While families head for the all-inclusive riviera around Antalya, the Aegean coast has its own star – Bodrum, Turkey, rightly nicknamed the Turkish Saint-Tropez. It’s chic, bohemian and a touch pricier, with luxury yachts moored in its harbours and Istanbul’s high society rubbing shoulders with the international jet-set.
The town wins you over at first glance with its cascade of dazzling white flat-roofed houses tumbling down to a sea presided over by a mighty Crusader castle. But Bodrum isn’t just one town – it’s an entire peninsula full of bays, from the wild party scene in Gümbet to the ultra-modern marinas in the north.
In this guide you’ll find 12 things to do in Bodrum and its surroundings – from St. Peter’s Castle and the ancient theatre to the most stylish marinas and beaches, boat trips and a quick hop to the Greek island of Kos. We’ll also help you figure out when to come, how to get here and where to stay.
TL;DR
- Why go: The Turkish Saint-Tropez – a white town, yachts, a chic vibe and Aegean coves.
- When to come: June–September (the Aegean coast tends to be a touch cooler and breezier than Antalya).
- How to get here: Fly into Bodrum-Milas (BJV); from the UK there are some seasonal charters, but you’ll often connect via Istanbul.
- Don’t miss: St. Peter’s Castle, the ancient theatre, Yalıkavak marina, sunset by the windmills.
- Beaches: Bitez, Gümbet, Camel Beach; the prettiest coves are best seen from the deck of a boat.
- Day trip: A ferry to the Greek island of Kos (just a few dozen minutes away).
- Money ⚠️: Bodrum is pricier than the rest of the country; pay by card in lira (TRY), and use an eSIM instead of roaming.
When to visit Bodrum and the weather in Bodrum, Turkey
The Aegean coast is at its best between June and September. When it comes to the weather in Bodrum, Turkey, it tends to be a degree or two cooler and breezier than the bay around Antalya – something you’ll appreciate in summer, with a pleasant breeze taking the edge off the heat. The sea is warmest in August, but the best balance of weather, prices and peace and quiet comes in September, once the crowds thin out.
The nearest airport is Bodrum-Milas (BJV), roughly 40 minutes from the centre. ⚠️ There are fewer direct flights to Bodrum from the UK than to the Antalya riviera – it often pays to take a regular service with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus connecting in Istanbul, or fly into Dalaman and transfer overland. Around the peninsula, cheap minibuses called dolmuş get you everywhere.
💡 Tip: Bodrum makes you pay for its exclusive reputation – prices in restaurants and bars are noticeably higher than in the rest of Turkey. Factor that in when planning your budget.
Where to stay in Bodrum
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to look for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. For tickets, tours and activities, it pays to compare and book through GetYourGuide.
Bodrum spreads across an entire peninsula, and a lot depends on which bay you head for. Central Bodrum is all about history and nightlife, while neighbouring Gümbet is the home of cheaper party tourism. The north of the peninsula is a different world entirely: Yalıkavak with its ultra-modern marina and oligarchs’ yachts, and Türkbükü as a hideaway for Turkish celebrities. For peace and lovely beaches, consider Bitez or Gümüşlük.
Here are some specific tips for tried-and-tested places to stay in Bodrum and the surrounding area (compare prices and availability in one click via Stay22, which finds the best deal across Booking.com, Airbnb and more):
- The Bodrum by Paramount Hotels – a stylish resort with an infinity pool and views over the Aegean bay; perfect for couples.
- Caresse a Luxury Collection Resort – an elegant five-star resort with a private beach and spa.
- Lujo Hotel – a design all-inclusive boutique with its own beach scene.
- Doria Hotel Yalikavak – a hotel by the luxurious Yalıkavak marina, ideal for fans of style and yachts.
- Kaya Palazzo Resort Bodrum – a family resort with a beach and pools just a short hop from central Bodrum.
- 4Reasons Hotel – a popular boutique hotel with a renowned restaurant and a laid-back atmosphere.
