17 Incredible Things to Do in Bodrum in 2022

Bodrum is a well-liked vacationer sizzling spot in Turkey recognized for having world-class family-friendly resorts, gorgeous seashores and, for the youthful crowd, wonderful nightlife. However if you happen to’re undecided what to do in Bodrum Turkey, then you definitely’ve come to the proper place.

As a part of our metropolis guides collection, we interviewed Roving Jay who has been touring to the Bodrum Peninsula for the previous 4 years. We have been fortunate sufficient to get some inside recommendation and steerage to the very best issues to do in Bodrum, in addition to some ideas for locations to eat, keep, drink, and discover.

When you’re planning on visiting Bodrum however you’re undecided what sights will hold you busy, learn on to see among the finest issues to do on the Bodrum peninsula.

Why Go to Bodrum Turkey?

The Bodrum Peninsula has a distinctly European really feel. It’s fringed with a crystal clear stretch of the Aegean Sea, and is simply 20 minutes to the closest Greek Island of Kos. To me, the Bodum Peninsula is a multi-dimensional gem; you simply need to enterprise under the floor to find it.

Positive the Gumbet space caters to the 18-30 get together crowd; however only a brief drive North to Turkbuku and also you’ll uncover a spot that has been touted within the NY Occasions as “Turkey’s San Tropez” and attracts the glitterati from Istanbul and numerous European cities.

Bodrum has a protracted historical past; in actual fact, the Father of historical past, Herodotus, was born right here. Bodrum can also be close to to not one, however two of the 7 wonders of the traditional world, in addition to being dwelling to one of the crucial prestigious Museums of Underwater Archeology, which is housed within the Bodrum Citadel.

Within the vacationer hubs, there are additionally loads of consuming, procuring, and leisure choices. However, throughout my journeys, I wish to step off the well-trodden path; discover the again streets, and immerse myself in day by day interactions and actions with the locals.

Getting Round Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is a peninsula on the South West aspect of Turkey. It connects to the Aegean Sea within the North and the Mediterranean within the South.

You may get round Bodrum utilizing the minibusses (Dolmuş in Turkish) and whereas they’re an inexpensive approach to get round, lots of them function on Turkish time – they present up once they really feel prefer it. Don’t fear although, they do present up ultimately.

These small passenger vans zip between areas and, though it’s the usual mode of transport for the village locals, the dolmuş can get packed, however that’s all a part of the journey.

Throughout peak season, the dolmuş begins early within the morning and runs to early the following morning. Every city has a central dolmuş station and you may flag one down anyplace alongside its route.

Fares and routes are posted on the windscreen, and also you cross your cash to the motive force through the opposite passengers – a change comes again the identical method.

As a result of public transport is considerably unreliable, we suggest you rent a automotive to get round Bodrum. That is by far the quickest approach to see all of the sights in Bodrum with out having to attend for a very long time for a bus.

17 High Issues to Do in Bodrum

Now you recognize a bit bit about how one can get across the websites, it’s time to try the very best Bodrum sights! Kickstart your keep by adjusting your mindset, and easing your self into Bodrum’s tempo of life.

Let’s check out what to do in Bodrum…

1. Full Day Boat Journey on the Bodrum Peninsula

Each coastal vacation spot on the Bodrum Peninsula affords a number of day boat journeys, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Bodrum with household. There’s an expertise to match your wants; you simply need to make a bit little bit of effort to pick the proper one.

Keep away from a budget journeys touted by the Journey Brokers the place you might be squashed on a celebration boat for 70, and served a mediocre lunch. As an alternative, head right down to your native boat harbour (earlier than 10am or after 6pm) and discover one of many smaller, independently run boats.

Discover a boat that takes a most of 10-12 passengers, and provide a soothing tour through wind and sails to propel you thru the Aegean. Assured you’ll decompress out of your travels, and choose up some good native suggestions from the Captain and fellow passengers.

Considered one of my favorite suggestions is a journey aboard the Siesta, which is moored in Bitez. Lunch was a recent number of conventional Turkish meze, adopted by Kofe kebabs, cooked recent on the BBQ. Captain Zariff makes certain that every of his passengers enjoys their day – he’s a wonderful host.

2. Take pleasure in a Turkish Bathtub (Hamam)

A lot of the larger resorts have Turkish Bathtub amenities, provided as a part of their spa companies. There are additionally a few unbiased Turkish Baths reminiscent of Bodrum Hamam and Rayola Hamam, Ortaken, however my favorite hamam is one utilized by the locals.

