Bodrum Travel & Vacation Guide

This excavation rivals the famous sites of Pompeii. Once home to around 400,000 residents, ancient Ephesus was built around the temple of Artemis — another marvel among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins we see today primarily hail from the Roman era. The remnants of the Temple of Artemis stand outside the main ruin area, while the hill above is graced with the cathedral of Saint John, said to be the final resting place of the evangelist. Legend holds that Saint John lived in Ephesus alongside the Virgin Mary.

Located about 50 km northeast of Bodrum, Milas holds a notable reputation as a carpet-making centre, boasting a long history in crafting carpets with a distinctive weave in soft tobacco hues. It's a charming town to meander through, offering romantic shopping bazaars and a variety of archaeological sites. Plus, you'll find the prices here are pleasantly lower than in Bodrum.

A tradition that dates back to centuries before the Turks reached Anatolia, the Hamam, Turkish Bath, has become a ritual tightly bound to Islam and deeply ingrained in Turkish culture. Like everywhere else in the country, Bodrum boasts a variety of Hamams, most of which are located within hotels. The Tarihi Bardakci Hamam stands as the oldest bath in town, offering a truly authentic Hamam experience.

The beaches around the Bodrum peninsula provide excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling. With bathing boats or dolmuş, reaching them is a breeze. Bagla, located 14 km from Bodrum on the south coast, boasts fine sandy beaches, while Gümbet — just about 3 km west of Bodrum — is often the go-to for windsurfers. On the west coast, you'll discover inviting beaches at Akyar, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak. Each of these are quaint villages brimming with charming fish restaurants and popular anchorages for sailors. Don't miss Kara Ada, Black Island, where you'll find caves hiding hot water springs.

Just a 6 km jaunt from Bodrum city centre, this 7 km stretch of coastline is beautifully framed by atmospheric mosques. Bitez Beach, with its sandy shores and shallow waters, is perfect for water sports or simply bathing. It's a bustling hub that pulses with life, making it an ideal gathering point.

Bodrum harbour is a bustling hub for 'gulets' — traditional boats that whisk visitors away on tours of the stunning coastline. These comfortable vessels feature spacious rear decks and cosy cabins. Whether you prefer a short ride, a day trip or something longer, you'll often find the captain doubling as the cook. If you're after a more exclusive experience, you could rent a sailing boat complete with a crew, or hop on a bathing boat to one of the picture-perfect beaches. And all around the peninsula, you'll stumble upon quaint, shady bays.

Testament to the grandeur of ancient Halikarnassus — present-day Bodrum — the amphitheatre dates back to the 4th century BC and boasts a breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea. This Bodrum landmark, among the best-preserved structures of its bygone era, is conveniently within walking distance from the city centre.

Home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the castle stands as one of Bodrum's most recognisable landmarks. Constructed by the German knight-architect Heinrich Schlegelholt in 1404, it boasts a majestic presence with its impressive stone facades.

Club Catamaran provides an unforgettable floating party experience that's packed with pure fun. While its vibrant selection of Turkish-pop music — played at full volume — may not be everyone's cup of tea, it offers an authentic taste of Anatolian nightlife. This one-of-a-kind club is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Giving its best throughout the whole summertime, Fink Club is an open-air club that boasts an over one hundred years old venue. Entering the stunning golden gate, a dream-like sight unrolls upon the gaze, revealing a red chandelier and exquisite interiors.

Set right in the heart of Bodrum, Mandalin may be smaller than some of the town’s better-known clubs, but it more than holds its own when it comes to atmosphere. The DJs know how to warm up the crowd and keep the energy flowing well into the night. Its biggest asset, however, is the location: right by the sea, at the foot of Bodrum Castle.

Set right by the water, the Marina Yacht Club Bodrum is home to several venues within the same complex, but it’s the bar and café that truly stand out. Live music performances set the tone for an elegant yet lively evening. With the sea just steps away, the atmosphere is hard to beat. Come for the music, stay for the ambience, and enjoy good food in a setting that perfectly captures Bodrum’s nightlife charm.

