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Aerial view of the Bodrum coast with blue sea and green hills.
Aerial view of the Bodrum coast with blue sea and green hills.

Bodrum

Published: 07 July 2022, 14:40

The Pearl of the Aegean

Relaxed and elegant: Bodrum is considered to be the Saint-Tropez of Turkey thanks to its picturesque bays, chic yachts and vibrant nightlife. The once sleepy fishing village on the Aegean peninsula of the same name has developed into one of the most glamorous holiday resorts on Turkey’s south-west coast. 

Facts and figures

  • Time difference: +1 hour
  • Population: 150,000
  • Official language: Turkish
  • Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)

This is a great place to relax, partake in water sports or admire one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The stunning sandy beaches, turquoise sea and abundant sunshine are more than enough reasons for the ideal beach holiday in Bodrum. The whitewashed houses and lush vegetation provide a pretty holiday backdrop. Family-run restaurants serve typical local dishes. In short, Bodrum has a real Mediterranean attitude towards life. 

Five pictures: Explore Bodrum’s culinary side

Open-air restaurant by the sea.
Eat fresh fish right by the sea: pretty fish tavernas line up one after the next in the picturesque fishing village of Gümüslük. © lazyllama / Adobe Stock
Restaurant-Tische, die direkt am Strand aufgestellt sind, mit Blick auf die Bucht.
The landmark of Bodrum: whether from a distance, at dinner or up close: the impressive Castle of St. Peter still exudes medieval flair in the today. © Ryzhkov Oleksandr / Adobe Stock
Boxes full of fish at a market.
Stroll around the harbour area and buy some fresh fish or simply admire it: the harbour is always worth a visit. © Delphine Poggianti / Adobe Stock
Houses in a bay in the light of the evening sun.
The best time for dinner? At sunset, with a view over the rooftops and the sea – the food tastes especially good. © Luciano Mortula / Adobe Stock
A filled plate is passed over a table set with Turkish food.
More than just kebabs: Turkish cuisine is fresh and varied. Those who want to enjoy the rich selection of vegetables, fish and meat will not be disappointed in Bodrum. © studio GDB / Adobe Stock

Bodrum Yarımadası: Discover the Aegean peninsula

Is it worth leaving the holiday resort of Bodrum? Definitely! The eponymous Bodrum peninsula boasts green hills and romantic bays that offer an abundance of excursion destinations. One of them can only be reached by boat: the island of Kara Ada, also known as “Black Island”, is a nature reserve known for its hot sulphur water and mud baths. High above the fishing village of Gümüşlük is the mountain settlement of Karakaya, the perfect place to hike or take a break. Those interested in ancient sites should not miss the ruins of Pedasa, one of the oldest civilisations in the Aegean.

The most beautiful beaches

A beach with parasols to the sea and the sky, in the background a town can also be seen in the bay

The city beach in Bodrum (Bodrum Plaji)

Vibrant and central: the city beach in Bodrum is shallow and boasts a variety of beach bars, tavernas and water sports.

A white sandy beach, houses and trees from the clear turquoise water.

Camel Beach

Ideal for families: not far from Bodrum, Camel Beach is a wonderful place to relax, sunbathe and dive. As the name suggests, camels also nap here. 

View from above of a lively beach with umbrellas and the sea, behind the beach are trees and houses

Bitez Beach

An El-Dorado for water sports enthusiasts: Bitez Beach, west of Bodrum, is especially popular with sailors and surfers. Just the place for learning how to windsurf.  

Bodrum from BER

Aircraft shortly before touching down on the runway

SunExpress

Milas Bodrum Airport

Five travel tips for …

  1. Dance the night away at the legendary Halikarnas nightclub
  2. Enjoy the sunset with a dinner by the sea
  3. Experience a typical Turkish night with folklore and belly dancers
  4. Recharge after a night of dancing with a massage at a hammam
  5. Attend a festival at the ancient theatre or visit the castle by the harbour

  1. Rent a gulet (boat) and sail to a quiet, secluded bay
  2. Jump into the crystal-clear water and go for a snorkel
  3. Jet ski along the coast of Bodrum
  4. Discover the world underneath the water on a half-day diving excursion
  5. Immerse yourself in the history of shipbuilding at the Maritime Museum

  1. Visit the ruins of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
  2. Visit the Crusade Castle of St. Peter at the harbour
  3. Rub shoulders with the rich in Yalikavak, 20 kilometres away
  4. Browse the bazaar district of the old town and look for souvenirs
  5. Take a day trip by boat to the Greek island of Kos

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