You’ll discover the Bardakçı Hamam located down one of many again streets of Bodrum. It dates again to the mid-1700’s, and is the oldest Hamam within the space. Simply look previous the unassuming exterior and step inside for a memorable Turkish Bathtub expertise.

That is no Spa expertise! The inside is fundamental and small, and women and men share the Scorching Room space. There’s no standing on ceremony, and the service can appear a bit tough and abrupt – chances are you’ll even really feel such as you’ve had a flip in a spin-cycle on the finish of it.

However the therapeutic massage is rigorous, adept,, and acceptable. Out of all of the Turkish Baths I’ve had within the native space and Istanbul, the Bardakçı Hamam is the very best.

3. Tour Bodrum Citadel & The Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology

40 years in the past this citadel was in ruins, however at present it’s totally renovated and stands proudly within the centre of Bodrum Bay. Bodrum Citadel, in any other case referred to as Citadel of St Peter, was inbuilt 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of St John.

The partitions have been remarkably well-preserved and the turrets and towers give the citadel a fairytale like high quality.

In addition to housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, its elevated vantage level permits for excellent views of the encompassing space.

The museum is the biggest museum on the earth that’s solely devoted to underwater archaeology. Guests can gaze upon its historical vases, jewellery and an enormous hoard of Mycenaean copper ingots, Historical Egyptian seals, Roman amphorae, and Medieval Islamic glassware.

The museums intensive assortment is an interesting perception into Bodrums historical historical past, in addition to providing a glimpse of discoveries from beneath the waves.

4. Discover the Markets and Buying in Bodrum

Every city and village has a weekly farmers market, and the bigger areas even have a pazaar part that features faux designer garments, textiles, housewares, and vacationer trinkets.

The craft markets stalls of Gümüşlük and Yalikavak, provide distinctive handcrafted crafts which can be higher high quality and extra distinctive than the mass produced gadgets obtainable in quite a lot of the retailers. Particularly these within the vacationer lure areas.

5. Wander the Neighborhoods in Bodrum

Some guests are drawn to the exercise and vibrancy of Bodrum city, the place you’re spoilt for alternative with its historical sights, procuring, eating places, bars, and golf equipment.

However simply stroll down any of its cobbled backstreets, and also you’ll discover small eating places that cater to the native Turkish crowd. Right here, you’ll get extra in your cash in addition to a soothing and genuine eating expertise.

In addition to discovering the quiet again streets of the Vacationer hubs, the Bodrum Peninsula has an array of quieter villages to discover. Gündoğan, Kucukbuk, Kadikalesi, Gümüşlük and Akyarlar are a couple of of my coastal favourites.

On the inland villages of Derekoy and Dagbelen chances are you’ll stand out as one of many few English-speaking guests, and it might be a problem to order a tea the way in which you prefer it, however they each provide an area slice of Turkey, the place life is unhurried, and the immediacy of at present’s trendy existence dip slowly out of view like a waning sundown.

6. Drink Turkish Espresso in a Native Belediyesi (Cafe)

It is best to attempt Turkish Espresso, even when it’s simply as soon as. However don’t head to a vacationer cafe and pay 6TL for the expertise. As an alternative, go for one of many native Belediyesi (municipal) cafes, and pattern a Turkish espresso the place the locals drink, and it’ll solely set you again about 1.50-2TL.

Most of the cities like Bodrum, Gumbet, and Turgurtreis have a “Bar Avenue”, providing a loud array of bars and golf equipment to get together the evening away. You possibly can even go to the native Marina Bars for prime worth cocktails.

However I a lot desire a beach-front desk, to observe the solar go down while having fun with an ice chilly native Efes Pilsen beer.

7. Dance the Evening Away on the City in Bodrum

Bodrum is famed for its nightlife and also you’ll discover loads of seashore bars, nightclubs and reside music venues all through the city of Bodrum.

Halikarnas Evening Membership is a formidable venue, providing an unforgettable evening of partying. However if you happen to’d desire to go offshore; each Bodrum and Turgutreis provide glass-bottomed catamaran evening golf equipment, the place you possibly can get together til daybreak with a view of the Aegean at your ft.

8. Attend a Classical Music Pageant

The Marnia’s in Bodrum, Turgutreis and Yalikavak, every holds annual Classical Music festivals.

Turgutreis and Yalikavak have their very own small amphitheaters, and Bodrum holds occasions in Bodrum Citadel and in addition within the renovated historical Bodrum amphitheatre located within the hills above Bodrum, which has sweeping views of the Bay and its Citadel.

Sit on the marble steps and admire the views of Bodrum Outdated city

One other well-liked Classical Worldwide Music Occasion is held in Gümüşlük every year on the outdated Eklisia Greek Church behind the dolmus station.

