you’ll find all manner of artifacts related to the underwater world and the many shipwrecks that have been found off the Aegean coastline . However, this isn’t your regular museum; it’s easy to follow and learn, thanks to the multimedia displays and interactive elements.

Be sure to check out the Serce Limani Glass Wreck Room, where you’ll find a Byzantine ship that sunk around the peninsula in 1026.

4. Enjoy Bodrum’s Beaches

Bodrum town doesn’t have a sandy beach; however, just outside the main town, you will find some fantastic beaches that are ideal for kicking back and relaxing. Be sure to head to Turgutreis, Gumbet, and Bitez for some of the most idyllic spots – they all have free and private beaches. There are plenty of tourist facilities around, such as bars and local restaurants.

5. Enjoy Some Watersports

6. Bodrum Theater

It’s not all beach time! Bodrum has plenty of historical spots to check out, and the theater is one of them. At the peak of its popularity, there would be 13,000 people inside, but these days, the theatre is used for regular events and concerts – see if there is anything on while you’re there. Even if not, it’s a great spot to check out anyway, and the views are nothing short of breathtaking.

7. Bodrum Old Town

Just behind Bodrum Castle, you’ll find the Old Town, with its maze of winding, cobbled streets. It’s a great idea to spend some time exploring around here, stopping at small cafes for tea or coffee, and then heading off to do some shopping at the many souvenir shops . There are also markets where you can purchase all sorts of homemade goods, including leather shoes and jewelry.

8. Bodrum Marina

Bodrum Marina is a really picturesque area that is ideal for romantic walks and sunset views. The boats here are seriously big and extremely expensive, and you’ll find upmarket cafes and restaurants lining the marina where you can stop and have a drink or a meal. This is a particularly great place for seafood.

9. Mausoleum Of Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus used to be one of the wonders of the world, and it dates back to around 350 BC. While a lot of the original building was damaged in an earthquake, you can still visit the ruins and check out the views. You head up the hill from the marina and walk for around 15 minutes.

10. Bodrum Amphitheater

You can quickly check out the mausoleum and the amphitheater during the same visit, as they’re virtually next to one another. The amphitheater isn’t as severely damaged as the mausoleum, and it really is a window to the past, dating back to around the 6th century BC. At the height of its usage, it would have held around 10,000 people!

11. Sarnic Beach Club

There are some fantastic beach clubs around Bodrum, and some are quite exclusive. Sarnic Beach Club is somewhere in between. Here, you pay a set amount of money as you enter, and your food and drink are all included. You have free access to the beach, sun-loungers, parasols, entertainment, and the water springs and cushioned areas. You’ll have to pay extra for watersports and diving, but it’s a great place to spend the day.

12. Bodrum’s White Windmills

On the short road between Bodrum and Gumbet, you’ll find a series of white stone windmills on the hill. While it might not look like much, the view from that hill is seriously impressive, and these windmills are historic in their own right, having been there for more than 300 years.

13. Zai Bodrum

This is a cute chill-out spot that’s ideal for taking in the view, a little rest and relaxation, and perhaps an excellent spot for a day’s work. This is a park area with swings, cushions, seating, views, and a fantastic restaurant on-site. It’s shaded by trees, so it’s a good spot during the summer, and be sure to check out the food because it’s really delicious.

14. A Boat Trip To Black Island (Karaada Island)

No, the island isn’t black; it’s actually very green, but it’s a fantastic spot to visit on a boat trip. A lot of people come here for the mineral springs as they’re reputed to be suitable for certain health issues, but most simply swim and dive around the crystal clear waters.

15. Take A Day Trip From Bodrum

You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus in around three hours by bus or car. This is one of the most amazing places to visit in the whole of Turkey, and you’ll definitely need to set off early so you get the most time there. However, do be aware that during the summer months, there is no shade in this huge area, and it can get very crowded.

Ephesus is an ancient city dating back to around the 10th century BC, and the ruins are exceptionally well preserved. It really is like walking through the past.

Greek Island Of Kos, Greece

You can easily visit the beautiful island of Kos for the day via ferry, which is only 20 minutes away. You can easily confuse people on your social media by checking in at a restaurant in Kos; they’ll wonder why you’re in Greece and not Turkey!

You can book this trip via an excursion desk in Bodrum itself, or you can book your tickets directly from the port. If you go for the excursion option, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and dropped off again. If you buy your tickets from the port, you’ll need to make your own way there, but it’s only 10 minutes away by taxi.

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Places to eat in bodrum – restaurants in bodrum.

Traditional Turkish food is like nothing else on the planet – it’s genuinely delicious . The great thing about Bodrum is that it’s a beautiful blend of both local and international spots. You can find anything you like there, but if you want to try one of the most lauded-after restaurants, here are a couple you should add to your visit list.

Sultan Bahce Restaurant

Set in a beautiful garden, this restaurant is the perfect spot for al-fresco dining with a sophisticated edge. The menu is extensive, but every dish is perfect. From seafood to kebabs and pizza, you’ll find everything you might fancy here, but be sure to try the freshly caught fish – it’s cooked on a BBQ, and it’s the most delicious you’ll find around Bodrum.

Antik Akdeniz

A very tourist-friendly Turkish restaurant, this is the ideal spot to try traditional food while in Bodrum. Pide and lahmacun here are some of the best you’ll find anywhere else, and there is a huge menu of grilled meat kebabs to choose from. There is also an extensive children’s menu so that nobody will go hungry.

• Best Restaurants In Bodrum

How To Get To Bodrum

You can get to Bodrum in four ways: by bus, by car, by plane, or by ferry.

If you fly into Istanbul or you happen to be in another part of Turkey, you can take a long-distance coach with either Pamukkale, Metro, or Kamil Koc. You can check prices and times online, but Turkish buses are very comfortable and offer entertainment, Wi-Fi, snacks, and refreshments.

Bodrum has a small international airport of its own, called Milas-Bodrum Airport, and it’s located around 30km just outside the city itself. You can find shuttle buses and taxis that will take you directly to your hotel.

If you’re somewhere else in Turkey and you want to drive yourself, it’s very easy to hire a car. You need your full driving license, passport, and any visa paper applicable to you. You’ll also need a credit or debit card to leave details behind.

Roads to Bodrum are very clear and easy to follow, and Bodrum is easy to drive in, but parking in the city itself can be an issue. Make sure that the hotel you choose has parking before booking.

If you’re on the island of Kos, Greece, you can take a ferry over to Bodrum in the summer months. You can do this either as a day trip or to stay a little longer. The journey is only 20 minutes long, and you can purchase tickets directly from the port.

Where To Stay In Bodrum Türkiye

Of course, you need somewhere to rest your head, and in that case, let’s take a look at three choices – one luxury, one mid-range, and one on budget. And, of course, browse through our extensive Bodrum Hotel guide, too!

Luxury Choice – Raddison Collection Hotel

Raddison is always a top choice, but this particular branch is undoubtedly one of the best. Located a stone’s throw away from Aspat Beach, you’ll find numerous on-site facilities, including a bar, fitness center, top restaurant, parking, and seriously comfortable surroundings.

Rooms are large and decorated in a modern manner. Each room has a TV and private bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and high-quality Wi-Fi. Views from each balcony are breathtaking, and the level of service is like no other.

Mid-Range Choice – Asmin Hotel Bodrum

Asmin Hotel is an excellent mid-choice option, and it still gives you plenty of comfort and luxury during your stay for a lower price tag. Each room has a large bed, comfortable décor, air conditioning, stunning views, and a flat-screen TV.

There is an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for cooling during the summer months, and plenty of on-site facilities, such as laundry, excursion desk, and pool bar.

Budget Choice – Manzara Hotel

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this budget hotel is an excellent option if you want to save money but still enjoy an excellent base for your stay. There are two outdoor swimming pools and a large sun terrace where you can soak up the sun. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Rooms are large and include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and minibar. There is a restaurant on-site and a large bar where you can enjoy an evening drink or two.

Here is our full guide on where to stay in Bodrum.

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Wrapping Up Your Trip To Bodrum

Bodrum is a must-visit in Turkey, bursting with attractions for every traveler. Whether you’re diving into history, lounging by the sea, or exploring the vibrant streets, there’s something here for you. 

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Comments (5)

I like your blog but dearly wish you would be more careful about promoting activities that are abusive to animals. The camels are abused and live in terrible conditions. They are tethered day and night and only allowed to walk free with the heavy cargo of tourists on their back. There is widespread camel abuse all over the world so please do your research and stop promoting animal cruelty.

Huh, because I said camels beach? That is the name of the beach. What can I do about it? And FYI, I always advocate for animals. I never go to or recommend zoo’s in any place and ask people not to ride donkeys in Greece… https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/why-you-should-not-ride-donkeys-in-santorini-donkeys/

What about Chasing the Donkey…? That’s just cruel :)

i like your article so much and it will help me on my trip to Bodrum but I have two questions I booked Airbnb instead o a hotel and my question is safe to stay in a house instead of a hotel? second question if you can help me and tell me where to rent a good car from good places? Thank you

When considering Airbnb for your trip to Bodrum, it’s crucial to take precautions to ensure a safe experience. Before booking, make sure to read the reviews left by previous guests, especially those mentioning cleanliness, safety, and host responsiveness. Consider booking with Superhosts, as they have a track record of excellent service. Also, look for hosts with verified profiles, which indicates they have undergone additional verification steps by Airbnb. Communicate with the host to address any safety concerns or questions about the property and neighborhood. Check if the accommodation has safety features like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Always use Airbnb’s secure platform for booking and payments. Choose accommodations in well-reviewed and safe neighborhoods.

For renting a car in Bodrum, use these guys https://www.rentalcars.com/?affiliateCode=chasingdonkey

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Bodrum Town

Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it, from the town's crowning castle and glittering marina to its flower-filled cafes and white-plastered backstreets. Even in the most hectic days of high summer, you can still find little corners of serenity in the town.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Bodrum Town. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum (originally 44.8m high) was the greatest achievement of Carian King Mausolus (r 376–353 BC),…

Bodrum Castle

Bodrum's magnificent waterfront castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller, dates back to the 15th century. It houses the excellent Museum of Underwater…

Bodrum Maritime Museum

This small but well-formed museum spread over two floors examines Bodrum's maritime past through finely crafted scale models of boats and an excellent…

Ancient Theatre

Ancient Halicarnassus' theatre was built in the hillside rock in the 4th century BC to seat 5000 spectators but that capacity was increased to 13,000 for…

Myndos Gate

These are the restored remains of the only surviving gate from what were originally 7km-long walls probably built by King Mausolus in the 4th century BC…

For the best vistas of Bodrum, head to the peninsula on the west side of town which is crowned by seven old windmills.

Ottoman Cemetery

This Ottoman cemetery stands just above the marina, and contains the tombs of two famous Turkish seamen (Mustafa Pacha and his son). Part of the enclosure…

Merkez Adliye Camii

The 'Central Courthouse Mosque' is in the old bazaar, located just off the harbourfront. The handsome stone structure boasts a single minaret. Visitors…

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Latest stories from Bodrum Town

Nov 5, 2014 • 5 min read

Sparkly beaches, serene coves, a grand castle and jaw-dropping vistas: just a few of the reasons the one-time fishing village of Bodrum is a Turkish…

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Bodrum Itinerary

Published on November 22, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Bodrum is a beautiful small city on the west coast of Turkey with blue seas, green mountainsides and white stone pavements around the town. Our Bodrum itinerary will show you why it’s such a famous location for international tourists and Turkish visitors alike, showing you its pretty centre, great food and shopping street, as well as the local history.

2 or 3 days in Bodrum is ideal for a chance to experience a bit of everything and come away from the area feeling relaxed after a few days in the sun.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Bodrum?

When booking a trip, you’ll want to consider what you want to do there to work out how many days to spend in Bodrum in total. It’s a small city but the lifestyle is perfectly relaxed and has a great reputation as a summer town having grown from a small fishing village due to its beautiful coastline.

So although a week may seem too long to sit on a beach, there are some great activities in between wandering the town and soaking up the sun.

Aside from the beachfront restaurants and clubs, a cute city centre to wander through and browse the shops at all times of day and night, Bodrum also has a marina, castle, mausoleum and amphitheatre, all of which are well worth visiting. Aside from the castle, however, each attraction is small and won’t take long to see, so you can easily fit them into 2 days in Bodrum.

Since the atmosphere of the place is so relaxed, however, you’ll ideally want to spend at least 3 days in Bodrum to see the sights and enjoy lounging on the beaches, eating the fantastic food and experiencing a bit of the local nightlife.

Getting To & Around Bodrum

Arriving in Bodrum is very easy thanks to the Milas-Bodrum Airport just a 35-minute drive from the city. You can reach the airport from London Gatwick directly, or from most European capitals such as Paris and Amsterdam via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Unfortunately, the airport shuttle bus to the city centre has been removed due to a legal dispute over the proposed route, however, you can easily get a taxi from the airport to the city centre, organise a transfer or rent a car yourself from the airport.

If you have more than 3 days, it can be a great idea to rent a car as the coastal roads are beautiful and you can enjoy them at your leisure, visiting various ancient sites and beaches in the area.

However, if you’re spending a weekend in Bodrum or fewer than 3 days, a car isn’t necessary as you’ll predominantly be based in the city centre.

For visitors having a longer trip around Turkey , you can also reach Bodrum coach station from most Turkish cities. The coach station has regular buses arriving in the city centre in just 15 to 20 minutes, which you can pay for with a contactless bank card. You can view schedules here.

It’s also possible to arrive in Bodrum by ferry from the Greek island of Kos. Kos also has its own airport, easily accessible from Europe. The ferry takes around 1 hour and will show you the beautiful Turkish coastline and great views of the Aegean Sea as you arrive. You can book ferries here.

You will need to show your passport and have your bags checked as you pass through border control. Likewise, if you’re staying in Bodrum and want to take a day trip out to a Greek island, you can take a ferry from Bodrum ferry port as long as you have a Schengen visa or permission to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

Within Bodrum itself, you’ll easily be able to walk around the city. With the castle in the middle, most of Bodrum is located on the coast, with flat paths throughout the city, which is also very easy for wheelchairs and pushchairs to pass through.

There are some motor scooters available to rent with an app, but Bodrum is best enjoyed on foot. You can also rent boats for a day out at sea if you want to take the weight off your feet for a while.

2 to 3-Day Bodrum Itinerary

Each day of our itinerary will take you through a day in the life of Western Turkey; a touch of history, some delicious traditional Turkish cuisine and plenty of sunshine and sea air.

Day 1 – Bodrum Old Town

For your first day in Bodrum, you should visit the castle that sits proudly in the centre of the city to get views over the town and marina from both sides, as well as learn some of the history of the city before you explore on foot.

Bodrum Castle (Bodrum Kale)

After a long and expensive renovation, Bodrum Castle has been opened again to the public, so visitors can marvel at the spectacular views over the city as well as the ancient history of the city of Bodrum, formerly Halicarnassus to the Ancient Greeks.

The castle itself was built in the 15th century by the Order of the Knights of Saint John, a group of European knights comprising British, French, Italian and Germans, with a strict hierarchy, and who each had a hand in the construction of the castle.

After having arrived in the area, the knights found the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus and used much of the stone to help build the castle; some of the friezes and carved stone can be seen in the castle walls while others can be found displayed in the castle grounds alongside many beautiful and well-preserved sculptures.

Each tower of the castle displays the emblem of one of the nationalities of the Knights Hospitaller, and within each, you can find display cases with magnificent historic artefacts recovered at the site and in the nearby waters.

One of the highlights is the artefacts of the Carian princess which were found in a sarcophagus discovered in the 1980s; the number of items, which were largely gold jewellery, and their value showed the significance of the woman who was buried there, leading archaeologists to believe this was the burial place of Empress Ada I, although she has become known as the Carian Princess.

After the Muslim conquest by Süleyman the Magnificent, the castle was taken over and the chapel located in the centre of the castle was converted to a mosque by the addition of a minaret. The vaults below the mosque have been excavated so below a glass flooring you can see the ancient crypts and graves below.

After the Allied bombing in the First World War, the castle faced some damage, although it has now largely been reconstructed and makes for a fantastic, largely open-air museum.

Some of the stone floors have been worn away over time making them rather slippery, so make sure you watch your step while admiring the architecture and history. There are also peacocks wandering the grounds and the occasional tortoise passing by so look out for those on your visit.

The entrance fee is cheaper for Turkish nationals, but it is well worth the cost for foreign visitors regardless and is one of the best things to do in Bodrum.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Sualtı Arkeoloji Müzesi)

The Underwater Archaeology Museum is actually located within Bodrum Castle and comprises part of your castle visit, so you can expect to spend a few hours discovering the museum as well as learning about the shipwrecks, ancient passages and recovered items in the castle’s museum.

Many of the items are displayed in the towers, although there are elements located all over the castle.

The museum is the largest of its kind, with many recovered artefacts on display, many of which come from three shipwrecks that happened just off the castle’s shore. There is a huge collection of ancient ceramic jugs used to transport wine, oil and other liquids used for trade, as well as glass ingots, bronze and iron items.

Although many of the items were found in diving expeditions in the 1960s, some of the objects found date back to around 2500 BCE, showing the historic significance of the trade routes surrounding the area of the Turkish coastline.

As the museum is located within the castle, you’re granted entrance with your castle ticket. Any fans of ancient or mediaeval history have to stop by this wonderful museum to understand the significance of Bodrum over at least the last two millennia.

