Once described in the New York Times as “the St. Tropez” of Turkey, Bodrum is a balmy resort that won’t see you forking out St. Tropez prices to enjoy yourself. The city’s medieval castle, open for visiting, is an imposing reminder of its past, while the modern harbour and a litter of bars, restaurants and waterfront cafés are the features that make holidays in Bodrum so popular. The beaches in Bodrum are incredibly diverse, meaning there’s something for everyone. You will definitely want to spend time on one of the resort’s beaches; Turkey temperatures are expected to stay above 25°C from May to October, though the year-round mild climate means there’s never really a bad time to visit. Set against the beautiful Aegean Sea and boasting palm-lined streets and a laid back atmosphere, Bodrum is an excellent choice for your cheap Turkey holidays.
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Formerly known as the Castle of St. Peter, Bodrum Castle was built in the 15th Century by The Crusaders. Sitting beside the Aegean Sea, the views from the top of the castle really are something to behold while the highly–rated Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is located within the castle grounds and houses several collections of ancient artefacts, including relics from shipwrecks.
There are a wide variety of beaches to cater to all tastes in Bodrum and as such it’s hard to select just one. That said the one beach that incorporates a little bit of everything from the others is Bitez Beach, a beautiful, family friendly beach, perfect for family Turkey holidays. The shallow waters make it ideal for kids, while there are plenty of great water sports available if you fancied some activity amongst you lounging. Located a short walk from the beach are some orange and mandarin gardens where you can enjoy a (fragrant) look at local farming.
Bodrum’s pristine marina is a luxurious place to go for a stroll and take in sights of yachts, grab a bite to eat or relax in the sunshine with a drink. The narrow streets in the marina’s vicinity contain a variety of shops and boutiques selling anything from souvenirs to designer clothing. Whether you’re taking in the sights as you walk around or sitting back, Port Bodrum Yalikavak is a pleasant way to spend a day off the beach.
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Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum so grand it spawned the catch-all term for all grand tombs, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (the former name of Bodrum) is, or was, the tomb of Mausolus and his wife and sister. It was also one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before its destruction in a flood. Extensive work by British Museum funded archaeologist Charles Thomas Newton led to the discovery of ruins of the once great structure. Imagination is needed when visiting the site but it’s one of only two Ancient Wonders with any pieces in tact, so it’s well worth it.
Excavations on the theatre begin in 1973 and in the proceeding years has led to the complete unveiling of a 13,000 capacity arena. Where Bodrum Amphitheatre hosted gladiator fights and plays over 2,500 years ago, it now serves as both Halicarnassus’ most well-preserved site and a concert venue for popular Turkish artists.
Essential info
Currency: Turkish Lira
Language: Turkish
Visa: 90 day multiple entry visa for UK citizens available upon arrival
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A is recommended.
Dress code: Cover up arms and legs when visiting Mosques.
Important numbers: Embassy: 0207 393 0202, Tourist Office: 0207 839 7778
Other info: N/A