The Bodrum peninsula is a gem on the Turkish Riviera. Among the sparkling turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea are superyachts, ancient historic landmarks, bazaars and a delicious culinary scene. I enjoyed my time spent here and love sharing tips on Bodrum Turkey travel highlights. So, read on to discover why you should visit this incredible destination.
Formerly the Greek city of Halicarnassus, Bodrum is filled with history and was home to the Carians, the Greeks, Knights of St. John and Ottomans before becoming part of modern Turkey. It lies between 2 sheltered bays on southernmost tip of the Aegean coast.
Who were Knights of St. John?
The Order of the Hospitallers of St. John or Knights Hospitaller were dedicated to John the Baptist in Jerusalem. They built hospitals for pilgrims and the poor in 1080. The Crusades made it necessary for hospitals to take on a military function. They became expelled from Jerusalem and moved headquarters to Cyprus, Rhodes, Halicarnassus (Bodrum) and lastly Malta. Eventually, they gained control of trade routes between East and West.
Related: Historic Rhodes, Greece 2-Day Itinerary – Medieval City and Acropolis of Lindos
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Bodrum Turkey Travel Highlights
Bodrum is a vibrant city filled with iconic historical landmarks and beautiful beaches, along with incredible shopping and food. Many of these sites are close together and make for a wonderful walking tour.
Bodrum Marina
The Bodrum Marina is one of the most sophisticated marinas in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The promenade along the marina is bustling with vendors, restaurants, shops and yachts. The marina’s berthing capacity is about 450 yachts.
Here, some of the wealthiest people in the world moor their yachts. It’s exciting to walk along the promenade with all the boats next to the Bodrum Castle, Bazaar and restaurants.
Beaches
Central Bodrum City Beach – You can’t miss this central, public beach with bright umbrellas. Easily accessible, it stretches along the coastline to the restaurants and cafes near the Bodrum Castle and Bazaar. Some of the restaurants even have loungers if you want to have some lunch on the beach.
Bitez Beach and Bay – This is just 6 km from Bodrum with a sheltered cove and sandy beach. This resort area also offers citrus and olive groves. The bay is popular for watersports, especially windsurfing.
Kumbahce Sahili Beach – This is a small beach next to Bodrum Beach. It is quieter and away from boats, so it’s a convenient choice for swimming at a great blue flag beach in town.
Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archeology
Seeing another castle in Europe or Turkey may not seem too original. However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only spectacular in itself for the architecture. The Bodrum Castle offers panoramic views of the harbor and city, plus, houses the Museum of Underwater Archeology. This museum displays the most ancient excavated shipwreck in the world.
Also known as Castle of St. Peter, it was built in 15th century by Knights Hospitallers. This multinational alliance was from England, France, Italy and Germany. Therefore, each of the 4 towers were built according to their nation’s architectural design. Soon after, it became seized by the Ottomans and used as a mosque.
Today, the castle houses an underwater archeology collection of artifacts from ancient shipwrecks off the Turkish coast. Fourteen exhibitions include goods cast overboard and lost cargo. Also, these display the world’s largest collection of Eastern Mediterranean amphorae, artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age.
The Uluburun shipwreck displays in full view at the castle. It became discovered in 1982 by a sponge diver off the coast of Turkey. It’s the most ancient shipwreck ever excavated, dating back to the 14th century BC. Built in cedar, the ship sank, carrying 20 tons of cargo.
Bodrum Grand Bazaar
Near the castle, the covered Grand Bazaar winds through Old Town and goes along the harbor towards the beaches. It bustles with vendors selling Turkish rugs, Turkish Delight, clothing, produce, antiques, souvenirs and handicrafts. Many restaurants and bars in the bazaar offer outdoor seating with views of the harbor.
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
This magnificent tomb, that defined the term mausoleum, was built in Halicarnassus for Mausolus (ruler of Caria) in 353 BCE. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus stood 45 meters tall with reliefs on each façade. It toppled from earthquakes around 1100 -1400. Most of the marble blocks and polished stone became materials for the Bodrum Castle. However, the original site stands to remind us of its grandeur. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Bodrum Amphitheater or Theatre of Halicarnassus
Bodrum Turkey Travel Highlights
This dates back to 4th century BC under the reign of King Mausolus. It was used for gladiator and theatrical performances. Today, it’s still used for concerts and theatrical events.
Myndos Gate
Built by Mausolus in 360 BC, remnants of the Myndos Gate still stand in western Bodrum. It consists of 2 stone towers with an inner courtyard where the gate to the city is located.
Stone Wind Mills
The 7 white stone windmills were built in the 18th century and used up until the 70’s to grind flour. The windmills stand up on the ridge, overlooking the picturesque harbor between Bodrum and Gumbet. They became worn down but iconic and offer one of the most spectacular views of Bodrum, especially at sunset.
Gulet Boat Ride on the Harbor
Bodrum Turkey Travel Highlights
A Gulet is a traditional Turkish, wooden boat with 2 or 3 masts. These boats are mostly built in Bodrum and Marmaris. They are popular for tourist charters. I loved my Gulet sailing experience on the harbor. It was a wonderful way to experience Bodrum from the water. We stopped at 3 sites for swimming and snorkeling.
Day Trip to Kos, Greece
A high speed ferry reaches Kos, Greece in 20 minutes. This is an incredible day trip. There is fascinating history at the Birthplace of Hippocrates.
Related: Kos, Greece Hippocrates Tour to Asclepieion and Kos Town Highlights
Enjoy Bodrum!
There is so much to do in Bodrum with its amazing historic landmarks, bazaars, beaches and delicious culinary scene. If your travels take you to Bodrum, please leave comments below on how best to enjoy this incredible destination.
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