Bodrum
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Bodrum
A charm lies in its picturesque crescents and white-washed houses – the port city of Bodrum is a year-round travel resort. Nestled in the Western coast of Turkey, on a peninsula, it has developed into "Turkey's St. Tropez", fully living up to the name. Bodrum is significantly more than just sun, sand and sea, and today the town is one of the most important centres of trade, art and entertainment. This charming coastal town is a perfect example of traditional and modern life going along hand in hand in perfect harmony.Find your trip
A stunning example of the greatness of the ancient city of Halikarnassus (present Bodrum), the amphitheater dates back to the 4th century BC and overlooks the Aegean Sea. This Bodrum landmark, one of the best preserved structures of ancient Halikarnassus is reachable by walk from the city center.
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassis is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world still around. Few know what the mausoleum really looked like, but it is believed that the famous sculptor, Skopas, was responsible for parts of the decoration, but it was certainly extravagant. Today, the visitor can only see the remains of the building’s walls, as it was destroyed by earthquakes.
You do not need to be interested in ancient ruins to take a trip to an archaeological site. En route, you will experience the countryside and the journey will take you through small towns and villages that you would otherwise miss. A few kilometers from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, lies Didyma, a great temple to Apollo. Didyma was a religious site and the oracle there was as famous as the oracle of Delphi. The temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, and the existing ruins date from Roman times. The remains of 120 columns give an indication of the size of the temple.
Milas, about 50 km north-east of Bodrum, is a notable carpet center with a long history in carpet-making, peculiarly woven in soft tobacco colors. It’s a pleasant town to stroll around in, with good shopping bazaars and several archaeological sites. Prices are lower than in Bodrum.
Bodrum harbor is full of gulets – traditional boats – that take visitors on trips along the beautiful coastline. They are comfortable vessels with large rear decks and good cabins. You can choose between day trips or longer ones and the captain is usually the cook. You can also rent a sailing boat with a crew or take a bathing boat to one of the picturesque beaches. There are small shady bays everywhere throughout the peninsula.
The beaches of the Bodrum peninsula are excellent for diving and snorkelling, bathing boats or dolmus can take you to most of them. Bagla (14 km from Bodrum), on the south coast, has fine sandy beaches, but windsurfers usually prefer Gümbet (about 3 km west of Bodrum). On the west coast, you can find good beaches at Akyar, Turgutreis, Gümuslük and Yalikavak. These are all small villages with fish restaurants and popular anchorages for sailors. In Karaada bay, there are caves with hot water springs.
A stunning example of the greatness of the ancient city of Halikarnassus (present Bodrum), the amphitheater dates back to the 4th century BC and overlooks the Aegean Sea. This Bodrum landmark, one of the best preserved structures of ancient Halikarnassus is reachable by walk from the city center.
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassis is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world still around. Few know what the mausoleum really looked like, but it is believed that the famous sculptor, Skopas, was responsible for parts of the decoration, but it was certainly extravagant. Today, the visitor can only see the remains of the building’s walls, as it was destroyed by earthquakes.
An upscale restaurant located at Bodrum Marina, the Marina Yacht Club boasts an Italian-inspired menu with a sophisticated touch. The atmospheric setting along with an unrivaled location that overlooks the port, create the ideal atmosphere for an elegant dining experience.
On the Aegean coast, immediately to the left of the harbour is this restaurant with the same name as the village. They serve traditional Turkish and Aegean cuisine and the fish is guaranteed fresh.
La Pasion is an excellent Spanish restaurant in Bodrum, serving all the signature dishes of Spain such as paella and traditional tapas. The restaurant is situated in a historic courtyard with colorful tables among lush fig trees, in a vibrant atmosphere that mixes fresh ingredients and an impeccable service.
An upscale restaurant located at Bodrum Marina, the Marina Yacht Club boasts an Italian-inspired menu with a sophisticated touch. The atmospheric setting along with an unrivaled location that overlooks the port, create the ideal atmosphere for an elegant dining experience.
On the Aegean coast, immediately to the left of the harbour is this restaurant with the same name as the village. They serve traditional Turkish and Aegean cuisine and the fish is guaranteed fresh.
An open-air bazaar that houses both local and international stores, Oasis Shopping center satisfy any fashion cravings. Featuring a good variety of restaurants along with a bowling alley and a kids playground, it certainly is a perfect way to spend an afternoon of shopping.
Bodrum shopping´s scene is entirely dedicated to fruit and vegetables on both Thursday and Friday, when the city holds one of the richest food market in the peninsula. Products are fresh and grown locally thanks to the warm Anatolian weather, ranging from wild herbs to oranges and mushrooms.
The textile market is a feast for the eyes, colouring itself with warm shades and different fabrics. Numerous materials, carpets, local clothes and fake international brands: the real Turkish market experience is a must-do in Bodrum and, even if you don´t intend to buy anything, there is always something to browse at.
