Bodrum Holidays

The upmarket resort of Bodrum boasts a world-class marina where leisurely days and perfect evenings can be whiled away sipping cocktails and watching the world, and luxury yachts and gulets, go by. One of Turkey’s most popular resorts, Bodrum with its pretty whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillea is also home to trendy bars and clubs, chic boutiques and sophisticated restaurants, and the whole town is dominated by the Castle of St Peter which overlooks the headland and towers above the streets.

While the wider peninsula boasts a plethora of ancient archaeological sites, nearly 200km of coastline, and more than 30 islands. Beach resorts range from the bustling and trendy to the tranquil and traditional, and whilst glorious golden sand and pebble beaches which are perfect for watersports including snorkelling and scuba diving abound. There are also quiet bays and secluded coves discoverable only by boat. In addition to a wonderful climate and fantastic scenery, there are delightful waterfront restaurants, friendly bars and fantastic shopping especially in Bodrum with its covered bazaar, boutiques and markets.

Bodrum Castle

Dominating the skyline of Bodrum, the Castle of St Peter, built by the Knights of St John during the 15th century, is home to a chapel, dungeon, Turkish bath, several impressive towers, and numerous interesting displays of treasures throughout. It also houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology which, amongst its fascinating displays, features remains of the oldest-known sunken ship in the world.

Blue Cruise

Charter a traditional gulet from the Bodrum area and cruise around the coast discovering tranquil bays, exotic beaches and secluded islands which are dotted all around the peninsula (see pages 12-13).

Didyma

Built to revere one of the most renowned oracles in the Hellenic world, the Temple of Apollo was never completed due to its ambitious scale. Impressive remains include

a Roman Medusa head.

Ephesus

Turkey’s most famous archaeological site,Ephesus, is the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Built in 1,000 BC and dedicated to Artemis the well-preserved and extensively restored remains include the Library of Celsus and a huge theatre. The Ephesus Museum in Selcuk, 3km away, houses artefacts and mosaics found at the site.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis

The cotton castle of Pamukkale is an aweinspiring natural marvel where calcium rich

spring waters stream down a 200m high plateau to a series of hollowed out circular basins. Over centuries the water has hardened into white mineral deposits called travertines which give the terraces a strange snow like beauty. This area was developed as the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, and ancient ruins include the theatre, baths, temples, and a large graveyard. In order to preserve Pamukkale, visitors cannot walk on the terraces but can enjoy the thermal waters of a nearby pool set amongst the ruins of Hierapolis.