💡 Tip: For nightlife, stay in the centre or in Gümbet; for peace and style, head north (Yalıkavak, Türkbükü) or to Bitez. Aim for ratings of 8.5+ with plenty of reviews, and book ahead in high season.
12 things to do in Bodrum and its surroundings
Bodrum is an elegant base from which bays, ancient ruins and boat trips fan out in every direction. Here are twelve things that make it well worth the trip.
1. St. Peter’s Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
The town’s landmark is the mighty 15th-century St. Peter’s Castle (Bodrum Kalesi), built by the Knights Hospitaller. Within its walls sits one of the finest Museums of Underwater Archaeology in the Mediterranean, with finds from ancient shipwrecks, glassware and jewellery. From the towers you get a glorious view over both of the town’s bays and the marina.
2. The ancient theatre
Set into the hillside above the town is a well-preserved ancient theatre from the Hellenistic period, with a capacity of around 13,000 spectators. It still hosts concerts and festivals today, and the view of the white town and the sea from the upper rows is among the prettiest in Bodrum. Admission is nominal and you’ll run into hardly any crowds.
3. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Bodrum stands on the site of ancient Halicarnassus, and this is exactly where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once stood – the enormous tomb of King Mausolus, after which we still use the word “mausoleum” today. All that remains now are the foundations and a few columns, but the information centre helps you picture its former grandeur. A must-stop for history lovers.
4. The white town and the windmills at sunset
Wander the narrow lanes of the white town with their blue shutters, bougainvillea and boutiques. On the ridge between Bodrum and Gümbet stand the old stone windmills, well worth heading up to at sunset – the panorama of both bays bathed in orange light is unforgettable.
5. Yalıkavak marina
In the north of the peninsula lies Yalıkavak, with its ultra-modern marina where billionaires’ yachts moor and you’ll find designer boutiques and elegant restaurants. Even if a drink here will set you back a fair bit, a stroll along the pier among the luxury boats and the evening atmosphere are well worth the trip. It’s the most “jet-set” experience in all of Turkey.
6. Türkbükü: the beach of Turkish celebrities
Neighbouring Türkbükü is a favourite retreat for Turkish celebrities and high society. Instead of classic beaches, you’ll find wooden jetties dotted with sun loungers running straight out over the water, plus stylish beach clubs. It’s expensive, but if you want to see where the Istanbul elite unwind, this is the place.
7. Gümbet and the nightlife
Just over the hill from the centre lies Gümbet – the epicentre of Bodrum’s party scene, packed with bars, clubs and young travellers. In Bodrum itself you’ll find some of the largest open-air clubs in Europe. ⚠️ Watch your wallet: alcohol is heavily taxed in Turkey, and drinks in the clubs work out pricier than you’d pay back home in the UK.
8. Beaches of the peninsula: Bitez, Gümbet, Camel Beach
Bodrum itself doesn’t have big sandy beaches, but the surrounding peninsula offers plenty. Bitez is the quieter, family-friendly choice with shallow water and windsurfing, Gümbet is livelier, and Camel Beach near Ortakent tempts you with a photo on a camel and crystal-clear water. Sun loungers and umbrellas usually come at a charge.
9. Gümüşlük and the sunken city
The fishing village of Gümüşlük on the western tip of the peninsula stands on the ruins of ancient Myndos, and part of the town now lies beneath the surface – in the shallow, crystal-clear water you can spot the remains of ancient walls. From the beach you can wade across to the little Rabbit Island (Tavşan Adası). The village is famous for its tranquillity, fish tavernas and romantic sunsets.
10. A blue cruise around the coves
The Aegean coast is best discovered from the deck of a traditional wooden yacht called a gulet. From Bodrum harbour you can set off on full-day boat trips or multi-day Blue Cruises (Mavi Yolculuk) that anchor in the crystalline coves of the Gökova Gulf, which you can’t reach by car. The crew cooks lunch while you simply swim and soak it all in.