Bodrum Centre

After your visit to the castle, having taken in the spectacular views, it’s time to explore the city streets. Bodrum’s pavement is white stone and most of the buildings are a sandy stone colour, lending itself to a picturesque environment as you pass through the winding streets filled with shops.

Not quite a bazaar in the style of other cities like Istanbul or Kemeralti in Izmir , these shops are more modern although with plenty of products to get lost in.

Bodrum is famous for its leather sandals, so amongst the fake Louis Vuitton bags and knock-off designer clothes being sold, you can also find some small authentic boutiques selling all kinds of beautiful real leather sandals which are often handmade.

As you pass through, you’ll come across the rock bars and some fish restaurants as well as a couple of Bodrum döner kebab spots. Bodrum döner differs from other cities as there are vegetables placed between the meat which makes for a more colourful, potentially mildly healthier, and definitely delicious kebab.

If you continue along the main street, the shops open out to reveal the coast to your right with restaurants on your left and seating areas on the beach. As you wander you’ll be offered all kinds of fantastic food, from fresh fish to kebabs and everything in between.

Some of these restaurants turn into pubs or nightclubs into the night so hang around for a night out or head back to one of the rock bars for a calmer evening.

Day 2 – Bodrum’s Ancient Sites

Your second day will show you a few more historic sites that showcase the ancient importance of the city of Bodrum and the Bodrum Peninsula before delving into the nightlife that the city has come to be known for.

Ancient Theatre (Bodrum Antik Tiyatrosu)

Heading even further back in time than the castle of the Knights of Saint John, we start day 2 in the Ancient Theatre of Bodrum. If you’ve seen Ephesus, you may not be as stunned by the wonder of this ancient site, however, all Greek history fanatics should visit this beautiful theatre and the views over Bodrum are well worth the free visit to this large and historically significant site.

Formerly known as the Theatre of Halicarnassus, the walled city which stood on the same land as modern-day Bodrum, this theatre was initially built in the 4th century BCE housing 5-10,000 spectators. It was enlarged by the Romans in the 2nd century CE to accommodate an audience of up to 13,000 for mainly gladiator shows.

At the bottom of the stands you can see the ancient altar to Dionysus (Bacchus to the Romans), while at the top, you can enjoy fantastic views over the city, from the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus to Bodrum castle in the distance, with the whole city and marina in between.

Mausoleum (Halikarnas Mozolesi)

Walking a little further down towards the city centre, you’ll reach the site of the ancient Mausoleum.

Since the Mausoleum was destroyed, possibly in an earthquake, and many of the stones were used in the construction of Bodrum Castle, very little remains of the hugely significant site, so you’ll have to use your imagination a little to understand what once stood in this location.

Constructed around 350 BCE by order of Mausolus in preparation for his death, and then overseen by his sister Artemisia, this area once held a large above-ground tomb, decorated with friezes, 400 sculptures and a huge four-horse-drawn chariot with Mausolus and Artemisia inside.

The Romans were allegedly so impressed with this construction, that they named all above-ground tombs mausoleums in honour of the Carian King’s architectural triumph, which had also been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Originally over 44 metres high, located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Halicarnassus, the mausoleum was enclosed in a courtyard, with statues of lions leading to the platform holding the tomb, itself surrounded by statues of gods and goddesses, with warriors guarding the marble tomb on each side.

Unfortunately due to the earthquakes, only a couple of stairways, walls and the entranceway to the tomb remain, although there is a model on display of how the site would have looked in its original glory. It’s still worth visiting the Ancient Wonder and imagining how the mausoleum would have stood, especially considering the amazing stones spotted in the castle.

The statues of Mausolus and Artemisia that sat on top of the mausoleum can also be found in the British Museum in London .

An Evening in Bodrum

Bodrum nightlife is something which brings visitors from all over the country as well as from abroad, so while in Bodrum, you should spend an evening out.

Starting with dinner on the beachfront or in one of the kebab houses, you can drift on to one of the many bars located on the beachfront before heading to one of the very popular and famous nightclubs.

If nightclubs aren’t your scene, then there are plenty of other places to spend your evening and music for all tastes. Just follow the main street from the castle to the end of the bay where the Bodrum ferry is located and go where your ears take you, whether it’s to a live show in a bar, a rock bar or a cocktail bar.

Some nights, particularly in summer due to the warmer weather and sunshine later into the evening, there are also concerts and performances held in the ancient theatre, so if you prefer a more cultural evening, you can head to Bodrum tourist office or online to see what’s going on.

The original design makes for fantastic acoustics so concerts sound amazing while giving you a wonderful environment to enjoy.

Day 3 – Beach Day or Day Trip

For your third day in Bodrum, you can either choose to wander through the town, picking up some souvenirs before lounging on the beach and munching away on some delicious Turkish treats or take a day trip further out of the city.

The public beach in Bodrum is quite small, but if you plan on spending a whole afternoon on the beach, you’d be best advised to stop by one of the on-beach restaurants.

One option is the public cafe which has its own beach with chairs and parasols as well as reasonably priced drinks and snacks in the cafe area. It can be busy at times but it’s cheaper than the private restaurants further down and there’s no pressure to buy anything.

If you’re sure you’ll have a drink and some food, the restaurants further down the beach make for another great option as the beach area is bigger and you’ll have more options for food and drink. F

or a picnic or something sweet, you should stop by Yunuslar Karadeniz which has all kinds of colourful pastries, sandwiches, cakes and desserts which are sure to catch your eye anyway. Like most of the shops in this area, through summer, they’re open late into the night so you can guarantee to pick something up even on your way home from a night out.

One of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Bodrum is by taking a boat trip. Whether you rent a small private boat for the day or join a larger boat trip with other day-trippers, the seas around Bodrum are well worth seeing up close.

You can book a trip on the larger boats from Bodrum marina, where you’ll also be provided with lunch at sea, or speak to an attendant in one of the boat-shaped cabins located along the walkway by the marina to see what your options are.

Around 20 minutes from the coast is a small bay known as the aquarium (Akvaryum Koyu) where you can go snorkelling and swimming with an array of colourful and curious fish. With no sharks or rays in the area, you don’t need to worry about any dangerous animals, simply enjoy a day swimming and sunbathing at your leisure.

The summer heat can be very strong however, so make sure you don’t spend too long in the sun and keep well hydrated to avoid heat stroke.

You can also organise a dive trip while in Bodrum to get an even closer look at the marine life.

Just off the coast, there is a ship and plane that have been placed there to form habitats for fish and other marine life, as well as provide a wonderful place to go diving and discover the local habitat. There is also a small reef in the area if you wish to discover more of the sea floor.

Bitez Hiking Trails

Just 15 minutes away from Bodrum centre by car is the area known as Bitez. This area has some fantastic hidden coves and beaches if you want a private beach day, as well as some great trails to follow.

Pack a picnic and hike around the area before stopping for an afternoon dip to cool off in Halil koyı or Oasis Beach; but don’t forget the sunscreen. Even in Spring and Autumn, the sun can be deceptively strong.

While the sea is a great day out, you can also enjoy it from above, by taking the ferry out for around one hour for a day trip to the Greek island of Kos.

Greece and Turkey, particularly the west coast, share many similarities, from the landscape to the food, but arriving in Kos you’ll still notice a large difference between the architecture and culture of the two countries, making it a great day out.

Make sure you bring your passport for the border control and arrive at the ferry port with plenty of time for any security checks; then simply enjoy your day out in Greece!

Its 14th-century castle also built by the Knights Hospitaller sits by the harbour, welcoming you into the island, where you can do a historic walking tour on foot, or join a small tourist train which takes you around the significant sites of the island.

From the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, which shaded the Ancient Greek father of medicine almost 2,500 years ago, to the restored Roman villas, the Casa Romana, there is plenty to see on foot around Kos marina in a day.

If renting a bicycle, or by taxi, you can also head out to the Asklepieion, an ancient medical centre built in honour of Hippocrates first constructed in the 3rd century BCE and later reconstructed due to earthquakes. This site has plenty to see, from the temples and church to the Roman baths, but don’t lose track of time for your ferry back to Bodrum!

Where to Stay in Bodrum

Hotel Centro Bodrum – A great mid-range choice in the town of Bodrum, this hotel boasts a range of lovely rooms along with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool. There is also an on-site restaurant and a superb breakfast.

Casa Nonna Bodrum – This adults-only hotel is perfect for those looking for a romantic and luxurious escape here. They have a beautiful beachfront location, plenty of great rooms, an on-site spa, several restaurants and a fab breakfast.

La Luna Hostel – An excellent budget option, this hostel is located in the centre of Bodrum within easy reach of the seaside. There are plenty of room types available and great common spaces to relax in.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Bodrum!

Whether you plan to relax and enjoy great examples of Turkish food, or delve into some ancient or medieval history, Bodrum has a bit of everything. It may have a reputation as a party town for young people, but the relaxed atmosphere and lifestyle of Bodrum welcomes everyone of all ages to come to enjoy.

Are you planning to visit Bodrum? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bodrum

Written by Jess Lee Updated Feb 22, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Bodrum is Turkey's Turquoise Coast at its most vibrant. This unabashed summer vacation destination is known for its marina full of bobbing yachts ready to whisk you out onto the Aegean for a lazy day of coastal sightseeing between swimming stops; a handful of historic tourist attractions, if you're looking for more things to do off the beach; and a town filled with photogenic, old whitewashed houses.

Once the ancient city of Halicarnassus , Bodrum had turned into a simple fishing village by the late-Ottoman era, but all that changed in the mid-20th century, when tourism entered the fold.

Now during summer, this town is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for sun-and-sea vacations , and it buzzes with energy as tourists come from all over the world to soak up Bodrum's charm.

If you happen to visit out of season, though, you can still catch a hint of the old village atmosphere. Plan your time in Turkey's premier resort town with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Bodrum.

See also: Where to Stay in Bodrum

1. Soak Up the Scenery on a Boat Trip

2. visit the castle of st. peter, 3. explore history at the museum of underwater archaeology, 4. sunbathe on the bodrum peninsula beaches, 5. see the scant remains of one of the ancient seven wonders, 6. enjoy water sports on the aegean, 7. explore bodrum old town, 8. shop at the bazaar, 9. take in the best sunset view from bodrum's historic windmills site, 10. day trip to stratonikeia, 11. visit bodrum theater, 12. see bodrum's myndos gate, where to stay in bodrum for sightseeing.

Bodrum is all about the sea. The vast amount of visitors that arrive are here for a lazy holiday of sun, sea, and sand, but when you feel the need for a change of scenery, the most popular way to sightsee is by boat.

Hundreds of boat tours are on offer during the summer months , ranging from a day trip sailing around the Bodrum Peninsula, stopping off at tiny inlets only accessible by boat for swimming, to multi-day yacht trips down the coast or across to the Greek Islands .

Bodrum's marina is where public and private yacht trip outfitters tout for business , though most visitors looking for a day-long or half-day boat trip prefer to book a recommended operator through their hotels.

Even on the short day and half-day trips, you'll be able to experience a good chunk of the Aegean's famed rocky coastline scenery and have hours of sunbathing on board, broken up by swimming stops.

When booking, check where your swimming stops will be . If possible you want to anchor off Orak Island , east off the coast of Bodrum Town, where the water is so clear, shallow, and shaded light turquoise that people nickname it the Turkish Maldives.

If you're on a private boat trip, so can curate your own itinerary, get to Orak Island before 10am or after 4pm to enjoy the bay at its quietest.

Lording over the seafront, the Castle of St. Peter is at the top of every visitor's things to do in Bodrum list.

The Knights Hospitallers of St. John built the structure between 1402 and 1437 , and knights of the various nationalities of the order were entrusted with the defense of particular sections of the walls.

Among the various towers are the French Tower; the English Tower, with a sculpted lion on its west wall; and the Gatineau Tower, which leads to the dungeons.

During the reign of the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the castle passed into Turkish hands and a mosque was built inside.

Today, many of the vast halls inside the castle display the exhibits of Bodrum's Museum of Underwater Archaeology .

Address: Kale Caddesi, Bodrum Town

The absolutely brilliant Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum inside the Castle of St. Peter is a must-see attraction, even if you don't have an interest in underwater archaeology. It has been recently reorganized and renovated, with the exhibits displayed in various halls of the castle's upper level.

The artifact displays, which hail both from underwater discoveries off the coast here and excavations on the Bodrum Peninsula , are complemented by slick multimedia displays.

The museum's highlight is the Serçe Limanı Glass Wreck room, which displays a 16-meter Byzantine ship that sunk in 1026 CE . Some of its cargo, including amphorae and glass artifacts, is displayed artfully in the surrounding exhibit cases.

Other halls display finds recovered from several Bronze Age shipwrecks, a large collection of amphorae, and intricately decorated ceramic pieces uncovered from a Mycenaean-era necropolis near Ortakent on the peninsula.

Address: Castle of St. Peter, Kale Caddesi, Bodrum Town

Outside Bodrum town, the Bodrum Peninsula's beaches are the main drawcard for visitors during summer, and from June through August, the shorefront is crammed full of sunbathers soaking up the heat.

The peninsula towns of Ortakent, Bitez, Gümbet, and Turgetreis have the most popular beaches , with free public beaches as well as private beach clubs that you can access for an entrance fee.

Bodrum Town itself also has two strips of beach right in the center of town for those that don't want to travel far for swimming and sunbathing.

The private beach clubs come with oodles of facilities on tap. If you're staying in town, or at any accommodation on the peninsula without its own beach, and want to check one of the beach clubs out, get up-to-date recommendations from your hotel. They should also be able to book a day pass for you, saving you the hassle.

Bodrum Peninsula's towns are connected to Bodrum Town by a regular dolmuş (local minibus) public transport network, so it's easy to hop between town and the main public beaches.

The entire peninsula is popular with both domestic and European tourists, so don't expect to find an isolated patch of sand. During the height of summer, this is one of Turkey's most popular places to visit, and going to the beach is the top thing to do.

It doesn't look like much these days – you may need to put your imagination hat on – but this pile of ancient marble and rubble was once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world .

The Mausoleum of Mausolus, now known as Bodrum Mausoleum Museum , was built in Halicarnassus (Bodrum's ancient name) by the architect Pytheos as the final resting place of King Mausolus (376-353 BC).

When finished, the impressive, towering structure measured 46 meters high and was decorated with magnificent friezes by the most celebrated Greek sculptors of the day.

Despite damage by earthquakes over the centuries, it was only finally destroyed by the Knights Hospitallers, who used its stones to build the Castle of St. Peter.

The modern day site, in a peaceful garden setting, is worthy of a look if only just to say you've seen one of the seven ancient wonders. There's also a helpful scale model of the original mausoleum on site .

Address: Turgutreis Caddesi, Bodrum Town

Boat trips may be the favored way to get out onto the water in Bodrum, but more active visitors can choose from a range of water sports offered at the different beaches of the peninsula.

Kayak hire is popular at beaches such as Bitez, Ortakent, and Gümbet, while those looking for more thrills can opt to go parasailing at these three beaches as well. Paddleboarding has recently been gaining in popularity and is now offered at various beaches along the peninsula, including at Turgutreis and at Camel Beach in Ortakent.

There are also options for more specialist water sports, such as kiteboarding , with a couple of operators who work in the Bodrum area.

One of the most professional outfits is Kiteboard Bodrum which is based on Celebi Island , offshore from Ortakent. They offer kiteboarding lessons from beginner to advanced levels as well as equipment rental, with transfers to the island included in their prices.

The narrow lanes that back the beach, bazaar, and marina area are Bodrum's most interesting area. The alleyways here are lined with bougainvillea-draped and vine-clad whitewashed cottages that give Bodrum its particular Aegean ambience and charm and make it stand out amid other coastal tourist centers, such as Fethiye , that have a more modern look.

For photographers, these rambling, winding lanes are the most interesting part of Bodrum to photograph, and you can still get a real feel for the fishing village it once was.

The best way to explore is to simply duck up the skinny lanes that lead off the waterfront and go for an aimless wander. The more central lanes are scattered with cafés and restaurants that make for great pit stops while you're strolling.

The cobblestone street of Saray Sokak , which runs from the waterfront harbor up to the Mausoleum of Mausolus is an easy stroll that gives you a taster of old Bodrum's ambience. If you're feeling energetic, you could continue on foot, up Kelerlik Sokak, all the way up the hill to Bodrum Theater.

If you're looking for some retail therapy, Bodrum has it all. The modern bazaar area spreads out behind St. Peter's Castle in a series of shaded lanes. It's at its busiest after dark when restaurant-goers head here for an after-dinner stroll.

Bodrum's bazaar is an upmarket take on a typical Turkish market , with proper shops rather than stalls. It offers little room for bargaining, but what it loses in authenticity, it makes up for in choice.

There's everything here, from Turkish and Central Asian textiles, colorful local pottery, and hand-crafted woodwork to a bling-fest of gold shops, snazzy beachwear, and fashion.

Meandering between the shops after a day of sunbathing is what Bodrum is all about.

Head to the Tarihi Han (a restored historic caravanserai) in the bazaar area for coffee or tea in the shaded internal courtyard before browsing the local artisan stores that have set up shop on the han's upper level.

The sparse ruin site, with two remaining chunks of wall, you pass by on the eastern section of the bazaar district, is the remains of the 18th century Greek Orthodox Aya Nikola church.

The bazaar district is one of Bodrum Town's most buzzing areas for café life and dining , and you'll find plenty of restaurants, as well as ice cream and dessert shops scattered throughout the area.

The hill that separates Bodrum Bay and Gümbet Bay is topped with the sparse remains of Bodrum's windmills.

The windmills themselves are not worth the visit, but the panoramic vistas that stretch across the bays of both Bodrum and Gümbet are, and it's a very popular spot to watch the sun set.

