A Serene Holiday: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bodrum Turkey

Are you looking for a new holiday destination for summer 2024? With its magical ambiance, Bodrum deserves a spot in your travel plans.

Bodrum Peninsula is on the western coast of Muğla city. The Aegean Sea surrounds the peninsula, blending the blue and green tones of Mother Nature. The weather in Bodrum, Muğla is warm, featuring the characteristics of both Mediterranean and Aegean climates. In addition to its natural beauty, Bodrum has numerous historical and cultural attractions.

If you want a trip to Bodrum, keep reading to make the most of your holiday. You will learn about what to do in Bodrum, how to get there, and where to stay.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Bodrum

In 2023 alone, Bodrum welcomed 1,375,000 visitors and will likely attract even more in 2024. The secret behind its popularity is the charming attractions it has.

Bodrum has a 174 kilometres-long coastline, natural parks, waterfalls, and thermal water recourses. This breathtaking spot even earned the name "The Land of Eternal Blues" by Homer. If you want to wander away from the city fuss, Bodrum is a go-to place for you.

Throughout its 3.500-year-old history, Bodrum has always been the center of attention. Thanks to its nature, location, and climate, it became home to many civilizations. Today, it proudly keeps the heritage of Lelegs, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

Let’s take a deeper dive and list the best places to visit in Bodrum.

1. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Built between 353 and 350 BC, the mausoleum is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This 45-meter-long structure is the tomb of Mausolus, the ruler of Caria. In our day, it reminds us of his desire for eternal life.

2. Bodrum Antique Theatre (Theatre at Halicarnassus)

Bodrum Antique Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia, built in the 4th century BC. The site includes an altar where sacrifices to Dionysus were made. It has a 13.000-person capacity. The annual Bodrum International Ballet Festival takes place here as well.

3. Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle is an important site built by the Knights of St John in 1402. In 1962, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology opened here. Bodrum Castle is also among the UNESCO World Heritage.

4. Aquarium Cove

Boasting crystal-clear and shiny seawater, the cove has an amazing atmosphere. The sea is shallow, welcoming swimmers of all ages and levels. Moreover, the cove is a frequent destination for all daily boat trips in Bodrum.

5. Myndos Gate

The Myndos Gate was part of the city walls in 30 BC. Its remains include a twin tower and the nearby Roman tombs. The gate integrates with the surrounding nature, offering amazing spots for photography.

6. Küçük Tavşan Adası (Little Rabbit Island)

As a small island near the Gümüşlük Beach in Bodrum, the island takes its name from the rabbits inside. Visitors are welcome to pet and feed these puffy creatures. To reach the island, you can use a unique walking path on the sea. There is a partially demolished tunnel beneath the waters as well.

7. Karaada Hot Spring

Located 5 km from Bodrum Harbour, Karaada is a thermal water source. Its water has healing effects for rheumatic disorders and infectious diseases.

8. Uyku Vadisi (Sleep Valley)

The Uyku Vadisi is a famous hiking destination in Bodrum. The route includes walking and cycling paths, climbing spots, and small lakes. The valley boasts an amazing ecological richness and green landscapes. Make sure to see Gökçeler Cave and Değirmen Waterfall, and have some seafood.

9. Bargylia Ancient City

Greek mythology says that Bargylia city was established to honor Bargylos, killed by Pegasus. The ruins of the city include temples, theaters, and city walls.

10. Boğaziçi Village

If you visit Bargylia Ancient City, make sure to see the Boğaziçi Village as well. If you are a photographer or a birdwatcher, you will love this place. Come at the right season, and you can find flamingos, cormorants, gray herons, and little egrets.

When is the best time to visit Bodrum?

The answer depends on your expectations. If you want to find a bustling atmosphere and hot weather in Bodrum, you can choose its peak season, between June and August. The months of April to May and September to October weather in Bodrum, Turkey are the mildest.

According to the locals, Bodrum’s true self rises once the winter arrives. With a population decrease, Bodrum suddenly turns into a hidden coastal town. This is the time to enjoy a walk by the sea, light up your fireplace, discover winter festivals, and see art galleries.

Things to do in Bodrum

Bodrum has year-long activities for an amazing stay, and the first that comes to mind is swimming. The best beaches in Bodrum are Torba Beach, Orteakent Beach, Gümbet Beach, Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay), and Bitez Beach.

In Bodrum, you can find much more than just sandy beaches. You can spend your time playing golf, bowling, tennis, and fishing.

Bodrum has year-long festivals too. These include the International Kite Festival, Bodrumart Sportsfest, Bodrum Latin Dance Festival, Bodrum Cazz Festival, Gümüşlük Music Festival, Ballet Festival, and Theatre Festival.

The first MedBodrum Festival will take place this May. This event will celebrate the Mediterranean lifestyle, food, music, art, and nature. A recent Forbes article states, "MedBodrum is not just a festival; it's a testament to the enduring allure of the Mediterranean way of life...".

Another cultural hub in Bodrum is the Dibeklihan Culture And Art Village. It has art galleries, concerts, museums, shows, and festivals all year round. Some important events like the International Bodrum Jazz Festival take place here. Plus, the facility hosts special events like weddings and functions.

If you want to surprise your friends in your country, you should visit Bodrum Bazaar and buy souvenirs, jam, and olive oil. If you enjoy a bohemian ambiance, you can visit Gümüşlük. To try out water sports, stop by at Akyarlar. As for colorful nightlife, the “Bar Street” is the place.

What to eat in Bodrum?

During your stay, you will find lots of seafood and vegetable dishes. The local cuisine often has stuffed squash blossoms, black-eyed peas, shrimp, and squids. Make sure to have Bodrum Kebab (Çökertme Kebab) at least once. Plus, you can find fine dining alternatives and a chain of your favorite restaurants in Bodrum.

How to get to Bodrum?

You can travel to Bodrum by plane, ferry, and bus.

The most popular option is the plain. International Bodrum-Milas Airport is only 32 km from the town center. Flights to Bodrum Airport depart from various countries worldwide. Being the best airport in Europe, it received the Airport Service Quality ASQ reward in 2024.

Arriving at the intercity bus terminal is the second option. You can find a bus from almost all cities around Turkey, on each day of the week. You can find a bus every hour from close districts like Fethiye and Marmaris.

The third option is arriving by the sea. The ferries from Rhodes and Cos Greek islands have direct access to the marina in Bodrum. You can also take a ferry from İzmir and İstanbul to Bodrum.

Where to stay in Bodrum?

Bodrum has numerous housing options. There are 5-star hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and Airbnb rentals. But you have one more option: becoming a homeowner in Bodrum.

If you saw this place and fell in love with its ambiance, why not turn it into your lifestyle? Owning a home in Bodrum can be your shortcut to this dream. It brings a chance to hold a Turkish passport as well as a holiday home. Plus, you can get short-term rental income and high ROI rates.

Would you like to own a home in a holiday hotspot? If so, browse our property listings. Your dream home may be waiting for you in Bodrum, Turkey.

Buying property with TEKCE Real Estate brings a smooth purchase. Our experts guide you through all steps of the way and find the perfect property for your budget and needs. Call us now, and buy your dream Bodrum property for sale!

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