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How to Plan Your Trip to Bodrum, Turkey — Aegean Sea Views, Luxury Hotels, and Incredible Restaurants Included

Come for the sparkling western Aegean coast, stay for the shopping, art scene, and fine dining.

majaiva/Getty Images

Situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast, Bodrum, a city of about 200,000, is known for its small and fragrant mandarins and for its summer scene. On the glittering coastline in the warmer months, some of the largest boats in the world come flocking to the Turkish marinas. Bodrum’s reputation has been cemented, for some, as a sun-soaked luxury escape within Europe. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The exceptional luxury resorts along the water, including LXR's Susona Bodrum, in the Torba neighborhood, or the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Paradise Bay.
• Wine tasting at Karnas Vineyard, a family-owned winery producing Turkey's first zinfandel.
• Shopping the night bazaars for what one of our experts calls "a taste of the old Bodrum."
• Fine dining at ambitious restaurants like Orfoz, next to the Zeki Müren Arts Museum.
• The local arts scene; visit Zai Yaşam, an arts center, or the well-known art gallery Pilevneli.

But Bodrum is more than just glitz and glamour. Tucked away within this city are culinary delights, thought-provoking artists, and bazaars worth traveling for. Bodrum is a city that caters to the well-heeled, yes, but it is also a city of beaches and night markets, of boutique hotels and bespoke wineries. 

For a guide to planning your trip to Bodrum – including when to go, where to stay, and what to do – read on. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Susona bodrum, lxr hotels & resorts.

Courtesy of Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts

At the 70-key Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts , which opened in Bodrum’s Torba neighborhood in 2020, bougainvillea and other native plantings line pathways and buildings. Guests staying at this hotel can enjoy an expansive view of the Aegean, multiple pools, a small beach, a spa with a hammam, and numerous casual and upscale dining venues.

The Bodrum Edition

The tony Yalikavak Marina is home to several shiny international hotel brands. “If you want the nightlife and craziness, you can have it — but if you want calm, you can have that, too,” Mina Dilber, founder of the lifestyle brand Anim Living , told T+L contributor Richard Godwin. At the 108-room Bodrum Edition , open since 2018, travelers will find a series of dining destinations, including the culinary hotspot Brava, a restaurant helmed by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. 

Courtesy of The Bodrum EDITION

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

Yalikavak’s Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum , a 2014 addition to the area, offers 130 guest rooms and overlooks Paradise Bay. Eleven dining and drinking concepts, a spa, a kids club, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and even luxury helicopter tours round out this bespoke hotel. 

Courtesy of Aman Resorts

Part of the Aman brand, Amanruya is a 36-room hotel in the Göltürkbükü neighborhood that opened in 2018. Pavilions are fashioned from stone and open into individual gardens with private swimming pools. The resort also offers a category of pool suite accommodation, also with a private pool. A comprehensive list of activities includes fishing, sailing, and cruising on a traditional Turkish gulet — a wooden masted vessel.

In the Göltürkbükü neighborhood, not far from Yalikavak, art galleries, jewelry makers, and clothing stores are interspersed between boutique hotels. More Turkish in scope than international, travelers can find the beating heart of Bodrum’s art scene, particularly at the 74-room Maçakizi , a boutique hotel that originally opened in the 1970s and that was refreshed in 2000. It often hosts pop-up exhibitions from artisan retailer ’74Escape .

Best Things to Do 

Karnas vineyards.

Visit the 165-hectare Karnas Vineyards , which is planted to both grapes and olive trees. Visitors can sit down, dine, and taste wine overlooking the fields. As Feride Yalav-Heckeroth reported in the September 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure , the vineyard was founded by the İşmen family in 2005 “to produce Turkey’s first zinfandel — a grape they fell in love with during a trip to California’s Napa Valley.” The winery’s low-intervention and sustainable wines are available alongside their formidable multicourse tasting menu each night, for around $100.

Foodrum Culinary Park

Head over to Pelin Dumanli’s Foodrum Culinary Park , in the residential Bitez neighborhood. Dumanli, a formally trained chef, offers culinary classes and bazaar tours for small groups in her fully outfitted space. 

While you’re in the neighborhood, put local arts on your radar. “Zai Yaşam is a great arts center housed in five buildings,” said Ceylin Türkkan Bilge, creative director of the fashion label Siedrés , in the September 2023 issue of T+L. “There’s a gallery, a library, and a lovely garden where they have jazz concerts in the evenings.” By car, the two spaces are only five minutes apart. 

In Yalikavak, said Mina Dilber, an outpost of one of Istanbul’s most prominent art galleries, Pilevneli , has opened up shop in Bodrum. “There’s such a buzz about this place — one of its super-exciting recent exhibitions included work by the cutting-edge digital artist Refik Anadol,” she said. “There’s a great gift shop, too. It’s a must-must-visit!”

Best Shopping 

Ceylin Türkkan Bilge recommends the night bazaars “for a taste of the old Bodrum.” “There are two main markets, one around Bodrum Castle and one along the Türkbükü promenade, by the sea in Göltürkbükü,” Bilge says. “You’ll find plenty of bag shops, but also stalls selling ankle bracelets, beaded jewelry, clothing, and handmade leather sandals. A stall called Ipekçe Türkbükü is my favorite for cotton dresses.”

Despite the profusion of luxury brands in the Yalikavak Marina, Dilber favors shops like Misela , which offer a less western fashion perspective. Misela, she says, is “one of Turkey’s leading bag and accessories brands.” 

Leleg Living , Yalav-Heckeroth writes, a boutique that is adjacent to the restaurant Leleg, diners can purchase “wares used in the restaurant, as well as wooden furniture, all made by local craftspeople using natural materials.” 

On Tuesdays and Fridays, it’s well worth a visit to the Yalikavak Bazaar, one of Bodrum’s many outdoor markets. This traditional bazaar sells an array of fresh spices, olives, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables from local vendors.

Best Restaurants

Brothers Cağrı and Cağlar Bozçağa have established an ambitious destination restaurant in Bodrum at Orfoz , next to the Zeki Müren Arts Museum. The seafood-centric tasting menu features locally caught fish in numerous incarnations and ends each might with a plate of seasonal fruit. 

Courtesy of Orfoz Restaurant

Bodrum Müdavim

In Bodrum’s City Center, Bodrum Müdavim offers both a view of the 1400-era Bodrum Castle and a compelling menu dedicated to fresh seafood. But some come just for the Raki; the restaurant boasts one of the city’s best selections of this national drink of Turkey. 

The 72-seat Malva , a destination restaurant within Susona Bodrum, leans into micro-local and seasonal cuisine under the skillful knife of head chef Necmi Agac. Biweekly trips to the Yalikavak Bazaar inform the restaurant’s menu, as does the small rooftop garden that grows just steps away from the restaurant’s kitchen. 

Limon Gümüşlük

Bilge recommends Limon Gümüşlük , calling it a “particularly stylish and secluded restaurant that serves Turkish meze in a dreamy garden full of vintage furniture.” It’s in Gümüşlük, an area of Bodrum known for its fragrant mandarin groves. Arrive early and grab a table in time for sunset. 

Best Time to Visit 

Freeartist/Getty Images

Bodrum’s high season is summer, and the majority of the hotels are open from late May though the end of October. The season is busiest in the months of July and August, but the weather stays warm well into early fall–up into the 80s and 90s, in fact. Crowds can be more manageable and prices can be more affordable in the shoulder season, which is worth considering if you’re able to travel outside of the summer months. 

How to Get There

Bodrum can be reached by bus, plane, car, and by ferry. From Istanbul, the flight to Bodrum’s Milas–Bodrum Airport takes about one hour. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus provide between five and six daily nonstop flights between the two cities. 

There are buses available from Istanbul to Bodrum, but the system is not easy for non-natives to navigate. The ride is also long; it can take close to 10 hours. Hiring a private car is another option, but it is expensive. Flying is a more cost-effective alternative. 

Travelers can also reach Bodrum via a ferry from Kos, Greece. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Ferries run regularly during the warmer months and cost under $30 each way. 

Neighborhoods to Visit 

Bodrum’s active City Center is where most tourists will find themselves. Bodrum Castle is here, as are plenty of souvenir shops, cafés, small restaurants, and surprisingly beautiful views of the water. A walk through the narrow streets offers a true feel of this historic city. 

nejdetduzen/Getty Images

The Yalikavak Marina offers a slightly more luxurious look at life in Bodrum. Here, you’ll find upscale shopping, destination restaurants, and beach clubs; it’s a look at the good life, yachts and all. But it wouldn’t be Bodrum without a trip to this neighborhood, in all its maximalist glory. 

The laid-back fishing enclave of Gümüşlük, also part of Bodrum, has private beaches, waterfront restaurants, and a relaxing vibe that you may not find in some of the busier areas of the city. It’s worth visiting this local-centric area for a sense of how life on the Aegean is lived. 

How to Get Around

Bodrum is extremely spread-out, and hiring a taxi to get from one area to the next is necessary. Some areas of Bodrum (like the Marina and the City Center) have taxi stands available, but you may want to consider setting up a hired car in advance with your hotel’s concierge if you plan to go far afield. Taxi drivers typically require cash payment, so come prepared with Turkish lira. 

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Get started finding a cheap flight to Bodrum on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Bodrum.

Roundtrip prices range from $112 - $937, and one-ways to Bodrum start as low as $62.

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Bodrum ( BXN)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Bodrum. There are 10 airlines flying into BXN: easyJet, Jet2, Pegasus Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines. 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Bodrum (BXN) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to BXN in June and in September for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you come prepared. First, pack your travel documents, passport and medications. Next, toss in some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. The latest bestseller and a tablet filled with the latest movies are fantastic options. If you plan on getting some sleep, a neck pillow and headphones are also worth bringing along.
• There’s a lengthy list of items you shouldn’t pack in your carry-on baggage too. Explosives, sharps and flammables are strictly prohibited in the cabin — they often include razor blades, box cutters, aerosol cans and flares. Some sporting equipment, like tennis rackets and baseball bats, are also not allowed in your hand luggage. Your airline’s website will have a full list of what you can and can’t bring on board.
• Opt for comfort instead of fashion when flying. Dress in layers and wear natural fabrics since they allow moisture and air to pass through and keep you cool. Cabin temperatures typically get cooler on long-haul flights, so bring a hoodie or similar and always wear sneakers or enclosed shoes.
• The condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clotting caused by poor circulation and inactivity. Strolling up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated can prevent it developing. Wearing compression tights or socks also helps reduce your risk.

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$333 Find cheap flights to Bodrum

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to bodrum departing on 9/11. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to bodrum.

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Flights to bodrum - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to bodrum to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest day to fly to bodrum, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to bodrum is monday where tickets can be as cheap as $1,463. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is wednesday, where prices are $1,697 on average., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to bodrum, the cheapest time of day to fly to bodrum is generally in the evening, when flights cost $1,327 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to bodrum is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,519., how far in advance should i book a flight to bodrum, to get a below average price, you should book around 1 week before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 21 days before departure., how long is the flight to bodrum, the duration of your flight to bodrum depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to bodrum on kayak are from newark , which takes 13h 10m, new york , which takes 13h 20m, san francisco , which takes 15h 40m, and miami , which takes 19h 25m., good to know, when to book flights to bodrum, faqs - booking bodrum flights, will it be possible for me to rent a car at milas–bodrum airport.

There are a large number of rental car companies that operate at the airport, and the four or so that operate at the international terminal are much more local companies. Travelers looking to utilize major, global rental car companies will find that these companies have a customer service desk inside of the domestic terminal at the airport.

If I am a passenger with limited mobility or disabilities, what should I know about Milas–Bodrum Airport?

This airport offers a number of services and facilities to assist these types of passengers, including exclusive parking areas for disabled passengers, disabled restrooms, special rest areas, guides in braille for visually impaired passengers, as well as specially designed telephone facilities for passenger assistance.

