PLACES TO VISIT / SEE

MUSEUMS / HISTORICAL PLACES

The Underwater Archeological Museum of Bodrum : It is one of the most important and biggest museums of its kind in the world. The relics recovered from excavation which started in the 1960's are on display in this museum located in the Bodrum Castle.The Eastern Mediterranean amphora collection as well as findings resulting from research on sunken ships in the immediate vicinity are on display. The significant of this sunken ships are at Yassiada, Seytan Brook and Serçe Harbour. The remains of the oldest known sunken ship in the world are also here and well-worth seeing.  Bodrum Castle Tel: (+90-252) 316 10 95  Open : 10:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00 (except Monday)

Maussolleion Open Air Museum : It gets its name from the fact that the tomb of Mausolos, the King of Caria, is located here. His wife, also his sister, had the most famous architects of the day design the structure. It was almost completely destroyed in the Great Anatolian earthquake. There is a small museum here at the site of this tomb which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The word "maussolleion" is taken from King Mausolos' name. Many of the stones of this Mausoleum were used in the construction of Bodrum Castle. The beautiful reliefs on the grave, however, were taken to the British Museum during the excavations in the 19th century.

Ancient Theater : The theater is located in the Bodrum - Turgutreis road. It has an audience capacity of 13,000 seats. The stage area has been uncovered and the seats have been restored.

Rock Tombs : Above the theater on the slope are rock tombs that belong to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Myndos Door : Located in west of the city, it is one of the entrances to the city of Halicarnassos. The Myndos Door consisted of two monumental towers and an inner courtyard at the gate that lead to the city.

Çifit Castle (Aspat) : Built on a rocky outcrop in the southwestern portion of the peninsula close to Bagla cove, it contains artefacts from several civilizations.

Stratonikeia : Located in the Yatagan - Milas highway, the ruins in the village of Eskihisar contains a very rich collection of artefacts from the Caria, Roman and Byzantine eras.

Lagina : The temple of Hecate can be reached by following the dirt road (9 km) leading to Turgut. Excavations have shown that the city, once an important center of the Caria Civilization, has been inhabited since the Early Bronze Age.

Cedrai Island : One of the most eminent ruins of the region with its rich history and natural beauty, Sedir Island can be reached by boat either from Gökova - Akyaka or Çamliköy. The ruins which one would like to see, first of all is the Temple of Apollo, the theater,and the ancient harbor. The famous Cleopatra beach is there as well.

Cisterns : Cisterns built by the Ottomans and known as "Gümbet" can be seen all over the peninsula. They were built by the wealthy citizens who named the cisterns after themselves.

Bodrum Castle (Saint Petrum) : Built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century and dedicated to St. Peter, the construction of the castle was completed in 99 years. It was built on Zephyrion island, the original site of the city of Halicarnassos. Stones and reliefs from the Mausoleum of King Mausolos were used in its construction. There are 5 towers in this castle; French, English, Italian, German and Snake towers. The castle covers approximately 30,000 sq. meters.

BEACHES / LOCATIONS

Güvercinlik : A cove of unusual beauty with every conceivable tone green and blue, it is located 25 km from Bodrum. Salih Island, located right across the water, only serves to enhance the natural appeal of this beautiful cove.

Torba : A peaceful little village just 5 km from Bodrum is a charming and lively place where the shining sea melds with the green pines and olive trees. There are boats from Torba to Didim, Milet and Priene

Gölköy : Located 13 km in north of Bodrum, where the beautiful cove blends the green of olive, tangerine and pine trees with that of palms. Because it faces the north, it is always lush and the water in the cove is cooler than that in the other coves.

Türkbükü : Situated beside Gölköy, at a distance of 15 km from Bodrum, it resembles Gölköy in almost every way. It is one of the places preferred by people, whose looking for peace and quietness.

Gündogan : Located 18 km from Bodrum, Gündogan cove is one of the coves that has been less changed by man and which still preserves its beauty in the most natural way. Its tangerine and orchards are famous.

Yalikavak : This village is 18 km from Bodrum in the northwestern part of the peninsula. It is famous for its windmills, fish, citrus orchards and sea. The most famous sponge divers have come from this village.

Gümüslük : It is one of the oldest settlements in peninsula. It is still possible to see that the underwater remains under the old harbor wall which connected Tavsan Island to the mainland. The sea and fish there are famous. Watching the sun set here amidst the lush green vegetation will be a life-long memory.

Kadikalesi : The sandy beaches of this crystal clear sea are surrounded with citrus orchards. Situated 23 km from Bodrum, it gets its name from the remains of a nearby castle belonging to the Hellenistic era.

Turgutreis : Situated 20 km from Bodrum, the town is famous for its tangerine orchards. It was named after the famous Turkish admiral, Turgut Reis. In terms of population, it is one of the most populous areas of the peninsula. It is known for its unforgettable sunsets.

