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An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to the dazzling blue bay of Bodrum, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet. This charming town attracts a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long, palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina. For a map of bodrum pennisula click here or for a map of bodrum town click here. Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations in waters that offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes and an immense variety of other aquatic life, including octopus. The reputation of Bodrum's boat yards dates back to ancient times. Today, craftsmen still build traditional boats: the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern and the broad beamed, rounded stern gulette. The latter are utilized for excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Bodrum Cup Race.
The yearly throng of visitors has encouraged small entrepreneurs to make shopping in Bodrum a delight. Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads are among the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow, white walled streets. Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton fabric.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as a center of the Turkish art community with its friendly, Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an casual day time lifestyle and a vibrant nightlife. The evenings in Bodrum are for leasurely dining one of the many seafood restaurants. Afterwards, daytime nightclubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn. Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of the tomb of King Mausolus (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbor, Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th-century Crusader architecture. It has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The stunning panoramic view from nearby Goktepe, is often photographed by those who visit the second-century theater there. The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits visitors interested in a understated relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. On the southern coast, Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Aktur, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have fine, sandy beaches (Bitez, Ortakent and Aktur are blue-flag beaches). Campers and windsurfers enjoy Gumbet, and at Bitez colorful sailboards 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 is Karaincir, ideal for active days by the sea and relaxed evenings with local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach.
Things to see in Bodrum
The Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is Bodrums oldest antiquity and was built by Artemisia II in honour of her husband King Mausolos. It became one of the wonders of the ancient world, Mausoleum still is the general term for a large tomb. The entire structure stood at over 50 meters in height. The first reliefs from the Mausoleum reached the British Museum in London in 1846, these included frescos and other objects. The most prominent feature of Bodrum is the castle of St. Peter.
The castle's origins date back to the knights of St. John. This group of expatriates began in the 11th century with a church and hospital in Jerusalem. Although belonging to he Catholic religion care was denied to no-one.
When the knights arrived they instructed their builders to remove all usable materials from the tomb of King Mausolos as the castle construction began in the 1400's. The knights refered to the town as Mesy not knowing that they where in the ancient Halicarnassus. The fortress became known as the Castle of St. Peter, the Liberator, it served as the sole place of refugee
for all Christians on the West Coast of Asia during the time of the crusades. For over a century the castle served as a stronghold in the knights community. Under Turkish care the castle has undergone several uses including being a military base, a prison and a public bath. But now it is one of the finest museums in this region The Amphi-theatre
The theatre is another witness to the great past of Bodrum. Situated in the hillside over looking Bodrum this theatre whose capacity is around 13.000 was built during te Carian reign in the Hellenistic age (330 - 30 BC.). The theatre consists of three different sections: a place for the audience, a place for an orchestra and the stage. It became an open-air museum after the excavations in 1973. The Myndos gate
Located on the west side of Bodrum, this is one of the two entrances of ancient Halicarnassus. It was part of the towns wall. The gate is named after the place Myndos because it faces the ancient Myndos place (now Gümüslük).
Only some parts of the city walls remained until today. An important part of the town wall was the Myndos Gate where the soldiers of Alexander (*the great*) had a hard time to come into the town of Halicarnassus in 333 BC. After they captured the city they destroyed all buildings except the Mausoleum, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Trip Planner for Bodrum Bardakci
Just outside Bodrum harbor lies the small bay of Bardakçi, the local Turkish expression for water seller. Perhaps the modern name for this small bay derives from Bardakçi's claim as the site of the ancient fountain of Salmacis. Legend has it that here, in a clear pool; Hermaphrodites became so enamoured of his own reflection that the nymph of the pool joined their bodies in one forever, the Hermaphrodite.