What type of travel documentation is necessary for me to travel from the United States to Milas–Bodrum Airport?

To travel to this airport in Turkey, citizens of the United States must have a valid passport and make sure the passport stays valid for at least 180 days beyond their date of entry into the country. Travelers will also need a visa to enter the country, and the best way to do that is to visit the e-Visa website provided by the immigration department of Turkey.

Are there any other airports I can utilize to fly to this part of Turkey?

A really great option that is just a short trip to the east of the Milas–Bodrum Airport is the Antalya Airport (AYT) that offers plenty of one-stop flight options from a variety of cities in the United States.

How far is Bodrum from central Bodrum?

You’ll need to travel 20 miles to reach the Bodrum city center from Bodrum.

What is the name of Bodrum’s airport?

Bodrum is served by Bodrum, also commonly referred to as Milas, Milas-Bodrum, or Milas–Bodrum. The airport code is BJV.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Bodrum?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Bodrum.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Bodrum?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Bodrum is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Bodrum?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Bodrum with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Bodrum?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Bodrum up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Bodrum?

Of the 3 airlines that fly to Bodrum, Pegasus Airlines offers the most flights, with around 73 per week, followed by Turkish Airlines with 68 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bodrum

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Bodrum flight deals.
• Passengers will find that there are public buses available from Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV) that offer direct service to Bodrum Bus Terminal in the center of Bodrum. These buses depart from the airport at any time flights arrive and the buses board just outside the terminal at a dedicated pickup spot on the terminal road.
• Passengers wishing to access the internet upon arrival at Milas–Bodrum Airport should know that the airport does not offer any available internet services throughout the terminal buildings, but there is internet access available upon entry into any of the lounges at the airport as well as in private food and beverage locations.
• The Milas–Bodrum Airport is not only a great airport choice for travelers making their way to the city of Bodrum, but it is also quite convenient for travelers making their way to the large city Milas just to the northeast of the airport and the city of Gulluk to the west.
• For those passengers looking for a hotel that has a location close to the Milas–Bodrum Airport, one of the best options is the Four Sides Bodrum Airport which has a location just the south of the entrance to the airport and offers a shuttle service to both the airport and the beach for an additional fee.
• If someone will be picking you up at Milas–Bodrum Airport after your flight, it is important that they know that this airport does not offer any type of free parking lot to wait for passengers. Drivers also must remember that they may not stop for any amount of time at the curbside outside of the terminal except to pick up passengers and their luggage.

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Nonstop departures

United States to Milas–Bodrum

AZUR air, Jet2, Pegasus Airlines, +19 more

AZUR air, Jet2, +20 more

AZUR air, ITA Airways, Jet2, +16 more

AZUR air, ITA Airways, +17 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, British Airways, +17 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +18 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, ITA Airways, +18 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +19 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, Jet2, +21 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +22 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, British Airways, +28 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +29 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, British Airways, +19 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +20 more

Nonstop returns

Milas–Bodrum to United States

Top 3 airlines flying to bodrum.

Nothing really was great as such. Seen other no name airlines perform better.

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

The 787 economy was a disaster for long haul. The space was too little compared to 777 or 747. Also the extremely low tray table behind the seat made any dining effort a nightmare. However, the movies were up to date, and the food taste was good, despite of terrible serving process caused by small space.

A little bit more comfort. It’s tight space around the seats. But all else is great and a smooth flight!

Horrible experience. Nothing to give to kids to keep them entertained.

I think I have bruises on my kneecaps. Do the seats have to be so close together these days? And if they are so close they really shouldn’t recline. I think when the gentleman in front of me reclined, the back of his head was on my chin. That being said the crew were always caring and polite, and the flight was on time and very safe. So I’m grateful for that.

I always try to book flights that don’t charge for baggage. Yet I was charged $75 for this flight.

Trouble keeps changing the time and I was booked different flight without knowing it was bad experience

That was no easy way to get on board in the plane was very hot and I couldn’t talk to the crewmember there super rude and they couldn’t fix the AC. They felt very uncomfortable for 3 1/2 hours flight. I would not use airline next time. Thank you.

I dropped my wallet under my seat on this flight with all of my money and credit card. I requested to be able to go back and retrieve it but Lufthansa denied my request. I went to the Customer Services and they called Lost and Found but I was told nothing found would be turned in until around 12:00pm. My next flight was leaving so I was unable to check to see if my wallet was turned in. I will never fly with Lufthansa again.

My concern is with Flight: 441 IAH-FRA I was very cramped in my seat and the person in front of me was reclined. I pulled my wallet out of my purse and when finished I did my best to cram it back into my purse. Our flight was very delayed and we were rebooked twice and lots of airport time. As I got off the flight I noticed that I had dropped my wallet( containing all my credit & debit bank cards + 240 US dollars & 240 Euros. I spoke to customer service & Lost &Found. I was denied access to look on the plane. Therefore I have been without money and given no help. Paula Bjork 503.545.6698

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

So far so good. I missed my flight because of the Lufthansa diversion. United helped me to figure out how to get accommodations from Lufthansa for my long layover. They help me book appropriate onward flight.

In economy and food was ok, but with limited leg space (and I was in a 2 seat configuration) it was difficult to eat with a tiny seat tray. I spilt wine on my trousers. First time on British Air (I usually fly Turkish Air) and in a 777. Heathrow was pleasant but changing terminals awkward.

Starting with the flight Cairo to London the plain was so poor no entertainment at all uncomfortable seats although it’s 5 hours long,then an American airline plain took me from London to Miami it was a bad experience the crew most of flight time not available and they asked us to help our selves for any snacks if we need. From Miami to London actually was perfect flight with a huge plain and perfect crew but from London to Cairo was horrible plain with stiff fixed seats not movable no entertainment or wi fi very poor Menu which is unacceptable for a business class

I've done hundreds of flights in my life, and this flight was one of the best I've ever taken, From beginning to end, everything went smoothly, professionally, and with a smile and friendly attitude from all employees I interacted with. The food was delicious (and free), as were the drinks. There was just a genial and effective way in the way that British Airways organized the flight -that reminded of days in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when flying was a fun, and exciting adventure. I enjoyed and had confidence in the abilities of the flight crew, I'll be flying British Airways several more times this summer. Thank you so much for the great experience! Cheryl Olso

My baggage did not arrived with me. Took 3 days to get it after so may calls and follow up

Terrible. Missed my flight to final destination because of delayed British Airways flight. Had to spend 12 hours in airport and $1500 for new plane tickets

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Bodrum Itinerary

Published on November 22, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

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Bodrum is a beautiful small city on the west coast of Turkey with blue seas, green mountainsides and white stone pavements around the town. Our Bodrum itinerary will show you why it’s such a famous location for international tourists and Turkish visitors alike, showing you its pretty centre, great food and shopping street, as well as the local history.

2 or 3 days in Bodrum is ideal for a chance to experience a bit of everything and come away from the area feeling relaxed after a few days in the sun.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Bodrum?

When booking a trip, you’ll want to consider what you want to do there to work out how many days to spend in Bodrum in total. It’s a small city but the lifestyle is perfectly relaxed and has a great reputation as a summer town having grown from a small fishing village due to its beautiful coastline.

So although a week may seem too long to sit on a beach, there are some great activities in between wandering the town and soaking up the sun.

Aside from the beachfront restaurants and clubs, a cute city centre to wander through and browse the shops at all times of day and night, Bodrum also has a marina, castle, mausoleum and amphitheatre, all of which are well worth visiting. Aside from the castle, however, each attraction is small and won’t take long to see, so you can easily fit them into 2 days in Bodrum.

Since the atmosphere of the place is so relaxed, however, you’ll ideally want to spend at least 3 days in Bodrum to see the sights and enjoy lounging on the beaches, eating the fantastic food and experiencing a bit of the local nightlife.

Getting To & Around Bodrum

Arriving in Bodrum is very easy thanks to the Milas-Bodrum Airport just a 35-minute drive from the city. You can reach the airport from London Gatwick directly, or from most European capitals such as Paris and Amsterdam via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Unfortunately, the airport shuttle bus to the city centre has been removed due to a legal dispute over the proposed route, however, you can easily get a taxi from the airport to the city centre, organise a transfer or rent a car yourself from the airport.

If you have more than 3 days, it can be a great idea to rent a car as the coastal roads are beautiful and you can enjoy them at your leisure, visiting various ancient sites and beaches in the area.

However, if you’re spending a weekend in Bodrum or fewer than 3 days, a car isn’t necessary as you’ll predominantly be based in the city centre.

For visitors having a longer trip around Turkey , you can also reach Bodrum coach station from most Turkish cities. The coach station has regular buses arriving in the city centre in just 15 to 20 minutes, which you can pay for with a contactless bank card. You can view schedules here.

It’s also possible to arrive in Bodrum by ferry from the Greek island of Kos. Kos also has its own airport, easily accessible from Europe. The ferry takes around 1 hour and will show you the beautiful Turkish coastline and great views of the Aegean Sea as you arrive. You can book ferries here.

You will need to show your passport and have your bags checked as you pass through border control. Likewise, if you’re staying in Bodrum and want to take a day trip out to a Greek island, you can take a ferry from Bodrum ferry port as long as you have a Schengen visa or permission to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

Within Bodrum itself, you’ll easily be able to walk around the city. With the castle in the middle, most of Bodrum is located on the coast, with flat paths throughout the city, which is also very easy for wheelchairs and pushchairs to pass through.

There are some motor scooters available to rent with an app, but Bodrum is best enjoyed on foot. You can also rent boats for a day out at sea if you want to take the weight off your feet for a while.

2 to 3-Day Bodrum Itinerary

Each day of our itinerary will take you through a day in the life of Western Turkey; a touch of history, some delicious traditional Turkish cuisine and plenty of sunshine and sea air.

Day 1 – Bodrum Old Town

For your first day in Bodrum, you should visit the castle that sits proudly in the centre of the city to get views over the town and marina from both sides, as well as learn some of the history of the city before you explore on foot.

Bodrum Castle (Bodrum Kale)

After a long and expensive renovation, Bodrum Castle has been opened again to the public, so visitors can marvel at the spectacular views over the city as well as the ancient history of the city of Bodrum, formerly Halicarnassus to the Ancient Greeks.

The castle itself was built in the 15th century by the Order of the Knights of Saint John, a group of European knights comprising British, French, Italian and Germans, with a strict hierarchy, and who each had a hand in the construction of the castle.

After having arrived in the area, the knights found the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus and used much of the stone to help build the castle; some of the friezes and carved stone can be seen in the castle walls while others can be found displayed in the castle grounds alongside many beautiful and well-preserved sculptures.

Each tower of the castle displays the emblem of one of the nationalities of the Knights Hospitaller, and within each, you can find display cases with magnificent historic artefacts recovered at the site and in the nearby waters.

One of the highlights is the artefacts of the Carian princess which were found in a sarcophagus discovered in the 1980s; the number of items, which were largely gold jewellery, and their value showed the significance of the woman who was buried there, leading archaeologists to believe this was the burial place of Empress Ada I, although she has become known as the Carian Princess.

After the Muslim conquest by Süleyman the Magnificent, the castle was taken over and the chapel located in the centre of the castle was converted to a mosque by the addition of a minaret. The vaults below the mosque have been excavated so below a glass flooring you can see the ancient crypts and graves below.

After the Allied bombing in the First World War, the castle faced some damage, although it has now largely been reconstructed and makes for a fantastic, largely open-air museum.

Some of the stone floors have been worn away over time making them rather slippery, so make sure you watch your step while admiring the architecture and history. There are also peacocks wandering the grounds and the occasional tortoise passing by so look out for those on your visit.

The entrance fee is cheaper for Turkish nationals, but it is well worth the cost for foreign visitors regardless and is one of the best things to do in Bodrum.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Sualtı Arkeoloji Müzesi)

The Underwater Archaeology Museum is actually located within Bodrum Castle and comprises part of your castle visit, so you can expect to spend a few hours discovering the museum as well as learning about the shipwrecks, ancient passages and recovered items in the castle’s museum.

