Bodrum

Bodrum, the birthplace of Herodotus

In the ancient world it was known as Halicarnassus. It was home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After the monument was destroyed, few remains are left for visitors to see. Today the city is named Bodrum and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. It’s a glamorous seaside area where many European visitors choose to spend their holidays, taste traditional oriental dishes and sunbathe in iconic beaches.
If you wish to travel to Bodrum by boat, book ferry tickets at Let’s Ferry.

Attractions in Bodrum
• The Bodrum Castle is the one of the first things you see at the port. It is also known as the Knights Castle or the Castle of St. Peter. The point where it was built was initially an island, which was gradually connected to the mainland. The Knights of Saint John started building the Castle in the 15th century and it was finished by the 16th.
• The Museum of Underwater Archaeology is hosted at the Bodrum Castle with interesting findings from the underwater world of the Bodrum Peninsula.
Look for the few remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, just 1 km from the port.

View of Bodrum Castle

Beaches in Bodrum
• If you want to have a quick swim close to the port, visit the Bodrum Plaji, an organized beach.
• The Bitez beach is wind protected, with shallow waters and is ideal for children. It’s 10 km from the port and it has been awarded with a Blue Flag.
• The Gümbet is the most vibrant with restaurants and water sports facilities. It’s a long, sandy beach with sunbeds.
• The Yalıkavak is secluded with many trees creating natural shade. It’s 18 km from the port.

Activities in Bodrum
• Visit a Turkish Bath to enjoy a relaxing hammam. You can find many in Bodrum, inside hotels or close to the port.
• Visit Bodrum’s bazaar to buy souvenirs and taste traditional Turkish mezze as well as dodurma, the Turkish version of ice cream. Turkish sellers like to haggle so be prepared to negotiate and buy more for less!
• Canoe, kayak, SUP, windsurf and water bike at Bitez beach.
• Don't miss scuba diving at the shallow waters of the Bodrum Peninsula. You can find many diving schools at the port.

Beautiful street in Bodrum

Access to Bodrum: You can reach the port by car, plane, ferry or bus. The International Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) is the closest, 36 km from the port.
Izmir is 240 km away from the port. The journey Bodrum – Izmir lasts 3 hours by car and 3,5 hours by bus.
Antalya is 420 km away from the port. The journey Bodrum – Antalya lasts 6 hours by car and 8 hours by bus.
Istanbul is 750 km away from the port. The journey Bodrum – Istanbul lasts 11 hours by car and 12 hours by bus. The fastest way to get from Bodrum to Istanbul is to take an internal flight from the Milas airport.

The port of Bodrum

Only in Bodrum: Visit Kara Ada, an island very close to the port. It is also known as the Black Island and it’s an uninhabited, green paradise, which is famous for its thermal springs. Legend has it that the mud from the caves where hot water comes from, was Cleopatra’s beauty secret. Rent a boat or a gulet from the port to take you to the hot springs of Kara Ada.