Bodrum: The pearl of the TurkAegean

With its unmatched cultural and historical heritage, nature sports opportunities and unique tastes, TurkAegean, Türkiye’s Aegean coast, offers visitors summer destinations par excellence in the country's southwestern shores. Bodrum is easily Türkiye’s most sought-after summer vacation destination in this coast of happiness.

As one of the most happening spots of the TurkAegean coast, Bodrum peninsula has it all: picturesque coastal villages and charming neighbourhoods with white-washed houses draped in bougainvillaea, various ancient sites for sightseeing, mild Mediterranean climate, turquoise sea, long sandy beaches, exquisite bays, a sweet little harbour with a picture-perfect mediaeval castle, luxurious marinas with beautiful boats as well as modern transportation and a vibrant night life.

Bodrum peninsula comes to the forefront with its magnificent natural environment, azure and crystal-clear sea, virgin bays and stunning beaches. The splendour of Bodrum’s sea has long been the subject of poems and songs while the town's nature has a varied flora and fauna because of its unique geography, geological structure, and diverse climate.

Brimming with history, culture, and stunning natural scenery, Bodrum represents TurkAegean at its most vibrant and stands out among Türkiye's popular rejuvenating escapes.

Forested areas and marvellous bays

The large, forested areas of Bodrum mostly compose of red pine, larch, stone pine, cedar and juniper trees, and various plants such as silcan, crocus, pallasii and ivy add beauty to the town with their flowers. On the other hand, Bodrum’s untouched bays and bustling beaches, most of which are registered with a blue flag, are ideal for a fabulous summer vacation of sea, sand and sun.

Immersing yourself in cool waters at the town’s marvellous bays, such as Cennet, Kargıcak, Gümüşlük and Akvaryum, and golden sandy beaches, including Gümbet, Göltürkbükü and Bitez, is an unforgettable experience. Various types of water sports, from sailing and surfing to scuba diving and snorkelling, are within reach of everyone in Bodrum, regardless of their age and skill. With its enchanting views, gorgeous beaches, pristine bays shaded by citrus trees and exciting water sport opportunities, Bodrum is a true oasis!

In ancient times

Called Halicarnassus in ancient times, Bodrum was located in southwest Caria region, extending along the coast from mid-Ionia south to Lycia and east to Phrygia. As a spot where people have lived continuously for long years, Bodrum has an incredibly deep history; therefore, it houses mesmerizing ancient artifacts like the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This magnificent tomb, built for famed Carian satrap Mausolus, was set on a massive podium and featured reliefs on each facade carved by some of the most famous 4th-century BCE sculptors, including Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas of Paros, and Timotheus.

Another historical landmark is Bodrum Castle. Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, the castle has seen many battles. The structure features The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where ancient artifacts including relics retrieved from local shipwrecks are on display, within its body today.

Historical figures

Thanks to its deep-rooted past, Bodrum has also hosted many historical figures and witnessed their stories. Known as “The Father of History,” Herodotus was born and lived for a while in the magical land of Halicarnassus. Alexander the Great laid siege to the ancient city and captured it after heavy fighting.

Among the other notable people of the town were the ancient explorer Scylax of Caryanda, Bishop Julian of Halicarnassus, Carian ruler Artemisia II and the famous ancient historian and teacher of rhetoric in the Roman period, Dionysius of Halicarnassus.

Pearl of the
Aegean Sea

As the Pearl of the Aegean Sea, Bodrum has an undeniably relaxed glamour that depicts the lifestyle in southern Türkiye. The harbour of the town may be the best place to feel the characteristic tranquillity. With its wide quaysides, palms and eucalyptus trees, it is a prime place to mill around and watch the ferries come and go, particularly in the evening when the sunset is lovely.

The harbour mesmorises with the view of three-masted gulets, which are traditional sailing boats similar to caiques. In addition, boats, gulets and yachts of the town offer unique blue cruise experiences, where the best opportunities from fishing to swimming in the deep blue sea, from being in touch with nature to trying water sports activities are provided. Vacationers participating in blue cruise tours in Bodrum during the summer can watch over the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas and enjoy the magnificent beauties of nature in the bays.

All year long and gastronomy

The summer vacation hot spot of Bodrum also has a lot to offer all year long, especially with its restaurants offering Aegean cuisine, social gatherings and several cultural festivals. A true gateway to the Mediterranean, Bodrum caters to all visitors and itineraries in every season.

Bodrum is putting itself on the map as a gastronomy centre. Waterfront restaurants bring a modern light “Bodrum” touch to local recipes and create delicious meals, benefitting from the abundance of the TurkAegean. There is a balance between local and chic restaurants, each restaurant is ready to serve an inviting feast including fresh produce and seafood from the Aegean.

From colourful meze spreads and comfort foods to upscale chef-driven local dining, you can explore the best of TurkAegean’s gastronomy in Bodrum’s wide range of restaurants.

Cruise liners and celebrities

It is not surprising that Bodrum welcomes a great number of international cruise liners and millions of tourists every year. Throwing in unique cultural and historical heritage, incredible climate, stunning coastline, fine dining experience with fresh seafood, impressive entertainment scene and of course, time-honoured Turkish hospitality, the town is also a best-kept secret for many celebrities in Europe. It has hosted many world-famous celebrities from pop singers to supermodels, from Hollywood stars and business people to royalty.