Many of the items are displayed in the towers, although there are elements located all over the castle.

The museum is the largest of its kind, with many recovered artefacts on display, many of which come from three shipwrecks that happened just off the castle’s shore. There is a huge collection of ancient ceramic jugs used to transport wine, oil and other liquids used for trade, as well as glass ingots, bronze and iron items.

Although many of the items were found in diving expeditions in the 1960s, some of the objects found date back to around 2500 BCE, showing the historic significance of the trade routes surrounding the area of the Turkish coastline.

As the museum is located within the castle, you’re granted entrance with your castle ticket. Any fans of ancient or mediaeval history have to stop by this wonderful museum to understand the significance of Bodrum over at least the last two millennia.

Bodrum Centre

After your visit to the castle, having taken in the spectacular views, it’s time to explore the city streets. Bodrum’s pavement is white stone and most of the buildings are a sandy stone colour, lending itself to a picturesque environment as you pass through the winding streets filled with shops.

Not quite a bazaar in the style of other cities like Istanbul or Kemeralti in Izmir , these shops are more modern although with plenty of products to get lost in.

Bodrum is famous for its leather sandals, so amongst the fake Louis Vuitton bags and knock-off designer clothes being sold, you can also find some small authentic boutiques selling all kinds of beautiful real leather sandals which are often handmade.

As you pass through, you’ll come across the rock bars and some fish restaurants as well as a couple of Bodrum döner kebab spots. Bodrum döner differs from other cities as there are vegetables placed between the meat which makes for a more colourful, potentially mildly healthier, and definitely delicious kebab.

If you continue along the main street, the shops open out to reveal the coast to your right with restaurants on your left and seating areas on the beach. As you wander you’ll be offered all kinds of fantastic food, from fresh fish to kebabs and everything in between.

Some of these restaurants turn into pubs or nightclubs into the night so hang around for a night out or head back to one of the rock bars for a calmer evening.

Day 2 – Bodrum’s Ancient Sites

Your second day will show you a few more historic sites that showcase the ancient importance of the city of Bodrum and the Bodrum Peninsula before delving into the nightlife that the city has come to be known for.

Ancient Theatre (Bodrum Antik Tiyatrosu)

Heading even further back in time than the castle of the Knights of Saint John, we start day 2 in the Ancient Theatre of Bodrum. If you’ve seen Ephesus, you may not be as stunned by the wonder of this ancient site, however, all Greek history fanatics should visit this beautiful theatre and the views over Bodrum are well worth the free visit to this large and historically significant site.

Formerly known as the Theatre of Halicarnassus, the walled city which stood on the same land as modern-day Bodrum, this theatre was initially built in the 4th century BCE housing 5-10,000 spectators. It was enlarged by the Romans in the 2nd century CE to accommodate an audience of up to 13,000 for mainly gladiator shows.

At the bottom of the stands you can see the ancient altar to Dionysus (Bacchus to the Romans), while at the top, you can enjoy fantastic views over the city, from the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus to Bodrum castle in the distance, with the whole city and marina in between.

Mausoleum (Halikarnas Mozolesi)

Walking a little further down towards the city centre, you’ll reach the site of the ancient Mausoleum.

Since the Mausoleum was destroyed, possibly in an earthquake, and many of the stones were used in the construction of Bodrum Castle, very little remains of the hugely significant site, so you’ll have to use your imagination a little to understand what once stood in this location.

Constructed around 350 BCE by order of Mausolus in preparation for his death, and then overseen by his sister Artemisia, this area once held a large above-ground tomb, decorated with friezes, 400 sculptures and a huge four-horse-drawn chariot with Mausolus and Artemisia inside.

The Romans were allegedly so impressed with this construction, that they named all above-ground tombs mausoleums in honour of the Carian King’s architectural triumph, which had also been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Originally over 44 metres high, located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Halicarnassus, the mausoleum was enclosed in a courtyard, with statues of lions leading to the platform holding the tomb, itself surrounded by statues of gods and goddesses, with warriors guarding the marble tomb on each side.

Unfortunately due to the earthquakes, only a couple of stairways, walls and the entranceway to the tomb remain, although there is a model on display of how the site would have looked in its original glory. It’s still worth visiting the Ancient Wonder and imagining how the mausoleum would have stood, especially considering the amazing stones spotted in the castle.

The statues of Mausolus and Artemisia that sat on top of the mausoleum can also be found in the British Museum in London .

An Evening in Bodrum

Bodrum nightlife is something which brings visitors from all over the country as well as from abroad, so while in Bodrum, you should spend an evening out.

Starting with dinner on the beachfront or in one of the kebab houses, you can drift on to one of the many bars located on the beachfront before heading to one of the very popular and famous nightclubs.

If nightclubs aren’t your scene, then there are plenty of other places to spend your evening and music for all tastes. Just follow the main street from the castle to the end of the bay where the Bodrum ferry is located and go where your ears take you, whether it’s to a live show in a bar, a rock bar or a cocktail bar.

Some nights, particularly in summer due to the warmer weather and sunshine later into the evening, there are also concerts and performances held in the ancient theatre, so if you prefer a more cultural evening, you can head to Bodrum tourist office or online to see what’s going on.

The original design makes for fantastic acoustics so concerts sound amazing while giving you a wonderful environment to enjoy.

Day 3 – Beach Day or Day Trip

For your third day in Bodrum, you can either choose to wander through the town, picking up some souvenirs before lounging on the beach and munching away on some delicious Turkish treats or take a day trip further out of the city.

The public beach in Bodrum is quite small, but if you plan on spending a whole afternoon on the beach, you’d be best advised to stop by one of the on-beach restaurants.

One option is the public cafe which has its own beach with chairs and parasols as well as reasonably priced drinks and snacks in the cafe area. It can be busy at times but it’s cheaper than the private restaurants further down and there’s no pressure to buy anything.

If you’re sure you’ll have a drink and some food, the restaurants further down the beach make for another great option as the beach area is bigger and you’ll have more options for food and drink. F

or a picnic or something sweet, you should stop by Yunuslar Karadeniz which has all kinds of colourful pastries, sandwiches, cakes and desserts which are sure to catch your eye anyway. Like most of the shops in this area, through summer, they’re open late into the night so you can guarantee to pick something up even on your way home from a night out.

One of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Bodrum is by taking a boat trip. Whether you rent a small private boat for the day or join a larger boat trip with other day-trippers, the seas around Bodrum are well worth seeing up close.

You can book a trip on the larger boats from Bodrum marina, where you’ll also be provided with lunch at sea, or speak to an attendant in one of the boat-shaped cabins located along the walkway by the marina to see what your options are.

Around 20 minutes from the coast is a small bay known as the aquarium (Akvaryum Koyu) where you can go snorkelling and swimming with an array of colourful and curious fish. With no sharks or rays in the area, you don’t need to worry about any dangerous animals, simply enjoy a day swimming and sunbathing at your leisure.

The summer heat can be very strong however, so make sure you don’t spend too long in the sun and keep well hydrated to avoid heat stroke.

You can also organise a dive trip while in Bodrum to get an even closer look at the marine life.

Just off the coast, there is a ship and plane that have been placed there to form habitats for fish and other marine life, as well as provide a wonderful place to go diving and discover the local habitat. There is also a small reef in the area if you wish to discover more of the sea floor.

Bitez Hiking Trails

Just 15 minutes away from Bodrum centre by car is the area known as Bitez. This area has some fantastic hidden coves and beaches if you want a private beach day, as well as some great trails to follow.

Pack a picnic and hike around the area before stopping for an afternoon dip to cool off in Halil koyı or Oasis Beach; but don’t forget the sunscreen. Even in Spring and Autumn, the sun can be deceptively strong.

While the sea is a great day out, you can also enjoy it from above, by taking the ferry out for around one hour for a day trip to the Greek island of Kos.

Greece and Turkey, particularly the west coast, share many similarities, from the landscape to the food, but arriving in Kos you’ll still notice a large difference between the architecture and culture of the two countries, making it a great day out.

Make sure you bring your passport for the border control and arrive at the ferry port with plenty of time for any security checks; then simply enjoy your day out in Greece!

Its 14th-century castle also built by the Knights Hospitaller sits by the harbour, welcoming you into the island, where you can do a historic walking tour on foot, or join a small tourist train which takes you around the significant sites of the island.

From the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, which shaded the Ancient Greek father of medicine almost 2,500 years ago, to the restored Roman villas, the Casa Romana, there is plenty to see on foot around Kos marina in a day.

If renting a bicycle, or by taxi, you can also head out to the Asklepieion, an ancient medical centre built in honour of Hippocrates first constructed in the 3rd century BCE and later reconstructed due to earthquakes. This site has plenty to see, from the temples and church to the Roman baths, but don’t lose track of time for your ferry back to Bodrum!

Where to Stay in Bodrum

Hotel Centro Bodrum – A great mid-range choice in the town of Bodrum, this hotel boasts a range of lovely rooms along with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool. There is also an on-site restaurant and a superb breakfast.

Casa Nonna Bodrum – This adults-only hotel is perfect for those looking for a romantic and luxurious escape here. They have a beautiful beachfront location, plenty of great rooms, an on-site spa, several restaurants and a fab breakfast.

La Luna Hostel – An excellent budget option, this hostel is located in the centre of Bodrum within easy reach of the seaside. There are plenty of room types available and great common spaces to relax in.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Bodrum!

Whether you plan to relax and enjoy great examples of Turkish food, or delve into some ancient or medieval history, Bodrum has a bit of everything. It may have a reputation as a party town for young people, but the relaxed atmosphere and lifestyle of Bodrum welcomes everyone of all ages to come to enjoy.

Are you planning to visit Bodrum? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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• Bodrum City

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Bodrum

The city of Bodrum, with its ancient ruins, lively marina, and beautiful Old Town, is the gateway to the Bodrum peninsula, a renowned Aegean Sea getaway dotted with beach resorts. Many hotels in Bodrum and in the sleepy seaside villages along the peninsula offer all-inclusive rates, but these 16 are the best of Bodrum’s all-inclusive resorts.

Kefaluka Resort

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The beachfront Kefaluka Resort is a large, luxury property that's one of the best all-inclusives on the Bodrum Peninsula; it especially stands out for its quality, varied food, views, and terrific animation team. It offers a wealth of on-site facilities, including several pools, a water park with slides, and a spa. It's in a quiet area with not much around, but there are plenty of features to keep guests entertained, including a lovely stretch of private beach with loungers, cabanas, and a pier. Popular with families, the resort offers kids' and teens' clubs as well as kiddy pools, plus an array of entertainment facilities and activities like a cinema room, shooting range, water sports, tennis courts, and more. The 384 contemporary rooms all have furnished balconies with sea views. There are several bars to choose from, as well as a club and disco.

Hapimag Sea Garden Hotel

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Surrounded by a coastal pine forest, the Hapimag Resort Sea Garden counts its beautiful natural scenery -- and all-inclusive rates -- as two of its main draws. The 285-room does everything it can to ensure guests never have to leave the property, offering vast activities, tours, and entertainment on site. There are also several pools, a spa with a Turkish bath, and a replica of a Bodrum City street (complete with restaurants, shops, bars, and a spice bazaar). The waterline is rocky here, but the turquoise waves are gorgeous, and there's a dive center right on the beach.

Hotel Baia Bodrum

Gundogan, bodrum, turkish aegean coast, turkey.

Set on seven acres of lovely grounds overlooking a sandy beach, the 228-room Baia Bodrum in quiet Gundogan has a relaxing vibe. The biggest draws here are the gorgeous views, quality food, and small on-site beach (some competing properties don't have any direct access to the sand or water). But there are other perks at this all-inclusive: a small water park, daily pool activities, free non-motorized water sports, and a spa with an indoor pool and a hydrotherapy area. Rooms are hip and stylish, with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi -- but a few Standard Rooms lack balconies.

