Bodrum on the “Pearl Blue” Aegean coast of Turkey is one of the country’s top holiday destinations, both for foreigners and Turks. As well as hosting budget travellers looking for a good deal, the rich and famous have made it their playground.
This is partly due to its esteemed reputation in the yachting scene of Turkey and as a hub of the Turkish Riviera. Resorts like Turkbuku also provide every luxurious amenity that someone with money to spare would indulge in. Whether you want to break the bank or grab a good bargain, plenty of activities are waiting to provide you with a memorable holiday.
Exciting Things to do In Bodrum
Visit Bodrum Castle
Built in 1402 and called the castle of the knights of Saint John, this famous landmark sits on the rugged coastline of the main harbour centre in Bodrum town. Although its ruins are not as extensive as other historical places in Turkey, the main towers and walls still stand. At certain times during the years, it is also the venue for cultural festivals.
Visit the Underwater Museum of Archaeology
Also sitting within the grounds of the castle, is this impressive museum, displaying shipwrecks uncovered from the seabed surrounding Turkey. The most famous undoubtedly is the Uluburin shipwreck dating from the late Bronze Age. More than 22,000 dives enabled many artefacts including money and personal possessions to be brought to the surface.
The Halicarnassus Mausoleum of Bodrum
Sadly, not much remains of this landmark that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Built in roughly 350BC, it was a tomb for the Persian king of that time called Mausolus. Major excavations of the site took place in the 19th century and many artefacts and statues were transported to the British Museum in London, but the site with its foundations is still worth a visit to say you have been to the location of one of the wonders of the ancient world.
Be a Beach Bum
One of the reasons why Bodrum is so popular is the extensive amount of sandy beaches with crystal blue waters. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and just hanging out, places like Camel Beach are swarming in the height of summer.
Do a Road Trip of the Bodrum Peninsula
Along with the town centre, the Bodrum peninsula consists of many more small resorts that make for interesting exploration. Areas like Turgutreis and Yalikavak are renowned for their vibrant sunsets while further down the road, Gumbet attracts watersports fans. Gokcebel is still traditional while Torba is emerging as a key player in the tourism market of Turkey.
Sail the Turkish Riviera
Bodrum is a major hub of the Turkish Riviera and the location where it all started as depicted in the story of the fisherman of Halicarnassus. A cabin or private charter of a traditional Turkish gulet boat will take you to explore hidden coves, bays, islands and small coastal resorts where the rural side of Turkey still exists.
We have two cruises departing regularly from Bodrum of which the most popular is the Gulf of Hisaronu Exploration Cruise. Including 8 nights on a wooden sailboat, it is a great way to explore the bays and small islands of this region. As well as visiting places rarely featured in the guidebooks, the cruise also sails to the renowned Datca Peninsula.
