Bodrum is the best-known resort on the Aegean coast and is completely different from Antalya. There are few enormous all-inclusive hotels here; instead there are white houses, bougainvillea, small bays and a yacht harbour. That is also why prices are higher. No visa is required for citizens of Azerbaijan. At the summer peak places fill up quickly, so for a cheap air ticket search the dates have to be locked in by May. Below I have written which bay to choose and when to come.
The castle, the ancient theatre and the centre in Bodrum
Bodrum castle stands at the entrance to the harbour and was built in the fifteenth century by the Knights of St John. Inside it is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where one of the oldest shipwrecks in the world is displayed. This museum is the city’s most valuable place.
The city was built on ancient Halicarnassus; the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the world, was here and now only its remains are left. The ancient theatre is on the hill and concerts are given there in summer. Bar street is next to the harbour and is noisy at night, so choose your hotel away from it.
Which bay to choose in Bodrum
There are dozens of bays on the Bodrum peninsula and each has its own character. Turkbuku is quiet and expensive, you enter the sea from platforms and there is no sand. Yalikavak is known for its yacht harbour and boutiques. Gumbet is close to the town and is cheap, but very crowded.
For a family holiday Ortakent and Bitez are more suitable, with sandy beaches and shallow water. Most of Bodrum’s beaches are pebble or platform, and many people who do not know this are disappointed. Take swimming shoes.
Boat tours and the islands
Day boat tours leave from the harbour and stop at several bays, with lunch included in the price. Black island is known for its hot springs, and the mud bath is there. Taking these tours in advance is necessary to find a place in July and August.
The Greek island of Kos is only an hour away by ferry, but a Schengen visa is required for it. The Didyma and Ephesus remains are two hours by land. The airport is thirty-five kilometres from the town, and a transfer booked in advance works out comfortably for night flights.
Read more: A Turkey travel guide: Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, the Black Sea and the thermal resorts
Season and prices in Bodrum
The sea season runs from the end of May to the middle of October. June and September are the most balanced months, with the weather at 28–32 degrees and the water warm. July–August climbs to 35 degrees and prices double. In winter most of the resort closes, while the town centre works.
At the summer peak a four-star hotel is 100–180 euros and in June and September 60–110. Choosing hotels by the bay is the most important decision here, because the difference in character between the bays is large. A fish lunch in a restaurant costs 20–35 euros. If you want the flight, hotel and transfer in one package, look at the tour packages for the Turkish resorts. Official tourism information is on the Go Türkiye site.
Conclusion
Bodrum is a resort of bays and atmosphere, not of sandy beaches, and you have to come knowing that. Choose the bay by its character, give a day to a boat tour, and plan for June or September. For a visa and a route, fill in the application form.
Note: the prices in this article are those at the time of publication and may change with the season.