Hilton Bodrum Turkbuku Resort & Spa

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The luxurious Hilton Bodrum Turkbuku Resort & Spa delivers on the polished brand's standard of quality, with modern decor and bright common spaces that make the most of their views over the Aegean. Located on the northern end of Bodrum Peninsula in a bay frequented by wealthy Turkish families, the 490-room, all-inclusive property has a Blue-Flag beach surrounded by pine trees, five pools (one indoor and four outdoor, including one with water slides), a kids' club, and several fine-dining options and bars with great outdoor terraces. The modern rooms, many of which have sea views, have rainfall showers and furnished balconies.

Xanadu Island

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A luxe hideaway on a private peninsula, the 222-room luxury Xanadu Island Hotel is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea. The hotel is built around two huge infinity pools with sea views, plus there's a separate children’s pool with a pirate waterslide. The private beach is lined with loungers, and there is a water-sports center with Jet Skis, kayaks, banana boats, water skiing, and a dive center. All of the water sports cost extra, but there are four restaurants (one seasonal) and seven bars under Xanadu's all-inclusive umbrella, as well as ice cream stations throughout the property. Attractive suites and villas have fabulous Aegean views from patios and balconies, plus sleek bathrooms.

Ersan Exclusive Resort & SPA

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The 395-room Ersan Resort & Spa is a sprawling self-contained property located in a quiet waterfront area a 10-minute drive from Bodrum. It has all the amenities expected of an upscale family-friendly all-inclusive, from several pools and an array of dining and drinking options, to a spa and a kids’ club. Additionally, the Ersan features a number of extra perks that make it an especially appealing option in this area, including an adult-only infinity pool, a lovely wooden deck with direct access to the sea, a small water park, and an on-site diving center. Clean rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges with water and juice, and safes, but the earth tone palette is a little bland, and Wi-Fi doesn’t reach most units.

SENTIDO Bellazure

The 179-room Sentido Bellazure is one of the mellower all-inclusive resorts in Bodrum. Daily entertainment is limited to a couple of fitness activities in the morning and occasional evening shows. This upscale property is stylish, with ample shaded decks overlooking the sea, smart decor in a soothing palette, adult-only areas, and a tiny but lovely sandy beach. Spacious rooms have simple contemporary decor in soft neutral colors, free Wi-Fi, and great bathrooms with large walk-in showers. All have furnished balconies, many offering wonderful sea views. A kids’ club, playground, and two wading pools help families, while the hotel’s wonderful spa and quiet bars with sea views are great perks for couples.

Vogue Hotel

Torba, bodrum, turkish aegean coast, turkey.

The upscale Vogue Hotel is packed with family-friendly entertainment that includes its own private beach, a water park, and an indoor game room with a two-lane bowling alley. It's an all-inclusive property with a huge buffet restaurant, along with several bars and optional a la carte eateries spread across beautifully designed grounds, which contain several indoor and outdoor pools, including one with a sandy bottom. Rooms are spacious and modern, with furnished balconies, Nespresso machines, and sharp marble bathrooms; many also have multiple bedrooms. The resort features a spa and an outdoor theater with regular live entertainment.

Isil Club Bodrum

Isil Club Bodrum is an upscale all-inclusive resort situated in a picturesque beachfront location outside of Bodrum City. It's a family-friendly place offering all of the expected outdoor pursuits, from paddle boating and water sports to tennis and archery. The main pool is large and a smaller pool is bristling with waterslides. Colorful modern guest rooms have balconies or patios and are spread across beautiful garden grounds that are a paradise of quiet paths and sun bathing spots. Dining options include a Turkish buffet and a seafood restaurant with outdoor terraces.

Blue Dreams Resort

Club Blue Dreams is an upscale resort hotel built into the cliffside overlooking a picturesque bay. Most of the 291 rooms have balconies with superb sea views, while all have elegant decor and mini-fridges. There's nothing of real interest within walking distance -- though hotel buses do head into Bodrum about 15 minutes away. Facilities are extensive, and include several pools -- one a huge infinity pool -- as well as a choice of five restaurants; reports suggest, however, food is not the hotel's forte. Children are kept happy with a waterpark and kids' club, and adults can indulge in the spa with traditional Turkish bath.

Royal Asarlik Beach

Gumbet, bodrum, turkish aegean coast, turkey.

The upscale Royal Asarlik Beach sits on a bend in the bay, making it stand out from other resorts in Gumbet with its two distinct private beaches. Its an all-inclusive with a huge buffet restaurant that has a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, along with four other restaurants, though some are only open seasonally. Its removed from the tourist crowds but still close to Gumbet's nightlife and entertainment, and it also has plenty of its own with seven bars and cocktail lounges. The 351 rooms offer two different styles, both modern with furnished balconies, but neither have in-room Wi-Fi.

Goddess of Bodrum Isis Hotel

Isis Hotel & Spa has its own stretch of sandy beachfront in the resort town of Gumbet, second only to Bodrum City for touristy dining and nightlife. It checks most of the boxes of an upscale family-friendly resort, with water sports, multiple pools, and a kids' club. Downsides include small and dated bathrooms, extra fees for use of safes, and complaints about poor Wi-Fi. Dining options are better than average, with a wide range of cuisines to choose from that include Chinese and Italian, as well as an obligatory alfresco seafood restaurant.

Thor by Alkoclar Exclusive Bodrum

Hidden behind green hills that lead to a sheltered bay, Thor Luxury Hotel & SPA Bodrum is an adult-only sanctuary with a quiet beachfront. This upscale hotel doesn't quite live up to its luxury claims, despite the fact that some of its 187 rooms have extras like in-room saunas and private plunge pools. The gaudy style throughout the property is a bit too much to merit luxury status. With all-inclusive rates, varied dining is available at three restaurants, and there's a 24-hour cocktail bar. The main outdoor pool is as impressive in design as it is in size, and there's a posh indoor pool, along with a spa.

Bodrum Park Resort

The upper-middle-range Bodrum Park Resort is a family-friendly complex built into its lush natural surroundings on a hillside overlooking the crystal-clear Aegean Sea. The 288 guest rooms are inconsistent, with upgraded rooms outshining the more dated Standard options, though they're all pleasant and most have mountain-view balconies. Facilities at this all-inclusive are extensive, including a range of pools, child-friendly activities including waterslides, and a mix of buffet and a la carte dining -- though food quality receives mixed reviews. Most guests do appreciate the natural, somewhat remote, surroundings that include direct access to a private beach. Note that the walk to the sea is quite steep.

Mandarin Resort

One of the larger hotels in the city center, the upper-middle-range Mandarin Resort appeals to a wide range of tourists with its affordable all-inclusive rates. Though it doesn't offer evening entertainment and its nightclub is a snore, many of the late-night bars that Bodrum City is known for are within walking distance. The pleasantly modern guest rooms have balconies and rainfall showers, but don't expect sea views from here. The resort includes a big outdoor pool and a kids' pool, as well as an indoor pool and a full-service spa with a moody hammam. A kids' club and an outdoor playground are perks for families.

Bodrum Bay Resort

The 252-room Bodrum Bay Resort is an adult-only upper-middle-range hotel located in a secluded beachfront area a short drive from both central Bodrum and Gumbet. This all-inclusive’s two best selling points are the stunning panoramic views that can be had from common spaces and many rooms, and the lovely beach deck with loungers, wicker umbrellas, and a bar. Along with a spa and a fitness center, the hotel has a large pool overlooking the Aegean, and its entertainment team offers daily activities around the pool and by the beach. Food gets good reviews, but drinks at the a la carte restaurant are extra. Rooms have mini-fridges and small flat-screen TVs, though Wi-Fi doesn’t reach many units.

More Bodrum City Recommendations

Bodrum city luxury hotels, bodrum city romantic hotels, bodrum city kid-friendly hotels, bodrum city boutique hotels, top stories.

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EUROPE , TURKEY · August 2, 2023 Last Updated on March 21, 2024

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BODRUM, TURKEY

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

The Bodrum Peninsula sits on Turkey’s southwest coast on the Aegean Sea. It is easily accessible from Istanbul and has long been a summer destination for wealthy Turkish travelers.

In recent years, Bodrum has become an international hot spot for celebrities and the jet-setting elite who flock here in the summer months to vacation on the beautiful Turkish Riviera.

Bodrum offers an array of luxury resorts, world-class dining, fun beach clubs, and excellent shopping, all set around the crystal blue Aegean Sea.

In July, I spent seven days in Bodrum celebrating my birthday with a group of friends. We lived like kings and queens for the week: We stayed at the best hotels, dined at the best restaurants, and partied at the best beach clubs.

Based on my experience, I put together this ultimate guide to Bodrum to help you make the most of your visit to this little slice of paradise. 

10 Things To Do In Bodrum

The Bodrum peninsula is about 250 square miles. While many people visit to relax and party here in the summer there is a lot to do and see. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Bodrum .

1) Explore Bodrum By Yacht 

There’s no better way to explore the coastline of Bodrum than by yacht. There are dozens of islands and over 100 inlets around the Bodrum Peninsula providing an array of beautiful spots to explore by boat. 

During my birthday week, we rented a gorgeous 115ft yacht for the day from Gulet Bookers . We had 15 people in our group but the yacht could accommodate up to 60 people and had plenty of room for lounging, beautiful estate rooms, and all the water toys you could want on board. 

The crew was excellent. They kept our drinks filled and served us a wonderful sunset dinner. We swam in private bays, danced, and did an excursion to a seaside bar at an amazing new hotel, Bodrum Loft , which has killer views and delicious handcrafted cocktails that would rival any of the top bars in the world. 

This was by far my favorite day in Bodrum and I would highly recommend booking a boat through Gulet Bookers . They offer luxury charters at reasonable prices in Turkey, Greece, and Croatia.

2) Stay At Macakizi Hotel

Macakizi Hotel made Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2021 and after spending a blissful week here in July, it’s easy to see why. It’s hard to explain how much I love Macakizi Hotel – it exudes a hip, old-world, unpretentious charm.

Built into a hillside, Macakizi is situated on the north side of the Bodrum peninsula, at the very end of a beautiful bay in the charming fishing village of Türkbükü, just a 50-minute drive (or 2o minute water taxi ride) from Bodrum Airport and a 40-minute drive from downtown Bodrum.

The property opened in the late 1970s and is richly landscaped with walking paths that meander through trees, vines, bushes, and vibrant flowers. The basic rooms are small, and very expensive in the summer months (expect to pay over 1,000 euros a night), but you don’t stay at Macakizi for the rooms. You stay here for the gorgeous property and all its luxury amenities including seaside lounge chairs that are reserved daily for guests, and the excellent concierge service.

The focal point of the hotel is a vibrant beach club with a lively beach bar, and an over-water deck jetting out from the rocks into the Aegean Sea. Two of my favorite days during our trip were spent lounging here, taking in gorgeous views of Türkbükü Bay, listening to music, drinking rosé wine, reading a book, swimming in the sea, and chatting with other hotel patrons.

Macakizi Hotel has an excellent restaurant and the breakfast, which is included in your stay, is the best breakfast I’ve had at any hotel. Fresh local tomatoes, cucumber, olives, fresh fruit, freshly baked bread, an array of fresh local cheeses, locally made yogurt, and made-to-order egg dishes accompanied with fresh vegetable juices and coffee. Did I mention everything is fresh?

3) Türkbükü Boardwalk 

The little fishing village of Türkbükü embodies the overall boho-chic spirit of Bodrum and is definitely worth visiting. Türkbükü has excellent hotels so it’s also a great area to stay. 

Macakizi Hotel and No:81 Hotel (where our friends stayed) are both located on Türkbükü Bay. Macakizi is at the end of the bay where the boardwalk ends and No:81 Hotel is right next door so during our stay we were able to walk from our hotels to the boardwalk to dine and shop.