Akyarlar : This cove with its wonderful beach and crystal clear waters is 13 km from Bodrum. It is one of the best place to surf.

Karaincir : Situated 16 km out of Bodrum, its 500 m. beach is one of the best in the area.

Bagla : With one of the best coves and beaches on the peninsula, it is an excellent place to camp and is 14 km from Bodrum.

Aspat : Rising out of the shores of the Aegean and mentioned often in Turkish folk music, the real name of Aspat is Aspartos. Built on a barren rock, the perimeter of Aspat Castle measures 700 paces. The remains of several civilizations dating back to the Classical Age can be seen here.

Ortakent : Located 14 km from Bodrum, its waters are warm and it has sandy beaches. Its tangerine orchards are quite famous. It is one of the best vantage points from which to view village life in Bodrum.

Bitez : One of the most beautiful coves on the peninsula, it is 10 km from Bodrum. It has sandy beaches. It is a beautiful quiet corner where blue and green reach out to touch each other in the tangerine orchards which stretch from the village to the sea.

Gümbet : About 3 km in west of Bodrum, its waters are very shallow. Bardakçi is at a distance of 500 m. from Bodrum. Most people get there by boat. It is known for its beach and the water, which is clear as glass as, and has a fresh spring water.

Bardakçı : It is 500 m. from Bodrum.One can reach to Bardakçi by sea easily. Its crystal clear sea is well-known for its springs.

Karaada : Situated 6 km from Bodrum, famous with its healing mineral springs. The water comes out of a cave and the mud from the cave is said to be good for skin conditions.

Ada Bogazi (Aquarium): It is called as Aquarium because of its crystal-clear waters. In the open waters, the seafloor to 30 m depth can be seen with the naked eye.

TRADITIONAL BODRUM HOUSES : The common features of the traditional architecture used in Bodrum, are without of windows first floors and doors on the second storey with access by way of ladders that can be drawn up into the house. These houses, which are now protected by the government, are located mostly in the villages of Ortakent and Kocakaya above Gümüslük. Individuals,such as artists and writers who have settled in Bodrum have done a great service to the area by restoring older houses and this has made it an even more interesting place to visit.

YACHTING : With Bodrum is the center of yatching in everything from manufacturing and maintenance to repair and operation in Turkey. The tradition of building schooners continues in the Içmeler Shipyard, whose name has become almost synonymous with Bodrum itself. As big as many modern shipyards, luxury sailboats up to 30 meters can be built here using the latest available technology.  The marina has a capacity of 275-yachts. It has 12 slips for the maintenance and repair of yachts as well as wintering.  The yacht races in Bodrum are probably the only ones in the world that completely inexperienced people can participate in, even children have participated. The Bodrum Cup is the most comfortable competition for 15-30 m. luxury yachts in the world.

THE BLUE VOYAGE : Stretching from Bodrum to the south-east, Gökova Bay has been named after Halikarnas Balikçisi and Azra Erhat as ‘the Blue Voyage” when they first discovered it. Boats which pull up anchor in Bodrum and head for Gökova will soon discover the ultimate harmony of green and blue and the beauties which lie under the crystal clear waters. A center for manufacturing boats for centuries, the demand of sea-faring visitors has made yacht tourism one of the principal sources of income in Bodrum. Among the first places seen on "The Blue Journey" are Karaada, Kargacik Bükü, Pabuç Burnu, Kargi Adasi, Alakisla and Çökertme. Other important stops on "The Blue Journey" are the forested and crystal clear coves of Küçük Çati, Büyük Çati, Yedi Adalar, Longöz, Degirmen Bükü, and Karacasögüt. Besides the natural beauty, historic sites such as Sedir Island, the ancient city of Keramos and Yedi Adalar are frequent stopping places. You need to allow 7-10 days for this journey, which is open to anyone who wants to join one of the groups.

ENTERTAINMENT  : On the Aegean coast, Bodrum is famous for its colourful life. Besides the vitality and colourfulness of the city in the daytime, Bodrum is also renowned for its exceptionally appealing nightlife From Iskele Square to the end of Kumbahçe District, Cumhuriyet Street is lined with bars, pubs, discos and taverns that guarantee fun and good times for people of all ages. In the mysterious darkness of the Bodrum nights, the magical shimmer that surrounds Bodrum castle adds a certain charm to the atmosphere. The heartbeat of the city's nightlife is in the bars of Bodrum where every kind of music, from jazz to tavern music, can be heard.

Don't Leave Without
Seeing the Underwater Museum and Bodrum Castle, Going to the Tuesday Bazaar, Joining one of the daily tours, Stopping by Bodrum Bars, Dining on the excellent fish restaurants in Gümüslük,Eating Bodrum style 'waterpastry', Eating the spicy 'Ot kavurmasi' and stuffed pumpkin flowers, Purchasing the Bodrum beads and batik cloth.