ATTRACTIONS
The Bodrum Peninsula is a region of immense variety, combining ancient and modern with simplicity and sophistication. The area still has miles of unspoilt coastline, carved by dozens of coves and inlets dotted with small resort towns. A few miles inland you can still discover small pockets of the rural community where a more traditional way of life continues untouched by tourism. We're sure you will find much to make your holiday to Bodrum a memorable one.
Each town along the peninsula has it's own distinct personality. Whilst Bodrum town itself is highly sociable, full of character and with a wealth of amenities, dining and shopping possibilities, scenic Gumusluk set in a pretty little bay is free-spirited and laid back, whilst the traffic-free hamlet of Karakaya enjoys superb views from it's rustic hillside setting. The beauty of a holiday on the peninsula is that there is a wide choice of towns, resorts, villages and rural retreats to explore all within a short drive or easy reach by local dolmus transport services. During the summer months, daily ferries operate from Bodrum to the Datca peninsula as well as to the nearby Greek island of Kos.
Around the Bodrum peninsula, you can swim in clear, tide-less warm seas, many with shallow waters making it ideal for families. The calm waters and good visibility also provide ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling. There are any number of watersport centres on the peninsula that arrange diving excursions and provide lessons for beginners eager to try out this underwater sport.
Another area of exporation for your Bodrum holiday could be the glorious stretches of coastline - and what better way to relax than on a sumptuous yacht? The boatyards of Bodrum have been famous since ancient times and today the craftsmen still make the traditional yachts: the well known Bodrum Gulet. Bodrum is one of the starting points for the popular Blue Cruise, a week spent cruising along the stunning coast of the Gulf of Gökova Gulf or down to Marmaris.
Evenings out on the peninsula can be enjoyed dining on traditional Turkish meze in a cosy lokanta in one of the smaller resorts, taking advantage of the late night shopping, or heading for Bodrum's lively centre.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology
The rooms and towers of St. Peter's Castle house this museum, which exhibits several collections of ancient artifacts including relics retrieved from local shipwrecks.
Attraction type: Maritime museum; History museum
Castle of St. Peter
This imposing structure, built by the Knights of St. John in the early 15th century, is the most prominent feature of Bodrum.
Attraction type: Historic site; Castle; History museum
Windmills
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was constructed to house the remains of King Mausolos. Not much remains of the Mausoleum today, whose stones were used to construct Bodrum Castle in the early fifteenth century.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; History museum
Bitez Beach
Attraction type: Beach
Bardakci Cove
Attraction type: Bay
Bodrum Amphitheater
Built sometime during the Hellenistic age, the structure is situated on a hillside over looking the city and was used primarily as a stage for theatrical productions.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins
Myndus gate
This gate was one of two entrances into the ancient, walled city of Halicarnassus.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins
Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA)
Attraction type: Educational site