Today Bardakçi features luxury hotels, small pensions and varied seaside restaurants surrounding a sandy beach. A popular stop for the local daily boats Bardakçi is only a few minutes walk over the hill between the marina and Gümbet. Karaincir
A short walk west of Bagla Koyu brings one to the small resort village of Karaincir ('Black Fig') where the broad sandy beach is lined with hotels and restaurants and numerous sunning piers are built out over the water. This is the furthest point to the west visited by the Bodrum daily boat tours.
A fairly long walk past the village and up the hillside brings you to the Çifik Castle on Aspat mountain Aspat, abbreviated from Aspandas, means 'not suitable for ploughing', and the summit of the mountain is reached by following a narrow path and stairways through the remnants of ancient civilizations. The view from the top is one of the finest on the peninsula. Gumusluk
This peaceful village is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It has modest restaurants and several pensions and motels, but it retains a small-scale atmosphere for the simple reason that most of the village is designated an official archaeological site so that no landscaping alterations or new groundbreakings are allowed.
This status is designed to protect the ancient site of Myndos, which is partially covered by Gümüslük. The original Lelegian city of Myndos stood a few kilometers southeast of here. In the 4th century BC King Mausolus decided to build a new Myndos and transplanted the entire population. A hundred years ago there were ruins worth seeing (including a theatre and a stadium), but now these have disappeared, being gradually dismantled for the foundations and walls of new buildings.
If you walk for ten minutes to the bay north east of Gümüslük you will see a buried wall jutting from a hillside into the sea. While the area'' archaeological status forbids diving with tanks, snorklers will find more walls under water here, as well as an ancient breakwater in the harbor, Those visiting by boat will want to stay close to the island on the eastern side of the entrance to avoid hitting underwater structures. Turgutreis
The second largest town on the Bodrum peninsula, Turgutreis provides the visitor with a glimpse of real Turkish life combined with sufficient recreational amenities for everyone.
Turgutreis is named after the great Turkish Admiral of the same name who was born here in the 16th century. Known in the west as Dragut, Turgutreis is primarily known for his participation in the Ottoman siege of Malta. A few kilometers outside of town a waterfront memorial marks the place where he first set sail. Today the town bearing the great admiral's name is a center for commerce on the western side of the peninsula. Produce from the surrounding villages is collected here for transport, bakeries, shops and services flourish. For the more recreational minded, Turgutreis features kilometers of sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants and bars all with a special Turkish flavor. Yalikavak
The overland journey from Bodrum to Yalikavak provides the visitor with some of the most spectacular scenery on the peninsula. Slowly climbing through fertile valleys, the road then tops at the mountain range running down the peninsula center, at this point providing unbroken vistas of the north and south coasts before descending to the seaside village of Yalikavak. For many years Yalikavak has been one of the most important fishing centers on the Turkish Aegean, home to fleets of fishermen and sponge divers. Today, the majority of the local men still fork the sea. Yalikavak remains the same combining the ambiance of a hard working fishing town and the recent influence of tourism: cafes, restaurant and bars; the harbor in Yalikavak, with its fishing boats unloading their catch and the presence of sleek yachts unloading passengers, has a unique atmosphere, industrious and relaxed, foreign and friendly Bitez