11. A day trip to the Greek island of Kos
Several times a day a ferry to the Greek island of Kos leaves from Bodrum harbour, and the crossing takes only around twenty minutes. It’s the perfect way to add a day in Greece to your Turkish holiday – wander the ancient Asklepieion, hire a bike and head back in the evening. ⚠️ Don’t forget your passport, as you’re crossing the EU border.
12. Ancient sites nearby: Ephesus and Pamukkale
If you want to see the best of Aegean antiquity, Bodrum makes a good base for (longer) trips to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in the world, and to the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale. Both are full-day excursions, but they rank among the absolute highlights of Turkey.
What to eat in Bodrum
Aegean cuisine is a paradise for vegetarians – it revolves around olive oil, herbs, fresh vegetables and cheeses. After a day by the sea, treat yourself to:
- Meze – cold starters: aubergine purée, yoghurt dips, stuffed vine leaves yaprak sarma, and the spicy ezme salad. The ideal meat-free dinner to share.
- Gözleme – thin flatbreads cooked on a griddle and filled with cheese or spinach.
- Aegean salads and grilled vegetables – with feta-style cheese, lemon and herbs.
- Dondurma – stretchy Turkish ice cream, and sweet baklava with a glass of Turkish tea.
Bodrum’s tavernas are famous for their fresh fish and seafood; those are the regional specialities for non-vegetarians, while vegetarians can happily make a meal of meze and vegetable dishes.
Practical tips for Bodrum
- Money ⚠️: Bodrum is pricier than the rest of Turkey. Pay by card in lira (TRY) and decline DCC currency conversion; withdraw cash from an ATM locally.
- eSIM ⚠️: Turkey isn’t in the EU – sort out a data eSIM before you leave home.
- Getting around: Cheap dolmuş minibuses run around the peninsula; for the more remote coves and ancient sites, a hire car comes in handy.
- Alcohol: Heavily taxed and expensive in the clubs – budget for it.
- Passport for Kos: You need a valid passport (not just an ID card) for the ferry to Greece.
Where to next
Our main hub holidays in Turkey, its Aegean neighbour Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, the ancient sites of Ephesus and Pamukkale, the great cities of Istanbul and Cappadocia, and practical advice on when to visit Turkey and all-inclusive holidays in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bodrum called the Turkish Saint-Tropez?
Bodrum is Turkey’s chicest and most bohemian resort – luxury yachts anchor here, Istanbul’s high society and international jet-set flock to it, and in the north of the peninsula (Yalıkavak, Türkbükü) you’ll find ultra-modern marinas and celebrity hideaways. Together with its cascade of white houses and elegant atmosphere, it has earned the nickname of the Turkish Saint-Tropez.
Does Bodrum have nice beaches?
The town itself doesn’t have large sandy beaches, but the surroundings of the peninsula offer plenty – Bitez (calm, shallow entrance), Gümbet (more lively) or Camel Beach with crystal-clear water. However, the most beautiful coves, which you can’t reach by car, you’ll discover from the deck of a boat on a full-day trip or Blue Cruise.
How do I get from Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos?
Several times a day, a fast ferry to Kos island departs from Bodrum port, the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. It’s a popular day trip to Greece. Don’t forget your passport, you’re crossing the EU border, and buy tickets in advance during the season.
When is the best time to go to Bodrum?
Best between June and September. Bodrum tends to be a degree or two cooler and windier than Antalya, making the summer heat more bearable. The warmest sea is in August, but the best combination of weather, lower prices and peace is offered by September.
Is Bodrum expensive?
Yes, Bodrum is one of the most expensive Turkish destinations – prices in restaurants, bars and marinas are noticeably higher than in the rest of the country, and alcohol is heavily taxed. You can find cheaper accommodation and food in Gümbet or surrounding villages, but you’ll pay extra for the jet-set atmosphere.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in TurkeySearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Turkey →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
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