Though most people come here by car, the hilltop is an easy two-kilometer walk from Bodrum marina , up a medium slope. Don't try to walk it during the midday heat, though.

To walk here, head to the very western end of Bodrum marina and veer uphill on Osman Nuri Bilgin Caddesi. At the top of the hill, turn onto Haremtan Sokak and follow this summit road until you arrive at the windmills.

The best time for strolling up here is in the early morning , when fresh breezes make it a pleasant activity rather than a slog. The site is also at its quietest during this time, so you can soak up the Bodrum Bay vistas without the crowds.

Address: Haremtan Sokak, Bodrum Town

The ancient site of Statonikeia is within easy day-tripping distance from Bodrum, but surprisingly receives very few visitors. If you've visited more famous ancient cities, such as Ephesus , on your Turkey itinerary, a stroll around the ruins here with barely another visitor in sight makes for a refreshing change.

The site has been settled since the Bronze Age Hittite era, but the oldest monuments still standing today date from the Classical Age, when Stratonikeia became an important link on the local trade routes.

Unlike many Greco-Roman cities, Stratonikeia was continuously settled up until the early years of the modern Turkish Republic as the village of Eskihisar.

Although the village was eventually moved a couple of kilometers away from Stratonikeia, several families continue to inhabit the site itself, and several Ottoman-era monuments and mansions dating from the 19th century have been preserved, along with the older ruins.

This makes Stratonikeia a uniquely stratified site, where you can stroll from the Hellenistic theater, sliced into the hillside, through lanes lined with crumbling and derelict Ottoman-era stone houses, to the impressive double-arched northern gate.

Stratonikeia is along the main Bodrum-Muğla Highway, 75 kilometers northeast from Bodrum Town.

Bodrum Theater may be small by Roman standards, but it has been decently restored, and the views from the upper tiers, out towards Bodrum Bay, are superb.

In its heyday during the 4th century, it would have held 13,000 spectators.

If you're here in summer, Bodrum uses the theater for a program of events and concerts . Check out if there's anything on while you're in town, as seeing a performance within the theater is the best way of imagining how it would have been used in the grand era of Halicarnassus.

Directly across the road from the theater, you can get panoramic photos looking down onto central Bodrum.

Address: Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi, Bodrum Town

One for the supreme history fiends on a hunt for the remnants of Halicarnassus: this gate is the main still-standing chunk of King Mausolus' once sturdy fortress walls, which originally wrapped around the ancient city for seven kilometers.

Unless you are particularly interested in ancient history, this small set of ruins, which include a scattering of tomb and stele slabs and the sparse remnants of a 4th-century moat surrounding the gate fragments, are underwhelming.

The site, though, is easily combined with a stroll from the marina, up to the mausoleum and the theate r, and then visiting this site on the way back.

Address: Cafer Paşa Caddesi, Bodrum Town

Luxury Hotels:

• El Vino Hotel & Suites is a four-star boutique hotel in a peaceful location but still only a walk into Bodrum town. It has a panoramic rooftop terrace with a pool, and breakfast is included.
• The Marmara is one of Bodrum's most high-class hotels with views across the entire town stretching out to the sea, a vast pool area, a top-end restaurant, and rooms bedecked with chic modern furnishings.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The family-friendly Voyage Bodrum has a long private beachfront, a big pool area, a games room, and a popular spa and sauna offering a vast range of treatments.
• Another affordable resort is the Forever Club, always popular with tourists due to its welcoming staff, big private beach, outdoor pool, basketball court, and spa with traditional Turkish bath facilities.

Budget Hotels:

• In a great central position, near St. Peter's Castle, the friendly Hotel Istankoy Bodrum has a sociable pool area, good-sized rooms with excellent facilities, and a restaurant. Breakfast is included.
• On the main road in Bodrum Town, just a hop from the beach, Merih Hotel is known for its hospitable and friendly management, who go out of the way to help, and excellent included breakfast.

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Island Hopping: With plenty of ferries heading to the Greek islands , Bodrum is a main entry or exit point to and from Turkey. If you want to combine a Turkey and Greece holiday, this is a great place to start. From Bodrum, you can catch regular ferries to Rhodes, with its main town of medieval walls and cobblestone alleys, as well as to Kos.

Heading up the Coast: From Bodrum, head north up the coast to visit one of the world's best preserved Roman city ruins at Ephesus , Turkey's most famous archaeological site. To visit the ruins, you could base yourself in Kusadasi, with its harbor, castle, and beach resorts, or in Selçuk, with its pretty cobblestone alleys, Byzantine and Roman ruins, and the excellent Ephesus Museum.

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Mid-September Is My Favorite Time to Visit Bodrum

Coastal villages, chill beach days, and endless mezzes..

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating  A Beautiful Mind –style spreadsheets to come up with the best  vacations  and itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find those people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

Mina Dilber , founder and creative director of Turkish lifestyle brand Anim , has spent summers in Bodrum from an early age and makes it back there a few times each year. “Ideally in the beginning of May or mid-September, right before and after the crowds take over,” she says, adding that the sun’s out nearly every day and you can even expect high 80s going into fall. A short one-hour-and-change flight from Istanbul, where Dilber is based, Bodrum is situated in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, otherwise known as the Turquoise Coast. It’s become a somewhat less obvious alternative to places like Mykonos, but is similar in the sense that all of the beaches are at beach clubs. There’s a lot of beach-club hopping , to be sure, but also tons of swimming in the Aegean sea shaded by olive trees and snacking on traditional mezze platters. “Last summer, we had some friends from all over the world travel to Turkey — coming from London and Los Angeles — so we could show them our special slice of paradise,” Mina says. After a few days taking them around her hometown of Istanbul, they departed for four days in Bodrum. “It’s fun to see familiar places through the lens of outsiders.”

9 a.m.: Check into the hotel

We flew from Istanbul to Bodrum, which is a little over an hour. When we landed at Bodrum airport, I had already arranged a pick up earlier with a reliable car company, Bodrum VIP Transfers , so they were there waiting at baggage claim with a sign. After about a 45-minute drive, we finally arrived at Amanruya ( Göltürkbükü, Demir Mevkii, Bülent Ecevit Cd., 4848 3) and checked into the hotel. I have stayed here three times before and am always mesmerized by the whole ambiance of the property. It’s so calm compared to the sceney beach clubs that make up much of Bodrum and so vast and breathtaking. I would also recommend Bella Sombra and No81 Hotel as they’re great, more affordable options in Bodrum. After a quick change in our rooms, we took buggies provided by the hotel to the beach on the property.

1 p.m.: Eat lahmacun by the sea

We spent the afternoon relaxing by the water. It’s a super-calm vibe here compared to other beach clubs in Bodrum. We sipped on a glass of cold white wine while munching on lahmacun, traditional Middle Eastern flatbread topped with meat, veggies, and herbs. It was delicious.

7 p.m.: Boat over to Macakizi for the evening

We took a speedboat provided by Amanruya to Macakizi ( Göltürkbükü, Narçiçeği Sokak, 48400 ), one of my favorite hotels and beach clubs in Bodrum. Captain Musa picked us up in his super-sweet and speedy boat for the 20-minute ride there. We lounged by the water a bit, then got some margaritas at the bar — they’re so good here. The music at Macakizi also always makes me so happy. Eventually, we made our way upstairs to dinner. The seafood spaghetti is one of the best dishes here.

Disclaimer: Bodrum is not cheap. To access any of the beach clubs in Bodrum during the high season, there’s a minimum spend. At Macakizi, the minimum spend during May through September is 140 euro per sunbed, but the food and drinks are so good, I think it’s worth it. I highly recommend staying at Macakizi if you want to be a part of the action as it has a fun scene during the day with a cool, young crowd.

10 a.m.: Eat a traditional Turkish breakfast

We woke up and headed to breakfast at Asmali Cardak ( Yalıkavak, No:52 48400, Kayacık Cd., 48990 ). They have the best traditional Turkish breakfast with a variety of fresh pastries and an array of crazy delicious jams. My favorite is always the Bodrum Mandarin jam. The Turkish breakfast consists of an assortment of cheeses, like feta and eski kasar, and tomato and cucumber salad and olives. Honey and kaymak (like a soft cream cheese that you spread on bread) is probably the best part of a Turkish breakfast. Also Turkish tea! Asmali Cardak’s super-cute ambiance within a small garden with shabby tables makes you feel almost at home.

1 p.m.: Have a delicious Italian lunch

We took a 35-minute cab ride to Bodrum Loft ( Göltürkbükü, 48483 ) for a very chill beach day. Bodrum Loft is a villa compound on the hills of Golturkbuku, with amazing views as well as amazing waters, that people can rent throughout the summer. We visited because a friend was staying there, though it’s also open to guests not staying on the compound as there are various restaurants on site. The beach is so calm that you want to stay there all day. Also Paper Moon , one of the best Italian restaurants from Istanbul, has a restaurant on the property, so we had some delicious salad and pizza under the sea breeze. Nearby, Naru ( Gölköy Mahallesi, Gökburun Mevkii, 48400 ) is a new addition to the Bodrum dining scene and worth checking out if you’re in the area for lunch or dinner.

5 p.m. Visit a gallery before dinner

We went back to the hotel for a quick change and started getting ready for the night. We took a 30-minute cab to Pilevneli Gallery ( Yalıkavak, 6047. Sk No: 7/A, 48990 ), one of Istanbul’s pioneer galleries up in the hills of Yalikavak. It’s located in a beautiful villa with great views, featuring artworks by contemporary Turkish and international artists, and is host to ever-changing exhibitions in the summertime. (This summer, Wim Delvoye had a solo show there.) After a quick stroll through the gallery, we stopped for dinner at an Istanbul-based restaurant called Sisko Perihan ( Pilevneli Yalikavak Mah 47sk No:7/A ). We shared a terrific Turkish mezze feast while Turkish music played in the background — the perfect combination.

10 a.m.: Head back to our favorite beach club for the day

We hopped in a cab and headed back to Macakizi — this time to chill around the beach, have some lunch, and check out their amazing boutique, 74ESCAPE , curated by Istanbul 74 . We strolled down through the mimosa trees while the sea breeze welcomed us at the entrance of Macakizi. After making our way down the steps that weave through the property, we arrived at the beach. The Macakizi staff is always the most genuine and sweet and so welcoming. Since it was a really hot day, we had to get into the water every 20 minutes. We treated ourselves to the best Bloody Mary any of us have ever had and ordered another lahmacun to share.

3 p.m. Walk through Turkbuku for a scoop of mandarin ice cream

We eventually made our way back up the stairs to check out the boutique. From beachwear to jewelry, bags, ceramics and more, the curation is fantastic. The ambiance is also great, surrounded by greenery and interiors swathed in rattan. We did a little shopping, then followed the path to exit the property and walked five minutes to Bella Sombra Hotel ( Bağarası Mahallesi, Bağarası Cd. No:24, 48400 ) for drinks at their bar. This boutique hotel combines the sweet essence of Bodrum with a Tuscany kind of feeling.

We made one last visit before dinner: a pit stop at Dogal Dondurma in the Türkbükü area ( Göltürkbükü, Liman Cd. No:55, 48483 ) and had a bite of their amazing mandarin ice cream. Türkbükü, which is walking distance from Bella Sombra, is a really nice coastal village with lots of nice shops and seafood restaurants along the port, like Garo’s Restaurant, which I’ve been coming to since I was young. We then walked through Türkbükü Market, the open-air market that’s open daily, selling a variety of items, from pottery to jewelry to homeware and other unique souvenirs to bring home. After a little shopping, we headed back to our hotel, which took about 20 minutes by cab.

7 p.m. Have a seaside dinner in Gumusluk

After freshening up at the hotel, we took a 40-minute drive over to Mimoza Restaurant ( Yalı Mavkii No 104, Gumusluk 48400 ) in Gümüşlük, near the water. Since this is a longer drive, we hired a driver from the same company we used on the first day. After a long way with some bumpy roads, we arrived at Gümüşlük, one of the sweetest bays and towns of Bodrum, surrounded by local craftsmen shops where they sell everything from handmade jewelry to hand-embroidered textiles to ceramics. This town feels a bit more authentic than Türkbükü with its sleepy fishing village and scarcity of beach clubs. You come here to stroll through the charming town and escape the bustling scene you’ll find in other parts of Bodrum. After popping into some shops, we finally arrived at Mimoza, a place that makes your heart warm with its colors, people, and unreal sunset. Colorful light fixtures were hanging all over the restaurant and the food was great — literally all the mezzes. Then Turkish music started playing a little later at night, and we found ourselves dancing around the tables!

10 a.m.: Get in a morning stretch

Since it was our last day, we decided to chill around the beautiful pool at the hotel and have a little bit of breakfast and coffee there. We ventured up to their yoga studio with an incredible view for a morning stretch to kick start our day.

1 p.m.: Share ceviche by the beach

Right after breakfast and pool time we went to Lucca Beach & Restaurant ( Göltürkbükü, Cennet Koyu Cd 314. Sok No: 12/1, 48483 Bodrum/Muğla ). Lucca is by far the coolest new spot in Bodrum. Originally from Istanbul, they now have the best beach spot along with a huge restaurant. Their appetizers are great to share and the ceviche is my favorite.

6 p.m.: Watch the Bodrum sunset one last time

After a long day of lounging, it was time for some drinks. We took a 15-minute cab to Limon Gumusluk ( Gümüşlük, Kardak Sk. No: 7, 48970 ). Limon Cafe claims to have the “most delicious sunset out there,” and I would have to agree. I can’t decide if the sunset or the cocktails are better. They serve some of their best cocktails in big glass jars. I ordered the Satsuma Witch, a margarita-adjacent cocktail with citrus fruits. It was the perfect combination of acidic and refreshing.

8 p.m.: Pick up rattan souvenirs before heading home

After the sun set, we took a ten-minute cab to one of my favorite places in Bodrum: Derekoy Lokantasi ( Dereköy, Derekoy Yolu No:133, 48960 ) for our final dinner. Located in a beautiful garden, this place has a relaxed atmosphere. They serve Mediterranean food and Turkish mezzes with a twist. The sailor’s pie and crispy chickpeas are really good. After dinner, we strolled around the property. Right near Derekoy restaurant is another one of my favorite stores, called Leleg Living ( Dereköy, Derekoy Yolu No:133, 48960 ). They sell home furniture and mostly rattan accessories, like wooden cooking utensils and raffia poufs and décor — nearly everything is made from natural materials. After a few days in Bodrum, it’s the perfect place to pick up some mementos to bring a little slice of this paradise back home with you.

Mina’s Bodrum Packing List

I pack printed bandanas for every vacation, but they’re especially ideal for Bodrum, where the sun is always shining.

I’m never without them.

A cool pair of sandals, like K Jacques or a pair of ancient-Greek sandals, will go with any outfit.

These beach towels are ultrasoft and lightweight on one side, peshtemal on the other — best of both worlds.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Today’s Top Clicked

Bodrum Travel Guide: A Turkish Gem by the Aegean Sea

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Bodrum is a hidden gem along the beautiful Turkish coastline. Before we visited, we knew very little about what Bodrum had to offer, and we were simply blown away by how beautiful it was!

Located on the southwestern coast of Türkiye, Bodrum is a stunning destination that combines ancient history and culture with the beauty of the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.

Bodrum is a great place to visit off-season. You can get  flights to Bodrum with Jet2 from London Stansted that take just 3.5 hours, making it the perfect short autumn weekend break!

We visited with Jet2 for four nights in October, and the weather was perfect . Whilst we were relaxing in 25°C heat, our friends back in England were battling high winds and heavy thunderstorms. Bliss! 😅

In this Bodrum travel guide, I’ve included everything you need to know about this up-and-coming destination, including how to get there, what to do, where to stay and some of my favourite insider tips. So, let’s get started and get exploring Bodrum!

This article is sponsored by Jet2.com/Jet2holidays.  However, I would never recommend a stay or destination that I didn’t truly love.  All opinions in this post are my own .

TOP TIP: Look out for the 🍃 icon for tips on how to make your holiday more ethical and sustainable! We’re passionate about travel, but we’re also passionate about looking after the planet and travelling responsibly.

Bodrum Travel Guide: A Summary

Short on time? Here’s an overview of this Bodrum travel guide so you can grab your information and go!

Why you should visit Bodrum

Bodrum is such an underrated destination to visit in Türkiye. Along with the stunning coastal towns of Antalya, Ölüdeniz and Marmaris, Bodrum is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Bodrum is an ideal place for  couples holidays with Jet2holidays , especially for those wanting to relax on the beach, sunbathe in the hot weather, eat tasty local food and learn about some of Türkiye’s ancient history.

Along with classic holiday activities such as swimming, snorkelling and boat trips, it’s also perfect for those who want to hike and get outside . There are plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, and some of the viewpoints are just incredible!

In the evenings, if you want to experience the Turkish nightlife, Bodrum has it all. From traditional Turkish restaurants and bars to late-night clubs, Bodrum is a great place to party and unwind.

However, it’s easy enough to avoid all of this if you’d rather relax, sunbathe, hike and swim!

How many days should you spend in Bodrum?

Four days in Bodrum would be a minimum, especially if you’re travelling from the UK and getting a 3.5-hour flight.

In my opinion, the main sites and attractions of Bodrum can be explored in 4-5 days, but if you’d like to spend some days on the beach relaxing and sunbathing, a 7-day trip to Bodrum would be perfect.

What to do in Bodrum

The thing that surprised us the most about visiting Bodrum was how much there was to do! Our days were filled with activities, and I still feel like I would have wanted to have done and seen more .