This broad beach is easily accessible by one of the many dolmuses in Bodrum, which will usually stop in Bitez village before running along the beachfront past a number of hotels and restaurants. Numerous jetties run out from the shore for swimming and sunbathing. Beyond the beach, reached by dry riverbeds, lie hundreds of acres of private mandarin groves tended by the citrus farmers of the area. The other name for Bitez is Agaçli ('Full of Trees'), and together with Ortakent it is the main citrus growing area on the peninsula. The beach is most popular with watersport enthusiasts and sunworshippers a like. The shallow bay is popular with daily tour boats, which normally call in for an afternoon cup of tea or a cool beer. Campsites are set among the trees and local boats may be hired from any one of the jetties. The restaurants and bars are quite active in the evening, and with dolmu?es running late into the night Bitez offers an alternative to Bodrum nightlife. The Menderes valley
The valley of the Menderes River, known to the West as the Meander, has been the cradle of civilizations. Set amidst pines, olives and oleander is the magnificent Bafa Lake. It is a lovely, peaceful place to stay whether in a guest house or camping. To the east of the lake rise the five peaks of the Besparmak Mountains. The ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are close to the lake while the ruins of Alinda are to be found on the eastern slopes of the Be§parmak Mountains. The valley has witnessed the rise and fall of several great historical cities, notably Priene, Miletos, Didyma, Aphrodisias, and Hierapolis. Aphrodisias
The history of this city goes back a long way but the important part of the city was built in the 1st century BC. Some of the richest art finds have come from the excavations of this city which was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility. The buildings are handsomely adorned with marble that was carved with skill, producing remarkable temples, monuments, a theatre and baths. Their reputation for the exquisite finesse of their statuary and marble craftsmanship soon spread to other parts of the then known world. It thus became the centre of the greatest sculpturing school of antiquity. A highlight of any visit are the marvellous sculptures now housed in the museum. Priene
Priene was one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. Making the site of particular interest is the system of geometric planning introduced in the 4th century BC by Hippodamos of Miletos. Didyma
Didyma only posseses a single monument, but it is nevertheless a marvellous site. The Temple of Apollo was one of the most sacred places of antiquity. Many times looted and burned, the sanctuary is still impressive and of an elegant beauty. The colossal temple was surrounded by a portico of double colonnades. Not far from the site is the beautiful beach of Altinkum. Miletos
Miletos, like Priene, was a great Ionian port and the native city of several philosophers and sages. The theatre itself justifies a visit. The ruins of the Faustina baths are well preserved and there is an archaeological museum. Pamukkale and the ancient city Hierapolis
Pamukkale is an extraordinary natural wonder. It is really one of the most important wonders of the world which must be visited. The calcareous water comes out of the ground at a temperature of 35 C and spills down the mountain from a height of 100 meters with a slope forming plenty of terraced natural pools. Cream coloured travertines are also formed as the water overflows from the pools. Then a breath-taking sight comes into scene which is unique in the world. Water is the soul architect of this gleaming fairy castle resembling cotton or snow. Hence its Turkish name Pamukkale means `Cotton Castle'. In this wonder land there is an abundance of hot spring which are recommended for the treatment of some heart diseases, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, rheumatism, nutritional disorders. The road to Pamukkale ( 19 km. from Denizli ) is lined along with oleander bushes which anticipate the relaxing atmosphere of this ideal resort centre. The hotel pools are in garden-like settings. The natural ones are in the hillside with their tiny splashing waterfalls. They are especially appreciated by nature lovers and sun bathers.
The Temple of Apollon
It was constructed quite large in the Hellenistic era, but later reduced in the 3rd Century during the Roman era. The temple is constructed in huge stone blocks without cement. Near the Temple, descending by arched stairs, there is a section called Plutonium (demon's hole) where there is poisonous carbon dioxide gas.
