City Guide

Bodrum Region

Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described by Homer as 'The land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea. Narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its marina offers shelter for yachts. Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made day trips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline.

History

The 15th-century crusader Castle of St Peter, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, dominates every part of the town. The other attraction in town is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As Turkey's leading seaside resort destination, Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remains unspoilt and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the balance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin and ancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife that is renowned throughout Turkey.

Night life

Bodrum probably has more variety of nightlife than any other holiday destination in Turkey, appealing to all tastes. Intimate seaside cafes, with magnificent views of the illuminated castle mingle with busy, energetic streetside bars featuring the latest music. There are also a number of clubs that offer live music, either jazz or traditional Turkish folk music (there are several of these local nightclubs on the road to Konacik and Ortakent) where the crowd joins in with the local artist, singing, dancing, eating and drinking. Most of the bars in Bodrum's mile-long 'Bar Street' (Dr. Alim Bey and Cumhuriyet Street) offer dancing, belly-dancing floor shows, live music and outdoor seating (often on the beach) with a view of the castle. For clubbers the main place to be is Halikarnas, one of the biggest and swankiest open-air clubs in the world. There are many other clubs too, even one on a catamaran that sets sail late at night and takes the party out to sea until dawn.

Local leisure facilities

The blue Aegean waters that wash the beaches of the peninsula lend themselves admirably to a vast range of watersports: from scuba diving to windsurfing and jet-skiing. The Marina long walk is full of local operators renting out equipment, arranging excursions or offering lessons. Aquatic thrills are also on offer at the town's two waterparks. There are many local walking clubs which offer hiking programmes (generally not in the height of the summer season when it is too hot for foot-slogging) to those tired of the sea and sand. There are numerous ways to get out of town and explore the enchanting villages, bays and historic sites in the area. Either hire a car, motorbike, bicycle; take a boat/hydrofoil trip; book an organised excursion; a jeep safari; or simply hop on a dolmus (mini-bus).