The grounds are opened up for overflow seating, and it’s a relaxed setting for a month’s price of classical performances and live shows.

You possibly can be taught extra about Turkey’s most well-known singer on the Zeki Muren Arts Museum.

9. Take a Day Journey to Ephesus

Day journeys are touted in the entire vacationer hubs. Some of the well-liked is a day journey to Ephesus. It’s a 3 hour journey in every course, and there’s an excursions that may get you there and again in a day, supplying you with 1/2 day to tour this historical Greek web site.

We needed extra flexibility after we visited Ephesus, so we rented a automotive, and stayed in a single day within the close by city of Selcuk, after which spent a leisurely morning touring Ephesus, and stopped off at an area Kusadasi seashore on the way in which again to Bodrum.

When you’d desire to tour historical ruins a bit bit nearer to the Bodrum Peninsula, on the opposite aspect of the Milas-Bodrum airport is the traditional metropolis of Iassos, and within the hills above Bodrum, is the traditional metropolis of Pedesa.

Whereas neither of those are in the identical league as Ephesus, they’ll get you your ancient-site repair. You possibly can hike as much as Pedesa from Bodrum, however you’ll want a automotive for Iassos – and that journey will take you about 90 minutes from Bodrum.

However that being mentioned – my favorite full day away from the Peninsula, needs to be a ship journey.

Ephesus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 2015 with the Temple of Artemis thought to be one of many Seven Wonders of the Historical World. 

Getting To and From Ephesus:

By Air:

The Milas-Bodrum airport affords quite a few low-cost package deal excursions that provide flight-only offers. Some of the established Turkish Airways is Pegasus, and naturally there’s Turkish Airways providing scheduled flights from an expansive record of areas.

When you’re flying in from different Turkish cities, like Istanbul or Izmir, there’s a few good choices for home carriers; Onurair and Atlasjet.

By highway:

One of many nationwide firms is Metro Turizm they usually have a lot of routes spanning the whole nation. One other well-liked firm that companies the Aegean area is Pamukkale.

By ferry:

Turkish and Greek ferry firms service Bodrum and Turgutureis. You possibly can arrive through one of many Greek Islands of Kos, Rhodes and Kalymnos. Relying on the season, frequency of routes will fluctuate, and completely different companies are provided through; Bodrum Specific Strains, Yeşil Marmaris Line and Bodrum Ferry Boat.

Bodrum can also be a Cruise-line vacation spot welcoming waves of day trippers, and can also be a busy port of name for these having fun with a Blue Cruise on a conventional regionally charted gullet or on their very own private yacht.

10. Scuba Dive Century-Outdated Shipwrecks

The crystal clear water and delightful underwater surroundings is why Bodrum is a sizzling spot for diving. There are many nice areas to dive and see some marine life within the Mediterranean and Aegean Oceans.

You may also dive to quite a few shipwrecks, and even a airplane wreck, off the coast of Bodrum.

A few of the shipwrecks price scuba diving to see are the SG 115, a retired coast guard boat that sunk in 2007. The C-47 Dakota, which was a retired Turkish Air Drive airplane that sunk in 2008 by BOSAD, and in addition has a synthetic reef, in addition to the Pınar 1, which was a retired Navy Coastguard ship used as a water tanker. It was sunk in Could 2007 by BOSAD.

11. Bathe on the Calm Camel Seaside

Bodrum is well-known for its seashores and so it wouldn’t be proper to go to the realm and never discover among the gorgeous shoreline. Most of the public seashores in Bodrum are blue flag seashores, which implies they adhere to the federal government’s requirements of cleanliness and pure magnificence.

A well-known seashore in Bodrum is Camel Seaside, which is known for having camels on the seashore (hense the identify). It’s additionally an amazing family-friendly seashore with a shallow shoreline, crystal clear water and a few shady spots to retreat to when the solar will get too sizzling.

One other well-liked seashore you may wish to take a look at is Bardakci Cove, which is one other lovely spot in Bodrum for swimming.

12. Wander Round Milta Bodrum Marina

The Bodrum Marina is a soothing place to walk round and admire all of the luxurious yachts that dock right here. You’ll discover loads of upscale eating places, boutique shops and seashore bars to sip cocktails in.

When you’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Bodrum, then this needs to be high of your locations to go to.

13. Go to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

When you’re on the lookout for historic issues to do in Bodrum, probably the most iconic historic landmark within the space is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Little or no stays of Halicarnassus, however the mausoleum itself. The tomb was constructed within the 4th century BC, between 353-350. It was constructed for Mausolus, and his sister/spouse Artemisia || of Caria.