The boardwalk wraps around Türkbükü Bay, a beautiful little bay that is dotted with yachts and sailboats. Along the boardwalk, there are an array of great restaurants, beach bars, and boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, home goods, and souvenirs. It’s a charming place to spend a few hours shopping, exploring, and taking photos. 

4) Beach Clubs

Bodrum is home to an array of luxury beach clubs, where you can dine, lounge, drink, and dance while listening to some of Turkey’s most popular DJs. Here are a few of the best beach clubs that I personally experienced during our Bodrum trip and loved. 

These beach clubs are lively and have great DJs that draw a fun crowd. In Bodrum, beach club patrons tend to arrive around 2pm and have lunch, and then by 4pm everyone is up drinking and dancing.

• Momo Bodrum – Beautiful spot to hang for the day, about two miles from Yalikavak Marina, in the same bay as The Bodrum EDITION . DJ has everyone up dancing by 4pm. Best day to book this beach club is Sunday.
• Lucca Beach – Mandarin Oriental’s beach club, chic upscale spot for lunch, lounging and swimming, you can take a water taxi from Türkbükü directly to Mandarin Oriental – they have their own private dock. Everyone will be up dancing by late afternoon when the DJ comes on. Best day to book this beach club is Saturday.
• Macakizi Beach Club – The beach club at Macakizi hotel goes off every day with great DJ music and a lively beach bar scene from 4pm-8pm, dies down for dinner from 8pm-11pm, then picks back up again until 2am. Macakizi has its own private dock so you can take a water taxi here if you aren’t staying in Türkbükü. 
• Before Sunset – If you like to dance, check out Before Sunset. They serve great cocktails in a beautiful seaside setting and a big party crowd with notable DJs, light shows and a massive dance area.  

Bodrum has excellent shopping that is very affordable. Most of the beach clubs have pop-up shops and most of the hotels also have little boutiques on property where you can buy chic swimsuits, beach cover-ups, jewelry, and shoes as well as dresses and clothes for going out at night. 

If you want to shop for more affordable, locally-made clothing and souvenirs head to the Türkbükü  Boardwalk, as I mentioned above. No:81 Hotel also has a cute clothing boutique. There is also good shopping in Bodrum Old Town.

If you’re looking for designer bags, shoes, clothing, and jewelry head to Yalıkavak Marina . 

One thing to note about shopping in Turkey: It’s part of the Turkish culture to haggle and negotiate when buying. Be sure to shop around and find the best prices and then come back and negotiate on everything you want to buy.

6) Yalıkavak Marina

The Bodrum Peninsula is home to Yalıkavak Marina , one of Europe’s most renowned luxury marinas. Yalıkavak Marina is able to accommodate the biggest yachts in the world and is lined with designer shopping boutiques, and upscale restaurants and bars.

Yalikivak Marina is extravagant and beautiful and the perfect place to spend the afternoon window shopping and taking in your ultra-luxurious surroundings. It’s also a great place to have drinks and dinner.

We had my birthday dinner here at Sakhalin Bodrum. Sakhalin was named for the largest and most beautiful island in Russia. Founded by Russian restaurateur Boris Zarkov and brand chef Vladimir Mukhin, Sakhalin boasts an incredible seafood menu and quite possibly an even better ambiance. 

7-8) Bodrum City & Bodrum Castle

Bodrum City is a beautiful port city on southwest side of the Bodrum peninsula, featuring twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle (also known as Castle of St. Peter), a medieval fortress built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that was completed in the 4th century B.C.

In 2016 Bodrum Castle was added to the tentative list of Unesco world heritage historical sites in Turkey. You can book this 5-hour Private Bodrum City Tour where you’ll explore the ancient city of Bodrum Castle, the Underwater Museum of Archeology (home to the world’s oldest known shipwrecks), and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Book This Tour: Private Bodrum City Tour

9) Day Tour: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary 

While in Bodrum you can also take a guided day trip from Bodrum to enter the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city is regarded as one of the best-preserved sites in the Mediterranean.

During this tour, you’ll visit magnificent ruins, including the Library of Celsus, and the house of the Virgin Mary. This tour includes pick-up in Bodrum, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch at a local restaurant. 

Book This Tour: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour

10) Day Trip To Kos

The Greek island of Kos is just a short 20-minute boat ride away. If you want to check two countries off your backlist in one day you can book this day trip to visit Kos . You will get picked up in the morning, from your hotel in Bodrum and get to spend all day on Kos.

Book This Tour: Day Trip To Kos

The Best Areas & Hotels On The Bodrum Peninsula

There are an array of luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels across the Bodrum Peninsula. Here are the best areas to stay in, and the best hotels in those areas in each price range.

1) Türkbükü 

While Yalıkavak is booshie and ultra-luxurious, Türkbükü is unpretentious, easy-going, and fun while still being upscale. As I mentioned above, the little fishing village of Türkbükü embodies a boho-chic spirit and is home to the Türkbükü Boardwalk, a fun stretch of restaurants bars, and shops along Türkbükü Bay.

It also has some of the best hotels in Bodrum. I loved staying in Türkbükü and would highly recommend booking a hotel in this area. Here are 7 of the best hotels in Türkbükü .

• Macakizi Hotel – There are an array of luxury hotel chains taking over Bodrum, so it’s important to support locally-owned boutique hotels in the area like Macakizi, plus as I explained, this place is amazing and easily the best hotel in Türkbükü. Pricey but worth it .
• No:81 Hotel – Ideally situated on the boardwalk next to Macakizi, No:81 Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel. Our friends stayed here so I checked out their room and we spent one afternoon at the beach club. The rooms were modern, clean, and nicely appointed and the beach club was excellent. I highly recommend this hotel as a more affordable option in lieu of staying at Macakizi.
• Mandarin Oriental Bodrum – Largest Mandarin Oriental property in the world, over 150 acres set on a gorgeous bay with a world-class beach club and top-notch restaurants such as Hakkasan. Mandarin Oriental has its own dock and is just a short water taxi ride away from Türkbükü Bay.
• Galen Hotel & Beach – Budget-friendly, beach hotel with free breakfast and 24/7 front desk .
• Divan Hotel Bodrum – Beachfront hotel, budget-friendly , spa services, private beach.
• Mavi Suite Türkbükü – Budget-friendly , 4-star boutique hotel on the boardwalk in Türkbükü.
• Flamm – Beachfront boutique hotel, clean, modern, sophisticated, affordable.
• Bodrum Loft – Not in Türkbükü, but a short water taxi ride away, gorgeous property on a beautiful, peaceful bay.

2) Yalikavak

As I mentioned about, the draw of Yalikavak is its new ultra-luxurious marina with an array of upscale restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Yalikavak Marina is a bit over the top for my personal taste but I can see the appeal.

For those who are traveling in super yachts, Yalikavak Marina can accommodate their large ships making it an ideal location. Here are 7 of the best hotels in and around Yalikavak . 

• The Bodrum EDITION – 108 guest rooms, suites, and villas, most with views of the Aegean Sea — some with private pools, balconies, and gardens. Just two miles from Yalikavak Marina, one of the top-rated new hotels in Bodrum .
• Yalikavak Marina Hotel – Situated at the heart of Yalikavak Marina with direct access to all the shops and restaurants there plus an array of amenities and gorgeous views. 
• Allium Bodrum Resort & Spa – Chic boutique hotel with a private beach and full-service spa with a Turkish bath , walking distance to Yalikavak Marina. 
• G Beyond Residences & Villas – Stylish, Mediterranean hotel with full-service spa and free breakfast, excellent option for travelers seeking a lovely, central location with great views.
• MGallery The Bodrum Hotel – Private beach, beautiful views, full-service spa, mid-range priced option in Yalikavak.
• Arts Hotel Yalikavak Bodrum – Mid-range priced hotel option in Yalikavak, private beach, modern, wood-paneled rooms. 
• 4Reasons Hotel & Bistro – Budget-friendly with a pool and outdoor restaurant, 4 minute drive to Yalikavak Marina. 

3) Bodrum City

The beautiful port city of Bodrum is where you’ll find many of the top tourist attractions, tours, and landmarks on the peninsula such as Bodrum Farmers’ Market, Oasis Mall, Bodrum Castle, and Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).

Bodrum City sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova so it acts as a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Since it’s the oldest town in Bodrum, it offers an array of budget-friendly restaurants and hotels. Here are 6 of the best hotels in Bodrum City .

• Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – 5-Star, luxury hotel , beautiful build out on the sea with a private beach.
• Doria Hotel Bodrum – 5-Star Hotel with mid-range pricing , near the beach in Bodrum.
• Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences Le Chic Bodrum – Mid-range pricing , located on the beach in Bodrum City center.
• Su Hotel – Budget-friendly , Mediterranean hotel in Bodrum City Center, near Bodrum Ferry Terminal.
• El Vino Hotel Suites – Budget hotel set in a garden with views of the sea and city.
• Costa Viva Bodrum – Clean budget hotel, located near the beach, in Bodrum City Center.

The Best Restaurants In Bodrum

Bodrum has incredible food; it is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The produce we enjoyed in Bodrum is some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world. Many of the restaurants here serve up Meditarian-inspired cuisine.

While in Bodrum you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, freshly baked bread, and delicious homemade sauces that will have your mouth watering long after you leave Turkey.

While this is certainly not an extensive list, based on my experience spending seven days eating my way through Bodrum, here are 10 of the best restaurants in Bodrum .

• Macakizi Hotel – Excellent spot for dinner or lunch seaside at the water’s edge. Visit the Macakizi website to make lunch or dinner reservations. 
• Lucca Beach Club – Lucca Beach at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is a great spot for a beach club lunch experience. You can book a water taxi directly to their private dock. The beach club party gets going around 4pm.
• Momo Bodrum – Momo is a fun spot for lunch and drinks in a beautiful setting. The food is exceptional and the beach club party gets going around 4pm.
• Sakhalin – Located in Yalikavak Marina,  Sakhalin Bodrum is a lovely dinner spot that has an incredible seafood menu and a beautiful, upscale ambiance. 
• MIAMI – Located on the Türkbükü boardwalk, MIAM is a fun dinner spot that serves Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful setting (request a seaside table), plus they have a lively after-dinner party scene with a DJ.
• Hakkasan – Also located at the Mandarin Oriental, Hakkasan is a beautiful spot for an upscale dinner. Food is pricey but excellent and their build out over the water is stunning.
• Naru Bodrum  – Naru serves up fresh Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine in a gorgeous setting in the Pine Trees, about 25 minutes drive from Türkbükü. Great for lunch or dinner.
• Atilay – Great dinner spot located on the Türkbükü boardwalk. Atilay has been a local favorite since 1988, offering a seasonal selection of mezze, salads, and fish in a lovely setting (request a seaside table).
• FENIX – Located in Yalikavak Marina, FENIX offers a unique atmosphere embodying Istanbul’s spirit, serving up international and South American cuisine in an upscale Aegean atmosphere. Great for dinner and drinks.
• Brava Restaurant – Located inside The Bodrum EDITION, Brava serves up Latin-Aegean-inspired dishes. Their elevated menu celebrates the biodiversity of Bodrum, using only the freshest local produce.

Getting To Bodrum

Bodrum is easily accessible. Turkish Airways offers multiple flights daily from Istanbul to Bodrum and the new Istanbul International Airport (IST) is impressive and not a bad place to spend a few hours on a layover. There are tons of designer shops, restaurants, bars, and boutiques in the airport. 

From Istanbul Airport it’s a quick 1hr 15 minute flight to Bodrum. You fly into Milas-Bodrum International Airport (BJV). From the airport, it’s an easy 50 minute cab ride or 20 minute water taxi ride to Türkbükü. 

If you want to take a water taxi from the airport to your hotel make sure to set this up in advance. You should also set up your pick-up in advance as there are no Ubers in Bodrum and taxis can be hard to find.

Best Time To Visit Bodrum

If you want to experience everything Bodrum has to offer including a lively beach club scene then summer is the best time to visit. June, July, and August are considered high season in Bodrum. This is when all the hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, and shops are open and in full swing. 

