At the heart of the Aegean peninsula in Turkey is Bodrum Centre, a scenic destination reflecting everyone's idea of laid-back lifestyles in the sun. When you buy property in Bodrum city, you tap into an easy lifestyle with everything on your doorstep. In Bodrum centre, supermarkets, shopping malls, bars, and restaurants line the main and back streets leading down to the Aegean Sea lined with that beautiful coastline. The diversity of establishments and social calendar events means life is as cheap, luxurious, mundane or hectic as you want. Indeed, whatever you want can be found in Bodrum, so read on to discover why it is the perfect place for a holiday home or permanent residence.
About Bodrum Centre
Bodrum's Rise to Fame
Bodrum's history dates from the ancient Dorian city of Halicarnassus, founded around 1000 BCE. Halicarnassus became famous for its impressive walls and the Mausoleum of Mausolus, a monumental tomb built for the ruler Mausolus. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Halicarnassus was also where ancient Greek historian Herodotus was born.
The city came under 6th century BCE Persian control but was later liberated by the Athenians during the Greco-Persian Wars. After various conflicts and changes in rule, Halicarnassus joined Alexander the Great's 4th century BCE empire. With the Hellenistic decline, Halicarnassus joined the Roman Republic and later the Byzantine Empire, then the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The area remained under Ottoman rule until the empire's dissolution in the early 20th century, after which the new Turkish Republic was formed shortly.
In the mid-20th century, Bodrum began attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals drawn to the picturesque landscapes and bohemian atmospheres. Bodrum's reputation as an inspirational haven for artists was cemented by the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, an exiled writer who termed the phrase "Blue Voyage", reflecting sailing excellence on the Turkish Riviera. The pinnacle point was the 1980s when Bodrum town centre embraced mainstream tourism. The professional reputation for excellence in hospitality sectors also worked its way into sailing industries, shopping and fine dining establishments and real estate. Today, Bodrum’s reputation is solid.
Main Landmark: Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Bodrum Castle, also called the Castle of St. Peter (Turkish: Bodrum Kalesi or Petrus Kalesi), is the most iconic landmark and popular tourist attraction. The 15th-century Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights Hospitaller, a Christian military order known as the Knights of St. John or Knights of Rhodes.
They had previously established themselves on Rhodes but were forced to leave after the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Rhodes in 1522. The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed within the walls, showcases underwater artefacts, including ancient shipwrecks, amphorae, and relics from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman periods. Bodrum Castle hosts cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
The World of Sailing and Bodrum Marina
The second thing to know about the town centre is that it is one of the most excellent places in the sailing scenes of Turkey. Earning a reputation for excellence, sailing is in their bloodlines, handed down through generations. To prove this, look at Bodrum Marina and Yacht Club. This modern and well-equipped facility accommodates many vessels, from small boats to luxury mega-yachts. The marina offers berths with essential amenities, including electricity, water, Wi-Fi connections, and dedicated facilities for private yachts, including repairs and maintenance services.
Together with Bodrum Yacht Club, they offer maritime services, cultural experiences, and entertainment options, making them popular among sailors and travellers exploring the beauty and history of this charming Turkish town. Sailing from here is fantastic to explore the stunning coastline and Aegean Sea islands. You can join day trips, short weekend getaways, or extended cruises along the Turkish coast. Some popular destinations include nearby Greek islands, the Bodrum Peninsula, and other Turkish coast towns and islands.
If you don't own a yacht, charter one from Bodrum Marina or nearby yacht charter companies. Depending on preferences and budget, there are various options, from small sailboats to luxury yachts. Explore nearby Greek islands like Kos, Rhodes, and Symi. These islands are known for beautiful beaches, charming villages, and delicious cuisine.
If you don't want to jump onboard yachts, the other option is to go on daily boat trips from the Bodrum harbour section near the castle. If sailing is your passion, visit Bodrum Maritime Museum, which showcases gulet boats' history. Bodrum Maritime Museum also proves the region's expertise in sailing hubs of Turkey.
