The sun shines differently here
Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum, home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus, is these days better known as a popular holiday resort. Characterised by sugar-white houses spilling down its hillsides, its bustling bazaars, maze-like old town, historic treasures and shop-lined marina make it ideal for action-seekers, shopaholics and sightseeing fiends. With excellent beaches, lie on the western side of the peninsula and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. You can try your hand at water skiing, parasailing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing or perhaps the more sedate pastimes of canoeing or pedaloes. Bodrum is a very lively resort and will suit everybody. There are plenty of shops selling all the fake designer gear and fabulous leather and loads of restaurants catering for everyone. The town’s charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina.
The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest-houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi and an immense variety of other aquatic life. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum peninsula, Karaincir, is ideal for lively active days by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach, it’s also considered as one of the best beaches in the world.
The people of Turkey are very friendly and are very helpful as well. There is no beach as such but you can go to the nearby resorts of Gumbet or Bitez if you fancy a day at the beach. You also have the big open air disco Halikarnas. The weather in May was excellent, not too hot like the summer months. This is an excellent holiday resort. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Throw in endless Turkish and international restaurants, and the hyperactive nightlife offered by the old town’s music bars and clubs, and you’ll be spoilt for things to do and enjoy. Afterwards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn.
Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: Underwater Archaeology Museums of the world, Castle of Crusaders, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The most prominent feature of Bodrum must be the Castle of St. Peter. Whether entering the town by land or sea, one cannot help but be struck by the Castle’s sturdy presence. The Castle of St Peter with its amazing maritime museum is fascinating, alternatively stroll through the marina with its charming boutiques and elegant yachts. One of the world’s best preserved monuments from medieval times, it stands as a solid testament to the Bodrum area as a place worth defending.
Bodrum holidays don’t mean missing out on the beach. The nights are longer, the drinks more enjoyable. And then there is love in Bodrum … You have to experience it to truly understand the attraction of Bodrum. Wherever you’re staying, just hop on a dolmus to discover the local, lovely bays indented into the coastline. Sunny, sandy and equipped with fun watersports, they’re ready and waiting whenever you fancy lazier days. Also worth a visit is Pamukkale, one of nature’s phenomena where hot mineral waters flow down the mountain and have solidified to form snowy white pools. As you might expect, boat trips are widely available and you can even take your passport and take a trip to the nearby Greek island of Kos.
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