BODRUM

Bodrum - Μπόντρουμ

Bodrum, also known in Greek as Halicarnassus, is the “jewel” of the Turkish coastline and has been called the “Mykonos of Turkey”.

In Bodrum you will find beautiful beaches, restaurants by the sea, beach bars, open-air market, and a wild nightlife. It is considered a high-class tourist resort in Turkey, so be prepared to find much higher prices than other places like Istanbul.

It’s only 10 nautical miles from Kos and is an ideal destination for a day trip from the Greek island, although I would recommend staying at least 2-3 days. 

Bodrum - Μπόντρουμ

Birthplace of Herodotus, the father of history, the legendary Halicarnassus linked its name to important moments in ancient civilization.

Bodrum is a combination of history, culture and magnificent landscapes. You can start your day by taking a leisurely stroll through the bustling port of Halicarnassus and admire the luxurious yachts and cruise ships.  

Then head uphill to the town’s large world-famous market and lose yourself in its traditional streets. There you’ll find, among other things, loukoums, spices, sweets, handmade soaps, clothing, and jewelry.

Halicarnassus has historical monuments that must be visited such as the ancient theatre, but also the ruins of the famous mausoleum (tomb) of Mausolus, satrap of Caria during the Hellenistic period, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Accommodation in Bodrum

Smart City Hotel

Behind the main pedestrian street next to the see is the Smart City Hotel.

The room we stayed in was quite spacious, with a large terrace and good air conditioning (very basic because the heat in Bodrum in June was unbearable). Breakfast was served on the terrace overlooking the sea. 

The rooms were quite reasonably priced and for what they provide you it is an ideal choice for a stay in Bodrum.

What to do in Bodrum

Halicarnassus Castle 

Halicarnassus Castle (Bodrum Kalesi), built from 1402 onwards, by the Knights of St. John as St. Peter’s Castle or Petronium.

Bodrum - Μπόντρουμ

In 1962 the Turkish government decided to turn the castle into a museum for the underwater discoveries of ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea. 

Thus the Museum of Underwater Archaeology of Halicarnassus was created, with a collection of amphorae, ancient glass, bronze, clay and iron objects. It is the only museum in Turkey and one of the few museums in the world dedicated to the field of underwater archaeology.

Bodrum - Μπόντρουμ

The ticket costs 20€.

Open-air market

If you walk along the seaside promenade after the port and the marina with the boats you will find the open-air market, where you will find countless shops selling clothes, bags, loukoumia and other sweets, spices and a wide variety of souvenirs.

Tip: Do not compromise on the original price. Bargain and you can buy what you want up to 70% below the original price!

Bodrum - Μπόντρουμ

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus 

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is where the name of the mausoleums came from as it housed the body of Mausolus, the satrap of Caria.

You can see the ancient ruins that remain for just 3€.

Ancient theatre of Halicarnassus 

The Theatre of Halicarnassus was an ancient Greek theatre in Halicarnassus, in present-day Turkey. Its remains are located in the northern part of the present-day town of Bodrum and you can visit it for free.

Bodrum - Μπόντρουμ

Bodrum Marina

In addition to the pedestrian street with shops in Bodrum, you can also take a stroll around the marina, where the yachts are located. It’s a much quieter spot and you’ll find a few shops to sit in there too.

Gümüşlük

Gümüşlük is a district of Bodrum, in the province of Mugla. It has nice waters for swimming but also fantastic little taverns by the sea.

Beaches 

In Bodrum you will find many beaches for all tastes. Yahsi beach, which has a Blue Flag, is one of the cleanest beaches in Bodrum. Bitez beach, about 15 minutes from the centre of Halicarnassus, is ideal for surfers.

About 8 km from Bodrum, Torba beach is ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in an idyllic setting.

Otherwise with many hotels and restaurants, Gümbet is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches in Bodrum.

And of course on Gümüşlük beach you can swim near some of the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos.

Eating in Bodrum

Derin Beach Bar Restaurant 

At Derin Beach Bar Restaurant you can find everything. In the morning it has sunbeds in front and it’s open as a beach bar, you can have breakfast & lunch, but it is also ideal for dinner as the view at sunset time is magical.

We went for dinner and had a salad, two kebabs and a mandi. The prices on the dishes are expensive but at least the food was tasty.

The next morning we went again when it was open with sunbeds to have a swim and got two refreshments and a club sandwich.

Mado

With tables by the sea, Mado is the ideal place to have breakfast with a view of the impressive castle of Alikarnassos. 

The prices are quite stingy I would say – as in any tourist shop – but in places like this it’s to be expected.

What you need to know before your trip to Bodrum

  • Mobile data does not work in Turkey. You will need to buy an eSim or local card.
  • Although the currency of Turkey is Turkish lira, you can pay in euros and card in most shops. We didn’t need to do any foreign exchange.
  • Prices are considerably higher in Bodrum unlike other parts of Turkey, such as Istanbul.
  • The climate in Bodrum is quite hot with high temperatures and very humid especially in summer.

If you want to see more of my trip to Bodrum visit my Instagram profile

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