BodrumTurkey · Ferry Destinations

All About Bodrum

A part of the Bodrum Peninsula, next to the Aegean Sea in the southwest of Turkey, the city of Bodrum has a population of just under 40,000. Previously known as Halicarnassus, the town is home to the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the region has had a vibrant past wherein it was ruled by the Greeks, Romans, and then the Ottoman Empire, it remained a quiet fishing village till the early 1900s.

Bodrum’s transformation into an admired seaside retreat started in the 1950s, helped by its alluring Mediterranean climate. Tourists now visit Bodrum for its rustic authenticity, beach clubs, and museums. Additionally, they have the opportunity to experience a mix of early cultures and see sights such as the Greco-Roman antique theatre, Bodrum Hammam, and the ruins of Pedasa.
 

Routes and Ferries to Bodrum

Bodrum has excellent ferry connections with a few Dodecanese islands such as Kos, Patmos, and Rhodes. Of all the routes, ferry tickets to Bodrum from Kos are the most in-demand during tourist season. While most of these journeys, bookable via Ferryscanner, last under 2 hours and 30 minutes, a hydrofoil from Kos only takes 20 minutes to reach the city. Ferry tickets to Bordum from Kos cost around €15 one way, making it a favorite among travelers in Greece wishing to visit Turkey on a day trip.

Milas-Bodrum is the city’s airport with regular flights from Istanbul. As an international airport, it welcomes seasonal charter flights from across Europe and the Middle East in the summers. Milas-Bodrum is 45km from the town center. Buses generally run to and from the city several times during the day and are very cheap at €1.65 per ride. In comparison, a taxi to the town costs €16.50, but you can bargain with the driver to reduce the fare. It is also possible to reach Bordum by bus from Istanbul and Izmir. The latter being the closest train station and an alternate airport option. However, bus journeys are long and tiring.
 

Port of Bodrum

A small harbor, Bodrum Port is only 2km from the city center. The port has a finger pier that can accommodate two large ships. Ferries sometimes use this pier in the summer months. If you sail in with ferry tickets to Bodrum, you’ll find the ferry terminal to have duty-free shops, a café, an information booth, car rental services, as well as access to taxis and buses. The port itself has three ferry ramps and a marina with space for 30 mega yachts.
 

Best Beaches

Lively, secluded, sandy, or appropriate for water sports, beaches in Bodrum are among the city’s main highlights, best enjoyed during the warm months of June, July, and August.

Yahşi Plajı

A broad and open bay, Yahşi beach is a popular choice among locals and tourists. While not entirely sandy, it is worth taking the 35-minute drive to this coastline to enjoy the refreshingly transparent sea, ideal for snorkeling. The area around the beach remains animated thanks to plentiful restaurants, a marina, activities for kids, and water sports. When renting a sunbed, pick one in the front so you can catch a glimpse of Kos in the distance while lounging around. To reach Yahşi by public transport, take the bus from Bodrum for only €0.60.

Camel Beach

This sandy stretch of shoreline gets its name because you can ride camels on the beach. Evidently, you’ll see many families here. A camel ride usually costs €2 for up to 3 people per camel. The clear blue calm waters are the other major temptation of the beach, where tour boats regularly arrive by noon. The sea does get deep rather quickly here, so parents must keep younger kids under watch. Sunbed rentals vary according to the season. They range from €5 to €15, including food tokens and entry charges.

Gümbet Beach

Even though the sand here comes mixed with pebbles and stones, Gümbet is among the top beaches in Bodrum. Ten minutes from town, this strand lies on the top end of a bay resulting in clean and tranquil waters. However, the stillness of the water juxtaposes with the dynamic nature of the coastline lined with hotels, cafés playing loud music, restaurants, sun loungers and umbrellas occupying the sand, and numerous water sports options. If it is peace you want, head out to the edges of the beach, which are also more kid-friendly.   

