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The Bodrum Area at a glance

Bodrum is a fascinating place that combines old and new with dramatic effect. Located in the Aegean region of Turkey it enjoys an immense, unspoilt coastline, year-round sunshine, exciting and often sophisticated nightlife and a landscape simply littered with areas of historical interest. It is surely the abundance of these key ingredients that keep visitors returning year after year. Therefore - if you're in search of a holiday destination that offers it all - from beautiful beaches and thrilling water sport opportunities to an intriguing culture and diverse nightlife - Bodrum offers the perfect holiday option for you. Book your next holiday to Bodrum with Olympic Holidays, and experience the paradise that countless holidaymakers flock to each year.

Who holidays in Bodrum?

Bodrum offers the perfect holiday experience for anyone who wants to explore both cultural and outdoor attractions in Turkey. It is particularly suited to a younger crowd, who will undoubtedly take joy in Bodrum's chic and lively nightlife.

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Destination Profile

Bodrum was the city of Halicarnassus in ancient times and an important port at the centre of the old world and thus, modern Bodrum is to Turkey, what Cannes is to the South of France: historic, interesting, relaxing and lively. Holidaymakers can delight in exploring Bodrum's 15th century Castle of St. Peter, Myndos Gate and the Ancient Theatre. Another must-see in the region are the windmills located on the hills between Bodrum and Gumbet.

The heart of Bodrum is located around the charming and fascinating harbour, where shops, bars and restaurants jostle together in the narrow streets under the shadow of the castle. However, when you've had your fill of Bodrum's harbour-side attractions, there is still a whole peninsula to explore: mountains and green valleys, traditional villages and isolated beaches are all within view of the warm, clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

The lively resort of Gumbet has one of the longest and most popular beaches in the region and offers excellent water sports opportunities. Just 2 kms from Bodrum it is also a great place from which to launch shopping trips to the boutiques and markets of Bodrum.

For an altogether gentler and more relaxed pace of life try the more low key resort of Bitez which is widely considered to be an absolute gem and offers great opportunities for scenic walks, boat trips and also shopping. It is also renowned as being one of the best places in the region for windsurfing.

Meaning 'Middle Town' the resort of Ortakent is located in the centre of the Bodrum peninsular making it a great place from which to explore the region and with a long, wide, sandy beach it is a very popular resort for families.

Whether you're looking for a cultural holiday experience or one that's predominantly beach-bound, a holiday in Bodrum is the answer!

Beaches

Gumbet: Just 2-3 km away from Bodrum and fast becoming a resort in its own right Gumbet has one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsula. It is also one of the most popular water sports centres with water-skiing, windsurfing and para sailing available.

Bitez: Bitez lies 7 kms west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet and has a great sandy beach. It is also gaining a reputation as one of the region's best centres for windsurfing.

Ortakent: Ortakent occupies the next bay to Bitez and has a very large beach making it particularly popular with families although it is recognised that the water does rapidly become deeper.

Highlights

  • Charming and fascinating harbour
  • Cosmopolitan feel
  • Shops bars and restaurants under the shadow of St. Peter Castle
  • Crystal clear waters

Shopping

Shopping between the perfect white walls of the narrow streets of Bodrum is one of the greatest pleasures of any visit to this region. The Turkish craftsmanship makes it almost impossible to resist buying something. The most obvious items on the shopping list of any visitors to the region is of course a carpet. However the various leather, copper, bronze, silver and gold handicrafts are also great value. Don't forget to haggle!

Things To Do

Popular activities for those taking holidays in Bodrum include:

  • Watersports
  • Horse riding
  • River rafting
  • Deep sea diving
  • Hiking

Bodrum Holidays - Excursions

Boat Trip: Turkey is world famous for her magnificent coastline and turquoise waters and here is your chance to discover the many hidden coves, bays and caves for yourself. This will be a totally unforgettable day.

Turkish Bath: Not to be missed! Like the Roman baths of old, this is a social occasion where friends meet to chat and relax. Feel the stress simply melt away.

Dalyan - Turtle Beach: Cruise along the coast to the mouth of Dalyan River and Turtle Beach - the breeding ground of the loggerhead turtles. View magnificent Rock Tombs carved into the cliff-side. Experience the miracle mud bath of Dalyan leaving you with perfect, smooth, shiny skin.

Jeep Safari: The jeep safari is a must for anyone looking for adventure. You will drive through small villages, mountains and vast areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Turkish Delight: Turkish cuisine hospitality at its best followed by a spectacular array of Turkish entertainment. Firstly you will meet the colourful folk dancers from the rural arcos and an exquisite belly dancer.

Tandem Paragliding: From Fethiye to Oludeniz is widely regarded as a unique paragliding area of the world. Watch the spectacular scenery of the Oludeniz Lagoon unfold below as you glide through the air. This is an opportunity to get unrivalled photos of this beautiful coastline.

Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House: Spend a day in one of the wonders of the ancient world. Walk on the marble streets of Ephesus and see remains of the Living Ancient City or visit the house where the Virgin Mary spent her last days.

Things To See

Mausoleum: This is Bodrum's oldest antiquity and was built by Artemisia II in honour of her husband King Mausolos. The monumental tomb became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After the Mausoleum was destroyed by an earthquake in the 12th century, an exhibition about what the Mausoleum probably looked like, together with a large model, provided a vivid lesson on the history of the area which was then called Halicarnassus.

Amphi Theatre: The theatre is further evidence of the great past of Bodrum. Situated in the hillside overlooking Bodrum this theatre whose capacity is around 13.000 was built during the Carian reign in the Hellenistic age (330 - 30 BC). The theatre consists of three different sections: a place for the audience, a place for an orchestra and the stage. It became an open-air museum after the excavations in 1973.

St. Peter's Castle: The most prominent feature of Bodrum is the castle of St. Peter. The castle's origins date back to the knights of St. John but now it is one of the finest museums in this region and it also offers wonderful views of the town and sea. The castle contains several mighty towers, a chapel, dungeon and Turkish bath, all set in gardens and linked by steep steps and passageways.

Dilek National Park: Located just 22 kms from the peaceful resort of Kadikalesi lies the Dilek National Park. A stunningly beautiful and mountainous nature reserve which offers perfect walking and riding opportunities as well as unspoilt coves for swimming.

Ephesus: Widely regarded as the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean the site is about 160 kms North of Bodrum and can be reached in approximately two and a half hours by bus. A city once renowned throughout the Classical world as a major trading port, it was a metropolis of approximately 250,000 inhabitants as well as a major religious and cultural centre. It was also the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Transport

Boat: There are many types of cruises that link many of the resorts and villages in the region. Take a Gullet cruise or a Blue Voyage cruise to explore Bodrum and the surrounding areas.

Bus: The local bus (known as Dolmus) is normally a white mini bus that travels around the resorts. There are no specified bus stops, so to stop the Dolmus you just need to just flag it down.

Taxi: There are numerous taxis in all towns and resorts and these are recognisable by their chequered black and yellow bands.

Car Hire: An excellent way of getting around whilst on a Bodrum holiday is to hire a car giving you complete flexibility over where to explore and the ability to pack more sightseeing in.

Weather

Max_temp Max Temp C Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Bodrum 21 24 29 32 32 28 26
London 13 16 20 22 21 19 13
☀️Sunshine Hours Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Bodrum 8 9 9 11 12 9 8
London 5 6 7 6 6 5 3
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