Bodrum

Bodrum — the ancient Halicarnassus — is the most glamorous coastal town on the Turkish Aegean. Once the site of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Bodrum is now a magnet for the Turkish upper class, international jet-set vacationers, and sailors from around the world.

The Bodrum Peninsula offers something for everyone: The old town with white cube houses, bougainvillea, and the imposing Crusader castle; chic beach clubs on the south coast (Türkbükü, Gölköy); quiet fishing villages like Gümüşlük and Güvercinlik; and the party scene in Bodrum city itself.

Highlights

• Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter): The impressive Crusader castle (1402–1522) houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with one of the best-preserved shipwrecks of antiquity. Panoramic view over the harbor.
• Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: Only the foundation of the wonder of the world remains — but the tomb of King Mausolus (353 BC) at least gave the word "mausoleum" its name.
• Bar Street (Cumhuriyet Caddesi): Bodrum's legendary nightlife mile — clubs, bars, live music until the early hours. In summer, the nightlife pulses here until 4–5 am.
• Gümüşlük: Picturesque fishing village 25 km west of Bodrum. Fish restaurants with tables in the water, sunken ruins of the ancient city of Myndos, and sunsets to die for.
• Türkbükü: The "Saint-Tropez of Turkey" on the north coast of the peninsula — luxury hotels, beach clubs, mega-yachts. Expensive, but unmatched for seeing and being seen.
• Windmills: Between Bodrum city and Gümbet stand the iconic white windmills on the hill — perfect photo opportunity, especially at sunset.