Here is your guide to Bodrum, Turkey. It has all of the Bodrum travel advice that you need. We’ve got a list of things to do in Bodrum, top Bodrum sites, and tips for where to stay in Bodrum.
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.
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 summer.
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.
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
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.
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.
Castle Of St Peter
The commanding Castle of St Peter sits with the perfect view over Bodrum town and visiting 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.
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.
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 restaurants.
Enjoy Some Watersports
You’ll find plenty of water sports on the main beaches if that floats your boat! You can parasail at the main beaches, and there is a lot of kayaking and paddleboarding going on. Speedboat rides are also popular.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 amazing, and these windmills are historic in their own right, having been there for more than 300 years.
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.
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.
Places To Eat In Bodrum, Turkey
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.
Day Trips From Bodrum
Ephesus
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.
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.
How To Get To Bodrum
Bus
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.
Plane
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.
Car
If you’re somewhere else in Turkey and you want to drive yourself, it’s very easy to hire a car. You simply 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, but parking in the city itself can be an issue. Make sure that the hotel you choose has parking before booking.
Ferry
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.