On Sunday, head off to Bitez. A colourful and picturesque flea market showcases a wide variety of second-hand merchandise, clothing, pottery and knickknacks of any sort. It is located just off the main road and not far from Bitez beach.
The bustling heart of the city, the pedestrian area near Bodrum Castle houses a great variety of shops and stalls, in a quaint district where anything can be found. Knickknacks and souvenirs, art and crafts, clothing and fabrics: the shopping area within the old town is where to be headed for a great glimpse into Turkey´s bazaars.
Located at the beautiful Bodrum marina, this tiny shopping mall features an enormous variety of designer´s boutiques, donating a new and upscale facet to the multilateral Bodrum. The mall boasts shops such as Tommy Hilfiger and Paul & Shark.
Featuring national and international brands, the Avenue Bodrum is a favourite among locals and tourists. The peculiarity of the mall is the diversity of the shops, suitable for everyone´s budget. As well as clothing shops, it is a perfect destination for a great dining experience.
Looking for a place to cool down and hide from the burning sun? Midtown Shopping Center is equipped with AC and lots of shops, cafes and restaurants. Brands like H&M or Starbucks can be found within the mall, along with major Turkish brands.
An open-air bazaar that houses both local and international stores, Oasis Shopping center satisfy any fashion cravings. Featuring a good variety of restaurants along with a bowling alley and a kids playground, it certainly is a perfect way to spend an afternoon of shopping.
Bodrum shopping´s scene is entirely dedicated to fruit and vegetables on both Thursday and Friday, when the city holds one of the richest food market in the peninsula. Products are fresh and grown locally thanks to the warm Anatolian weather, ranging from wild herbs to oranges and mushrooms.
Milas-Bodrum was built in 1997 and lies 36 km east of Bodrum. It is used by both regular and chartered flights. To get to Bodrum city centre you can either take a taxi or the airport bus which is called Havas Airport Bus. The journey from the airport to Bodrum bus station takes approxiamtely 1 hour. For more information regarding Havas bus service, check www.havas.net/bodrum. If you are looking for a taxi, plentiful choices are offered at the international and Domestic arrivals.
Taking a dolmus is the best way to get around in Bodrum. These are minibuses – or large taxis – that depart when they’re full and stop where required. Buses leave from Bodrum bus terminal and run between Turgutreis-Yalikavak and Bodrum. They can be hailed as they pass.
Taxi cabs are yellow with taxi signs on the roof. They have meters with two different rates: from midnight till 6am it can be up to 50% more expensive than during daytime. The main taxi rank is at Bodrum bus terminal, located only 10 minutes from the castle, but you can hail taxis anywhere in town. Azmakbasi Taxi: +90 252 316 2883 115/A Kumbahçe mahallesi Cumhuriyet caddesi. Ahmet´s Taxi Güllük - Milas - Bodrum:: +90 535 244 0355 Ahmet Bozan, Güllük (Milas)
Turkish post offices can be recognized by the PTT-symbol in yellow and black and the main post office is called Merkez Postanesi. The big post offices are open 8am - midnight Monday to Saturday and 9am-7pm on Sundays and the smaller offices from 8.30am -12.30pm and from 1.30pm – 5.30pm and may be closed at weekends. They are normally currency exchange points. PTT: 3, Cevat Şakir Caddesi, Bodrum +90 252 316 1212 Ptt-konacık Şubesi: 1 Merkez Mh. Ipekyolu Cad. Ferah Sok., +90 252 319 0302
Pharmacies are called Eczane in Turkish and have a big E sign hanging on the storefront. The general opening hours are 9am - 7pm on weekdays and Saturdays but there is always one pharmacy open on Sundays and nighttime. A sign on the pharmacy´s front door indicates the address and telephone number of the pharmacy on duty. KIVANÇ Eczanesi 9/B, Dr. Mumtaz Ataman Cad., Bodrum +90 31 31 075 Mete Eczanesi 193/A Akyarlar Koyu Ataturk Cad., Bodrum +90 39 36 855
Country Code: +90 Area Code: (0) 252
220 V
Milas-Bodrum was built in 1997 and lies 36 km east of Bodrum. It is used by both regular and chartered flights. To get to Bodrum city centre you can either take a taxi or the airport bus which is called Havas Airport Bus. The journey from the airport to Bodrum bus station takes approxiamtely 1 hour. For more information regarding Havas bus service, check www.havas.net/bodrum. If you are looking for a taxi, plentiful choices are offered at the international and Domestic arrivals.
Taking a dolmus is the best way to get around in Bodrum. These are minibuses – or large taxis – that depart when they’re full and stop where required. Buses leave from Bodrum bus terminal and run between Turgutreis-Yalikavak and Bodrum. They can be hailed as they pass.
