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Bodrum (Halicarnassus)
 An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights
of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling
blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean
Seas meet. The town's charm is well-known,
attracting a diverse population of vacationers who
stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, while
elegant yachts crowd the marina.
Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear,
tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially,
will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and
majestic rock formations. The waters offer up
multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi
and an immense variety of other aquatic life.
The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to
ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the
traditional yachts: the Tirhandil with a pointed bow
and stern, and the Gullets with a broad beam and
rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on
excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual
October Cup Race.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of
the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly
and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries.
This community has encouraged an informal day-time
life style and a night-time of excitement. The
evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of
the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and
other Aegean specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some
with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until
dawn.
Bodrum, known in the ancient times as Halicarnassus
which was the capital of Caria, was the birthplace
of Herodotus and the site of King Mausolous' Tomb
(4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or
the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example
of 15th century crusader architecture, and has been
converted into the Museum of Underwater Archeology,
with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
The stunning panoramic view from Goktepe, nearby, is
much photographed by visitors to the Museums' 2nd
century theater.
The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits holidaymakers
interested in a subdued and relaxing atmosphere.
Enchanting villages, with guest-houses and small
hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. On the
southern coast, Bardakci, Gümbet, Bitez, Ortakent,
Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have fine, sandy
beaches. Campers and wind-surfers enjoy Gümbet, and
at Bitez colorful sail boards weave skillfully among
the masts of yachts in the bay. On shore you can
enjoy quiet walks through the orange and tangerine
groves bordering the beach. Ortakent has one of the
longest stretches of sandy beach in the area and
offers an ideal place for relaxing in solitude. One
of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum
peninsula, Karaincir, is ideal for lively active
days by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with
local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved
reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach,
it's also considered as one of the best beaches in
the world. Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak, all
with excellent beaches, lie on the western side of
the peninsula and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing
and water sports. In Turgutreis, the birthplace of a
great Turkish Ottoman admiral of the same name, you
will find a monument honoring him. In the ancient
port of Myndos, Gümüslük, you can easily make many
friends with the hospitable and out-going local
population. In Yalikavak white-washed houses with
cascading Bougainville line narrow streets. Small
cafes and the occasional windmill create a
picturesque setting.
See the north coast of the peninsula - Torba,
Türkbükü, Gölköy and Gündogan - by road or, even
better, hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet
coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little
windmills which still provide the energy to grind
grain crown hills covered with olive trees. Torba, a
modern village with holiday villas and a nice marina
is located 8 km north of Bodrum. Gölköy and Türkbükü
are small and simple fishing villages with a handful
of taverns overlooking a lovely bay.
After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour from
Bodrum, you can bathe in the grotto where the warm
mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed
to beautify the complexion.
The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf of
Gökova, on the southern shore of the Bodrum
peninsula vary from the darkest blue to the palest
turquoise, and the coastline is thickly wooded with
every hue of green. In the evening, the sea reflects
the mountains silhouetted against the setting sun,
and at night it shimmers with phosphorescence. You
can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for
a two, three or seven day tour of the gulf.
Also Milas town and Labranda, some 65 kms from
Bodrum, are places of interest for archaeology
lovers.
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Bodrum Hotels
