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
Contact Us:
ozlem@allbodrumproperty.com
