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Bodrum - A Wow Destination in turkey

Bodrum is a beautiful holiday village in Turkey and is popular for its resorts on the Aegean coast as well as its historical sites.

This beautiful holiday destination is definitely a favorite amongst travelers.  It is said that in Bodrum, a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, “The population jumps from 50,000 people during winter to more than half a million during summertime.”  

The area offers a lot of hiking opportunities and the perfect hiking time is anytime between October and April.

Romantic places to stay in Bodrum Honeymoon idea

In this article:  we’ll give you ideas for where to stay.  (How about going on a honeymoon to Bodrum Turkey?  The photo above Casa Nonna – more details below…)

Bodrum Beautiful travel destinations in Turkey Turkiye

Ready-Made Holiday Packages

How many days do you need in Bodrum?  

Bodrum has a wealth of natural and historical sights.  Three to four days will be enough to explore and also have a bit of “me-time” to lounge around at your hotel and take in the local scenes.

Below is a selection of the best holiday packages in Bodrum.  You can book anything from two days to 22 days…

Trips and Tours that include Bodrum

Fantastic experiences. Popular holiday tours with trusted tour operators. Easily book the best holiday adventure - of a life time.
How much time should I spend in Bodrum?

Three or four days should only be a guideline for a quick holiday in Bodrum specifically.  I think it all depends on how much you want to explore.  If rest and relaxation (R&R) are high on your priority list and itinerary, we would suggest 5 days.  This will give you additional time to spend just relaxing at the beach or resort.  In my opinion, you will then also have time to walk around shopping without being in a hurry:  Allowing time for some casual restaurant / café-hopping in the afternoons or at sunset.  While you’re at Bodrum, explore the peninsula.  We would definitely recommend booking a tour as mentioned above.  This is awesome in the way that you will explore places and get info on thing you otherwise might have missed.

Best places to stay in Bodrum Turkey

Turkey 8 Days - Bodrum Turkey- Travel and Home

Should you be planning your own trip to Bodrum, you might want to consider some of the following fabulous options.  (None of them are sponsored – it is purely suggestions for your benefit and to enjoy.) 

PS:….send us photos on our FB page if you booked, using one of our links.  🙂 

Bodrum is famous for its stunning resorts.  We list a few as inspiration to you:

Most beautiful places to stay in Bodrum Turkey
Casa Nonna Bodrum

WHY WE RECOMMEND:  Casa Nonna Bodrum – Adult Only, offers luxurious rooms with stunning Aegean Sea views.  The spa provides a sauna, Turkish bath, and massages. 
Guests rave about Casa Nonna’s impeccable service, clean rooms, and top-class restaurant. The friendly staff, stunning location, and beautiful design exceeded expectations. Many highlight the cozy atmosphere, amazing views, and luxurious amenities like cabanas by the sea. The food, especially breakfast, stood out for many, making for a perfect stay.  Book your stay…

Enjoy ultimate luxury at the Titanic Deluxe Bodrum, Guvercinlik.  WHY WE RECOMMEND:  Titanic Luxury Collection Bodrum in Guvercinlik offers a serene retreat with a private beach, outdoor pool, and spa. Guests can enjoy dining, water sports, tennis, and nearby diving. Guests consistently rave about this hotel’s breathtaking beach, pools, and location and Milas-Bodrum Airport is conveniently just 16 km away.  If you need this in your life…book now:  Book your stay…

5 star hotels in Bodrum Titanic luxury accommodation

WHY WE RECOMMEND:  Apart from the stunning views, the luxurious rooms offer private balconies or terraces, perfect for relaxation. Villas nestled among stunning boulders feature private pools and gardens for an exclusive feel. Forest rooms, tucked under pine trees, provide breathtaking sea views, offering a serene escape surrounded by nature’s beauty. Ideal for a tranquil getaway. – book now

However if you’re on a budget, Bitez (just 4 kilometers east of Bodrum) might be an interesting option.  Although the village is a bit quieter than Bodrum city, it is also a bit more budget-friendly.

Getting around

It is ideal to have your own transport especially if you would love to explore more than just the city itself. 

Local transport is efficient, but we would recommend hiring a car.  You will find international car rental companies all over town.  

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Nearest airport

Bodrum has its own airport.  Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV) is an international airport that serves both towns of Bodrum and Milas. 

During spring and autumn, you will often find the best prices if you’re looking at budget-friendly traveling.  

Celebrate and save on seasonal and holiday deals.

Things you Must Do and Must See

Bodrum Theatre with view - Bodrum Turkey- Travel and Home

Bodrum Theatre

The ancient open-air theater, which used to invite thousands of spectators in its heyday, is now the place where summer events and concerts are held. 

The views from there are beautiful, and when empty it is just perfect to sit there for a while taking in the vistas around you.  But while you’re there try to attend a concert as it is really special.

Old town and Shopping

As Bodrum is quite a modern city these days, it is really refreshing to visit the old town.  Often this is exactly what travelers crave:  Those whitewashed buildings, narrow alleyways, and small interesting shops.  The kind of shops where you can buy your holiday souvenir.  You’ll find this just behind the Castle of St Peter.  Explore the cafes and boutique shops, take a leisurely afternoon walk, or grab those many perfect photo opportunities. 

