Information
Language
Turkish
Currency
Turkish Lira (₺)
Time difference
+2hrs
Local beer
£2.30
Meal for two
£27
Average flight time
4.5hrs
Boats and beaches
Ancient Bodrum with its narrow streets and huge castle is the sailing centre of Turkey. Its buzzing marina is bordered by boutiques and restaurants. Meanwhile, nearby Gümbet offers beach life by day and party times by night. Elsewhere on the peninsula, there are dozens of long sandy coves.
Family fun
Bodrum has plenty of brilliant attractions for all ages. Children will love visiting the local waterparks while there are some thriving bazaars that the adults will enjoy exploring. And if you ever fancy relaxing, there will be plenty of time for sandcastle-building on the beaches.
Grand architecture
Once an important part of ancient Greece, the Bodrum area has a handful of ruins. Some haven’t even been excavated yet! One of the most impressive is a Greek theatre at Bodrum dating from the 2nd century BC.
What is the best time of year to visit Bodrum?
The ideal time to visit Bodrum is during the shoulder seasons of late April to early June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm—perfect for sightseeing and swimming—yet the crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months of July and August. If you prefer a vibrant atmosphere with hotter temperatures and nightlife, high summer is best, though accommodation prices are at their highest.
Is Bodrum suitable for family holidays?
Yes, Bodrum is a fantastic destination for families. Resorts in areas like Bitez and Gumbet offer family-friendly facilities with calm, shallow waters ideal for children. The Bodrum Dolphin Park at the Oasis AVM is a popular attraction, and there are numerous boat trips specifically tailored for families with shorter durations and swimming stops. Furthermore, local restaurants are accustomed to catering to international tastes, including picky eaters.
What is the nightlife like in Bodrum?
Bodrum is renowned for its nightlife, ranging from relaxed beach bars to world-famous super-clubs. Bar Street in the town centre offers a lively strip of open-air bars playing music until the early hours. For exclusive clubbing, venues like Mint and Kule attract top DJs during the summer. For a more laid-back evening, the bay areas of Bitez and Akyarlar offer lovely "sunset bars" perfect for cocktails.
Where are the best beaches in the Bodrum area?
Bodrum offers a mix of public and private beaches. The Bitez and Gumbet beaches are the most accessible and offer golden sand with water sports activities. For a more scenic and upscale experience, head to Yalikavak or Torba. If you are willing to travel a little further (about 40-50 minutes by car), Ortakent boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, while Akyarlar offers some of the clearest turquoise waters in the region, reminiscent of the Aegean Sea.