Embodying an open and welcoming spirit, My Moon caters to both the young and the old. Whether you're after a meal, a refreshing drink, or a pint, this spot has you covered. Enjoy tunes spanning from the 60s to today's top hits. Not a dancer? No problem! Take a seat and enjoy the energetic performances from the skilled staff. It's the epitome of relaxed, friendly fun.

Featuring national and international brands, the Avenue Bodrum is a favourite among locals and tourists. The peculiarity of the mall is the diversity of the shops, suitable for every budget. As well as clothing shops, it is a perfect destination for a great dining.

For a Sunday treat, make your way to Bitez. Home to a vibrant flea market, it offers a feast of second-hand treasures, clothing, pottery, and all sorts of trinkets. Located just off the main road and a short hop from Bitez Beach, this colourful and picturesque market is the perfect spot to hunt for unique finds.

For a uniquely indulgent shopping experience, make a beeline for Bodrum Safran. Offering an extensive range of natural products, from soaps and sponges to body oils, this is the perfect spot to spoil yourself with some self-care. Bodrum Safran is more than a shopping destination; it's a treat for the senses.

Seeking refuge from the sun? Head to Midtown Shopping Center. Fully air-conditioned, this shopping haven hosts an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants. Alongside popular international brands such as H&M and Starbucks, you'll find a selection of leading Turkish names. It's the perfect spot to escape the heat and indulge in some retail therapy.

Nestled in the picturesque Bodrum marina, this compact shopping mall presents an array of designer boutiques, adding a high-end dimension to Bodrum's rich tapestry. With stores like Tommy Hilfiger and Paul & Shark on its walkways, this mall provides a stylish shopping destination for discerning fashion enthusiasts.

A bustling open-air bazaar, Oasis Shopping Centre brings together a mix of local and international stores to satisfy every fashion appetite. Complemented by a diverse array of restaurants, a bowling alley, and a children's playground, it offers the perfect recipe for a delightful shopping afternoon. Whether you're in search of style or leisure, Oasis Mall has got you covered.

At the energetic epicentre of the city, the pedestrian precinct near Bodrum Castle brims with a broad array of shops and stalls. Located in a charming district, you'll find everything from trinkets and souvenirs to arts, crafts, clothing, and fabrics. For an authentic slice of Turkish bazaar culture, head to the shopping area within the old town — a captivating window into Turkey's vibrant marketplace scene.

A riot of colour and texture, the textile market in Bodrum is a visual delight. Awash with warm hues, diverse fabrics, locally-made clothes and replicas of international brands, it paints a vibrant picture of the Turkish market scene. Even if you're not in the mood for shopping, it's worth a visit just for the experience and the endless opportunities for window-shopping. This is a must-see when in Bodrum.

Inaugurated in 1997 and located 36 km east of Bodrum, Milas-Bodrum Airport serves both regular and chartered flights. To reach Bodrum city centre, you have two convenient options: hail a taxi or hop on the Havas Airport Bus. The journey to the Bodrum bus station typically takes around an hour. There are plenty of taxis awaiting you at both the international and domestic arrivals.

Taking a 'dolmuş' is the best way to get around in Bodrum. These are minibuses — or large taxis — that depart when they’re full and stop where required. Buses leave from the Bodrum bus terminal and run between Turgutreis-Yalikavak and Bodrum. They can be hailed as they drive by.

Taxi cabs are yellow with taxi signs on the roof. They have meters with two different rates: from midnight until 6am it can be up to 50% more expensive than during daytime. The main taxi rank is at the Bodrum bus terminal, located only 10 minutes from the castle, but you can hail taxis anywhere in town.

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets.

Pharmacies are called 'Eczane' in Turkish and have a big E sign hanging on the storefront. The general opening hours are 9am–7pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and there is always one pharmacy open on Sundays and at nighttime. A sign on the pharmacy's front door indicates the address and telephone number of the closest pharmacy on duty.

Turkish post offices can be recognised by the PTT-symbol in yellow and black. The main post office is called Merkez Postanesi. The big post offices are open 8am–midnight, Monday to Saturday and 9am–7pm on Sundays. Smaller offices are open 8:30am–12:30pm and 1:30pm–5:30pm and may be closed at weekends.

Country Code: +90 Area Code: (0)252