It was designed by the Greeks and has comparable options to these present in Lycia.

The tombs is gorgeous, with sculptural reliefs on every of its 4 sides, which have been mentioned to have every been designed by 4 Greek sculptures.

The mausoleum is so lovely and architecturally monumental, that it was dubbed one of many Seven Wonders of the Historical World.

It has been largely broken as a result of earthquakes however you possibly can nonetheless admire its magnificence.

14. Take a Day Journey to Greece

As soon as upon a thousand years in the past, Bodrum was thought of a part of Greece. It grew to become Bodrum of Turkey in 1522 after Suleiman the Magnificent took over rule of Turkey.

However it nonetheless stays shut sufficient to some Greek islands that it’s attainable to take a day journey there.

One island that’s well-liked for a day journey is Kos. That is largely due to its proximity, but additionally as a result of it’s gorgeous.

Kos is understood for its gorgeous sandy seashores and Historical Greek and Roman landmarks, significantly the harbor city which is the place you’ll discover the Fifteenth-century Neratzia Citadel. You may also see the Historical Agora ruins, and a Third-century Casa Romana villa which is understood for its beautiful mosaics.

15. Stroll within the Footsteps of Alexander the Nice at Myndos Gate

The Myndos Gate is situated within the far western aspect of Bodrum and is the stays of the outdated metropolis wall from the Historical Metropolis of Halicarnassus.

There’s not an enormous quantity to see of the gate, however the stays stand on a cliff which provide breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding landscapes.

When you’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Bodrum, this can be a sensible choice.

16. Roam Across the Bodrum Windmills

Some of the well-known websites of Bodrum is the seven windmills that stand between central Bodrum and Gumbet, which overlooks two beautiful bays.

When you take pleasure in climbing, a hike as much as the windmills is definitely an exercise in Bodrum to not be skipped.

The windmills have been utilized in 18th century, however have been closed within the late 1800s. The windmills have seen higher days, however the views from them are unmatched.

17. Eat Your Coronary heart Out on Turkish Meals

Turkish meals is extra than simply grilled meat and kebabs, although you will discover this too. You’ll discover Turkish meals will also be fairly wholesome in some dishes, and all of them are scrumptious. Listed below are some dishes we suggest you take a look at.

1. Kebabs

Point out Turkish meals – particularly to a Brit, they usually’ll recount drunken, post-pub encounters with a doner kebab because it oozes meat juices down your wrist.

The native Turkish model is much more appetizing and scrumptious. A preferred kebab is the Tuvak (Hen) Doner, and also you’ll see the kebab stands in the entire native resort cities.

In Bodrum, there’s a wide selection on provide alongside Ataturk Cad. (which runs parallel to the bay), a agency favorite is Akyol Bufe.

In Turgutries there are additionally a lot of choices, particularly across the space near the placement of the Saturday farmer’s market. The picture under exhibits the entrance of Zeyno, which serves a succulent and flavourful rooster wrap for 3.50TL.

2. Turkish Breakfast

Strive an area restaurant for a conventional Turkish breakfast of salty cheese and olives, served with flavourful tomatoes, and different seasonal native merchandise, all served with recent bread and do-it-yourself native jams and preserves.

A tranquil setting for breakfast in Yalikavak is Gulten Abla. The restaurant is a transformed Greek home, with loads of exterior seating within the shade, and is a soothing place to kick begin your day.

3. Lokanta’s for Lunch

When you’re on the lookout for a fast and low-cost lunch, head to an area lokanta for a peasant lunch of a bowl of white beans and salad. There’s normally no menu, and very often not quite a lot of English spoken, however the do-it-yourself meals is affordable and engaging.

For an amazing location, that’s open for lengthy hours, and all the time appears to draw the locals, go to Dalgiç in Gümüşlük.

4. Meze for Dinner

A conventional dinner on this space of Turkey begins with a number of chilly meze, adopted by sizzling meze, a salad, after which your alternative of fish.

To be sincere, when the climate is sizzling, I a lot desire ordering a number of completely different meze for dinner. A few of my favourites are Fava (mashed white beans with, oil, garlic, and lemon) – and a bit like hummus; hydari, made with thick Turkish yogurt, garlic, and dill.

Aubergines (eggplant) are a preferred base for meze dishes; mashed aubergine and yogurt and garlic; or chopped with recent, candy tomatoes, and pink chili pepper. You’ll discover that yogurt, garlic, and olive oil are well-liked meze components.

