Bodrum is one of the most sophisticated and popular resorts on the Turkish Riviera. Once a quiet fishing town, suburbs of white-washed villas and hotels now spread out from the old historic centre. Still, the town has a pleasant atmosphere and the long waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes, where you can sit on summer evenings and watch the world go by. Bodrum is an important yachting base and has a modern marina. The waterfront is also lined with boats available for daily tours or private hire.
Bodrum is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, though disappointingly little remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Far more interesting is the picturesque Castle of St John, which guards Bodrum's harbour and now houses a museum. There are some excellent leather, fabric and jewellery shops in the narrow streets of the old town, while a colourful weekly market is the place to buy souvenirs like spices or nuts. Bodrum's nightlife lives up to its reputation with hundreds of clubs and bars crowded with tourists and Turkish holidaymakers.
Getting There
The town center is a 20-minute drive from Bodrum airport.
There are regular buses north and south along the coast, as well as to destinations further afield
There are regular ferry crossings to the Greek island of Kos (1 hour)
Bodrum Peninsular
Beyond the town itself, the Bodrum peninsular is ringed by smaller seaside resorts set in a landscape of olive orchards and citrus groves.
Bitez has a long beach backed by orchards and is perfect for watersports.
Gumusluk (pictured left) has a pretty beach and some ancient ruins on an offshore island, although it's most famous for it's quayside fish restaurants.
Turgut Reis and Yalikavak are larger resorts with yacht marinas under construction.
Peaceful Turkbuku is popular with wealthy Turkish families as well as an increasing number of foreign homeowners.
There are regular dolmus from the Bodrum bus garage to all these resorts during the summer.