But while summer is an ideal time to visit it can be pricey, hard to get reservations, and very hot, especially in July when average temperatures peak at 94°F and sea temperatures around Bodrum average 76°F.

If you want to avoid the crowds and score better prices on hotels I suggest visiting during shoulder season. May and September are both great months to visit Bodrum. Flights to Bodrum and hotel prices are much cheaper during these months, most places are open, and the weather is great.

September, in particular, is an ideal month to visit. In May, the sea around Bodrum can be a bit chilly averaging around 64°F in the spring, but in September the sea is still warm with an average temperature of 73°F in the fall.

Other Things To Know About Bodrum

Here are a few other useful Bodrum tips to help you make the most of your stay!

How To Dress In Bodrum

Turkey is a predominately Muslim country with over 99% of the population being registered as Muslim. The Muslim dress code for women is very conservative (don’t show your shoulders or wear shorts or skirts above the knee), so I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as the dress code in Bodrum.

When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised to see that across Bodrum, the dress code is beach chic casual meaning you can basically wear whatever you want. In fact, many women dressed sexy beach chic casual – so basically the same attire you’d wear in St. Barts or St. Tropez. During the day for lunches at beach clubs, you can wear a bathing suit with a cover-up and sandals.

At night you’ll see most women in dresses, and flat sandals. If you’re eating dinner in Yalikavak Marina you can dress up a bit more and wear a fancier dress and high heels, but this is the only place I would recommend heals. For the rest of Bodrum flat sandals are ideal.

For men, during the day, t-shirts, shorts, and sandals are fine. For going out to dinner at any of the upscale spots in Bodrum, men should wear collared short (or long) sleeve shirts paired with nice shorts or slacks and loafers. 

If you want to pay in cash in Turkey you need to get Turkish Lira. Most places do not accept US dollars. All the small local shops and a lot of the taxi cabs require you to pay in cash in Turkish Lira. However, most of the high-end restaurants, bars, and boutiques take credit cards. 

Reservations

If you’re visiting Bodrum in the busy summer months of June, July, and August it’s crucial that you make dinner and beach club reservations in advance: All the best places get booked up quickly in the summer. 

Unless you have clout, the best beach club tables and cabanas seem to be given out on a first come first serve basis so while you’ll need a reservation, you’ll also need to arrive early (before 2pm) if you want to snag a good table or cabana, especially if you have a large group.

If you’re staying at a luxury hotel let your concierge make all your bookings because they will be able to get much better reservations than you will get on your own. Our concierge at Macakizi Hotel worked with us for weeks leading up to my birthday week to ensure we had all the best places booked for our large party.

Getting Around Bodrum

Getting around Bodrum can be tough. Plan ahead and leave extra time for logistics. Taxis are hard to find and the roads are small and full of potholes leading to extended driving times around the peninsula. 

When possible, I highly suggest taking a water taxi. If you’re staying at a luxury hotel with its own dock they can call a water taxi to pick you up at your hotel and take you to any of the nearby beach clubs, restaurants, or hotels on the water that have their own docks.

Bodrum Ultimate Guide Wrap Up

Bodrum, in my opinion, is similar to St. Barts or St. Tropez but much more affordable and without the snobbery. Food, drinks, beach clubs, and shopping are still pricey at the luxury hotels in Bodrum but it’s still cheaper than many luxury destinations, and if you wander off the beaten path and go to local spots it’s very affordable.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Bodrum. I knew it would be nice but it was more upscale, fun, and more relaxed than I imagined it would be. It has everything St Barts and St Tropez have but without the pretentiousness, which I found very appealing.

If you’re looking for a new luxury seaside destination to try, I definitely recommend booking a trip to Bodrum.

We hope that this Bodrum guide has inspired you to visit the Turkish Riviera. If you have questions or advice please share with our readers in the comments below.

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Read More About Turkey 

• The Ultimate Guide To Istanbul
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November 10, 2023 at 1:03 pm

As someone who has been to Turkey twice (I’m obsessed with it, my parents ended up going after). I feel like I need to go back a 3rd time just to go to Bodrum! Great post, thanks for all the tips and pics.

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Bodrum: the most glamorous hangout in the Mediterranean

By Laura Fowler

The afternoon sun slants low, hazy as a dream, and paints the water gold. Out in the stillness of the bay a group of girls and boys swim, heads slick as seals, their laughter skipping over the sea like a song. It is known as the Turquoise Coast but here, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean , the colour of the sea is capricious as the shifting sky.

The sea informs everything in Bodrum . This place only really makes sense from the water. Turkey’s jagged south-west does not lend itself to sweeping corniches, its evergreen peninsulas stretching out into the inky waters towards the Greek islands a couple of miles away. Its seafaring people lived around its edges, in disconnected fishing villages which, even now on Bodrum’s sleepier neighbours of Bozburun and Datça , are only accessible from the sea. Well-groomed Bodrum also keeps secrets: fragments of islands too small to name, hidden coves where you drop anchor to swim in lagoons or come ashore for lunch at beach restaurants.

Bodrum’s stars aligned almost 100 years ago when a writer – an aristocrat from Istanbul called Cevat Sakir Kabaa˘gaçli – was exiled here for three years. In a hut! On a beach! He fell in love, of course, and stayed for three decades. The local sponge divers showed him the underwater treasures. As the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, he wrote about Homer’s land of eternal blue with its submerged cities, its imprints of Greeks and Romans, of saints and apostles, of Antony and Cleopatra. His idea of the Blue Voyage brought all Istanbul society to Bodrum, to spend summers sailing gulets along the fragrant coast.

In the 1970s Bodrum emerged as the most glamorous spot in Turkey. And now, in pale-mineral Göltürkbükü bay, the waterside decks shine with oiled limbs lying cheek by jowl like a backgammon board. Hard to believe that a couple of years ago Europeans and Americans had all but stopped holidaying on the Turkish Riviera. It hasn’t taken long to recover. ‘People have short memories when the offering is this good,’ says Sahir Erozan, the owner of the hotel Maçakizi, surveying all the buzz and beauty with a fiendish grin.

It’s true. Bodrum was back with a bang in 2019, booming like never before, all aflutter with sleek openings which manicured great swathes of the peninsula into next-level hotels. Old favourites have been revived; Nicolas Sarkozy was among those holing up in the sexy and secluded Amanruya. The enlarged Yalikavak Marina is deep and glitzy enough to accommodate superyachts with Monets and Rothkos on board.

Among the newcomers is the Bodrum Edition, importing Ian Schrager’s trademark all-white minimalism and knock-out proportions, along with the star chef Diego Muñoz from Peru, soft sand on the beach where children splash about on paddleboards, and Balearic house music. Its bar, Discetto, has a giant pink disco ball.

Across the water on the mainland, an altogether more grown-up crowd drink cocktails from copper cups at Kaplankaya’s Anhinga beach bar. Rising up from the shore into a scrub of pistachio and olive trees, Kaplankaya is not just a hotel , but an entire new town: a turbo- smart hideout on a wildly ambitious scale, with one modernist Six Senses hotel and destination spa , and three more hotels in the offing (Cheval Blanc is confirmed) plus a marina by Foster & Partners.

Kaplankaya’s creator, Burak Oymen, spent hot, happy summers here as a child in the 1980s, his parents part of that Turkish intelligentsia lured by the Fisherman’s tales. Like Bodrum, Burak grew up and made his fortune; and with it bought a stretch of empty land. ‘I wanted to recreate the Bodrum of my childhood,’ he says. Such is the power of nostalgia. It started simply, he and his girl Tereza living in a beach hut, not in exile but in love. If they wanted civilisation, they took their boat across the bay for lunch at Maçakizi, the trade winds in their sails.

Amy Abrahams

Olivia Morelli

Connor Sturges

Gary Shteyngart

Maçakizi has encapsulated the spirit of Bodrum since it was opened in 1975 by Sahir Erozan’s mother. It is authentically Turkish yet completely international, pretty yet progressive, barefoot and sexy as hell. Whitewashed suites tumble down the hillside among oleander and palms; then deck after deck for eating and drinking and dancing, all the way to the sea. Sahir is invariably found in the thick of things, telling stories. He throws the kind of parties that get out of hand. ‘You know – you tell two girls, they tell 88 people.’ Guests waft around, brown skinned and beautiful with absurdly tiny waists. Kate Moss, so the story goes, checked out of nearby detox retreat LifeCo early and came straight to Maçakizi.

People dance here all hours of the day, ebbing and flowing with the rhythm of the tides. It looks artfully effortless, but don’t be fooled: this is a slick operation. Sahir spends his winters travelling the world for inspiration and rebuilding – last year adding a new beach club and state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen.

‘Good, simple food like my mama used to make,’ insists Sahir, when the dishes arrive. His mother – whose picture is in every room – must be a sensation in the kitchen , because this is no down-home cooking; it is accomplished and worldly wise, joy after jewel-coloured joy. Chargrilled octopus, its fat tentacle curled into a question mark, suckers like trumpet keys, comes with lentil cream and coconut vinaigrette. There’s sunchoke and purslane, roasted aubergine and stuffed vine leaves, and heavenly salads with spice.

Forget your plans. Lunch lasts all afternoon. By the end of it I am three hours late and three too many sheets to the wind to drive wherever it was I was supposed to be going. What fool drives here, anyway? ‘The important thing is never to stop at stop signs,’ says Sahir. ‘Because if you do the person behind will crash into the back of you.’ Luckily, Sahir has a boat. Someone in Bodrum always has a boat.

Like the sponge divers of Bodrum past, restaurant owner Çağlar Bozçağa still swims for his supper. Even this morning, with a broken leg, he slipped off the plaster cast to free-dive 25 metres down and pluck urchins from the sea bed as though it were an underwater larder. Whatever he does not slice open and eat raw for lunch on his boat, he serves in his restaurant, Orfoz. It is found on an unlikely side street of Bodrum City, where bergamot trees planted by the Fisherman of Halicarnassus shade the whitewashed buildings, next to a statue of the cross-dressing singer Zeki Müren. Beneath the bougainvillaea Caglar is clattering around on crutches, balancing plates of meze and pouring homemade wine from bottles scribbled with ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Shiraz’ in marker pen.

It all looks unassuming, but what he serves is a bold adventure in seafood . Grouper soup is followed by morsels of house-smoked eel; oysters grilled with Parmesan; stone crab and sea snails and huge clams in their shells, sweetness in saltwater. The grand finale is testing: mantis-shrimp ceviche. Caglar is particularly delighted by these semi-opaque götügöz (ghosts), which he gleefully calls ‘eyes on arse’. People who lustily slurp down oysters should try raw mantis-shrimp ceviche. I manage a head or an arse, I can’t tell which; then sink a glass of biodynamic white in a rush. It is made in a tiny local vineyard called Neferiye. The hand-labelled bottles may hint at moonshine, but the wine is good, clean and sweet; as Caglar points out, ‘They’ve been making wine in Bodrum since 2000bc.’

Homegrown and home-cooked is not a trend here, but an eternal way of life. At the peninsula’s quiet tip, Gümüslük’s sheltered shore is lined with rustic restaurant tables set literally in the water (in-the-know Turks head for Mimoza, the best of them), so you can cool your toes while you eat what the fishing boats hauled in that morning. Hidden in the hills above, bohemian Limon is possibly the best sunset spot anywhere, a patched-together outdoor café with bright-painted sculptures among the mismatched vintage furniture, and festoon lighting strung tree to tree, serving seasonal dishes and mama’s legendary mint lemonade. Nearby, grass-rootsy Adali Kafe opened in summer 2018: blue views on a cool hillside, where the family pour local Vin Bodrum and grow their own tomatoes.

