Back to Turquoise Coast Travel Guide

Bodrum

A popular tourist destination on Turkey’s lively and fascinating south-east coast, the port city of Bodrum is a place where you will find it very difficult to be bored at any moment. Thousands of years ago Bodrum was called Halicarnassus of Caria, and today the city retains some of the ruins of ancient empires, along with a 15^th-century castle built by the Crusaders. Summers are hot and humid here, but the wind from the sea helps provide some cooling. The city is a popular choice for second-home owners, and the port’s sheltered anchorage contains yachts and gulets (two-masted wooden sailing vessels) which tourists use for seafaring adventures off the coast.

Getting there

Bodrum-Milas Airport is located 36km northeast of the city, and its terminals process more than 2.5 million passengers every year. The airport is often used by tourists flying in for holidays on the Turquoise Coast, and Bodrum itself has good road links on to Alanya, Fethiye and Kas.

Climate

Like the rest of the Turquoise Coast, Bodrum benefits from a Mediterranean climate. From November to April the weather is typically excellent, with a few heavy shower periods (usually in November, at New Year, and in April). February is a particularly pleasant time to visit, with nights that are not too cold and the gently rising temperatures bringing the almond trees into blossom and bringing out the wild ruccola (a leafy plant like rocket) all over the town and its surrounds. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit if you want to avoid the bustle and noise of the summer club season. 

What to see, what to do

Bodrum has a whole host of things to do and see, including the historic amphitheatre on the road to Turgutreis, and the weekly market, which stocks (among an array of and wonderful items) Turkish spices and fresh fruit and vegetables. If you want to take home a culinary souvenir of your trip to Turkey, then getting hold of some authentic, rich spices to use in your home cooking is a very good idea. Tuesday mornings are a good time to visit the market; you are guaranteed crowds and an energetic market-going experience. Be prepared to haggle for a good price, and beware of branded clothing items (eg: Adidas, Nike etc) which are in fact fakes. Another place well worth a visit is the superb Museum of Underwater Archeology, full of fascinating exhbits and rich insights into the history of Bodrum and the surrounding peninsula.

Food and drink

There are plenty of food and drink options in Bodrum, from local cuisine to more familiar western outlets (yes, even a McDonalds). The Backpacker Grill is recommended by many tourists who visit: it is the only foreign-owned bar in town, and serves British food as well as classic Turkish favourites. It is a street away from the lights and bustle of the main tourist strip in Bodrum, so benefits from a more quiet, relaxed feel. Another excellent choice is Sunger Pizza, which is very popular so be sure to book ahead. For great kofte (meatballs), head to Marina Koftecisi, which like Sunger Pizza is close to the front of Bodrum’s Marina. Vira’s Restaurant, on the Yashi seafront, serves traditional Turkish cuisine and seafood, along with steaks and grills, pizza and pasta. The Marina Yacht Club  (which has great service and excellent views) and the well-priced Zazu Lounge are two other recommended options.

Accommodation

There are several hotels in Bodrum, but self-catering accommodation is on the whole a much better and more affordable choice for most people’s holiday needs. Holiday Rental Homes promotes several excellent properties for rent in the city. Feel free to browse them today and let us help you plan the holiday of a lifetime. Another benefit of self-catering accommodation is that you can make the most of your owner's local knowledge, eg: best restaurants, best events, best things to see and do.

Back to Turquoise Coast Travel Guide