With so many options you might end up buying what you don’t need.  This usually ends up in the drawer at home.  When looking for souvenirs, follow our guide – lessons learned from our own experience.

In and around Bodrum you will find the famous Bazaar or “Pazar” (The Turkish word for an open-air market). There is one for every day of the week.

The Bodrum Bazaar / open-air market starts at 07H00 every Tuesday / Thursday and Friday.  Tuesdays are famous for the clothing and textile they sell and Thursdays and Fridays are for food shopping. As it is situated at the Bodrum Centre bus station it gets quite busy.  So get there early or in the late afternoon. (Tourists come from Kos Island daily for shopping by ferry boats, so early morning is the best option.)  But if you want fresh fruit and vegetables, this is the place to shop.  You’ll find a huge variety.

Other Bazaars / Pazars in the area:

  • Mondays there is one in Güvercinlik
  • Tuesdays – remember you’ll be exploring Bodrum’s market
  • Wednesdays – Gümüslük and Ortakent
  • Thursdays there is also a market in Yalikavak
  • Fridays you can also visit Bitez’s market
  • Saturdays – Turgutreis
  • Sundays – Bitez Flea Market, Mumcular and Gumbet

Travel Tip

Shopping and market days are some of our favorite activities:

You might want to synchronize your visit to the surrounding villages according to their market days.  This gives you a better insight into the custom, cuisine, and people living there.  Furthermore it gives you the best shopping opportunities.

Best places to stay in Bodrum Explore Bodrum
Bodrum Castle St Peters - Bodrum Turkey- Travel and Home

Bodrum Castle / Castle of St Peter

You definitely cannot miss this medieval fortress. It was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and completed in the 4th century B.C.  It is also known as the Castle of St Peter or Petronium.  You might also want to explore the Museum of underwater archeology while you’re there.

Things to do in Bodrum Turkey

Pedesa

Hike up to Pedesa (the Antique City) from Bodrum.  From here you have spectacular views.

Iassos

Drive to the pretty seaside village of Kıyıkışlacık, which also contains the ancient Carian city, Iassos (olso known as Iasus and Iasos):  One of Turkey’s many historical sites.

More things to do in Bodrum

The city features beautiful twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle.  

Boat trips / Yacht cruises

While you’re in Bodrum, take a boat trip out to the sea for a different and beautiful view of the city.  Boat trips range from a quick outing for the morning or afternoon, to a multi-day yacht trip along the coast. This is perfect for those lazy sunny days, sunbathing on board and swimming in the turquoise sea.

Private boat charter: A cruise with lunch, including a chance to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe is perfect and romantic. 

Fabulous Boat Cruises

You haven’t truly explored Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline until you’ve gone for a “blue cruise.” Bodrum is a perfectly situated starting point for shorter tours on a gulet (traditional Turkish wooden boat), speedy hydrofoil day trips, and multi-day cruises that immerse you in the region’s maritime beauty. Read on to learn more about your best Bodrum cruise options.

Pamukkale and Ephesus

2-day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Bodrum

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale Hot Springs and Hierapolis Excursion

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a town in Turkey famous for its spectacular mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a hillside.

Ephesus

This ancient UNESCO’ protected city’s excavated remains reflect centuries of history. Paved streets wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins. Visit the nearby House of the Virgin Mary – which is said to be Mary’s last home.

Hierapolis

An ancient Roman spa city featuring ruins such as a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. 

Things to see in Bodrum

Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Day Trip

Visit UNESCO-protected Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary

You might also want to read our article: 

Tenedos/Bozcaada Island – Turkey’s Beautiful Hidden Gem

Nightlife

For young adults seeking lively nightlife and some great entertainment during their vacation, Bodrum is a good option.

  • Cumhuriyet Caddesi (or ‘Bar street’ as the locals call it) is a popular mile-long avenue along the beach where you’ll find some of the best beachfront bars, nightclubs/dancing spots, and restaurants.
  • Another famous hangout spot is the Marina Yacht Club. At night you’ll find live bands and/or local DJs hitting the stage and the dancefloor is packed.
  • Also if you love clubbing, you just have to stop at Club Catamaran a floating nightclub.  Departing the harbor at about 11 pm and setting out to sea, you can dance the night away until 4 am when the vessel returns.  (However, they do have a speedboat shuttle service should you decide to leave earlier.) 

Beach life

  • The southern coast offers beaches such as Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yahsi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar.
  • On the Western side you’ll find Gumusluk, Yalikavak and Turgut Reis.
  • However, the northern coast has the more secluded Turkbuku, Golkoy, and Gundogan villages where you will find more peace and quiet.

According to travelers the best two beaches are:  Camel & Yahsi

Apart from the many activities on offer at the resorts, you can also join in watersports like kayaking, fishing, and jet-skiing.  If you love diving, the local diving center might be the perfect place to start:  www.askindiving.com

More things to do

  • Go on a Jeep Safari
  • Experience a Turkish Bath
  • Explore Dalyan’s Rock Tombs (photo)
  • And remember to do a:

Memedof Balık Restaurant – Right on the sea and famouse for their seafood.

Mimoza (Mimoza Gümüşlük Restaurant) is in the Gümüşlük neighborhood and situated right on the water.

 

Dalyan Rock Tombs Turkey - Bodrum Turkey- Travel and Home