Good Reasons To Visit Bodrum
If you need good reasons to visit Bodrum, here is an overwhelming list. As one of Turkey’s top tourist destinations, the reputation of the large peninsula covering a significant part of the Aegean coast precedes it.
It includes a town centre of the same name and many more coastal resorts that together draw in Turkish and foreign tourists in their thousands. And being the go-to destination for many nationalities across the globe, proof of its addictive vibes is in many foreigners who sold up and moved there.
Its cosmopolitan vibes have turned it into a mini-hub of the United Nations. This isn’t a fad either because Bodrum’s popularity first bore roots in the 1950s, when writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli was exiled to the area.
Known as the fisherman of Halicarnassus, together with his artisan friends, they spread the word and started Bodrum’s claim to fame on the international tourism scene. Further proof of its lure is also seen in celebrities choosing the destination for some downtime.
They include Kate Moss, Tom Hanks, Uma Thurman, and British and Saudi royalty. However, you are not yet convinced to book a plane ticket and pack your suitcase, here are more reasons to put Bodrum on your bucket list.
Good Reasons To Visit Bodrum
1: It is Easy to Get There
Bodrum airport of the same name is one of three top touristic airports in Turkey. Hosting thousands of domestic and international flights every year, the ultra-modern airport is, without a doubt, globally connected.
The peninsula also boasts of a large bus station, and the daily hustle and bustle prove its well-connected and frequent transport routes to many destinations throughout Turkey. Otherwise, if arriving by road, Turkey’s recent upgrading of all major roads leading to Bodrum makes this an awesome road trip.
2: Perfect Weather
Bodrum’s dreamy weather boosts the number of visitors to this major touristic destination, but every month is different. Anyone who plans to lie on the beach and come back with a golden tan will do just that during July, August, and September when temperatures peak at their highest, often reaching the mid-40s.
However, for explorers who like to see the sites, March to June, and October to December give way to lower temperatures and a cool breeze, albeit night-time can be chilly. Avoid January and February unless you like rain but other than that, Bodrum presents the perfect weather climate all year round.
3: Bodrum’s Budget and Luxury Hotels
Part of Bodrum’s success lies in its diversity accommodating every type of travellers, and we see this in many hotels ranging from budget studio apartments to large, all-inclusive luxury hotels with a wealth of on-site spa and wellness treatments.
A few brands name luxury hotels often featured in major publications like Forbes and Business Insider include the Bodrum Edition and Mandarin Oriental. Otherwise, support local business by booking into a cute boutique hotel for one to one, time-honoured Turkish hospitality.
4: Coastal Resorts to Visit and Stay
Each of the Bodrum peninsula’s coastal resorts offers something unique, and everyone can find somewhere suiting their lifestyle preferences. We like small, rustic Gumusluk on the western face that has a solid reputation throughout Turkey for seaside fish restaurants and delectable cuisine, while British families adore Gumbet near the town centre.
Yalikavak’s reputation for luxury spread when it opened the state of-the-art Palmarina hence expect an upmarket lifestyle with indulgence at the forefront of trends. Turkbuku is another upscale destination, but for budget travellers, Ortakent, Gundogan and Turgutreis are ideal choices. Find out more about each of the coastal resorts in our Bodrum Peninsula area guide.
5: Bodrum’s Hedonistic Lifestyle
When arriving, the cosmopolitan lifestyle rushes over you in waves, and we recommend taking advantage of this. If you want to relax and recharge, Bodrum’s the perfect place to do it. Ask any Turk about its hedonistic lifestyle, and they will testify it isn’t an urban legend. Indeed, if we are to follow the motto of when in Rome, pursuing a leisurely lifestyle is recommended.
6: Visit Beautiful Beaches, Coves and Bays
The peninsula is home to many coves, beaches and bays that are the focal point of social communities during summer. Tourists and locals spend daytime swimming, sunbathing and relaxing, while at night-time, those seaside destinations become the perfect destination for fine dining and partying until the early hours. Some highly popular beaches include Gumbet, Yalikavak, Kadikalesi, and Yahsi but also go off the beaten track because the hidden coves and bays are just as delightful.
7: Eating Out in Bodrum
The food choice alone should stand as a good reason to visit Bodrum. We recommend trying local Turkish dishes like Mezes, pudding, and desserts. Seaside fresh fish and seafood cuisine are popular, hence many seaside restaurants do a roaring trade.
To do as Turks do, indulge in traditional mezes, fish and seafood dishes, delicious salads, and a traditional glass of raki. But if Turkish food does nothing for your palette, enjoy a host of international cuisine choices including Chinese, Indian, steak, pasta, pizzas and much more.
8: Sailing and The Turkish Riviera
The peninsula was a pioneer in Turkey’s sailing scene. Stretching back to the 1970s, their worldwide reputation for excellence and professionalism is cemented in stone. For a sailing holiday in Turkey, Bodrum is ideal.
Day trips leave every morning from local harbours but to indulge in the Turkish experience, sign up for a three-night traditional gulet cruise on a blue voyage route. Visiting historical ruins, Greek islands, small coastal resorts, and hidden bays, it is a lifetime, memorable experience.
9: From Day to Night
Bodrum offers the best of both worlds because while the daytime focuses on the sun, sea, and sand, night-time is when the pursuit of pleasure comes alive. For hardcore parties until the early hours, start in the main town on bar street, but plenty of other night-time choices prove Bodrum’s diversity to cater for everyone.
Romantic couples enjoy candlelit dinners on rooftop terraces, while sit down bars often feature live music and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you want low key or fast and furious, Bodrum’s nightlife scene is one of the best in Turkey.
10: Activities and Things to Do
Oh my! Where do we start? The huge range of activities keeps everyone occupied for weeks. If you aren’t sailing, shopping or indulging in the nightlife and food, start sightseeing by visiting Saint Peter’s Castle. As the peninsula’s main landmark, it also sits near the old part of town boasting of nostalgia.
Also nearby is the Halicarnassus ruins, and to learn about an iconic figure of Turkish music, pop along to Zeki Muren’s museum. Join art or cooking classes, road trip the peninsula and places like Victoria’s offer horse riding lessons. Pop into any excursion shop for village and Jeep tours or trips to sites further afield like Ephesus and Pamukkale. Trust us. Boredom doesn’t exist in Bodrum.
11: The Last Reason: Gorgeous Sunset View
The last of many reasons to visit Bodrum is the gorgeous sunset views. The peninsula’s west facing position lines it up as one of the best locations in Turkey. Don’t underestimate the power of watching the sun go down on the horizon while drinking an ice-cold beer and contemplating life. There is something soothing about it and mesmerising.
More Articles to Help Plan a Visit to Bodrum
Eating Out in Bodrum: Whether you want brunch, a snack, or a delectable feast, we list our favourite establishments serving up delicious cuisine.
Shopping Galore: From high end, luxury boutiques to the local, traditional markets, spend cash in a favourite choice of establishments selling everything and anything.
Luxury hotels in the Peninsula: If you want only the best, these luxury hotels deliver that. We look at why they stand out and who would prefer staying there.
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