Here are some of my best recommendations when it comes to visiting Bodrum for the first time!

1. Visit Bodrum Castle and the Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum

One of the first things we did when we arrived was to head to Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archeology Museum. Both are located in the same place, so it’s easy to pair the two activities together!

You’ll buy a ticket at the main entrance (near Bodrum Marina) and have unlimited time to walk the castle grounds and read about Bodrum’s history. As we had a local guide with us, we were able to learn even more in-depth about Bodrum’s past, including the way the castle was used to protect the area.

After walking around the forts and looking at the views of Bodrum from the highest points of the Castle, head into the Underwater Museum. There are shipwrecks, artefacts and types of equipment on display that are over 1000 years old!

🍃 If you’re visiting Bodrum Castle, I highly recommend hiring a local guide. Not only does this support local communities and tourism, but you’re able to learn on a deeper level about the history of Bodrum from someone who has lived there all of their life. This is an unmatched insight – even the internet can’t give you viewpoints like this!

2. Walk along Bodrum Marina

One of our favourite spots in Bodrum was the marina. With hundreds of beautiful, tall yachts lined up along the port, with extravagant restaurants and bars overlooking the water, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or lunch stop.

We loved the Marina Yacht Club restaurant, as it’s perfectly situated on the port. I sat and ate my creamy seafood tagliatelle whilst admiring the views. There’s even live music in the evenings, so you can check it out at any time of day!

🍃 There are also some great shops and markets at the marina run by locals. Buying gifts and souvenirs from smaller businesses helps to support the local economy (and they’re gorgeous !)

3. Experience the Bodrum nightlife

Now, I know this might not be for everyone, but bear with me. Bodrum nightlife can be crazy, loud and hectic, but it can also be chilled, enjoyable and relaxed. It all depends on where you go, and what you want from your night!

If you want to party the night away, I recommend heading to the centre of Bodrum, especially around the market area. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, with most packing out from 10 p.m. onwards. We politely declined shots of Raki as we snuck off to bed at 11…

But, if you still want to enjoy Bodrum’s nightlife and don’t want to be dancing on tables , I recommend the Gümüşlük area. It’s a little further from the centre of Bodrum, but it had such a great evening atmosphere that was better suited for two thirty-year-olds going on ninety.

It has a late-night market and an artsy and eclectic vibe. There were restaurants along the water with live music and entertainment, and we sat here for hours whilst drinking Efes beer and enjoying the Turkish culture!

4. Visit the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Did you know there’s an Ancient Wonder of the World in Bodrum? We didn’t either!

Visiting the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Halicarnassus is the ancient name of Bodrum) was one of our favourite parts of our trip. We spent over an hour walking around the ancient ruins that were once a tomb built between 353 and 350 BC.

A structure that was once over 40ft tall now remains as rubble, due to an earthquake that hit the area between the 12th and 15th Century.

However, some of the original artwork is still in place, as well as some of the podiums. Some of the Mausoleum can also be found in the British Museum in London.

It’s worth a visit, and not many people can say they’ve visited an Ancient Wonder of the World!

5. Head to the Ancient Amphitheatre

There’s a lot of history in Bodrum, isn’t there?!

Another incredible activity is to head further into Bodrum and up to the ancient amphitheatre.

Dating back to the 4th century BC, the theatre was later developed by the Romans. Ultimately, it was restored to become a 13,000-seat theatre which was the home of entertainment in the area.

With free admission, this is a perfect afternoon activity in Bodrum!

6. Go on a Gulet Cruise

Have you ever heard of a Gulet cruise? We hadn’t either!

Gulet sailboats are traditional to Turkiye, and enjoying a day at sea whilst in Bodrum is a great way to spend the day!

We boarded our sailboat early in the morning and spent the day swimming in the crystal clear water, jumping off the side of the boat, snorkelling, eating fresh seafood, relaxing on deck and drinking Turkish coffee.

It was a day I’ll always remember!

You can pick from different durations of Gulet cruises, for example, an entire day or just for a few hours. You can also choose whether you’d prefer to enjoy it privately or with other people (and we did see a few party boats!)

7. Visit the Bodrum windmill viewpoint

If you’re in Bodrum town centre, I recommend taking a slight detour and heading up to the windmill viewpoint.

Whilst the windmills are no longer in use, it’s a beautiful, panoramic spot to look over the entire coastline of Bodrum. There’s even a restaurant at the top to grab a drink or some food and soak up the views for a little longer.

8. Try local Turkish food and drink

It’s not a holiday without trying new food and drink!

We loved trying the new foods recommended to us by our guide, especially as my partner, Tom, is a huge seafood fan! We didn’t have many meals that included your typical Turkish cuisines (kebabs, shish etc), as Bodrum is so well-known for its fresh and tasty seafood.

My personal favourite was Turkish coffee – something I’d never tried before. Made over a fire, the strong coffee is a popular post-meal drink in Turkish culture, and it’s a tradition we adapted to quickly!

We walked away with a new Turkish coffee mug which now sits on our living room shelf, just waiting for its first brew. I’ll let you know when that day finally arrives!

Getting around Bodrum

Getting around Bodrum will depend on where you’re staying. Most of the hotels are either in the main city centre or further out towards the coast.

If you’ve booked a holiday to Bodrum with Jet2 holidays, the resorts you’ll be staying at will often provide transport. Our hotel had linked taxi drivers and shuttles so you could get to and from different areas easily.

You can also hire a car or board the local bus. Just be sure to check with your hotel where the bus stops so you can make the right travel arrangements (and not get stuck somewhere!)

Where to stay in Bodrum

As holidays to Bodrum are so popular (with both Brits and locals), there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from.

We stayed at the beautiful  Jet2holidays Kefaluka Resort , which was around a 35-minute drive from the main centre of Bodrum. This didn’t affect our plans, but it depends on what you want from your trip. We also liked having closer access to some of the other nearby towns, like Gumusluk.

With a balcony view over the ocean, two giant pools, unlimited breakfast, a waterpark, a private beach, evening entertainment, a spa and comfortable rooms, we loved our stay at Kefaluka, and would love to return in the future!

It’s nice to live in luxury before returning to reality back home…

Getting to Bodrum

Getting to Bodrum from London Stanstead is straightforward. When flying with Jet2, you can check in online and everything is taken care of. You’ll just need to check in your bags if you have checked luggage!

We arrived at the airport around 2 hours before our afternoon flight, cruised through security and even had time to grab some pre-flight food.

The flight time from London Stanstead to Bodrum is listed as 4 hours, but it usually takes around 3 and a half hours. This goes by surprisingly quickly!

Currently, Jet2 have flights from all over the UK to Bodrum, departing on different days of the week. This includes destinations such as Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester.

Arriving in Bodrum

When you arrive in Bodrum, most hotels and resorts are at least 1 hour away from the airport. This means you’ll either need to arrange a transfer or driver (which is usually included in your Jet2 Holiday).

When you’ve collected your luggage, you’ll meet your driver at the arrivals gate. Most drivers will have a written sign marked ‘Jet2 Holidays’ or your name, depending on the type of holiday you’ve booked.

Bodrum Travel Guide: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! I hope this Bodrum travel guide has inspired you to book your next trip and experience this incredible place for yourself.

And don’t forget to try Turkish coffee!

When you’re planning a trip to Bodrum,  make sure you let me know over on  Instagram  or in the comments below! It makes my day to know I’ve helped you on your travels!

Keep an eye out for more Turkiye content,  all written from a personal and realistic point of view.

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Travel Guide To Bodrum

Jutting into the Aegean, the Bodrum Peninsula lies opposite the Greek island of Kos and between Turkey's brasher resort areas of Kusadasi and Marmaris. With its marinas, clubs and smartly-dressed clientele from Istanbul, the feel of the peninsula is French Riviera with an exotic twist. The cuisine, the bazaars and the hammams are inherently oriental, while the culture is an easygoing variety of Islamic: the intriguing mix of mosques and bikini-lifestyle is unabrasively achieved. Development is carefully monitored, and much of the peninsula retains an intrinsic charm. Inland there are pine-clad hills, and narrow roads; coastal towns and villages remain low rise, and are dotted with flowering bougainvillaea. Although the beaches are underwhelming, many of the hotels have wooden jetties, furnished with white umbrellas, sun loungers and scattered cushions, with ladders into the glorious blue water.

Where to stay in Bodrum

Belediyesi Bagarasi Mahallesi, Turkbuku (00 90 252 377 5915; www.adahotel.com ). This is set back from the bay in dreamy, walled grounds. Although the hotel owns a stretch of shoreline with suitably glamorous jetties and a 'beach' club about 10 minutes' walk away, guests spend much of their time in the calm of this boutique haven. Facilities range from a library with Internet access, to a small cinema, an attractive swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and, perhaps, best of all, a glorious, domed hammam. Mediterranean dishes (seafood risottos, prosciutto salads) with a Turkish twist are served in the cellar restaurant. A Relais & Château hotel, the Ada looks like an old Ottoman mansion, although it was only built 10 years ago; the clever, classic design makes use of local stone, which compliments the sophisticated country-house décor. There are just 14 bedrooms, each with a terrace or balcony and two with private pools. Seating areas are furnished with antiques and artworks from the collection of owner Vedat Semiz. ££

CASA DELL'ARTE

Kilise Mevkii, Mutlu Sok, Torba (00 90 252 367 1377). A ritzy boutique hotel, owned by art collectors Fatos and Yunus Buyukkusoglu, many of whose paintings are displayed here. They have devised Casa dell'Arte as a supremely exclusive and expensive retreat with a house-party atmosphere, where guests dine together at a long table. From the entrance you walk into a courtyard where a central swimming pool is flanked by galleries. The main building contains just 12 cream-coloured guest suites, each enormous, with plasma-screen TVs and modern art. An open-plan lobby is decorated with wrought-iron chandeliers and antique fireplaces. Through the library, lounge and dining room is a small garden with a bar and Jacuzzi, which gives on to a stretch of beach and a jetty. There is also a private cinema and fitness area with sauna, hammam and treatment rooms. ££££

KEMPINSKI HOTEL BARBAROS BAY

Kizilagac Koyu, Gerenkuyu Mevkii Yaliciftlik (00 90 252 311 0303; www.kempinski-bodrum.com ). This wonderfully lavish, 173-room resort seems much bigger than it actually is. The sense of space is created partly by the central lobby area, where picture window frame the Aegean sea over three cut away floors. Beneath them is the focal point of the hotel: an expansive terrace with an infinity-edged pool. One of the resort's major attractions is its extensive Six Senses spa, which includes a majestic, traditional-style hammam and is open to non-residents as well as hotel guests. £

Kesireburnu Mevkii, Turkbuku (00 90 252 377 6272; www.macakizi.com ). For the best people-watching, head to the jetties of the Macakizi hotel. A very laid-back, glitzy clientele lolls on large, cream-coloured cushions on chic sundecks. This elegant hotel is run by mother and son team Ayla Emiroglu and Sahir Erozan, who have hit upon the right combination of pared-down sophistication and mellow charm. There are 81 rooms, housed in a series of stone and white-washed cottages that spill down a hillside to the sea. Simple rooms are furnished in shades of cream, with Turkish artworks here and there. The most expensive rooms face the sea, while others offer views of the handsomely landscaped gardens. There is a small swimming pool halfway down the hill, but the hotel's heart is at the bottom, around the jetties. On the jetty is an open-air bar and restaurant, masterminded by chef Aret Sahakyan, who has a rapidly growing reputation for his modern Turkish cuisine. £

QUEEN ADA HOTEL

Hosgoru Sokak 7, Torba (00 90 252 367 1598; www.queenadahotel.com.tr ). A tranquil treasure of a hotel that has been receiving a steady flow of repeat visitors since it opened in 1998. Like the Marmara Bodrum, the hotel was designed by Ersen Gursel, but with just 22 bedrooms it is far more intimate, and the architect has concentrated on creating an informal rather than arty feel. The hotel has an elegant arrangement of jetties, and hammocks scattered around the garden. Simple but stylish rooms have terraces or balconies and offer such personalised tweaks as a pillow menu. The limited range of facilities includes a small, free-form pool, a cosy library and general lounge and an outdoor bar. Breakfast is a feast: heaps of fresh fruit, muesli, yogurts, pastries, homemade breads, honey, olives, eggs and more. Dinner is served alfresco on beautifully laid tables in the gardens. Much of the food is home-grown on the hotel's estate. £

THE MARMARA BODRUM

Suluhasan Caddesi 18, Bodrum (00 90 252 313 8130; www.themarmarahotels.com ). The town's most exciting hotel, The Marmara Bodrum wryly itemises the ruins of a watchtower dating from the fourth century BC, a stump of historic masonry standing just behind its panoramic restaurant terrace, on its list of facilities. One of a chain of nine (there are seven other Marmara hotels in Turkey and one in Manhattan), this 96-room hotel opened at the beginning of 1999 and still looks contemporary. Created by Turkish architect Ersen Gursel and French designer Christian Allart, it is a visual feast of a place. A central pool is neatly sculpted into the hillside; behind it is an artfully furnished bar and lounge with a shady, cushioned, outdoor chill-out area to one side. The airy restaurant, lit by skylights, has tiled walls that give it a Turkish feel. Elsewhere, corridors are hung with wrought-iron objets d'art, the passageways framing vistas of the gardens and town. The bedrooms, all with a terrace or balcony, are supremely comfortable, their marble bathrooms dramatically punctuated by large picture windows with views of the grounds beyond. There are squash courts, tennis courts, and a half-size Olympic pool. £

What to see in Bodrum

BARBAROS BAY

Paul Richardson

Amy Abrahams

CNT Editors

From this stretch of rocky coast the sea scenery is breathtaking: a deep-azure panorama with gullets occasionally gracing the view. About 20 minutes' drive south-east of Bodrum, Barbaros Bay is a remote spot. There was no development here (apart from a Club Med Village fairly nearby), until the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay opened in 2005. See Where to Stay.

BODRUM TOWN

One of Turkey's most popular seaside destinations, this historic little town has been zealously preserved. You will find white buildings punctuated only by greenery and by the blue tips of minarets. By day, the calls of the muezzin resound; at night, in curious juxtaposition, the town reverberates with house and techno music from the clubs and bars. Day or night, Bodrum is an attractive town, its cube-shaped houses radiating from twin harbours lined with Turkish gullets, the traditional, hand-built wooden yachts that are unique to the area. The 15th-century castle of St Peter, built by the Knights of St John, presides on a promontory above the moorings and is a landmark visible for miles around. Behind it stretch the myriad alleyways of a maze-like market, while to the west, on the main road out of town, is the Graeco-Roman amphitheatre, today a venue for live music.

About 10 minutes' drive north of Bodrum town, the old fishing village of Torba lies on a pretty bay surrounded by green hills and cooled by gentle breezes which are welcome in summer. Perhaps because it is partly enclosed, the water here is dazzlingly blue, especially as you gaze north from the pebbly beaches on the edge of the village. It is a quietly chic place, little developed and attracting well-heeled families and tourists.

A magnet for the Istanbul jetset, this chic, former fishing village is referred to as the St Tropez of Turkey. Twenty-five minutes' drive north-west of Bodrum, low-rise Turkbuku has grown sideways rather than upwards and now merges with the neighbouring village of Golkoy. The action takes place around an attractive bay stylishly fringed by jetties rather than beach. On summer days the smart set glides in on yachts and the occasional seaplane, and on summer nights the shoreline becomes a buzzing party venue.

How to get to Bodrum

The airport is 30 minutes away from Bodrum. Visit bodrum-info.org/airport .

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

There are no scheduled flights direct to Bodrum. The most convenient option for scheduled services is to fly via Istanbul, where you can break your journey. British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com ) flies from Heathrow; easyJet (0905 821 0905; www.easyjet.com ) from Luton and Turkish Airlines (020 7766 9300; www.thy.com ) from Heathrow. During the summer, a number of charter companies operate direct flights to Bodrum from the UK. These include Thomson (0870 165 0079; www.thomsonbeach.co.uk ); Thomas Cook (0870 750 5711; www.thomascook.com ; First Choice (0870 850 3999; www.firstchoice.co.uk ); MyTravel (0870 241 5333; www.mytravel.com ) and XL.com (0870 320 7777; www.xl.com ). Turkish Airlines and Atlas Jet (00 90 216 444 3387; www.atlasjet.com ) offer onward flights to Bodrum.

When to go to Bodrum

The Bodrum Peninsula is a big hit in the summer, but you might like to delay your trip to avoid the holiday crowds. The weather is warm and dry until the end of October.

Tour operator details for Bodrum

Orpel Travel (00 90 252 313 4077; www.orpeltravel.com ); Savile Tours (020 7923 3230; www.saviletours.com ).

Tourist information for Bodrum

The UK tourist office website is www.goturkey.co.uk

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A Detailed Bodrum Itinerary

Planning to visit the coastal town of Bodrum and looking to see as much as possible? This Bodrum itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay there.

Bodrum may be well known for its beaches and resorts, but there’s way more going on in this storied town than sun, sea, and sand.

Once known as Halicarnassus, this ancient city has been home to the Persian Empire, the Greeks, and the Romans over the centuries, and it shows with its array of ruins and intriguing sights — enough to pull you away from the beach for at least a day.

And with all that exploring you’ll be doing, you’ll be thankful for the many eateries serving up an array of delicious food along the cobbled streets, and overlooking the harbor.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Bodrum

The mausoleum at halicarnassus.

This funerary monument is quite literally the original mausoleum. This once-enormous tomb was built in 353 to 350 BC for Mausolus, a ruler of the Achaemenid dynasty, in what was then known as Halicarnassus.