Bitez Beach

The bay next to Gümbet has a more subdued personality, although its shallow waters are much preferred by visiting families. This single beach is excellent for sunbathing and offers a range of water sports for thrill-seekers. Situated about 15 minutes from Bodrum center, there are several cafes and hotels in the vicinity of this quiet paradise.

Gümüşlük Beach

A leisurely 30-minute westward drive from Bodrum brings you to a village with an authentic charm located in a sheltered bay. The beach here is a combination of sand and stone with areas that are deep and shallow. Gümüşlük is famous for its Myndos ruins, some of which are underwater and visible while snorkeling in the bay. The mellow atmosphere of the village usually attracts couples, who then get to savor the best seafood in the region at many of the seaside restaurants here.
 

Places to Visit

Bodrum is bursting with an assortment of sightseeing possibilities, from ancient sites and classic beachside attractions to museums and cultural excursions. While many tourists come here for a day, you need at least a long weekend to discover its many treasures.

Castle of St. Peter

Constructed by the Knights of St. John, Bodrum Castle dates back to the 15^th-century. Additions were made to the castle over the following centuries, particularly a minaret by the Ottoman Empire. Besides being one of the best vantage points in the city, the fortification now houses the renowned Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Among the exhibitions at the museum are the Turkish Bath, Coins and Jewelry Hall, the Glass Hall, and the Carian Princess display. Entry tickets for the museum are €2.50 per adult.

Windmills of Bodrum

You’ll notice stone and wooden windmills dotted across the entire Bodrum region, but the seven on Gümbet Hill are the most visited by tourists. It’s a short hike up the hill, or you can always take a quick taxi ride. The views are unquestionably stunning from here, amplified further by the rising or setting sun. Built in the 18th-century, the windmills are no longer in use and are in a state of ruin. Nevertheless, they make for a fantastic photo opportunity that is not to be missed. Most city tours typically stop at the windmills. You can also find some more Bodrum windmills en-route to Turgutreis.

Türkbükü

A playground for the rich and famous, Göltürkbükü is also known as the ‘St. Tropez of Turkey’. A picturesque guarded bay, it is a luxury destination with top hotels, beach resorts, and shopping breaks, located an hour away from Bodrum. No day at Türkbükü is complete without a stroll around its bazaar, where you’ll find an array of handmade products, souvenirs, and specialty boutiques. Of course, just like elsewhere in the peninsula, set aside some time to enjoy the beach.  

Limon Gümüşlük

Limon Gümüşlük is hands down the most romantic restaurant in the city, and it’s not even near the sea. You do, however, have excellent views of the Aegean from the hill that houses the restaurant. Guests sit out in a garden, under trees, and hanging lightbulbs. While open for breakfast and lunch, the ambiance is exceptionally amorous during the sunset diner service. Adding to its rustic and somewhat hipster persona is the menu that includes salads, grilled octopus, and various freshly prepared meats and seafood.

Zeki Muren Arts Museum

The Zeki Muren Arts Museums celebrates Turkey’s most eccentric musician, actor, and artist. Zeki spent the last 20 years of his life in Bodrum, and the museum, featuring his paintings, jewelry, and flamboyant costumes, is in the house he spent those years. An icon of the LGBTQ+ community, he is often known as the ‘Elvis of Turkey’ or Sanat Güneşi – the ‘Sun of Art’. Entry tickets for the museum are priced at €1.
 

Transportation Around Bodrum

Divided into east and west, traveling around Bodrum is reasonably straightforward. Walk around the center to appreciate the buildings and get a feel of the local hustle and bustle. When you are ready to leave the crowds behind, hop into a taxi or the local dolmuş to your next destination. While taxis are fast but expensive, the minibusses are cheap but run-on fixed routes. They do stop anywhere on their way to pick up and drop off passengers. The frequency of the buses increases during tourist seasons, and they are as good as driving your car when wishing to visit nearby villages.

Renting cars is an easy process and prevalent among tourists. Many travelers arriving for the day with ferry tickets to Bodrum prefer to take pre-organized tours of the region. Alternatively, during the summer months, you may book a boat tour that lets you explore the coastline and its hidden gems.