Beaches in Bodrum Centre
If lovely beaches are your passion, Bodrum town centre delivers three options along the seafront promenade. Bodrum Beach (public Beach) is conveniently located and has cafes, bars, and restaurants, making enjoying meals with sea views great. Kumbahçe Beach, just west of Bodrum's marina, boasts calm waters and a relaxing atmosphere.
Bardakçı Beach, east of Bodrum's town centre, is a lovely beach with more tranquil settings than bustling Bodrum Beach. However, we recommend getting out and about into the peninsula to discover more beautiful beaches. Additionally, some hotels have access to private beaches, and there are beach clubs where you pay entrance fees and enjoy leisure amenities.
Shopping in Bodrum Town
Shopping in Bodrum city centre delights everyone with everything sold from local handicrafts to international brands. Local street markets happen on Tuesdays and Fridays and are great to pick up fresh fruit and veg. Otherwise, the old quarter is where to shop for Turkish textiles, clothing, jewellery, spices, and souvenirs in the town centre.
Head out of town to Oasis shopping centre or Midtown shopping centre for modern shopping malls. Throughout Bodrum's city centre, you'll find numerous souvenir shops offering items like Turkish ceramics, spices, textiles, and traditional Turkish lamps. When you head onto the Bodrum peninsula, watch out for other local markets and street vendors. There is one every day of the week!
Eating Out and Nightlife
Get ready for a stunning collection of restaurants. Being a coastal town, Bodrum city centre is famous for fresh seafood. Try grilled or fried fish, calamari, and casseroles at restaurants along the seafront promenade that promote al fresco dining. The thriving cafe culture sees cafes serving Turkish coffee, cappuccinos, pastries and desserts. Enjoy your coffee or tea while people-watching on the charming streets of Bodrum town.
Don't forget to try street food like simit (sesame-crusted bread rings), doner kebabs, and Gozleme from local vendors and food stalls, or eat at traditional Turkish restaurants for authentic cuisine. Otherwise, worry not about food, because restaurants everywhere sell every type of cuisine you want, from Chinese to Indian to steak houses and pasta.
Likewise, Bodrum Bar Street often gets busy with youngsters for nightlife venues. Bodrum Bar Street runs parallel to the waterfront and starts near the castle. It's easily accessible on foot from various parts of town and is a hub for nightlife. Bar Street comes alive after sunset and remains active until the early hours, with locals and tourists looking for memorable night outs.
From Bodrum Airport to the Town Centre
Bodrum Milas Airport, officially known as Milas-Bodrum Airport (IATA: BJV, ICAO: LTFE), is the primary gateway to nearby towns and resorts. Bodrum Airport is 36 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Bodrum town, specifically near Milas town, hence the name. But getting to Bodrum city centre is accessible via public bus, shuttle transfer or car rental.
Property In Bodrum Centre
Travel brochures often portray the town as white-wash sugar cube houses cascading down the hillside, yet it is about much more than that. The reputation for wealthy and influential people attracts world-renowned architects to build millionaire villas, incorporating current trends for modern lifestyles. Property for sale in Bodrum town is often priced higher than in neighbouring resorts because of its status as a transport, business and sailing hub. Still, anyone who plans to move here has an impressive portfolio to browse through, including new build, resale, off-plan and renovated homes.
From primary 1-bedroom homes incorporating the age-old peninsula architecture to 6-bedroom luxury villas with many bathrooms to accommodate all family members. Some homes have private swimming pools as their main exterior feature, and others boast of beautiful landscape gardening. Alternatively, those looking for villas and apartments for sale as either holiday homes or buy-to-let investments will benefit from an already proven tourism scene that is one of Turkey's busiest.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to view property for sale in Bodrum town centre, start your search by browsing our portfolio. Each listing contains everything to know, including the contact details to arrange viewings of any property that interests you. You can also drop by our office on Yakaköy Çilek Caddesi in the Ortakent area of the Bodrum peninsula or call us. Our agents are on hand to provide numerous services, including local information and property viewings. We also give advice about buying and owning property in Bodrum centre.
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