This huge structure is thought to have been planned before Mausolus himself passed away, allowing him to choose the best spot (overlooking the city) and making sure it was as big and as lavish as it could be.

In its heyday, the mausoleum stood 45 meters high, with each of its sides skillfully and painstakingly decorated with intricate sculptural reliefs. In total, there were more than 400 sculptures once surrounding the mausoleum, with dozens of columns on top holding up the tomb’s enormous roof.

It’s no wonder that it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (alongside the Pyramids at Giza). Today only ruins remain of this once great structure, but visitors can glimpse stairways, various other tombs, the remnants of walls, and even drainage systems involved in the infrastructure of the architecture. A scale model on display gives visitors an idea of what the Mausoleum complex would have looked like in its heyday.

Myndos Gate

The Myndos Gate is believed to have been part of the seven-kilometer defensive walls that ringed the ancient city of Halicarnassus — part of the grand works carried out under the reign of Mausolus. The site itself doesn’t have much pomp surrounding it; it’s free to see the ancient gate, which is out there in the open, with a modern road passing through it.

Make sure to take a look at the ditch nearby, which is actually what remains of a moat where Alexander the Great’s soldiers drowned during the Siege of Halicarnassus 334 BC.

The Theatre at Halicarnassus

Another remnant of 4th century BC Halicarnassus, this ancient theatre was built right into the hillside itself. It originally would have had enough room to seat 5,000 people, but over the centuries it was enlarged; finally, during the Roman era around the 2nd century AD, it is believed to hold a capacity of an estimated 13,000.

Today the theatre still acts as a venue for entertainment and cultural events. For example, the Bodrum International Ballet Festival takes place here each summer, alongside other events.

Ottoman Cemetery

Located overlooking the marina of Bodrum, this old cemetery is the final resting place of a famous local sea captain and governor of Rhodes called Mustafa Pasha and his son, Chief Admiral Cafer Pasha. The pair played an important part in the maritime history of Bodrum and the Ottoman Empire.

The location of both of their tombs also happens to be the location of an old Ottoman shipyard. Here galleons were built for use by the Ottoman navy, part of a rebuilding program after almost the entire fleet was destroyed during the Battle of Chesma by the Russian navy in 1770.

Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle is hard to miss; it is the main landmark along the coast here after all. The UNESCO-recognised castle also goes by the name of Castle of St Peter, due to its history of being a stronghold for the Knights Hospitaller.

In fact, it was this religious military order that built the castle, prompted by the invasion of the Ottoman Empire by the fearsome Turco-Mongol ruler, Tamerlane. The chaos that the invasion created enabled the knights to establish an enclave for themselves on the otherwise Ottoman-dominated Anatolian Peninsula.

The castle was built with huge stones and marble that were hewn from Mausolus’s mausoleum itself. The mausoleum at this point was lying in ruins following an earthquake. The fortress was completed by 1437, but the additions of moats, walls, and extra towers continued into the early 16th century.

The knights fled in the wake of Suleiman the Magnificent’s conquest of Rhodes, leaving the castle to the sultan. The chapel within was turned into a mosque, complete with a minaret. The castle withstood for centuries but was eventually damaged during a bombing campaign of World War II. The castle can be visited to this day (open hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Bodrum Castle also plays host to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. This interesting museum opened in 1964 and explores the various ruins of ships and their ancient cargo that have been found in the waters around Bodrum’s harbor.

Here you can learn about shipwrecks, while a multitude of artefacts including amphorae and coins can be seen on display in this intriguing look into the ancient world.

Bodrum Market

It’s not just ancient and Mediaeval sights that make up the town’s list of attractions; modern life also plays a part in the charm of this old city. Bodrum Market is one such place, offering a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of daily commerce.

It’s a vibrant place to explore and a great place to pick up some interesting souvenirs and gifts, from T-shirts and memorabilia to practical bags and hats. There’s also a fresh fruit and vegetable section at the market, and a place to pick up local snacks to eat there and then too. It’s a good spot to sit down with a coffee and take it all in.

Tepecik Camii

This small, white-washed mosque sits on the waterfront of Bodrum overlooking the marina. It’s a shady spot along a leafy road, complete with lawns edging the perimeter. Come evening, and the mosque is elegantly illuminated and makes for a picturesque photo opportunity during a sunset stroll of the waterfront.

Merkez Adliye Camii

Situated in Bodrum’s Old Bazaar, close to the harbourfront, Merkez Adliye Camii is the central courthouse mosque. Constructed in 1901 from gleaming stone, it’s a mosque with a difference as it certainly doesn’t follow classic Islamic architecture (though there is a single, slender minaret rising from the otherwise almost residential roof).

It’s on the way to Bodrum Castle, so stopping off here is a good idea during your day itinerary of Bodrum — not least because the mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors to come in and learn more about the history and heritage of the building.

Head out of Bodrum and onto the hills to the west of town to discover the old windmills of the city. There are seven remaining, all dating back to the 1700s but in use all the way until the 1970s.

What remains of these once hardworking structures provides a handsome backdrop to your views out over the sea and back into town. From here you can also catch a glimpse of the Greek island of Kos in the distance.

Bodrum Maritime Museum

Bodrum’s location on the coast means that its history has been largely dictated by the sea, and a visit to the maritime museum offers an understanding of Bodrum’s heritage. Set across two floors, here you’ll find scale models of boats, examples of boat building, and tales of the sponge-diving heritage of the town. There’s also a collection of over 6,000 seashells on display at Bodrum Maritime Museum.

Zeki Muren Arts Museum

Zeki Muren was once one of the most popular singers in Turkey. He sold countless phonographs and records and was much loved by people across the nation. His music career spanned from the 1950s all the way to his death in the 1990s. His memory is marked at this museum, which is set in his former home.

His house is now a backdrop to all things Zeki Muren. Here you can see his paintings, many examples of his outlandish costumes, jewels, and gowns, and you can glimpse his personal belongings and furniture on display. For fans, it’s a dream; for those who don’t know him, it’s like a time warp into another world.

Practical Tips for Your Bodrum Itinerary

Where to stay in bodrum.

METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum : If you’re looking for a place to stay in Bodrum where you can sit back, relax, and not have to lift a finger, then METT Hotel & Beach Resort is the place for you. Guest rooms at this sophisticated resort are decidedly upscale and feel plush and comfortable; they boast ocean views, private balconies, and chic style. Elsewhere there’s the chance to dine in one of the four onsite restaurants or enjoy a drink (or a few) at one of the two bars. Want to relax further? Just head to the spa center or the private beach to unwind. Click here for more information and to book your stay.

Su Hotel – Bodrum : For something low-key and charming, Su Hotel is the place to be. Set inside a traditional stone building, this rustic accommodation option is centered around a sunny terrace where you can chill out after a busy day of exploring. It may be pared back, but that doesn’t mean that rooms here aren’t stylish. In fact, they feel quite boutique — think white-washed walls, blue color pops, and eye-catching artwork. In terms of amenities, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant, and an enticing cocktail menu to keep you entertained. Click here for more information and to book your stay.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bodrum?

Summer is undoubtedly the peak tourist season in Bodrum. From June to August, the weather is hot and sunny, making it perfect for beach lovers. The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea beckon visitors to indulge in water sports or simply relax by the shore. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

If you prefer a quieter visit with milder temperatures, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. During these shoulder seasons, you can still enjoy warm weather while avoiding the summer rush. It’s also a great time to explore Bodrum’s historical sites without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Winter in Bodrum is relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe. Although not as popular as summer or shoulder seasons, visiting during this time has its own charm. You’ll have more affordable accommodations and fewer tourists around you can truly immerse yourself in local life.

Personally, my favorite time to visit is during Autumn as the sea is still warm from the summer months and the crowds are fewer.

Where to Eat in Bodrum

Iki Sandal is a classic meyhane (traditional Turkish eatery) — a down-to-earth restaurant set in an old stone building. The setting here is particularly charming, with the front terrace providing views out over the harbor below.

Here diners can enjoy a carefully crafted menu of local dishes in the form of mezze, which is top quality, while a la carte fish dishes (this being by the coast) are also well recommended. Make sure to reserve a table on the terrace; it’s a very popular spot and gets booked up quite quickly.

Marina Yacht Club

The Marina Yacht Club isn’t just a place for people who own yachts — it’s actually one of the best-known destinations in the city for dinner, drinks, and views in the evening (or in the daytime). Serving up a delicious range of both Turkish and Italian fare, the Marina Yacht Club features an ever more party-friendly atmosphere as the evening wears on.

Find yourself a spot at one of the small tables scattered across the terrace and enjoy live music performed by various bands during the summer nights. There’s a good selection of local beers to sample here, as well as an enticing array of cocktails.

Otantik Ocakbaşı

If you’re in the market for a kebab, look no further than Otantik Ocakbaşı. This easy-going grill house has been cooking up local Turkish dishes since 1999. It’s not the fanciest of places, so don’t come here expecting extensive wine lists or 5-star service, but what brings people coming back, again and again, is its delicious kebabs, selection of grilled meats, and its friendly staff.

Located on the outskirts of the busy city centre, and featuring a leafy courtyard for al fresco dining, Otantik Ocakbaşı sees a mix of tourists and locals pass through its doors for good food and good times.

Complete with its courtyard scenery, this Spanish restaurant makes for a romantic spot to dine on an array of tapas. These carefully curated dishes alone are enough to entice visitors in, but the paella and fisherman’s stew are equally good.

The restaurant actually takes up space inside a crumbling old stone home and is shaded by the leaves of fig trees, adding to the charming setting of the eatery. La Pasion is also well known for its lunch menu, with a three-course set that (happily) seems to go on for hours; perfectly accompanied by a glass or two of wine.

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Bodrum Travel Guide- The Best Things to Do in Bodrum, Turkey

If you’re looking for a beautiful seaside resort in Turkey, offering great dining, brilliant hotels and a great selection of things to do, Bodrum is a great place to go in Turkey. I spent a weekend here at the start of a two week Turkey itinerary, and it was the most perfect place to start a trip around the country.

Bodrum has previously been known as a mass-market tourist resort, but I was pleasantly surprised that these are located more out-of-town and the centre of Bodrum consisted of charming streets, a relaxing harbour area and lovely markets.

If you have plans to spend a week in Bodrum, you will find plenty of activities to do and attractions to see. But if you only have one day or a weekend in Bodrum, you’ll still get a real feel for the place and will see the majority of its sites in the town centre and I would recommend including Bodrum on any itinerary around Turkey.

So here’s my guide to some of the best things to do in Bodrum, as well as some other essential information such as where to stay in Bodrum and how to get around. Hopefully you will find this blog post useful in planning your own trip to Bodrum!

Bodrum Travel Guide: Essential things to know

When is the best time to go to bodrum.

Peak season in Turkey stretches from around May to September, similar to other European destinations. I visited in the high season in Bodrum and didn’t find it to be too busy or hectic. The daytime temperature was hot, around 33 Celsius or so and it was blue skies and sunny. In the evening in Bodrum, it was still very warm.

Getting around Bodrum

The old town, including the marina of Bodrum, is small enough to walk around on foot easily. In fact, much of it is pedestrianised. Even the bus station is walking distance (10 minutes) from the town centre. If your hotel is just out of town, it is highly likely it will have a shuttle to the centre of Bodrum.

Arriving in Bodrum airport (Milas Mugla airport) is fairly simple, although the drive from Bodrum airport to the centre of town is around 40 minutes.

The Havas Bus service offers frequent and straight forward transfer buses between the two (costing 10 TL), or another option is to use a taxi, this is likely to cost about 130 TL. I actually pre-booked my transfer with GetYourGuide, which was pretty efficient and dropped me at my accommodation in Bodrum. Book your airport transfer here.

Where to stay in Bodrum?

There are so many hotel options in and around Bodrum, it can be quite hard to pick. As I was travelling solo in Turkey, I chose to stay in a hostel in the town centre. I stayed at the Eskici hostel, which was just metres from the beach. It offered a chill out pool and a really cool relaxed vibe.

You can check rates for the excellent Eskici hostel here at Booking.com

Other good value hostels and hotels in Bodrum include:

• Istankoy Hotel
• Asmin Hotel Bodrum
• 7. Art Feslegen Hotel

However, Bodrum is also known for some spectacular luxury hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental and The Bodrum EDITION.

You check prices for these, and several other top hotels in Bodrum below:

• Mandarin Oriental
• The Bodrum EDITION
• LUX* Bodrum Resort & Residences
• Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay

Bodrum Travel Guide: Things to do in Bodrum

Wander its charming streets.

Bodrum’s town centre consists of many little laneways, all offering charming experiences and unusual street art. Wandering around the quaint town centre of Bodrum, I’d keep coming across corners of tumbling bougainvillea and gorgeous wall climbers, tucked away from main paths.

The Turkish people are hugely passionate and patriotic, and the Turkish flag is everywhere, adorning many buildings’ walls. You will also see the ‘evil eye’, meant to ward off evil spirits in many places too. You could say it is kind of like Turkey’s national symbol.

A very pleasant afternoon or longer can be spent exploring the streets of Bodrum. There are many Instagram-worthy photo stops in Bodrum, but thankfully, not too many photoshoots happening at once!

Sample Turkish cuisine at one of Bodrum’s best restaurants or cafes

Like many European seaside towns, the waterfront and the marina area in Bodrum is lined with great restaurants, bars and cafes. Some are really quaint and romantic, and some more lively. But on the whole, I was really amazed with how beautiful they were. You feel charmed to enter!

One restaurant I particularly liked was Kortan 365 on the waterfront in Bodrum. The building dates back over 450 years and it’s really like stepping back in time, however I was surprised to learn it turns into a lively evening spot after dark!

Turkish cuisine is one of my favourites. I highly recommend borek, which is white cheese in pastry and aubergine salad topped with yoghurt.

I tried a Turkish coffee with keen anticipation, but realised it’s not for me.

Other brilliant places to eat in Bodrum include:

• Avlu Bistro is tucked away and offers a wonderfully romantic setting
• Annalivia a popular Turkish restaurant offering fantastic views over the bay
• Memedof Fish Restaurant is one of the fine dining restaurants in Bodrum, and offers some of the best seafood in town.

Visit Bodrum Castle and learn about the area’s history

The castle in Bodrum dates back to 1402 and is one of the town’s main tourist attractions. Bodrum Castle offers amazing views over the town and the turquoise Aegean Sea. It is also home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housing one of the most important collections in the world. The castle has recently re-opened following a €25 million restoration project. Book your city sightseeing tour here.

Join a boat trip in Bodrum

Some of Bodrum’s best beaches are further out in the bay and can be reached by boat.

Gulets, the traditional Turkish style of boats, line the harbour. You can also sail the Greek Islands of Kos or Rhodes easily from Bodrum, which is a cool day trip.

GetYourGuide offer hundreds of day trips from Bodrum and excursions by land or sea to exciting attractions nearby. I’ve selected a couple of great tours here:

• Full Day Orak Island Boat Trip
• Pirate Boat Trip from Bodrum

Wander the artisan shops

The shopping in Bodrum is surprisingly good. I found I wanted to buy so many knick-knacks, clothes and sandals. In fact, Bodrum is famous for its excellent quality leather sandals! I thought the beautiful shell and jewellery stands were particularly eye-catching and I wanted to buy everything.

Soak up the fun nightlife

The atmosphere in Bodrum is surprisingly lively and welcoming. The town centre didn’t feel tacky, although I’m aware it sometimes has this reputation. I think a lot of revellers stay in their resorts or bars nearer their hotels maybe.

Experience a hammam

Doing a traditional Turkish hammam is a must-do at some point during your Turkey holiday, and where better than Bodrum! There’s several hammams in town, but why not go with a local guide who’ll take you to the baths, and talk you through the experience! Book a tour to a traditional local hammam here.

Bodrum Travel Guide

Have you been to Bodrum before? How did you find it? I’d love to hear, so do let me know in the comments below. Visiting Bodrum was a really pleasant surprise, and the perfect first place to visit on my two week Turkey itinerary. I found a weekend to be a good time to explore Bodrum, but I could have easily spent a week enjoying the beaches in Bodrum.

I hope this guide to Bodrum has been useful in planning your own trip to Turkey!

If you’re considering a longer Turkey adventure, you might find my two-week Turkey itinerary here useful, as well as my guides to Pamukkale , Ephesus , sailing the famous Turquoise Coast , Istanbul and Cappadocia .

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share using the below links! Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to Bodrum, Turkey was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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I agree, Bodrum is a perfect destination. It has it all: a sea, a beach, old history, great food, hospitality, and beautiful scenery. I added this town to my bucket list. Thank you for sharing!

Bodrum is amazing ! I have already been two times and can only recommend it. The people are super friendly as well and we always had amazing turkish food and tea. And I can only agree : The nightlife is great .

I’m loving these bright colors. I would go just to check out those cute streets, indeed!

Turkey is such an interesting country! I’ve never been drawn to it, but your experience sounds so amazing! I want to also try the food, I heard its extremely delicious

Bodrum sounds like a great place for a summer vacation. Who can resist great restaurants and cute streets!

Oh wow, I had no idea parts of Turkey was so Greece-like. Ive just been to Santorini and if you just look at the photos, Bodrum could be mistaken for Greece! I really want to go now! Pinning this — you’ve just added another destination to my bucket list! 😉

Your photos are gorgeous. I’m sold on Bodrum!

I’m totally convinced to visit Bodrum. It’s so lovely and bright, with the coastal and Summer vibe that I love.

