Holidays in Bodrum

The main youth tourism resort in Turkey. A region with favorable climatic conditions, an excellent selection of first-class hotels with private beaches and numerous restaurants. Bodrum has historical landmarks (the city was built on the site of ancient Halicarnassus) and areas designed for children’s recreation. However, the resort is most popular thanks to its modern discos and nightclubs. During the day, young and ambitious people go diving and surfing, and in the evening they head to the dance floors.

Where it is located

In the province of Muğla, which stretches across the northwestern part of Turkey. Bodrum is situated on the Aegean coast, namely on the northern shore of the Gulf of Gökova. It is approximately 300 km west of Antalya and 270 km south of Izmir. Across the sea lies the Greek island of Kos. The city stands on the site of the destroyed Halicarnassus, famous for its mausoleum, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Bodrum consists of two parts: the quiet western side, where tourism is centered around the yacht club, and the eastern side, with a convenient beach and a high concentration of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

The most convenient way to reach the resort is from Milas–Bodrum Airport, located about half an hour’s drive from the city center (36 km). If you are planning a trip with children, it is better to use flights arriving at Milas–Bodrum rather than the airports of Antalya or Istanbul.

When it’s best to go

The climate is mild and comfortable for vacationers of all ages. Despite the high temperatures, the summer months are less scorching than at Mediterranean resorts. The peak season is from late spring to early autumn. From November to March there is quite a lot of rainfall, so this is the period when there are the fewest tourists in Bodrum.

What to do

Each visitor plans their own leisure time in Bodrum. Some come with children, while for others the main aim is to party on the dance floors of nightclubs. Many vacationers want to try windsurfing or diving.

• Diving
  Thanks to its incredibly rich underwater world, the city is considered the best option in Turkey for divers. The most interesting dive sites are located near Orak Island. The most beautiful places are the mysterious caves and the natural wall. You can encounter bizarre, colorful marine life near the reefs – the Great and the Small. A diving tour with equipment costs about 30 dollars.
• Beach
  There are many beaches of all types in the vicinity of Bodrum. Those who go to Gumbet Bay (3 km from the city) are in for a fantastic time – both day and night. Round-the-clock entertainment venues and the opportunity to go surfing and windsurfing attract young, fun-loving vacationers. Families with children prefer the beaches of Bitez. They have sandy shores with a convenient entrance to the sea. The coast is covered with pine and mandarin trees. Excellent conditions for a beach holiday are provided by five-star hotels with direct access to the sea.
• Museum of Underwater Archaeology
  Located in the Castle of St. Peter, which is visible from any part of the resort. Its exhibits are artifacts raised from the seabed and remains of sunken ships. The castle was built from the remains of the legendary Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which was destroyed by an earthquake.
• Amphitheater
  Built in the 4th century BC, the amphitheater still serves as a place of pilgrimage for numerous tourists and locals. While gladiatorial combat once took place here, today it hosts festivals.
• Black Island
  A trip to the island is of interest to divers and vacationers who want to undergo wellness treatments using therapeutic mud. The landscapes here are very beautiful.
• “Halicarnassus” Disco
  A large-scale nightclub designed like an ancient amphitheater, with a dance floor for 5,000 people. The most famous and visited place in Bodrum, a symbol of carefree, fun-filled nightlife.

Bodrum offers good conditions for children’s recreation. It is home to Turkey’s oldest water park, “Dedeman.” The 4-hectare grounds are divided into decorative lakes, playgrounds, pools with jacuzzis, rides, snack bars, and more. The local dolphinarium provides natural living conditions for marine mammals. They take part in various shows that delight children.

Where to eat

Local eateries called “lokanta” fully showcase the colorfulness of Turkish cuisine. Guests can choose from menus featuring both exotic dishes (such as stuffed zucchini flowers) and dishes that are quite familiar to Europeans. Restaurants serve more refined food: fresh seafood, fish, and meat. Establishments offer refreshing drinks and freshly brewed coffee, as well as wine lists with a wide range of prices.

• Orfoz
  The restaurant has created a cozy atmosphere and enjoys a convenient location. The windows offer a magnificent view. The menu is dominated by seafood – shellfish, octopus, fish, crab, oysters, shrimp. There are salads and soups at reasonable prices. Chardonnay, a liqueur with good flavor characteristics, and coffee are served.
• Memedof
  This establishment specializes in Turkish cuisine. It serves octopus, squid, shrimp, and sea bass grilled over an open flame. The menu also includes seafood dishes prepared in other ways. There are turkey dishes and salads. The dessert selection is small, but guests note the tasty ice cream and soufflé. Prices are not particularly high, while the atmosphere is excellent.

What to combine it with

We recommend combining a holiday in Bodrum with trips to Black Island, yacht excursions, and visits to small resort towns located within the resort’s vicinity.