Bodrum offers resort-like relaxation amid some of the most magnificent architecture in the Aegean Region. With roots tracing through ancient Greece, the Persian Empire, and the Knights Hospitaller, the city and the surrounding Bodrum Peninsula have countless stories to tell. The area calls to travelers with its many idyllic beaches, whose diamond-clear waters are suited for diving and swimming, as well as its archeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites that offer a glimpse into the distant past. Whether you're seeking the buzzing party scene on the coast or looking for an eye-opening exploration of Turkey's history, Bodrum is pulsing with a variety of adventures, sights, and things to do.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Bodrum
The Bodrum Peninsula is home to a diverse range of places, from resort-dotted beaches to cities from bygone ages. Get the best of both worlds by exploring towns close to shore and further inland.
Halicarnassus - The ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus once stood on the site of modern Bodrum, and remnants of its glory can still be found in the city today. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and parts of the ancient city walls can be traced through Bodrum.
Gumbet - Gumbet is a popular resort town on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, just a short drive from Bodrum. The city is best known for its long golden beaches that are ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and relaxing. The vibrant and bustling nightlife draws partygoers, while water parks like the Dedeman Aqua Park make Gumbet a family destination as well.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis - Famous for its hot springs and white travertine terraces, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale is worth a day trip out of Bodrum. The terraces, which were built up over millennia from limestone deposited by the thermal waters, are unique for their brilliant white hue. Visit the nearby ruins of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, and take a soak in the Antique Pool, whose basin is littered with age-old toppled columns.
What to See in Bodrum
With an incredibly long and diverse history, Bodrum is full of ancient and fascinating structures. See the ancient Mausoleum of Mausolus, also known as the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, as well as the Bodrum Amphitheatre, which date back to the 4th century BC. The historic Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller as the Castle of St. Peter in 1402, is now home to the immersive Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is dedicated to Aegean Sea shipwrecks from throughout the ages. Also on display at the museum are an original Turkish bath, the Glass Hall with glass artifacts dating back to 1400 BC, and an English Tower that offers views over the sea.
Sightseeing in Bodrum
The Bodrum Peninsula is blessed with beautiful beaches of golden sand and warm waters. Take time to relax at spots like Ortakent Beach, Bagla Beach, or Torba Beach, where you can relax in the shade of green pines or go on a scuba diving adventure in the crystal-clear water. Take your relaxation further by visiting one of Bodrum's many spas, where you can ease your muscles with a rejuvenating Turkish bath experience. For a more active experience on the Mediterranean Sea, sail around the coast of the peninsula, catching sight of gorgeous bays like Camel Beach and visiting pristine Kara Ada, or Black Island. Bodrum serves as a gateway to some of Turkey's most incredible archaeological sites, including the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, famed for the Temple of Artemis—one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World—and the House of the Virgin Mary. Take a day to visit sites like Pamukkale, Kaunos, or Didyma to get a grasp of Bodrum and the peninsula's ancient roots.