It’s a pity I didn’t visit Turkey when I lived so close – at the other side of the Black Sea. The country is full of picture perfect places like this.

Hi, I am planning to visit Turkey in October/Nov. Just wondering if Bodrum is still as great to visit during this season.

The pictures look great

I can’t wait, visiting Bodrum end of April! Hopefully we will have time to do everything you suggest

Bodrum is such a beautiful holiday destination in Turkey, please be our guest next time when you come to Bodrum and be our guests. There more places that we want to show tou around bodrum.

Thank you! I would love that 🙂

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Home » Travel Guides » Turkey » 15 Best Things to Do in Bodrum (Turkey)

15 Best Things to Do in Bodrum (Turkey)

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built in what is now the modern resort of Bodrum on the Aegean Sea.

In Medieval times marble and polished stone from that vast monument were reused for a castle by the Knights Hospitaller, and a lot of the masterful sculpture eventually found its way to the British Museum.

There are clues from the city of Halicarnassus all over town, at the theatre, Myndos Gate and the site of that mausoleum.

Bodrum is on a craggy peninsula where bays with clear, glistening waters are sheltered between headlands.

Here you can divide your time between thrilling archaeology and a sun lounger by a shimmering cove.

1. Bodrum Castle (Castle of St Peter)

On a promontory east of Bodrum’s harbour stands Bodrum Castle, built in the beginning of the 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller.

This location has been fortified for more than 3,000 years and is the likely setting for the palace of Mausolus from the 4th century BCE.

One of many absorbing things about this building is that stonework from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was recycled for its walls, either turned into dust to make lime, or simply re-used.

The castle was an international project, with its four towers named for the people who built them: German, Italian, French and English.

The castle fell to Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century and became a prison in 1895.

2. Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Since the 1960s the castle has hosted a fascinating museum dedicated to the underwater finds made at Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern shipwreck sites around the Turkish Aegean.

This is the largest museum in Turkey devoted to this field, presenting a thrilling hoard of Mycenaean copper ingots and vases, Ancient Egyptian seals, royal Carian jewellery, Roman amphorae, Medieval Islamic glassware, a Spanish four-Real piece from the 16th century and loads more.

These pieces are spread throughout the castle’s historic interior and accompanied by interesting snippets, like for example, a chronology of the development of Amphorae.

The museum also features two reconstructed shipwrecks from the Bronze Age and Medieval period.

3. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The magnificent tomb that first defined the term “mausoleum” was built in Halicarnassus for the Carian satrap Mausolus (d. 353 BCE). Set on a massive podium, this was a monument of incredible grandeur, 45 metres tall and with reliefs on each facade carved by one of the preeminent Greek 4th-century BCE sculptors, Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas of Paros and Timotheus.

It was toppled by earthquakes between 1100 and 1400, and was the last of the six ruined wonders of the ancient world to be destroyed.

Most of the marble blocks and polished stone became spolia for Bodrum Castle, but, however modest, the original site of the mausoleum is a humbling place because of what it represents.

Many of the finer sculptures were removed in the 19th century and have ended up in the British Museum, but until they’re returned the surviving reliefs, fluted columns and a stairway give a tantalising glimpse of what came before.

Also here is a small exhibition with a video breaking down the chronology of the mausoleum, amphitheatre and castle.

4. Theatre of Halicarnassus

A couple of streets up from the mausoleum site is the Greek-style theatre, constructed during the reign of Mausolus in the 4th century BCE and later enlarged by the Romans in the 2nd century CE.

Its architect had an eye for the spectacular, as the theatre has a stirring view out to the Aegean from its cavea.

In its heyday this venue could seat around 13,000 people, and enough survives today that it can be used as a stage for cultural events throughout the high season.

You can look at the excavated hillside to see where the cavea continued up the slope.

5. Zeki Müren Arts Museum

The coiffed singer and actor Zeki Müren (1931-1996) is a colossal figure in Turkish popular culture and spent much of his life, especially the last few years, here in Bodrum.

Müren starred in dozens of films and recorded 30+ albums, and his influence is hard to overstate.

After he died, his home on his namesake street in Bodrum was turned into a museum.

Müren had a Liberace-esque taste for the flamboyant, and while there’s lots of stage costumes and photographs to back this up, the home itself is pared-down and gives a touching impression of a man seeking a quiet life.

As for memorabilia there’s lots of jewellery, hi-fi equipment and paintings that he composed, while an English introduction at the entrance will bring you up to speed on Müren’s career.

6. Bodrum Deniz Müzesi (Maritime Museum)

Bodrum has been involved in shipbuilding since antiquity, and the industry was given a boost in the early 19th century when Ottoman warships were launched here.

When demand waned in the middle of 19th century, that shipbuilding knowhow was put to use building three-masted gulets (schooners) for trade, fishing and sponging.

In 2011, Bodrum’s maritime museum moved into the old bazaar building (bedesten) by the castle, and has scores of models for the various wooden boats built in Bodrum.

Much of what you see, including 6,000 shells from around the world, is from the personal collection of Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (1886-1973), a Crete-born writer, exiled to Bodrum in 1925. He is nicknamed the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus”, and is credited with raising Bodrum’s profile and bringing it to the attention of the Turkish literati in the 20th century.

7. Bitez Beach

While the public beach in Bodrum is more than adequate, if you’re willing to travel a little you’ll come across some outstanding beaches within a few kilometres.

The Blue Flag Bitez Beach is a short way west, and regarded as one of the best on the entire peninsula for families with smaller children.

Shielded to the east by a long headland, Bitez Beach is a scallop-shaped bay with gravelly sand (bring flip-flops) and a big spread of shallow, warm and transparent water.

And like all the touristy beaches around Bodrum, the bay is lined with eateries, many of which rent out sun loungers with the price of a drink or two included, or for free with the price of a meal.

But in spite of all this business, the resort is far quieter than Gümbet and Bodrum around the headland.

8. Ortakent-Yahşi Beach

Some ten kilometres west of Bodrum proper is one of the longest beaches on the peninsula, at the place where two villages, Ortakent (east) and Yahşi (west) have formed a single municipality.

The two ends of the beach have a different character: Yahşi is oriented towards tourism and has restaurants and shops, as well as a jetty for boat excursions, while Ortakent, over the Uludere river inlet is more peaceful and backed by hotels and holiday rentals.

Come the high season, every inch of the crescent-shaped pebble beach will be covered with sun loungers and parasols.

Drinks are normally included in the rental price, and you can cool off wading out into the clear Aegean waters.

There’s also a strip of greenery edging the beach, used by for outdoor seating by bars and restaurants, and occasionally furnished with cabanas and hammocks among the palms.

High on the Bodrum Peninsula’s rugged spine are the ruins of the ancient Carian settlement of Pedasa.

You can hike to Pedasa from Bodrum’s Konacık, and the experience maybe a welcome antidote to resort life, climbing through maquis shrub, and hushed forest under the cover of pines, cedars and larches.

The ample shade means you could attempt this hike on a summer’s morning, if you bring plenty of water.

The evocative ruins at Pedasa are from between the 11th and 6th century BCE, and a recent excavation has brought to light a temple to Athena.

The site is spread across several hill-tops, giving you stunning 360° panoramas of the peninsula and Aegean.

10. Windmills of Bodrum

The Bodrum Peninsula is littered with quaint reminders of a time before tourism, dating back as far as the 1700s.

These windmills are in various states of repair and set high on ridges to catch the breeze.

The most convenient to Bodrum proper is a row of eight, along the peninsula between this resort and neighbouring Gümbet.

Whitewashed, these circular buildings stand out against the blues and browns of the land and sea beyond.

As much as anything the windmills are a vantage point where you can survey the clear turquoise waters of the bays, the sprawl of the resorts and the coniferous hills in all directions.

11. Bodrum Harbour

It’s fascinating to think that vessels have been docking at Bodrum Harbour, tucked snug behind the castle, for upwards of 3000 years.

On the west side of the harbour is the Milta Bodrum Marina, hailed as one of the most prestigious marinas on the Aegean.

This is a Blue Flag facility, with 450 berths, some filled by ostentatious super yachts.

For landlubbers the harbour with its wide quaysides, palms and eucalyptus trees is a prime place to mill around and watch the ferries come and go, particularly in the evening when the sunset are wonderful.

And along the street at the back there’s an unbroken string of restaurants and cafes taking advantage of these views.

The harbour is also where you’ll find those traditional three-masted gulets, built right here in Bodrum.

12. Bardakçı Koyu (Bardakci Cove)

On the east side of the headland with the windmills is a delightful little cove with pool-like waters.

The drawback to Bardakçı Koyu is that there’s no public beach, and you’ll have to pay for a sun lounger belonging to one of the three hotels that crowd the cove (about 50TL or $8.50 in 2020). The good news is that you can get there the scenic way, buy catching a water taxi across the bay from Bodrum Harbour, departing every ten minutes or so.

It’s a fun way to arrive, and when you get there you can swim in sparkling waters with soft sand underfoot and hardly a trace of seaweed.

13. Myndos Gate

The last vestige of the seven-kilometre walls of the Halicarnassus can be found in the west of Bodrum.

These defences were constructed in the 4th century BCE by Mausolus, the satrap of Caria, and the Myndos Gate was one of two monumental entranceways.

Although the stonework on the gate’s two towers is a modern interpretation, there’s a lot of archaeological interest, and vaulted tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods have been discovered nearby.

You can make out 50 metres of the surrounding ditch, known to have slowed down Alexander the Great’s capture of the city in 334 BCE.

Around the site are information plaques explaining its historical significance.

14. Midtown Shopping Centre

As a sign of the times, a plush mall has opened in Ortakent under ten kilometres west of Bodrum proper.

On a scorching day you may be ready for an air-conditioned behemoth like this.

At Midtown Shopping Centre are plenty of brands you’d expect from a European high street, like Marks & Spencer, Gap, L’Occitane, Mango, H&M, Yves Rocher and MediaMarkt.

There’s also a giant food court, where you might try out popular Turkish chains like Simit Sarayi, alongside worldwide fast food names like McDonalds, Burger King, Popeyes and Starbucks.

And like most malls, Midtown has a multiplex cinema showing Turkish and international movies, although these tend to be dubbed.

15. Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip

Orak Island is in the Aegean east of Bodrum, looking back to a long, mostly uninhabited stretch of the peninsula.

You can visit on a day-long cruise through GetYourGuide.com .

After setting sail from Bodrum Harbour in late-morning the cruise will make a stop at the exquisite Red Bay, before dropping anchor at Orak Island Bay, where you can swim and snorkel in shimmering turquoise waters and laze on a white sandy beach.

Lunch is prepared on board and normally involves a fresh salad and grilled chicken.

And after departing the main bay, you’ll make two or three more swimming stops, and enjoy the views of the peninsula in the late afternoon light over a slice of melon and cup of Turkish tea.

15 Best Things to Do in Bodrum (Turkey):

• Bodrum Castle (Castle of St Peter)
• Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• Theatre of Halicarnassus
• Zeki Müren Arts Museum
• Bodrum Deniz Müzesi (Maritime Museum)
• Bitez Beach
• Ortakent-Yahşi Beach
• Windmills of Bodrum
• Bodrum Harbour
• Bardakçı Koyu (Bardakci Cove)
• Myndos Gate
• Midtown Shopping Centre
• Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip

18 Best Things to Do in Bodrum, Turkey | 2024 (with Photos)

Rosalia Ignatova - Travel Writer

Last Updated: January 12, 2024

Hey there! I'm Rose, and in this article titled "18 Best Things to Do in Bodrum, Turkey | 2024 (with Photos)", I've curated an exciting list of activities based on my personal experience in this amazing destination. Get ready to make the most of your trip by planning in advance and have an unforgettable time exploring Bodrum!

Bodrum, a resort town, located in the heart of the Turkish Riviera , is a charming coastal town that boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty.

Nestled along the Aegean Sea and neighboring the picturesque Greek island of Kos, Bodrum offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Whether you're interested in exploring the ancient wonders of the local area or simply relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone in Bodrum .

So why not plan a visit to this delightful town and discover the magic of its local culture, hospitality, and breathtaking scenery?

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Castle of St. Peter

Top Choice Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Otantik Ocakbasi

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Sunny summers, mild winters, best time: April-October.

Average Temperature

Warm and Mediterranean climate in Bodrum, Turkey.

Transportation Options

Buses, taxis, minibuses, rental cars, bicycles, scooters, walking.

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

One must-do activity that I highly recommend is exploring the iconic Bodrum Castle. As you wander through its ancient stone walls, you'll feel the weight of history beneath your feet and be transported back in time.

Another must-visit spot in Bodrum is the vibrant market known as the Bodrum Bazaar. Lose yourself in its bustling atmosphere as you navigate through a maze of stalls selling everything from colorful textiles and handmade ceramics to aromatic spices and exotic fruits.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Travel documents
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimming essentials

What Not to Miss

• Bodrum Castle
• Ancient Theater of Bodrum
• Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• Myndos Gate

What to Avoid

• Overpriced restaurants and tourist traps
• Unlicensed taxis and scams targeting tourists
• Public displays of affection in conservative areas

Table of Contents

1. Bodrum Castle - Castle of St. Peter and Bodrum Harbour

Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter , is a fascinating historical landmark located in the heart of Bodrum, Turkey.

This stunning fortress was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, and it remains one of the most impressive examples of medieval architecture in the region.

The Bodrum castle consists of several towers, including the English Tower , which was named after the English knights who were stationed there during the time of the Knights of St. John.

The tower is one of the largest and most imposing structures of Bodrum Castle, with thick walls and narrow windows that once served as lookouts and defensive positions.

In addition to the towers, the castle is also home to several vast halls that were once used as living quarters, storerooms, and ceremonial spaces. The halls are adorned with intricate carvings, arches, and decorative motifs that reflect the castle's rich history and cultural significance.

The nearby Bodrum Harbour is home to a wide range of amenities and attractions, including restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops selling everything from souvenirs to designer clothing. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, take in the stunning views of the sea and surrounding hills, or simply relax and people-watch as the boats come and go.

2. Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology

Located within the walls of Bodrum Castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a fascinating tribute to the maritime history of the Aegean Sea.

With a vast collection of artifacts recovered from underwater excavations, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is dedicated to preserving and showcasing these treasures. From ancient amphorae to intricate jewelry, the museum's collection spans thousands of years of history.

This is the largest museum in the world dedicated to underwater archaeology. One of the highlights of the museum is the Hall of Bronze Age Shipwrecks , which features artifacts recovered from a 3,500-year-old shipwreck.

The ship, which sank off the coast of Kas, Turkey, is one of the oldest known examples of a seafaring vessel.

3. See How a Legend Lived at the Zeki Muren Arts Museum

The Zeki Muren Museum is a charming museum located in Bodrum, Turkey, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned artist, the iconic Turkish singer and actor, Zeki Muren .

The museum features a collection of personal belongings, costumes, photographs, and recordings of Muren's performances, providing visitors with a fascinating insight into his life and career.

4. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Bodrum is home to one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

This magnificent tomb was built in the ancient city of Halicarnassus, which is now modern-day Bodrum, to honor the memory of King Mausolus , who ruled the city in the 4th century BC.

The mausoleum collapsed after a series of earthquakes between the 12th and 15th centuries. It was the last standing of the 6 destroyed Ancient Wonders of the World.

Some of its sculptures were taken by crusaders to their castle at Bodrum, from where they were taken in 1846 by the British ambassador at Constantinople and presented to the British Museum. Others were retrieved in the 1850s during site excavations by the museum.

Today, visitors can explore the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus and marvel at the remains of the Mausoleum.

5. Discover the Wonders of the Sea at the Bodrum Maritime Museum - Bodrum Deniz Müzesi

The Bodrum Maritime Museum ****is a fascinating museum located in the heart of Bodrum. The museum's collection includes a vast array of artifacts and exhibits, including ship models, antique navigation instruments, photographs, and paintings.

Here, you will find fascinating sailboats and other maritime artifacts that offer a glimpse into the traditional sailing culture of the region. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in maritime history.

6. Visit the Amazing Architecture of the Bodrum Amphitheater

The Bodrum Amphitheater is a stunning ancient Roman amphitheater located in the heart of Bodrum. Constructed in the 4th century BC , the amphitheater was designed to hold up to 13,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and other public events.

Today, visitors can explore the amphitheater and marvel at its impressive size and architectural features, including the original stage, seating, and decorative stonework.

7. Cruise and Swim on the Beautiful Aegean Sea

Bodrum is a popular destination for cruising and boat trips, offering visitors the chance to explore the stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters of the sea.

Located on the junction of the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean, this is a great spot to scuba dive , with many boats offering diving trips to explore the underwater world of Bodrum. There are other water sports available too, like snorkeling and windsurfing.

From colorful reefs to ancient shipwrecks, there's plenty to see and discover beneath the waves and swimming stops. You can organize a guided boat tour or a private boat trip to explore the sea in your own style.

Many boats also offer day trips to nearby islands , where you can explore charming villages, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and soak up the natural beauty of the region.

8. Visit Bodrum Marina

The Bodrum Marina, also known as the Milta Bodrum Marina , is one of the most prestigious marinas in Turkey and the Mediterranean.

Situated in the heart of Bodrum, the Milta Bodrum Marina boasts a stunning location with easy access to the town's many attractions, restaurants, and shops.

With over 450 berths, the Marina is one of the largest and most modern marinas in the region , offering a wide range of services and amenities to its guests.

In addition to its state-of-the-art facilities, the Bodrum Marina is also renowned for its stunning views and lively atmosphere, and loud music.

