City
Bodrum
Bodrum pairs a crusader castle and whitewashed houses on the Aegean with calm coves — one of Turkey's most sought-after stretches of coast.
The castle and the white town
Bodrum curves around a small Aegean harbour, with whitewashed cube houses and blue shutters draped in bougainvillea through spring and summer. Above the bay stands the Castle of St Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century and now home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with wrecks recovered from antiquity. Nearby are the remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and a Greco-Roman theatre looking out to sea. Bar Street (Dr. Alim Bey Caddesi) is the heart of the nightlife, but it is far from all of Bodrum.
The peninsula and its beaches
Most holidaymakers do not stay in the centre but in one of the peninsula's villages. Gümbet and Bitez are the liveliest and suit families and younger travellers; Yalıkavak and Türkbükü are quieter and more upmarket; Gündoğan keeps the pace of a fishing village. The water is calm and clear and the swimming season runs from May to October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so May, June and September are what experienced agents recommend.
Getting there and what to eat
Milas–Bodrum airport is about 35 km from the town; from Tirana, connections are more frequent in summer, often with a change. Ferries also leave Bodrum harbour for the Greek island of Kos, handy for a day out. At the table, look for Aegean wild-greens meze, fresh fish and Bodrum's mandarins. The most common mistake is choosing a hotel on price alone without checking which village of the peninsula it sits in — distances from the centre can be long. We help match the area to your style of holiday.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
How is Bodrum different from Antalya?
Bodrum is on the Aegean, with small coves, whitewashed houses and a quieter, more stylish feel. Antalya is on the Mediterranean, with longer beaches and large all-inclusive resorts. The choice comes down to the kind of holiday you want.
Where should I stay on the Bodrum peninsula?
Gümbet and Bitez are livelier and suit families and younger travellers. Yalıkavak and Türkbükü are quieter and more upmarket. Gündoğan has a village feel. We suggest choosing the village first and the hotel second.
When is the best time to visit Bodrum?
The swimming season runs from May to October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while May, June and September offer milder temperatures and smaller crowds.
How do I get to Bodrum from Albania?
Milas–Bodrum airport is about 35 km from the town. From Tirana there are more connections in summer, often with a change. For routes and entry conditions, write to us and we will advise before you travel.
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