Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey / Aegean Coast / Bodrum Peninsula
 |  | Destination Guide : Bodrum Peninsula |
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| | | High summer, high jinks |  | Why go on holiday to Bodrum?
Bodrum is the South Aegean's most scenic resort, but it has a reputation in peak periods for noisy nightlife and loud music that blasts until dawn.
For quieter breaks, avoid summer months when clubbers flock to party and visit in spring or early autumn. Ferries also go from the resort to nearby Greek island Kos, so you can experience two countries for the price of one holiday.
How much does it cost?
From about £400 for a week's half board in May. Return flights from London start at about £100 in low season. Expect to pay from about £30 a night for a double room in a moderate hotel.
When should I go?
July and August are the hottest, busiest months with average highs of 32C/90F. April-June and September-October are also ideal — cooler but you're guaranteed to have more of the resort to yourself.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Turkey.
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| | | Tomb time | | Where is it?
Bodrum is in south-west Turkey on the South Aegean coast. Nearby is the volcanic landscape of the Bodrum peninsula, with its hills, striking rocky outcrops and sea views.
First stop in Bodrum?
Without a doubt the Castle of St Peter in the middle of town. It dates from the 15th century and has an excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology. One big draw is a 16m-long, 5m-wide vessel that sank in 1025 with a 25-ton cargo of glass. It's billed as the oldest shipwreck ever recovered and some of the glass exhibits from it are beautifully delicate.
Much else to see?
The museum has five halls in addition to several free-standing exhibits. Other highlights include a replica of a 7th-century Roman ship found off the west coast of the Bodrum peninsula, complete with copper vessels, jars and carpenters' tools, and dungeons in Gatineau Tower. The Knights of St John, who captured Bodrum in the 14th century, used to jail and torture captives there between 1513 and 1523.
What about activities?
Scuba diving, windsurfing, parascending from the back of boats, snorkelling, waterskiing, cycling and horse riding are all possible in or near Bodrum. Dive shops and adventure companies are scattered along the waterfront. Rafting in the Dalaman River can also be arranged.
I hear there's a tomb?
Bodrum was home to the Tomb of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Most of the 140ft-high marble structure dedicated to King Mausolus has been destroyed but the site is still fairly interesting. Archaeologists have recreated drawings, models and translated descriptions of the tomb and there are pleasant gardens to stroll through.
Find your sea legs
Go on a boat trip to Karaada, also called Black Island, to see hot springs surging from a cave. Tours usually stop at Ortakent Yalisi too, which has a scenic cove, and an "aquarium", a small bay with beautiful clear waters you can leap into from the boat.
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| | | Have a hot bath — in a rock pool | | Places for a day trip?
Gumbet, the closest resort to Bodrum, has given itself over to package tourism and has little to recommend it, unless a beachfront packed with hotels and crowded swimming areas are for you.
Alternatively, head for Gumusluk for a swim and a sunset meal. All restaurants along the seafront have tables ranged along the water, offering excellent views. Greek island Kos is a 20-minute hydrofoil trip from Bodrum. Services run daily between May and September and intermittently in the winter. Greek isle Rhodes is two hours away by hydrofoil.
Further afield?
The dazzlingly white, cotton wool-like terraces of Pamukkale are an amazing curiosity, and bathing in its tiered pools of silty, hot mineral water is an experience you won't forget. After that, the nearby ruins of Hierapolis deserve a look. History buffs should also make the trek to Ephesus, a practically intact classical site with impressive ruins.
Much for children?
Bodrum is a place to be outdoors and children's amusements centre around water. Watersports, inflatable banana boat rides, the underwater archaeology museum, Dedeman Aqua Park, horse riding and entertainment laid on by some larger hotels should keep older children busy.
Where's good for nightlife?
Clubbers should take a taxi to nearby Gumbet, which has a string of venues that pump out loud music until the early hours. Back in Bodrum, bars and cafes near the Castle of St Peter and along the western bay get lively, particularly in summer. Glitzy Halikarnas Disco is said to be the loudest club on the Aegean.
Is the food good?
Try vine leaves stuffed with vegetables, roast meat kebabs and tasty kofte, meatballs of minced lamb seasoned with spices, served with rice and salad. Turkish pizza (pideci) is cheap and delicious, as are the sweet, traditional pastries. Don't forget to wash your meal down with hot sweet cay, or tea, Turkey's national drink.
Good buys?
Alabaster, rugs, gold and costume jewellery and ceramics are worth haggling for. Be prepared to bargain hard, then pay around two-thirds of the original asking price.
More info:
Turkish Tourism and Information, 1st floor, 170-174 Piccadilly, London, W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7629 7771. Brochure request line 09001 887755 (calls cost 60p a minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Bodrum Peninsula |
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| |  | | VILLA SELIM
Villa Selim (Turkish for Wonderful Villa) - A Private Luxury Villa with Pool for Rent in an exclusive development in Gundogan, Bodrum. Telephone services provided.
|  | | VILLA BAHCE
Villa Bahce (Turkish for Garden Villa) is a new private luxury villa. Fully Air-Conditioned. Panaromic Views of the Aegean Sea & the Rabbit Island. Private Seaside Facilties. Less than 1 week
|  | | Villa Sophia, Yalikavak, Bodrum Peninsula
Luxury detached villa, right in the centre of Yalikavak. Only 10 mins flat walk to the beach.Fully air-conditioned and beautifully furnished. Baby equipment provided.
|  | | Myndos hills 11b
Luxury 3 bedroomed apartment , panoramic sea views just above Gumusluk; 5 Star collection service available taking you direct to the apartment.
|  | | New 3 bedroom beautiful Villa with Private Pool
New 3 bedroom newly built (finished autum 2008), beautiful although contempory, still very much Turkish themed villa, in Yahsi, Ortakent. Private swim
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