9. Take a Day Trip on the Bodrum Peninsula

The Bodrum Peninsula boasts more than just Bodrum town. This stunning location in southwestern Turkey boasts a beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich history and culture.

The entire peninsula is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore this beautiful region. Visitors can explore Bodrum Peninsula by visiting the Bodrum Windmills, or the nearby towns of Yalikavak and Kadikalesi.

Visitors can stroll through the winding streets, sample local cuisine, and soak up the atmosphere of these traditionazl Turkish communities.

10. Swim at Yahsi Beach

The Bodrum Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful pristine beaches in Turkey, including Yahsi Beach, Camel Beach, and Bitez Beach.

Each of these sandy beaches offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, with crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Yahsi Beach is a long and sandy beach located on the western side of the Peninsula. With its calm and shallow waters, it's the perfect destination for families with young children.

11. Visit Camel Beach

Named for the camel rides that used to be offered there, is a more secluded and quiet beach located on the southern side of the Peninsula.

With its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, it's the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day at the beach.

12. Visit Bitez Beach

Bitez Beach is another popular destination for visitors to the Bodrum Peninsula. With its long stretch of sandy beach and calm waters , it's the perfect place to relax under palm trees and soak up the sun.

Venture a little out of town and you can dive among sandbar sharks and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal at Gokova Bay .

13. Explore Black Island

Black Island, or Karaada in Turkish, is a small island located off the coast of Bodrum in Turkey.

One of the island's most popular attractions is the hot springs , which are said to have therapeutic properties.

The warm waters of the hot springs are rich in minerals, making them a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

14. Discover Bodrum Town

Bodrum City, located on Bodrum Bay in Turkey, is a vibrant and historic city center that offers visitors a unique and huge range of culture, ancient ruins, history, and modern amenities.

Bodrum Town is also home to the Bodrum Yalıkavak Yolu , a scenic coastal road that winds along the bay and offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape.

The road is a popular destination for visitors looking to take a scenic drive or walk along the coast.

15. Experience a Turkish Bath Ritual at a Bodrum Hammam

Bodrum Hamam, also known as a Turkish bath, is a traditional bathing experience that dates back centuries. At a typical Bodrum Hammam, visitors will first relax in a warm room to open their pores, then move on to a steam room to sweat out toxins.

After this, they will receive a scrub-down with a special mitt to exfoliate their skin and leave it feeling smooth and refreshed. Finally, visitors can enjoy a relaxing massage to help soothe their muscles and leave them feeling renewed.

There are several highly rated hammams in Bodrum, each offering a unique and luxurious experience, such as the Bitez Hamam and the Historic Bardakci Hamam.

16. Take a Good Picture with Bodrum's Windmills

Bodrum is home to several historic windmills that are scattered throughout the region, particularly in the areas of Bardakci and Gumbet.

These windmills were once an important part of the region's agricultural economy, as they were used to grind grain and produce flour.

Today, many of these windmills have been restored and are considered to be cultural landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's past.

Some of the windmills have been converted into cafes or restaurants, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

17. Taste a Cup of Delicious Turkish Coffee

Bodrum has many great places to enjoy a cup of the best coffee, but here are a few that are particularly popular among locals and visitors:

Osmanlı Kahvecisi: Located in the heart of Bodrum town. The coffee is made using a traditional cezve and is served with a small glass of water on the side.

Kıyı Cafe: This charming cafe is situated on the waterfront in Yalikavak and is a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the views of the Sea.

Dibek Kahve: This cafe is located in the historic village of Gumusluk and is known for its traditional preparation of coffee using a mortar and pestle called a dibek .

18. Try Turkish Delight or Baklava

Turkish delight and baklava are two popular sweets in Bodrum that are worth trying during your visit. These delicacies are part of Bodrum's charm.

Turkish delight, also known as lokum , is a chewy, sugary confection that comes in a variety of flavors, such as rose, lemon, and pistachio. Meanwhile, baklava is a nut-filled pastry.

In Bodrum, you can find lokum and baklava in many local bakeries and pastry shops.

FAQs Regarding Things to Do in Bodrum

Let's take a look at some frequently asked questions about things to do in Bodrum, Turkey.

Is Bodrum Turkey worth visiting?

Yes, Bodrum is worth visiting. This town is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that Turkey has to offer. Don't forget to take a day trip to some nearby towns, or find more activities in Greek Island of Kos , and soak up some sun and culture.

How do you spend a day in Bodrum?

There are many things to do in Bodrum that can easily fill up a day. You can start your day with a visit to the Castle of St. Peter. After exploring the castle and museum, head to the nearby marina and take a stroll along the promenade for some lunch. In the evening, head to Bodrum's famous Bar Street for some nightlife.

What is special about Bodrum?

Bodrum is a unique and special destination for several reasons. Its ancient history and vibrant culture make this Turkish spot perfect for people who want to get in touch with the ancient world. Moreover, the natural beauty, nightlife, and famous local cuisine in Bodrum are exceptional.

Which is better Bodrum or Antalya?

Both Bodrum and Antalya are popular tourist destinations in Turkey, each with its own unique attractions and features. Ultimately, which destination is better depends on your personal preferences and travel style.

Summing Up: 18 Best Things to Do in Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is a destination that has it all: history, culture, great food, natural beauty, and warm beaches. Its unique combination of the ancient and the modern makes Bodrum an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to visit.

From the Bodrum Deniz Müzesi to the Zeki Muren Arts Museum, there is something on mainland Bodrum for everyone. And you can take a boat ride to the nearby islands when you want to get a taste of the sea air.

Bodrum promises to be an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come.

Bodrum Castle - Castle of St. Peter and Bodrum Harbour

Bodrum museum of underwater archaeology.

Visit the Amazing Architecture of the Bodrum Amphitheater

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Discover the Wonders of the Sea at the Bodrum Maritime Museum - Bodrum Deniz Müzesi

Experience a Turkish Bath Ritual at a Bodrum Hammam

Featured in.

Immerse Yourself in Beauty on a Six-Day Itinerary in Bodrum, Türkiye

Bask in a luxurious turkaegean retreat on the sun-soaked turquoise coast.

• Copy Link copied

TÜRKIYE’S CAPTIVATING TURQUOISE COAST

COURTESY OF GO TÜRKIYE

Bodrum , synonymous with opulence, tranquility, and an oasis of calm, beckons seekers of luxury and wellness. Its sun-drenched beaches, hidden coves, and verdant scenery, paired with upscale resorts and top-notch shopping, have consistently captivated visitors. This idyllic peninsula has been Türkiye’s cherished haven for over half a century, offering a slice of heaven on earth.

The destination ensures a heartfelt welcome to every visitor, going the extra mile to accommodate those who yearn to revel in its scenic beauty and the charm of the Turquoise Coast. Prominent landmarks in the area include the renowned Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and a stunning 4th-century theater that sets the stage for musical and dance performances during the summer. The pathways and trails connecting these sites are adorned with quintessential Aegean features, including white-painted houses, tangerine trees, and bougainvillea, all under sunny skies.

On this six-day itinerary through the enchanting Bodrum Peninsula and its neighboring gems, you’ll be enthralled by a blend of rich history, maritime allure, and the soothing embrace of wellness. This curated journey promises an unforgettable experience, inviting you to explore Bodrum and beyond, with each day unfolding new wonders. Your week-long adventure begins now, embracing the allure of the Aegean coast in all its splendor.

Trip Highlight

Bodrum cuisine.

Trip Designer

BODRUM CASTLE AND HARBOR

Day 1: Explore Bodrum’s Rich History and Maritime Beauty

DINE IN THE OPEN AIR AT BODRUM’S RENOWNED SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS

Day 2: Shop and Eat in Bodrum's Enchanting Towns

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Day 3: Water Activities and Supreme Relaxation on the Bodrum Peninsula

TAKE A STROLL AROUND DATÇA.

Days 4–5: Set Sail to Datça and Marmaris

ENJOY A PICNIC LUNCH ON THE WATER.

Day 6: Enjoy a Dalyan River Delta Excursion

15 Best Bodrum Beaches for Sun-Loving Travelers

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

For many years, travelers have been flocking to the Bodrum Peninsula for some sun-loving time at the beach. The peninsula is unique for it connects to two seas – the South is connected to the warm waters of the Mediterranean Ocean and the North and West connect to the glistening Aegean Sea.

For a beach vacation in Turkey, Bodrum is a hot spot for both locals and overseas tourists. Bodrum beaches are perfect for every type of traveler, from families looking for protected bays with gentle waves, to adventure travelers looking for seclusion. If you’re into watersports, there’s a beach in Bodrum for you, too.

But if it’s your first time visiting the area and you’re not sure which is the best beach in Bodrum for you and your travel party, then don’t worry, because this guide will help you out.

I’ve listed all the best beaches in Bodrum in order of who they are most suited for, from families to watersport enthusiasts to adventurers. Go take a look…

Planning a trip to Bodrum last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Bodrum:

• Airport Shuttle From Bodrum Airport To City Center (Best way to get into town!)

Here are our recommended tours in Bodrum:

• Bodrum Private Gulet Tour (Best way to experience Bodrum’s beauty!)
• Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip (A must-do in Bodrum)
• Bodrum Turkish Bath and Spa (Great for relaxing!)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Bodrum:

• Bodrum Sade Pension (Cute hotel in the town center!)
• METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum (Insanely luxurious resort with private beach! Not too expensive!)
• La Luna Hostel (Most famous hostel in Bodrum!)

Best Beaches in Bodrum for Families

Since many of Bodrum’s annual visitors are family vacationers, we’ll begin with our most family-friendly Bodrum beaches.

1. Bitez Beach

• Location: 8km from Bodrum

Bitez Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bodrum for families because it’s in a sheltered position. The horseshoe-shaped bay protects the water from getting too rough, which makes it calm and gentle for swimming. The shoreline also gradually deepens rather than shelves off, which means that it’s safe for small children to paddle on the edge.

While the beach isn’t sandy per se, it’s more a soft shingle, it’s still very clean and gentle on the toes. In fact, it’s one of the many Blue Flag beaches in Bodrum (an award given to the cleanest beaches in Turkey).

The water isn’t so clear here because of the disturbance of the sand making the water a little misty, but it’s still clean and refreshing. You won’t find much fish here, so it’s not ideal for those who like to snorkel.

You’ll find plenty of facilities around you from restaurants to hotels, to showers and changing rooms. You can also find sun loungers (if you get there early enough) which are owned by the hotels. Some hotels let you use them if you buy a drink, others ask you to pay to rent them. It’s best to scout around and check out prices.

You can also book boat tours and watersports such as parasailing from the shore.

2. Icmeler Beach

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• Location: 3.8km from Bodrum

Icmeler Beach is another great option for families. It’s a small beach with a pebbly shingle terrain. The beach has stunning views of the vibrant green hills across the bay, a stunning contrast to the mesmerizing blue waters of the Mediterranean Ocean.

It’s also located in a bay which means it’s sheltered from the wind, though it is said the wind picks up later in the day after 3pm here.

The shoreline gradually deepens which is great for little ones who like to paddle in the water. You’ll also see a safety nets to protect swimmers, but you won’t find much fish if you like snorkeling.

You can find many straw umbrellas to give you shade from the sun, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can fill up on some delicious Turkish and International cuisine.

There’s a cabin and shower that visitors can use, but there is only one because the beach is small. If you’re planning to drive, be mindful that parking is not easy around this area. It’s also only a 20-minute walk from the main beach in Bodrum.

3. Bodrum Beach

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunny Garden Bodrum (@sunnygardenbodrum)

• Location: In Bodrum City

For families not wanting to travel far for the beach, then Bodrum Beach is the best option. It’s a well-maintained beach with ample facilities, such as showers, changing rooms and toilets.

There are plenty of sun loungers and straw umbrellas for visitors to use, though you may need to pay a small fee. There are a lot of restaurants and bars nearby where you can get refreshments and snacks.

The beach is shingly but it gradually slopes, making it a great beach for paddling. There are many boats in the water behind the swimming net and sometimes cruise ships park off the shore too.

The beach is in a horseshoe shape, which offers protection from the big waves. It’s a great place for families with small kids, though it can get crowded in the summer because of its convenient location in the town.

Read More: Best Beach Resorts In Turkey You Can’t Miss!

4. Kumbahçe Sahili Beach

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Another great blue flag beach in Bodrum Town is Kumbahçe Sahili beach. It’s a small beach next to Bodrum Beach, so you’ll find it easily.

However away from the boats is a nice bay for swimming. It’s sheltered from the wind and the waves are gentle. Like other beaches in Bodrum, it has a shingle terrain that can be hard underfoot, so make sure to bring water shoes or flip-flops.

The shoreline gradually slopes into the ocean so little ones can paddle on the edge without frightening mom and dad.

There are lots of umbrellas and sun loungers, and even restaurants that serve dinner al fresco on the beach. It’s a stunning spot for sunset since it faces West.

One thing that it lacks is facilities like changing rooms and showers, but since it’s in the city center you can most likely walk here from your hotel if you’re staying in Bodrum.

5. Bodrum Yalı Çiftlik Halk Beach

• Location: 13.7km south of Bodrum

If you’re looking to venture out of the city, then Bodrum Yalı Çiftlik Halk Beach is a great option. It’s a big bigger than the other beaches I’ve mentioned for families above, and so it’s less sheltered from the wind.

The waves are still quite gentle though and there is a swimming net to protect swimmers. The shoreline is gradual for a bit and then shelves, so it’s still safe for paddling but you will need to keep an eye on your children if they are not confident swimmers.

The beach is shingle like most beaches in Bodrum, but the pebbles are small so they don’t hurt your feet. There are umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as a changing cabin and showers.

If you like snorkeling, you water is clean and clear which means you can find small fish here if you take a mask and swim a little further away from the shore (though still inside the safety net).

There are some cafes and shaded areas with trees, so you can escape somewhere to cool off when the sun gets too strong.

Best Beaches in Bodrum for Watersports

Another good reason to visit Bodrum is for watersports. The peninsula is all about the water, and since it juts out into the ocean, those looking for surfing, kite surfing, and parasailing will be able to find great places to do that from Bodrum beaches.

One of the best times to visit Bodrum for watersports is July when the temperatures are warm and the wind picks up.

6. Camel Beach

• Location: 13.2km west of Bodrum

Camel Beach is one of the nicest beaches on the peninsula. It has crystal clear water and is one of the few sandy beaches in Bodrum. It’s named Camel Beach because there are some camels who live here.

You will find plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas which belong to the bars and restaurants behind them. You can usually get a sunlounger for free if you purchase a drink, but each restaurant has its own terms.

The shoreline is shallow and gradually shelves, making the beach a safe place for families , but outside the bay is where the real action is.

From Camel Beach, you can take a boat out to a private island where you can kiteboard and windsurf. You can get one-on-one lessons with Kiteboard Bodrum if you don’t know how to do it.

You’ll also find a few people boating out here, but not so many that it feels dangerous to be windsurfing.

7. Gümbet Beach

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dominic Allington-Smith (@domallsmi)

• Location: In Bodrum

If you don’t want to go too far from Bodrum City center, then Gumet Beach is a good choice. It’s a clean, sandy blue flag beach with lots of facilities and water sports.

From the shore, you can rent peddle boats and kayaks, as well as lots of boat tours departing from here. If you’re visiting Bodrum for nightlife, you’ll find plenty of beach bars here with DJs and live music.

Since it’s close to the city center, it’s quite busy, but for those looking to get out on the water it’s the closest beach to the city that offers this facility.

8. Karaincir Halk Beach

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• Location: 21.4km west of Bodrum

Another great sandy beach in Bodrum that’s excellent for watersports is Karaincir Halk Beach. The beach is located on the Western shore of the peninsula, which means once you leave the shelter of the bay the wind gets stronger, which is ideal for kitesurfing.

There’s also a pier where you can get boat tours.

The beach itself is well maintained and has all the facilities you need including showers, changing rooms and toilets. There are also a few restaurants and bars where you can get refreshments.

There’s free parking at the beach, but you will need to pay to use the sun loungers and umbrellas.

The water is clean and clear with gentle waves from the shore, ideal for swimming and paddling.

Most Beautiful Beaches in Bodrum

For those who are just looking for stunning settings and jaw-dropping nature, then you’re going to want to check out some of these beautiful beaches in Bodrum.

9. Ortakent Beach

• Location: 11.5km west of Bodrum

Ortakent Beach is a soft sand beach outside the city of Bodrum. It’s a blue flag beach, which is the award given to the nicest beaches in Turkey. These are beaches that have been accredited by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) (you’ll find many of these blue flag beaches in Antalya ).

The water is clean and clear, and there are all the facilities you would need such as showers and changing rooms. The water here is a stunning turquoise color, which is typical for beaches on the Mediterranean.

What makes this beach so stunning is its position. Since it faces west, it’s ideally located for stunning sunsets.

10. Yalıkavak Halk Beach

• Location: 20.7km north of Bodrum

What makes Yalikavak Halk beach so beautiful is how calm it is. It’s located on the Northern side of the peninsula which is relatively quiet compared to the South where Bodrum City is.

It’s a small beach that’s quite narrow, but you’ll still find all the usual facilities here such as sun loungers, bathrooms and parking.

The waves are gentle and the water is clean and clear, perfect for swimming. You’ll find a few restaurants and hotels in the area, and it’s not too far away from downtown Yalikavak where there are more places to eat.

If you’re looking for a quieter beach, this is a good option.