Turks, like Italians, can talk about tomatoes for hours. In Bodrum the pink ones are the sweetest; seek them out in the market, where the sellers tease with scoops of stardust, offering them up to my lips to taste and leaving the scent in my hair and on my skin. People still shop like this here. Testing the firmness of fruit and swapping cookery tips. Around the periphery, old men sit in the shade beneath strings of dried chillies ( pictured above ), smoking like mad and drinking sweet black tea, and playing okey (rummikub with Turkish rules), the tiles rattling in their hands like pebbles in a jar.

Old and new swim together in Bodrum. As the muezzin calls at dawn, young things are swaying home, the night finally over. Out to sea, a gulet cuts across the water, its prow thrusting sharp as a sailfish. There’s a softness to the early-morning light that’s something close to nostalgia for this very moment, even as it happens. And it is easy to see how, despite all Bodrum’s newfound glossiness, you can fall in love with the simple life here. Just as long as there is good food to eat and good wine to drink, and someone has a boat.

8 Off-the-radar addresses

1. Havva Ana in the quiet village of Gökçebel is a true farm-to-fork breakfast spot. It pulls in urbanites from Ankara and Istanbul for hot börek (flaky pastry filled with vegetables), sweet cherry jam, fried eggs with peppers, and urns of red-tinted Turkish tea. The sheep, chickens and cow in the neighbouring field support the whole endeavour.

2. Akyarlar Bay’s pale turquoise water makes it one of the loveliest places to go for a morning swim. Its sandy beach is backed by whitewashed houses and a handful of seafood restaurants that line the harbour.

3. For underwater action, take a gulet out to Orak Island, which is great for both shallow and deep-sea divers, with an incredible vertical reef wall that descends nearly 80 metres.

4. Windsurfers make a beeline for Bitez beach; the calm bay keeps beginners busy in the morning and then the breeze picks up later in the day for the pros.

5. Monochrome-modern Vamos in Bitez village gets packed out at lunchtime for its burrata salads and pizzas in the mandarin- and lemon tree-filled garden. There’s a market somewhere on the peninsula every day.

6. The ones in Bodrum and Turgutreis are well known, but savvy shoppers head to Ortakent or Gündo˘gan for amazing cheeses, fresh honey and homemade soaps. The best leather bags and shoes are found at Tuskany in Bodrum town; the owner Shafak will negotiate a decent discount if you ask nicely.

7. Supper at beachside Ayana Mes still feels like a secret. Even in Bodrum’s crazy high summer the tables on the sand are taken up almost entirely by locals feasting on meze, grilled octopus, stuffed pumpkin flowers and a speciality of boiled cockerel.

8. And for a nightcap, Fenix in Yalikavak serves up citrussy cocktails. By Ashley Pearson

Where to stay

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BODRUM

Glamorous on the outside, with swathes of powdery sand and elegant restaurants, and spacious on the inside, with brave colour accents and giant bedrooms, this is a revved-up, starry beach base. But despite the grown-up good looks, families need not panic: all ages are welcome and children will love the buzzy kids’ club. The spa is also worth the trip – a little bit Japanese, a little bit Balinese – with bonsai trees and mini teapots of fresh ginger infusions, plus a lovely indoor pool and steam rooms. For all its grandeur, the space remains intimate, with staff injecting a lot of heart into everything they do. A winner for those seeking bold design along with detail-obsessed service.

Address: Mandarin Oriental, Göltürkbükü Mahallesi 314. Sok. No: 12, D:1, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey Telephone: +90 252 311 18 88 Book your stay

MAXX ROYAL KEMER, ANTALYA

Combining the giddy otherworldliness of a smart members’ club – marble architecture, cathedral-high lobby – with a distinct feeling of seclusion, this hotel faces out to the coastline but backs onto Beydağlari Coastal National Park’s craggy mountains and ruins including Termessos, pictured. Highlights range from the whimsical – a chocolatier station, a campervan bar – to the wonderfully over-the-top, with three beaches and bathrooms stocked with Bottega Veneta products. There’s a chilled-but-sceney vibe as well as an unmistakable sense of place, from the black tea with baklava and the disarmingly good rustic lahmacun flatbread to the sound of cicadas and scent of pine.

Address: Maxx Royal Kemer, Kiriş Mh., Kiriş Cad. No:88, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey Telephone: +90 242 813 60 60 Book your stay

One of the Mediterranean’s most blissful little seaside hotels. There are 74 fairly simple rooms (though you wouldn’t know it) among the tropical and Mediterranean greenery, bowers of bougainvillaea framing sea views from every spot. It has a small but marvellous spa, a beach-rocking bar and the best restaurant in all Bodrum. In the pipeline for 2020: summer hotel residences, Maçakizi Lofts.

Address: Maçakızı, Göltürkbükü Mahallesi, Narçiçeği Sokak, 48400 Göltürkbükü, Bodrum Turkey Telephone: +90 252 311 24 00 Book your stay

SIX SENSES KAPLANKAYA

Barcelona architects OAB originally created Kaplankaya’s centrepiece, which was launched as a Six Senses hotel with an epic spa last year. Low-slung and low-impact, it branches along the sweep of the landscape and, inside, opens up into a cathedral-like space. Sleek, warm wood suites and pool villas are arranged like a neighbourhood. On one of Kaplankaya’s seven beaches, Anhinga bar was designed by K-Studio, who did Scorpios in Mykonos ; the sea bream is fat and delicious and the drinks are stuffed with herbs from the garden.

Address: Six Senses Kaplankaya, Bozbük Mahallesi, Merkez Sokak No:198, 48200 Muğla, Turkey Telephone: +90 252 511 00 51 Book your stay

THE BODRUM EDITION

The hot new arrival on the peninsula, the latest collaboration between Ian Schrager and Marriott has public spaces of awesome proportions – best of all is the main terrace, with lots of white and triple-height gauziness. Rooms of creamy stone are uncluttered and calm. At Brava restaurant Diego Muñoz adds Mediterranean and Asian twists to his excellent Latin American food.

Address: The Bodrum Edition, Dirmil Mahallesi, Balyek Caddesi, 48400 Yalikavak Bodrum, Turkey Telephone: +90 252 311 3131 Book your stay

The locals' guide to the Turkish Riviera

This story includes images of Bodrum and along the length of the Turkish coastline from Turquoise Coast , a travel book published by Assouline. Co-producers Irem Kinay and Nevbahar Koç let us in on their Turkish Riviera secrets...

Where is home?

Irem Kinay: I live in Rumelihisari, very close to Istanbul’s Bebek neighbourhood on the Bosphorus. For me being at home means having an escape in a city populated by 17 million people. I love being close to the water yet nestled among the trees. Bebek is also where I opened the first Assouline store.

Nevbahar Koç: My hometown is Istanbul, but we spend the summer on a boat, sailing along the south coast of Turkey.

What would your ideal day involve?

IK: Wake up early to the sounds of the birds around my home, then go for a walk along the Bosphorus. After a quick breakfast in a local café in Bebek, I’d take a boat to the old city and take in Istanbul with all its contrasts. I love getting lost in the bazaar, listening to the shopkeepers who always have the most interesting stories from all around the world. I would finish the day in Pera, on the terrace of Mikla restaurant, sipping a locally inspired cocktail overlooking the Golden Horn and the Topkapi Palace for a true synthesis of East and West.

NK: My ideal day would be to wake up in one of the beautiful green bays of Göcek and enjoy the sun and sea with my family and friends. I like cruising around the coast and getting to experience all it has to offer. Whether it’s visiting a magical cave where you can enter with a dinghy or waterskiing in the late afternoon when the water is calm, there’s always something to keep you occupied. At night I like going to one of the local restaurants for fish and mezze.

What is the most unusual experience you’ve had?

IK: When you are anchored in a bay in Göcek – isolated in peace and quiet in pure wilderness – you can hail the pancake boat in the morning for fresh pancakes filled with cheese and herbs. Similarly, you can jump on the massage boat in the afternoon for a spa treatment just when you thought you were far away from any form of civilisation.

Are there any secret spots you like to go to?

IK: Orfoz restaurant is a great secret spot in Bodrum, behind the castle. It’s really the most extraordinary restaurant on the coast for fresh shellfish, all prepared by brothers Cağri and Cağlar and paired with a perfect local wine list. The original Orfoz was run by their parents in Bozburun, and I used to crave the food during the winter, but their sons’ restaurant in Bodrum is also a treasure.

NK: Bozburun Cave is still not known to many. It’s amazing.

Where do you go for the best view?

IK: There’s a small island in the Gulf of Hisaronu, across from the D Maris Bay hotel, which is a great spot to anchor and watch the sun go down. I have seen the most epic, magical sunsets here.

**NK:**The sunset over the ‘Seven Islands’, or Yediadalar, is like walking into another dimension.

Which are the most impressive historical monuments in the area?

NK: The carved rock tombs in Kekova. To swim around them is an incredible experience.

Where do you go to soak up the atmosphere of the coast?

IK: For me, Bodrum is the Maçakizi hotel in Türkbükü. The sea, the food, the music and the crowd all come together to create a unique atmosphere.

Your top places to eat?

NK: The Bozburun Yacht Club for its delicious fresh food – it’s like eating at home. Sit down at a table right by the sea and order the just-caught turbot.

Is there one place where you always order the same thing?

At Orfoz in Bodrum I get the fish soup to start, then pink tomato salad, oysters with Parmesan and oven-baked aubergine.

What is your favourite local dish?

NK: You can only get the famous blue crab in Dalyan, nowhere else.

IK: Gözleme (local pancakes) with herbs in Göcek.

Where are the best shopping areas?

IK: Bodrum bazaar on Tuesdays for textiles, herbs, wooden spoons, fresh fruit and local teas. And Yalikavak Marina for local designers.

NK: I love the shopping in Kaş – there’s a street with small artisan shops and antiques. The best items to buy are the authentic thin Turkish towels and robes. I’d recommend anyone to get a couple of them in different colours.

Do you have a favourite shop?

IK: Atelier by Sumru Sekeroğlu in Kaş.

Do you go to any food markets?

NK: If you catch the weekly local bazaar, you can buy directly from the villagers. If not, they come to your boat to sell food and crafts. In downtown Bodrum there’s an open bazaar where locals sell everything from herbs to fish and fabrics to wooden spoons and sponges…

Which local artisans have you discovered?

NK: There’s a lovely atelier in Kaş producing authentic clothing. Other artisans make natural soaps with herbal ingredients, or craft objects in wood and mother of pearl.

Do you dress differently when you’re on the coast?

NK: Light, soft fabrics and Riviera-chic designs are my favourite for sailing.

Turkish Coast is published in summer 2019 (£65; assouline.com)

Like this? Now read:

Turkey's chic and affordable coast

10 of the most beautiful places in Turkey

The most beautiful places in the world 2020

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Discount travel bodrum.

Travel can be prohibitive for some people because traveling can cost a lot of money.  If you have to think of airplane tickets, hotel bookings, dining out and even just buying souvenirs, you can rack up your coins pretty fast.  The good news is that there is such a thing called “discount travel” in Bodrum which offers a chance to people who simply want to travel without having to pay too expensive rates. 

The mechanics for discount travel Bodrum are simple.  Bodrum airlines, Bodrum hotels and even Bodrum car rental agencies offer great discounts for people through travel sites and through their respective websites and offices.  If you want to be updated with seat sales and flight deals, you only need to subscribe to the airlines’ newsletters so that anytime they’re offering chances for discount travel, you’ll be the first to know and the first to take advantage.  Bodrum hotels often promote as much as 40% discount for their rooms in addition to freebies that come with the packages. 

Discount travel Bodrum can lower your traveling costs in more ways than one.  You can take advantage of flight savings or hotel discount rates or go even further and just go for the all-inclusive package so you won’t have to worry about anything else.  The goal is being able to see Bodrum and you‘ll be able to do this without the added strain on your pockets.

There might be special restrictions on car rentals for those who are under 21 or under 25 years old.

Car Rental Bodrum - Milas Airport

IATA Code: BJV; Lattitude: 37.24; Longitude: 27.6;

Bodrum - Milas Airport is situated ~27 kilometers from Bodrum city center.

