Bodrum guide | Bodrum attractions and things to do
Located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, Bodrum is a charming town which in ancient times was an significant port in the centre of the old world, and home to one of the wonders of the ancient world: the Mausoleum. Modern Bodrum, however, is vastly transformed, though the imposing Crusader Castle overlooking the harbour is a constant reminder of its past.
The International Marina next door is a true reflection of contemporary Bodrum. But when visitors have had enough of the numerous harbour-side bars and restaurants, there is still an entire peninsula to explore. Mountains and green valleys, traditional villages and isolated beaches all serve to make Bodrum and its surroundings one of the most popular regions in Turkey.
The closest international airport to Bodrum is Milas-Bodrum Airport, which is 32km north of the town centre, and connects to a large number of destinations across Europe.
There is a regular shuttle bus service that will take you from the airport into Bodrum town centre, or alternatively you can jump in a taxi.
The weather in Bodrum combines the best of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, with mild winters, hot summers, extremely low humidity and over 300 days of sunshine a year. Sun-worshippers will benefit from uninterrupted hot sunshine between May and October, with over 12 hours of sunshine in the peak summer months.
Spring weather in Bodrum is perfect for walking excursions, with the mountains still cool and wild flowers and trees in blossom. Autumn is also a great time to visit, with the weather similar to springtime and the town refreshingly free of tourist crowds.
Winter holidays in Bodrum will probably see some rain, but also plenty of winter sunshine, and no snow, 5 or 6 hours of sunshine a day, and average temperatures hovering around 18C.
The Bodrum Peninsula offers an excellent range of easily accessible beaches, particularly in the resorts of Gumbet, Bitez and Gumusluk. There are also fine stretches of sand at Karaincir, Turgetreis, and Akyarlar, as well as a turtle beach at Dalyan.
For those who prefer to make more of their beach time than laying in the sun, the calm, warm Aegean sea is ideal for watersports, with excellent conditions for beginners. Bodrum offers a range of watersports including windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, jet skis and river rafting on the Dalaman River. The PADI Askin Dive Center in Bodrum offers professional instruction for all abilities.
Spring and autumn weather makes for ideal walking and horseriding conditions. The Hayvansaray Horse Riding Centre is set in an idyllic valley and provides tuition for beginners and children.
Bodrum also has a fantastic range of historical sites that will captivate visitors of a cultural inclination. The Bodrum Castle houses a fine museum of underwater archaeology, and the beautifully restored amphitheatre still hosts live entertainment, particularly during the Bodrum festival in September.
Worthwhile Bodrum excursions include the ancient city of Priene, the wonderful theatre of Miletus, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, and the ancient city of Ephesus. Other opportunities to escape Bodrum and explore the surrounding areas include sailing the gorgeous Aegean on romantic yacht cruises or the highly-regarded Blue Cruises to Marmaris.
For shopping in Bodrum, the traditional bazaar is an atmospheric, colourful way to shop for leather goods, jewellery, silverware, carpets and rugs. In terms of nightlife, Bodrum has a diverse range of venues. Its bars and discos are lively in the peak summer months, while there is also a good range of late-night clubs, including the open-air Halicarnassus Disco.