The monumental fountain Nympheum
: It is constructed in the 4.th century A.D. The facade is towards the south with a half moon shape
Theatre
It was constructed in the 2 nd century A.D . It consists of the sections, Cavea , Scena , and the Orchestra. It is constructed on a sloped area. The Cavea is still in its proper shape. It has the capacity of 15-20 thousand people. The upper parts of the Scena -having mythological scenes over marble blocks have collapsed. The Scena has five large embroidered doors of marble being placed on the left and on the right, and three in the middle. Roman Bath
Know to be constructed in the 2nd Century A.D, the bath is consisted of three sections. Those are Frigidarium, Caladium and Tepiderium. Those sections are covered and connected to each otheras a whole. All are constructed in huge stone blocks without using cement. The covered sections are in vault shape. There are arch shaped niches found in their parts of the open areas. It is used a museum today St. Philippe Martyrdom
It was constructed in the 5.th Century A.D. It was constructed for St. Philippe one of the 12 disciples of Jeus Christ. It has an octogon shape. It is thought that St. Philippe was engraved in the middle of the Martyrdom The Doors:
North Byzantian door
It was constructed as two tiered building in the 5.th Century A.D. The inner door is built perpendicular to city walls. South Byzantian door
Constructed on the East-West direction in the South of the city in the Roman era, the city walls were moved 100 m. onwards in the Byzantine era. The Domitianus door
It was constructed by the Asian Proconsultant Julius Frontinus in 82-83 A.D. at the North edge of the Columned Road for Domitian, the Roman Emperor. The Columned Road
It passes all the way in the South-North direction of the ancient city. Both sides reach to the Roman and Byzantine doors. There are important constructions on both sides of this road. Necropolis The Cemetry
From the beginning of the Hellenistic era Christianity and together with its monumental graves like Tumulus, Tomb and house types, Necropolis is one of the best preserved cemeteries. The specialty of Necropolis is that the graves of the people,the important rich and the nobel statesmen, heroes, and the poor differ according their economic status. There are 3 Necropolis being the Southwest,in the East and in the North. Karahayit Redwater
It is another thermal source,5 km. to Pamukkale. That thermal source has a high level of iron. Because of its red colour, this hot spring water is called the "Red Water". There are many accommodations from normal house pensions to five star hotels where one can rest bath and entertain himself. It is very suitable resort area where you can go and enjoy yourself. The Ancient City of Laodicia
The ancient city Laodiceia was founded in a geographically advantageous spot, 6 km. far from south of Denizli on the banks of the River Lycos. Laodiceia was founded by Antiochos II, between 261-253 B.C Antiochos gave the city the name of his wife "Laodice". Laodiceia of the first century B.C,one of the most famous and important cities of Anatolia. Laodiceia's rapid development can be explained by the geographical setting, the great fertility of the soil ,the flourishing cloth and wool trade. The Laodiceain shepherds were well known for the softness and brightness of the fleece produced from their sheep. The city did not only content itself with wool production but also developed a weaving trade. Before the spread of Christianity, the city was under the influence of the Jews. The fact that one of Asia's seven most famous churches was situated in this city indicates the importance of Christianity here. There are a lot of ruins at Laodiceia. Those are two theatres, three baths, two fountains (Nymphaeums), three churches, main street, stadium, two agoras, four city gates, two temples, Bauleterium, Gymnasium, Necropolis,etc.,. The Ancient City of Colossae
Colossea is 2 km. to the south of Honaz and 25 km. to the east of Denizli. Colossea is founded on the road leading to Honaz from Çömleksaz a village which is 1.5 km from Denizli. They are on the road to Ankara. The classical town of Colossea was near the south side of Mountain Honaz,on the banks of Aksu river. It was settled on the southern road t e orient which has being used since the Classical Times. It was one of the most important centres Phrygia. According to Xenophob,it was one of the six largest cities in the region. Though historical texts place the church of St. Michael in Colossea no traces of it are yet unearthed. The remains of Colossea are on a mound known as Acropolis and on its vicinity. At the south of the mound are graves built in the shape of houses. For building the houses they used worked stoned The Ancient city of Tripolis