Things to do with car rental Bodrum

Accomodation in bodrum, rent a car bodrum.

Choose any car from mini to cargo van for the size and capacity of you needs and book online today.Use our car rental search form, narrow your travel dates and receive confirmation within minutes!

Cheap flights to Bodrum, Türkiye

Flights to bodrum in 2024, find the latest flights to bodrum in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,086,534 searches and data was last updated on april 23, 2024., average price of flights to bodrum by month, plan your trip to bodrum by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. the average price of a one-way flight to bodrum is currently $0 while a round-trip flight costs $0. price data was last updated on april 21, 2024., temperature and rainfall in bodrum by month, plan your trip to bodrum by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month..

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Bodrum, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 82.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 51.8 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to Bodrum?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to bodrum. price data was last updated on january 28, 2024., the price you pay for your flight to bodrum may vary depending on when you book. for the best chance of a lower fare, look to book 21 days in advance of your trip. fares are likely to increase a fortnight or so before your departure date., when is the cheapest time to fly to bodrum, use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip to bodrum. price data was last updated on april 21, 2024., reviews of airlines servicing bodrum, get insights into the airlines that provide service to bodrum. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to bodrum. reviews last updated april 23, 2024., peruse reviews from past customers who have flown british airways, turkish airlines and swiss to bodrum to help guide your decision. in addition to providing an overall rating, users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

Food could have been better they served beef on the flight to India so they did not have enough option of the veg option for customers and half the flight did not get a meal

Flights to Bodrum are packed with travelers looking for an escape in the south Aegean’s romantic resort. Painted villas and narrow streets adorn the landscape and private yachts dock quietly on the harbor, providing a serene escape for visitors. Many Bodrum visitors take advantage of the harbor location by sailing off on day trips to nearby islands and beaches. But there’s more to do in Bodrum than sail to other shores. Book flights to Bodrum and explore underwater adventures, historical museums including the Museum of Underwater Archaeology,and make a visit o the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Most tourists book flights to Bodrum during summer vacation, but even with the influx of visitors the resort area still retains an unspoilt atmosphere and charming personality. Take time to stroll through the Turkish bazaars, explore the ancient history, partake in underwater activities and experience the notorious nightlife.

• One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus houses the remains of King Mausolos from centuries ago. When earthquakes ravaged the site in the 1500s, the materials were used to construct the nearby Saint Peter’s Castle. Since it’s such a small site now, sightseers booking flights to Bodrum normally pair the two attractions to get the full historical experience.
• As soon as you’re done seeing the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, head straight to Saint Peter’s Castle to see how the materials have come to fruition. The combination of ancient and modern collaboration make this site a must-see; whether you’re viewing it from land or from sea, anyone boarding flights to Bodrum will certainly be able to appreciate the 30,000 square feet of medieval architecture that took so many years to complete. Representing both the ascent of the Ottoman Empire, and the unity of Christian Europe, the castle stands today as both a historical and architectural monument.
• They don’t call it the carpet capital of Turkey for nothing. In Milas, wander along the pathways where hundreds of artisans gather to weave together their brightly colored, geometric prayer rugs. Each one is hand-woven and carefully completed with attention to detail, and since you’ll witness the makers at work, you’re sure to get a product that has authentic style and vibrant hues. If you do purchase a carpet, make sure to arrange baggage room for your return Bodrum flight.

What does BJV mean?

This is defined as Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV). Codes like BJV are often used to just call airports uniquely.

What airport do you fly into for flights to Bodrum?

Most people fly into Milas–Bodrum (BJV) if they book a flight to Bodrum. Milas–Bodrum is conveniently located just 19.7 mi from Bodrum’s city center.

Can I find cheaper flights to Bodrum if I am willing to have layovers?

Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Bodrum on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

What is the best airline to fly to Bodrum?

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Turkish Airlines is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Bodrum.

What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Bodrum?

Milas–Bodrum Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Bodrum. One-way flights to Milas–Bodrum Airport typically cost $23, while round-trip flights cost around $45.

How much is a round-trip flight to Bodrum?

A round-trip flight to Bodrum will typically cost around $90, however they can be found for as little as $45.

Where does the fastest flight to Bodrum depart from?

For those looking to save time traveling to Bodrum, Washington, D.C. offers the quickest one-way flight (12 hours 40 minutes).

Does Milas–Bodrum Airport have rental cars?

Yes. Those touching down at Milas–Bodrum Airport can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.

Are there hotels close to Milas–Bodrum Airport?

Yes. Milas–Bodrum Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. unique sea and nature is the closest property to Milas–Bodrum Airport (0.0 mi away from Milas–Bodrum Airport).

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., popular flight searches, check out other popular destinations found by fellow travelers in 2024, search flights to bodrum by cabin class, find flights to bodrum, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class., book a flight to one of these trending destinations, user searches for flights to these destinations increased 20% or more in the past 90 days compared to other destinations, book with flexibility, travel smart.

Bodrum Holidays

On turkey’s aegean coast, you’ll find the holiday resort of bodrum, holidays in bodrum.

Picturesque, whitewashed houses, fishing harbours, and miles of orange groves blend with large and lively resorts. The beautiful coves, pebbly bays, and stretches of golden sand are havens for snorkelling, sunbathing, and scuba diving. Bodrum is a lively, yet sophisticated resort overlooked by a 15th-century castle and set around two yacht-filled bays. Culture fans will be happy with lots of archaeological sites to explore. The neighbouring Gumbet is a party capital most popular with the Brits. There’s accommodation in Bodrum to suit everyone's needs, whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or a budget self-catering apartment. Great shopping opportunities, fantastic nightlife, and hot sunny weather complete the picture and make your holiday in Bodrum a memorable experience.

Travel guide

Bodrum is perfect for a sunshine holiday, especially from May through to October with temperatures of 27 to 35°C. April and November still offer balmy days of 21°C. 

• Best time to visit: May-October
• Average temp: 24°C/75°F
• Average flight time: 4 Hours
• Most suited for: Families, Couples
• Currency: Turkish Lira
• Time Difference: +2 hours

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Things to see and do in Bodrum

On a holiday in Bodrum, you’ll be spoilt for choice with beaches, from quiet and secluded spots to larger stretches of sand; packed with an endless variety of water sports including parasailing, waterskiing, canoeing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Take a boat trip to secluded bays for snorkelling or sites for both experienced divers and beginners. Get a culture fix at Bodrum’s St Peters Castle, Cavat Sakir and Zeki Muren Museums, The Mausoleum, amphitheatre and Mindos Gate. Experience a traditional Hammam (Turkish Bath) or embark on a jeep safari to explore mountain villages. Shop at local markets to find all kinds of goods from fresh produce to clothing, textiles, spices, copper goods, and souvenirs. When the sun goes down, Bodrum becomes a thriving mix of bars and nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes where you can have fun and enjoy live music, rock, techno, hip-hop, and Turkish pop until late into the evening and beyond.

Food and drink in Bodrum

Bodrum has lots of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of food from traditional Turkish fare to Chinese, Indian, and fast-food takeaways. Seafood is of course a real speciality in Bodrum. Baklava (filo pastry filled with honey-soaked pistachios) is perfect for dessert. Local wines, Efes (the national beer of Turkey), and the world-famous Raki make an ideal accompaniment for your meal. Turkish coffee is served strong and sweet with some Turkish delight on the side. To make your holiday budget go further, why not book a Bodrum all-inclusive hotel where snacks, drinks, and meals are usually included in the price you pay before you leave home?

Bodrum's Weather

Average monthly temperature in Bodrum (°C)

• Jan 15 °C
• Feb 15 °C
• Mar 18 °C
• Apr 21 °C
• May 26 °C
• Jun 32 °C
• Jul 35 °C
• Aug 35 °C
• Sep 31 °C
• Oct 26 °C
• Nov 21 °C
• Dec 17 °C

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BODRUM SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS

BOOK NOW – PAY ON THE TOUR

NO CREDIT CARD / NO PREPAYMENT REQUIRED

OVERVIEW OF THE TOUR

Included in price, not included in price, take with you, additional info, recommended for, how to book.

Swimming with a dolphin is a secret dream of many people. These mysterious and incredibly charming animals have always been attracting us with their intelligence and special energy. During your holiday in Bodrum you can fulfill your dream of swimming with Dolphins!

On our excursion to Bodrum Dolphin Park first you will have time to pal up with a dolphin, it will allow you to stroke, kiss and feed itself with fresh fish… And after it will give you a ride with a breeze!:)

• Swimming takes place in the sea, in a specially designed sea pool.
• It lasts about 6-8 minutes. If you cannot swim, life jackets are provided.
• Children under 4 years old can swim with their parents.
• Children over 4 years old swim under the guidance of a professional instructor.
• swimming with a dolphin and professional instructor
• changing cabins & shower
• transfer from hotel and back
• professional photoshooting
• Swimming suit & towel
• Some money for personal needs
• Medical mask (due to Covid-19 pandemy it is obligatory to wear mask while on the bus)
• We provide transfer from any hotels of Bodrum Peninsula, if there is at least 2 person in the reservation. However, if your hotel is located in Turbuku, Gundogan, Yalikavak areas, please contact us on   WhatsApp ,  Telegram ,  Instagram  to learn available tour dates.
• We recommend swimming with dolphins for those ones, who dreams of seeing something special and remarkable on their holidays.
• We also strongly recommend you to try dolphin swimming as theraphy to acquire energy and confidence after stressful times.
• And surely swimming with dolphins is a great option for families with kids. The bond between children and dolphins is special. So your little ones will be absolutely delighted after such swimming experience!

Book Bodrum swimming with dolphins excursion online here on the website or via   WhatsApp , Telegram , Instagram ,  Facebook . Please, keep in mind that booking is completely safe, there is no prepayment needed. After quick confirmation, you will receive an e-ticket with all organisation details and pay on the day of the tour. It will be enough to show the e-ticket on your phone screen, no need to print it.

Swimming with dolphins is an unforgettable experience and memory of a lifetime! Spoil up yourself or make a present for your loved ones!

DETAILS OF BODRUM DOLPHIN PARK EXCURSION

DAYS: EVERYDAY

DURATION: ~2,5 HOURS

KIDS  5-12 years

KIDS 0-4 years

• transfer from hotel &back
• We provide transfer for all hotels of Bodrum Peninsula if there is at least 2 person in the reservation. However, if your hotel is located in Turbuku, Gundogan, Yalikavak areas, please contact us on   WhatsApp ,  Telegram ,  Instagram  to learn available tour dates.

BODRUM DOLPHIN SHOW

Dolphin Show in Bodrum Dolphin Park was specially created for families with children. Our dolphins perform incredible things accompanied by non-stop delight and applauses of the audience. The show lasts 45 minutes, during which these amazing animals surprise you with their skills and tricks! Prepare yourself to the fact, that our mischievous dolphins have a great sense of humour and love to cause splash waterfalls just to get the front row viewers soaked wet!:)

Scroll down for more organisation details on Dolphin Show in Bodrum Dolphin Park excursion and feel free to book it online here or by contacting us on WhatsApp , Viber,  Instagram ,  Facebook . Please keep in mind, that booking is safe, there is no prepayment needed, you can book now and pay on the day of excursion!

DAYS: due to Covid-19 epidemy temporarily the show is not available

DURATION: due to Covid-19 epidemy temporarily the show is not available

DETAILS OF BODRUM DOLPHIN SHOW EXCURSION

▼ INCLUDED IN PRICE

• entrance ticket to Dolphin Show

▼ NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

▼ TAKE WITH YOU

• photocamera
• medical mask (due to Covid-19 pandemy it is obligatory to wear mask while on the bus)

▼ ADDITIONAL INFO

• in season 2021 Bodrum Dolphin Park does not provide transfer from hotels, you can come to Dolphin park on your own or book a private transfer with us (please contact us on WhatsApp ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more details)
• Dolphin Park is located in 25 km away from Bodrum

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