11. Aspat Beach

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bu Bi Sörf Okulu Bodrum (@bubisurfschoolbodrum)

• Location: 21km west of Bodrum

Aspat Beach is quite a popular beach in Bodrum and attracts many visitors – and for good reason. This palm tree lined sandy beach feels tropical, and the rocky hills around it make the setting stunning.

This beach is unique to the others in that it has a green space behind the beach where you can find loungers and umbrellas. Though the beach itself is lovely, this green area helps to keep the sand off your belongings.

Since it’s located on the South of the peninsula you’ll find turquoise Mediterranean waters that are clean and clear. The water on the shore is shallow, but it quickly dips off into a deeper pool, so keep an eye on your kids.

The beach is quite stoney so you’ll want to bring some sandals or water shoes.

12. Turkbuku Beach

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Türkbükü Beach (@turkbukubeach)

• Location: 18.5km north of Bodrum.

Though it’s a small beach, Turkbuku is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bodrum because of how clean and clear the water is. It’s a bright turquoise color, and since it’s in a bay, it’s surrounded by lush green hills.

There isn’t much in the way of facilities, as most of the beach is occupied by hotels and beach bars, but there are plenty of restaurants here if you want to get refreshments. Many of the hotels and restaurants allow you to rent their loungers and umbrellas.

The water is great for swimming, and since it’s in a bay there are pretty much no waves.

13. Gümüşlük Limanı Beach

• Location: 24.4km west of Bodrum.

This is another one of the best blue flag beaches in Bodrum. It’s a very small beach that’s mostly used as a bay for boat owners to keep their boats.

What makes this beach beautiful is the restaurants and boutique shops that lie on the edge of it, which have traditional architecture and bright, colorful plants and fauna. It adds an air of calmness to the place and it feels like you can truly relax here.

Since the beach faces west, it’s a great place to watch the sunset whilst dipping your toes in the ocean. Many restaurants even have their tables and chairs in the shoreline, so you can dip your toes while you eat.

The bay is shallow and the waves are gentle, which makes it a great beach for families visiting Bodrum.

Best Secluded Beaches in Bodrum

If you’re coming to Bodrum for that wow-factor vacation, then you’re going to love these secluded Bodrum beaches. Some of these are only accessible by boat tour, so you know they are stunning if you have to take a boat there.

14. Black Island Beach

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Black island Bodrum (@bodrumblackisland)

• Location: available as a boat tour from Bodrum.

Since Bodrum is a popular area for beach vacationers, if you want seclusion you’re going to need to travel far for it. However, Black Island’s crystal clear bays are definitely worth the trip.

Located 4 miles off the coast of Bodrum, Black Island, or Kara Ada, is most famous for Meteor Bay, named because a meteor crashed here many years ago. Other stunning bays on the island are Aquarius Bay, Red Bay, and Rabbit Bay. You’ll even find a hot spring cave that produces mineral-rich mud, that’s supposed to help cure skin conditions.

The water around the island is so blue and inviting, that you’ll find it difficult to say no. Since it’s only boat trips that go to this island, you’ll find very few people so you can enjoy the tranquility of the place without the crowds.

If you’d like to read more about islands in Turkey, click here to read our complete guide .

15. Orak Island Bay

• Location: accessible via boat tour from Bodrum

Another stunning island off the coast of Bodrum is Orak Island. The island is home to Rabbit Nose National Park and German Bay, which are known for their turquoise blue waters and unspoiled natural beauty.

Orak Island Bay is the most stunning bay on the island, which has white sand beaches and is a great place to snorkel or swim. The water here is so clear and blue that you’ll feel like someone just photoshopped the Earth.

Map of Bodrum’s Beaches

FAQs About Bodrum Beaches

Here’s what people usually ask us about beaches in Bodrum…

Does Bodrum have good beaches?

Yes, Bodrum has beautiful beaches that attract visitors all year round. The South of the peninsula connects to the Mediterranean, while the West and North connect to the Aegean Sea. Both are known for their crystal clear, blue waters.

Does Bodrum have sandy beaches?

A few beaches in Bodrum are sandy, such as Karaincer Halk Beach, Gumbet Beach, and Camel Beach. However, most of Bodrum’s beaches are shingle beaches.

Can you swim in Bodrum?

Yes, you can swim in Bodrum. The sea temperature is quite warm all year round.

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the best beaches in Bodrum for every type of traveler. As you can see, there is no shortage of stunning beaches to choose from, but each beach offers something a little bit different.

We hope this guide helped you decide which of Bodrum’s beaches were best for you and your travel party. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

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• Things to Do Guide
• Top 10 Attractions
• Place to See Guide
• Top 10 Sights
• Best Restaurants
• Shopping Guide
• Best Pubs, Bars & Cafes
• Best Night Clubs
• Best Beaches
• Best Beach Clubs
• Daily Tours & Excursions
• Kids & Family Attractions
• Water Sports
• Outdoor Sports
• Daily Boat Trips
• Dalyan Mud Baths & Iztuzu Beach
• Pamukkale and Hierapolis
• Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary
• Greek Island of Kos
• Bodrum Castle (St. Peter)
• Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Bodrum Amphitheatre
• Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
• Sightseeing Helicopter Flights
• Jeep Safari
• Quad & Buggy Safari
• Horse Safari
• Scuba Diving
• Water Parks
• Theme Parks
• Boat Trips Master Guide
• Daily Private Boat Rentals
• All Inclusive Boat Trip
• Gumbet Boat Trip
• Pirate Boat Trip
• Party Boat Trip
• Blue Cruising Guide
• Yacht & Gulet Charter
• Cabin Charter
• Central Bodrum
• Golturkbuku
• Where to Stay Master Guide
• Bodrum City Center Best Hotels
• Gumbet Best Hotels
• Bitez Best Hotels
• Ortakent Best Hotels
• Akyarlar Best Hotels
• Gumusluk Best Hotels
• Turgutreis Best Hotels
• Yalikavak Best Hotels
• Gundogan Best Hotels
• Turkbuku Best Hotels
• Golturkbuku Best Hotels
• Torba Best Hotels
• Top Rated Hotels
• Top Rated Apartments
• Cheap & Budget Accommodation
• About Bodrum
• Practical Info & Advice
• Holiday Towns & Resorts
• How to Get to Bodrum?
• Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV)
• Bodrum Taxi Guide
• Bodrum Airport Transfers
• Airport to City Center

Car Rentals

• Bodrum to Kos Ferry Tickets
• Property Guide
• Useful Numbers
• Plans & Maps
• Medical Tourism

Travelling to Bodrum, Turkey – How to Get There?

Are you planning a trip to Bodrum, Turkey, but unsure of the best means of transportation to get there? In this guide, we’ll explore all the means of transport you can use to travel to Bodrum, Turkey, and make your journey as smooth as possible. You can discover all means of transport that will bring you to Bodrum, Turkey: options from the airport, by air, by plane, sea, boat, bus or by road.

Table of Contents

Where is Bodrum?

Bodrum is situated on the southwest Mediterranean coast of Turkey , in the Mugla Province.

Arrival by Air

One of the most convenient ways to travel to Bodrum, Turkey, is by air. The town has an international airport, the Bodrum Milas Airport, which receives flights from various parts of the world. Some of the airlines that operate flights to Bodrum Milas Airport include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

If you are flying into Bodrum, you will be pleased to know that the airport is only a 35-minute drive from the town center. There are various means of transport that you can use to get to the town center, including taxis, shuttle buses, and car rentals.

The closest airport to Bodrum is the International Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV), located 36 km. from central Bodrum. Bodrum Milas Airport offers 24 hrs services such as tourism information, tour operators, banks, travel agents, medical services, food & drink and duty free shops.

There are regular shuttle bus services and transfer companies making Bodrum Airport Transfers to Bodrum and all other resorts on the Bodrum peninsula from the airport.

Bodrum Milas Airport Information

Airport Code: BJV Phone : +90 (0252) 523 01 01 Fax : +90 (0252) 523 00 82 Web : www.milasbodrum.dhmi.gov.tr

Domestic Flights

There are a lot of direct flights to Bodrum Milas Airport. From Istanbul you can fly via Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com), and Pegasus Airlines (www.flypgs.com).

International Flights

Especially in summer times there are lot of direct charter flights from Europe to Bodrum Milas Airport. Other international flights are mostly being made through Istanbul and Izmir.

Arrival by Road

Getting to Bodrum by road is easy and well organized especially in summer times. There are lots of bus companies operate from the big cities and from many close districts to Bodrum. From Izmir, Fethiye and Marmaris, there are buses about every hour. It takes about 12 hours from Istanbul, 4 hours from Izmir and 10 hours from Ankara.

There are two main highways that connect Bodrum to other parts of Turkey: the D550 and the D400. Both of these highways are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenic routes along the way.

If you’re driving from Istanbul, it will take you about 11 hours to reach Bodrum. From Izmir, the journey is about 3.5 hours. There are also regular bus services that connect Bodrum to other major cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Antalya.

Bodrum Bus Station Phone Number : +90 252 316 26 37

Arrival by Sea

Regular ferry and boat services to Bodrum is made via the Greek islands of Rhodes and Cos. There are two ways daily ferryboat and hydrofoil services from Cos and Rhodes to Bodrum during the summer season. From Cos ;It takes about 1 hour by ferry; 20 minutes by hydrofoil and from Rhodes it takes about 2 hours by ferry and 15 minutes by hydrofoil to Bodrum.

There are also cruise ships that stop at Bodrum port as part of their itinerary.

If you’re already in Turkey and want to travel to Bodrum by sea, you can take a ferry from Istanbul or Izmir. Bodrum has a modern marina that can accommodate yachts and boats, making it a popular destination for sailors and boat enthusiasts.

There are also ferry services to Datca and Didim from Bodrum.

Bodrum Ferries Phone Number : +90 252 316 08 82 Bodrum Express Phone Number : +90 252 316 10 87

Getting Around Bodrum

Once you’ve arrived in Bodrum, you’ll want to know the best means of transport to get around the town. Here are some options:

Taxis are readily available in Bodrum and are a convenient means of transport if you’re traveling short distances within the town. Taxis are metered, and you can either hail one on the street or book one through a taxi app.

Dolmus is a shared minibus that operates along fixed routes in Bodrum. It’s a cheap means of transport and is ideal if you’re traveling within the town or to nearby villages. You can board a dolmus at the designated bus stops or flag one down on the street.

If you prefer to have your own means of transport, you can rent a car in Bodrum. There are various car rental companies in the town, and you can either book one in advance or on arrival at the airport. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace.

Bicycles and Scooters

Bodrum is a relatively small town, and bicycles and scooters are a popular means of transport for short distances. You can rent a bicycle or scooter from various rental shops in the town, and it’s an excellent way to explore the town and its surroundings at a slower pace.

Private Shuttle and Bodrum Airport Transfers

If you are a group or a family with kids or having lots of luggage with you, than we highly recommend you to take private transfers for your hotel as they offer a fixed rate, comfortable and safe transfer to your hotel in the Bodrum region. The Havas airport shuttles will bring you to at the Intercity Bus Terminal of Bodrum and you’ll need to take a taxi from there again which will harder for you with your kids and luggage. But private transfers drives you just to the entrance of your hotel.

When you take private transfers, the driver also meets you inside the airport terminal with your name written on a plate. And he accompanies you for the transfer and also he helps you with your luggage like where to take them and even carry them to the shuttle. And as there is a fixed price, you will not have to worry or deal with price calculations.

As for private airport shuttle transfers , we highly recommend Easybook Transfers and Kiwitaxi  as we recently booked with them had a great trip to our hotel.

Easybook Airport VIP Transfers

Easybook Bodrum Airport Transfer (official travel agency with TURSAB license No:9675 ) is our trusted partner for luxurious and hassle-free VIP transportation services to and from Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV). They take pride in offering a premium transfer experience that exceeds your expectations and ensures your journey is smooth, comfortable, and stylish.

They have a fleet of top-of-the-line VIP vehicles, including the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Vito VIP and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIP , to provide you with the ultimate level of comfort and style. Their vehicles are meticulously maintained to guarantee a safe and luxurious ride. Whether you are traveling alone, with your family, or in a group, their team will assist you in selecting the perfect vehicle that suits your party size and ensures a comfortable journey.

Faster and more comfortable than shuttles, buses and taxis. Free cancellation. All prices include fees & tip.

Check their services & Book Your Bodrum Airport Transfer

Or you can directly contact Easybook Airport Transfers via the Whatsapp button below, and get free quote, as well as special discount as being our website visitor.

Contact Easybook Transfers via Whatsapp > +90 530 923 2343

They have variety of different and good models of cars ranging from Micro for 3 passengers to Minibuses for 19 passengers and also offer child seats. They met us inside the airport, helped with our luggage, brought us in front of the hotel and there also helped us with our luggage.

Below you can click on the destination you need an airport transfer or make a search from the search box under to entire Bodrum region to find the prefect private shuttle and transfer service from Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) to your hotel in any Bodrum resort and vice versa .

Book your Private Shuttle

Check out and book your transfer from the below best and cheapest options

Related Reading

Turkish liras & money in bodrum, turkey (exchange offices, local tips), climate & weather in bodrum by months, how to get from bodrum airport to bodrum city center (insider guide), practical information & advice for bodrum, mugla, turkey.

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Why This Trendy Resort Destination Is One Of The Most Affordable Mediterranean Getaways

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

The Mediterranean is one of the leading leisure destinations worldwide.

It is bounded by some of the oldest, most historic nations known to mankind and is famous for its teal-colored waters and warm temperatures, ideal for both relaxing and soaking up some culture.

On the downside, vacationing in the Ancient Sea does not come cheap, with one-way stays in Italy's pastel town-dotted Amalfi, or Greece's trendy party island of Santorini setting you back by an average $2,600 (that is, if we're being optimistic ).

Thankfully, not all Med tourist hotspots cost a fortune to book, with one trendy resort on the coast of Turkiye being one of the most affordable getaways in the region:

The Most Greek City In Turkiye

Relatively unknown to American audiences, Bodrum sits on the shores of Turkiye's Aegean Coast, where some of the most beautiful and clearest waters in the Mediterranean are found.

It's a stone's throw away from a number of iconic Greek islands, most notably Kos.

Due to its proximity to Greece, whitewashed Bodrum is easily distinguished for its Hellenic character, having, in fact, been founded by Greeks in times immemorial and boasting a high concentration of ancient landmarks dating back to Antiquity.

One of them, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World .

It is joined by a preserved 2,400-year-old theater, rows upon rows of historic windmills perched on hilltops, and a medieval fortress protecting a busy harbor.

Other than immersing yourself in the local History, you can go for an early afternoon dip in the translucent Mediterranean, as the wider Turkish Riviera, which encompasses Bodrum, is hemmed by quaint white-sand and pebbly beaches.

As you can imagine, this is one of the most picturesque and culturally-charged towns in Turkiye , yet it is also a lively beach zone lined by five-star resorts, imposing villas, and beach clubs (it's no wonder it's been nicknamed the Turkish St Tropez).

Strolling Bodrum Marina, you will see numerous luxurious yachts docked just offshore, upscale restaurants serving Turkish food with a high-end twist, and charming cobbled streets framed by bougainvillea, just the perfect St Tropez dupe.

The only difference is, unlike the overpriced French Riviera , Bodrum is a steal of a deal (maybe not by Turkish, but certainly by Mediterranean standards).

The Turkish St Tropez Is A Lot Cheaper

There are currently 14 five-star hotels in Bodrum as listed by Booking.com , costing between an eye-catching $103 and $247 , with the Mandarin Resort & Spa, Salmakis Resort & Spa, and the adults-only Marvida Senses all being on the cheaper end.

‘ All-inclusive ‘ is not as widely popular a concept in Europe as it is in the Caribbean, so we're mostly talking double rooms with breakfast included and all other meals charged separately, but trust us when we say a place like Bodrum is meant for exploring .

You're not coming all the way from the States to stay locked up in a resort stuffing yourself in a bottomless brunch: walk the waterfront, try different restaurants – Turkish cuisine is one of the top 20 best in the world – and savor the culture :

Chances are you'll spend an average $25 per day on meals, and as for the whole week, around $1,333 for two people, or the equivalent in the local currency.

Meals, accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing are included.

For that price, you wouldn't get as satisfactory an all-inclusive experience anywhere in the world, and certainly not in the Mediterranean : in Ibiza, a weekend trip can set you back by a heavy-hitting $3,301 if you're not careful enough, and don't even get us started on Portofino.

Besides risking a $300 fine if you take selfies in the wrong spot, you should budget an additional $352 per day to cover hotels and food in Portofino, and prices definitely don't get any cheaper once you start looking at some of these jam-packed Greek islands.

Why Is Bodrum So Cheap?

Bodrum, on the other hand, has everything that makes a Mediterranean getaway great – the beaches, the historic Old Town, and the slow living – minus the exorbitant prices associated with Italy, Spain, and the like.

You may be wondering why that is.

Well, unlike a majority of Mediterranean sunny spots, Turkiye is not part of the highly-developed European Union, nor does it have the strong Euro as its official currency: it remains to this day a marginal country in the continent, and the weaker Turkish lira certainly helps the case of budget travelers.

Even with inflation factored in, a trip to Turkiye is unlikely to wipe your savings clean, largely in thanks to the lower consumer prices and the attractive value of the lira (1 TRY equals roughly 0.032 American dollars as of March 2024).

Yep, with the exception of perhaps Albania and other lesser-known Balkan states, it doesn't get any cheaper than Turkiye in the Mediterranean, and it's hardly surprising that around 1 million tourists have their eyes set on Bodrum this year.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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The post Why This Trendy Resort Destination Is One Of The Most Affordable Mediterranean Getaways appeared first on Travel Off Path .