Tripolis is 140 km far to the north of Denizli. It was founded in the district of Buldan to the east of Yenicekent Town. It is on the slopes which lie between the town and the River Büyük Menderes (Great Meander ). By means of the great Meander Plain, Tripolis was connected both to Central Anatolia and to the Mediterranean. Its contemporary cities Laodiceia~founded in the Lycos Valley (Çürüksu) lies 30 km. away and Hierapolis 20 km. away. Tripolis was founded by Pergamum kingdom in the 2 nd century B.C . Tripolis was one of the most important Lydian cities. It was important as a border town being a center of trade and agriculture. It also served as a communication link between the Caria and Phrygian regions. There are a lot of ruins at Tripolis. Some of them are Theatre, Stadium, Bath, Bauleterium, Main street, city walls, City gates, Necropolis etc. Caravanserais and inns
Akhan CaravanseraiI
Akhan caravanserai is situated to the left of the road which leads to the village having the same name. It is 7 km. away from Denizli on the turning of the road leading to Afyon Akhan, which is one of the latest West Seljukian Caravanserais is relatively small in both layout and design. One of the outer walls of the caravanserai is covered with marble. That's why it is Scalled "Akhan". There are two inscriptions in the Caravanserai which indicate that the enclosed part was completed in 1253-1254 A.D. Cardak Inn Abat Caravanserai
It was constructed by the Seljukian Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad, First in 1230 A.D. There are fish, ox and man figures in the arch holes of the caravanserai. Beyce Sultan Tumulus
Beycesultan Tumulus is 4 Km. a way from the centre of Çivril close to Menteþ Village. The east-west oriented mound rises to 25 ~ High and covers 13 hectares of area. Beycesultan was excavated between i954 and 1959 by a team from the English Archaelogy Institute.They were in fact searching the Capital of the Arzama Kingdom. Many marble, bronze, bone and ceramic ancient pieces have been unearthed in this ancient Site.They belong to the Chalcolithic (5500 B.C.), early and Middle Bronze Ages. (3000 B.C.) A small part of the ancient pieces found in Beycesultan Tumulus are being displayed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. Most of them tool their place in the Hierapolis Museum in Pamukkale. 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. Gumusluk Beach is a blue-flag beach. In Turgutreis, the birthplace of a great Turkish admiral for whom it is named, you will find a monument honoring him. In the ancient port of Myndos (Gumusluk) you can easily make many friends from among the hospitable and outgoing local populace. In Yalikavak, white washed houses with cascading bougainvillaea line narrow streets. Small cafes and the occasional windmill make it particularly picturesque. On the north coast of the peninsula Torba, Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan can be seen by road. Even better, hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little windmills, still used to grind grain, crown the surrounding hills covered in olive trees. Torba, a modem village with holiday villas and a nice marina is located eight km north of Bodrum. Golkoy and Turkbuku are small and simple fishing villages with a handful of taverns overlooking the lovely bay. After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour from Bodrum, you can bathe in the grotto where warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to enhance the complexion. The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf of Gokova, off the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula, vary from the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, and the coastline is thickly wooded in every hue of green. During the evening, the sea reflects the mountains silhouetted against the setting sun, while it shimmers with phosphorescence at night.
Trips from Bodrum
You can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for a two, three or seven-day tour of the gulf.
The Gulf of Gulluk, and harbor of the same name, lie north of the Bodrum peninsula on the Aegean. The mythological Dolphin Boy is said to have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik (lassos). South of Gulluk, Varvil, ancient Bargilya, sits at the end of a deep narrow inlet surrounded by hillsides covered in olive trees. Inland from Gulluk, is Milas, ancient Mylasa, known for its beautiful carpets a century-old tradition which continues today. The weavers rarely mind a visitor watching them at work. Plenty of old Turkish houses with carved timbers and latticed windows provide examples of the local architectural style. Gumuskesen, a memorial tomb, thought to be a small copy of the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, stands west of the city. The ancients built Labranda high in the mountains as a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Today tourists have rediscovered this mountain retreat, escaping to its exhilarating air and breathtaking scenery. Bodrum (ancient Halikarnas) is the birthplace of the great historian Heredotus. The mausoleum of King Mausolos was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Marmaris, with its modern marina surrounded by its lush mountains and hills, is an alluring vacation getaway with clean crystal clear waters. Nearby is Datça adorned with flowers and a little further on Köycegiz with its pristine highlands, then it is the Lycian Graves, the Dead Sea (Ölü Deniz) and Fethiye. Mamaris is an absolute paradise of endless sand and eternal blue sea.
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