Among the finest eating places in Bodrum providing the biggest servings of flavour-packed meze is the Limon Cafe, Gümüşlük which affords a fairytale hillside setting for watching the sundown.

One other favorite is Myhane in Kadikalesi, the place the backyard setting amid citrus bushes is an ideal location to take pleasure in their conventional Turkish music on a Saturday evening.

5. Gözleme

Most of the native lokantas serve Gözleme, however I feel it tastes extra scrumptious when purchased at an area farmers market, and also you snack on it as you wander round.

Gözleme is produced from massive, paper-thin circles of dough; full of any combination of cheese, greens, and meat; then folded and cooked on a dome-shaped griddle. My choice is for a spicy combination of aubergine, tomatoes, onion, and white cheese.

Gözleme could be very filling and can hold your starvation at bay. They’re the final Turkish avenue meals.

FAQs About Visiting Bodrum

Right here’s what folks normally ask me about visiting Bodrum…

Is Bodrum WiFi pleasant?

A lot of the eating places and bars within the vacationer hubs have WiFi, as do the resorts. Plot up, purchase a drink, they usually’ll be joyful so that you can use the free WiFi.

A lot of the bigger cities have Web Cafes, and it’s only one or 2 TL for an hour.

What’s the Finest Time of 12 months to Go to Bodrum?

Though the height season in July and August, and the climate can high 100f/38c levels, the bigger cities like Bodrum can turn into an disagreeable crush of vacationers, particularly in its pedestrian procuring areas.

As an alternative, I’d suggest visiting throughout one of many season-shoulder months of June or September, when it’s nonetheless sizzling, however the crowds have thinned and the general public transport remains to be common, however not as packed.

What number of days do you want in Bodrum?

As a result of Bodrum is a peninsula with so many seashores and vacationer sights to discover, you might keep anyplace from 5 days to per week. You may stretch a trip out to 2 weeks if you happen to needed to, however we suggest the best period of time to spend in Bodrum is per week.

Suggestions for Visiting Bodrum

• Guide your lodging prematurely. Bodrum is a well-liked vacationer spot, particularly for households, which implies resorts and flats usually get booked up. Plan forward and save your self some cash and stress.
• Be careful for the solar. When you’re visiting Bodrum in the summertime, be aware that the solar can get robust and there’s little or no cloud cowl. Keep out of the warmth in the course of the day and put on solar safety.
• Get journey insurance coverage. When you’re planning on visiting in April – September, there’s a likelihood that Bodrum is met with forest fires. This will have a huge impact in your journey and in some instances could even imply you must cancel it 🙁
• However at any of the coastal areas, you don’t need to enterprise very removed from the primary thoroughfares to seek out good native companies, with non-tourist costs. Guide excursions and excursions by the Journey Brokers within the vacationer areas, or do it your self utilizing the native dolmuş service.
• Be aware of earthquakes. Although a severe earthquake hasn’t occurred in Bodrum for a few years, there are nonetheless usually tremours. Learn up on what to do throughout an earthquake earlier than you go simply in case.

Earlier than You Go

As you possibly can see, Bodrum has rather a lot to supply, and it’s not all seashores and partying. It’s a improbable vacation spot for households and also you’ll by no means run out of issues to do in Bodrum.

I like Bodrum as a result of it’s a holiday-destination Jekyll and Hyde. Its mass tourism, and quaint local-ism.

It’s heaving crowds, squashed into slim cobbled streets haggling for bargains; however it’s additionally sparse farmer’s markets milling with locals.

It’s sipping costly cocktails in open-air evening golf equipment, pumping dance music ’til daybreak; and it’s having fun with a harbour-side cup of Turkish Espresso, because the fisherman survey the panorama at daybreak’s early gentle.

Whenever you go to the Bodrum Peninsula, you’ve gotten two selections: both it comes at you full pressure and also you simply let it simply wash over you; otherwise you go looking for its different, quieter aspect, and eek-out the reminiscences you’re looking for.

I’m a frequent customer to the Bodrum Peninsula, and every time I go to, I all the time handle to unearth some new little gem mendacity in anticipate me.

When you got here to this information not figuring out what to do in Bodrum, we hope you do now! We want you an unimaginable time in your journey to Bodrum!

In regards to the Writer:

Roving Jay writes and publishes the on-line Bodrum Peninsula Journey Information, and her first e book “Bodrum Peninsula Journey Information: Uncover Turkey’s Aegean Gem” might be launched on Amazon in Spring 2013. Jay’s had a 4 yr love affair with this nook of Turkey, and retains the reminiscences alive by writing about her adventures and sharing her native data with different guests to the realm.