Bodrum Travelers Recommend

One of Turkey’s most popular coastal resorts and the gateway to the picturesque Bodrum Peninsula, Bodrum has a wealth of natural and historical sights right on its doorstep. Three days gives you plenty of time to lounge on the idyllic beaches and explore farther afield. Here’s how to spend three days in Bodrum.

Day 1: Sightseeing and Sunbathing

Take a guided city tour this morning to help you maximize your time. Learn about Bodrum’s ancient Greek history at the Bodrum amphitheater; visit the Myndos Gate to see the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; then drive along the coast to see the Bodrum windmills. Visit the landmark Castle of St. Peter and its Museum of Underwater Archaeology, then enjoy lunch with a view of the ocean at the Palmarina. In the afternoon, head to Bodrum’s main beach, Kumbahce, to swim, take part in water sports such as kayaking, and enjoy sunset cocktails at a beachside bar. Stick around after dark to experience Bodrum’s legendary nightlife—the city’s most popular nightclubs are located along the beachfront.

Day 2: Explore the Bodrum Peninsula

Set sail on a catamaran or private yacht today, stopping to swim and snorkel at Aquarium Bay, ride a camel along Camel Beach, or discover the natural caves of Black Island. For the best value, opt for a full-day tour including lunch. Alternatively, take a day trip to a Greek island: to Rhodes, where you can visit the medieval town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and admire the magnificent Palace of the Grand Masters, or ride the hydrofoil to Kos to explore ancient ruins and beautiful beaches. Back in Bodrum, book a table at one of the city’s seafront restaurants and sample typical Turkish cuisine, or head out to the Karnas Vineyards for a romantic dinner and wine tasting.

Day 3: Experience Turkish Culture

On your last day, gain insight into traditional rural life on a Jeep safari or village tour of the Bodrum Peninsula. Visit the town of Turgutreis or the lively seaside resort of Gümüslük, where you can browse the local markets, sample typical Turkish foods and wines, or visit a local farm. In the afternoon, plan a fun activity such as a buggy ride or a horseback ride, and discover the wild landscapes on an off-road adventure. Families might opt to visit Dedeman Aquapark, which has thrilling slides, wave pools, and activities for all ages. Relax and unwind with a visit to a Turkish bath and top off your trip with a traditional hammam and foam massage. 

Blessed with an idyllic setting along the Turquoise Coast, Bodrum has long been one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resorts and cruise destinations. With just one day, you’ll have enough time to take in the highlights, admire the ocean views, and get a taste of Turkish culture and cuisine. Here’s how to spend one day in Bodrum. 

Morning: Cruise the Coast

The best views of Bodrum are from the water, and there are numerous options for boat cruises. Join a half-day catamaran cruise around the Bodrum Peninsula, or opt for a private boat cruise for a personalized experience and enjoy a delicious lunch onboard. A typical cruise itinerary explores the peninsula’s bays and islands, many of which are only reachable by boat. Perhaps stop to discover the natural caves and hot springs of Black Island, ride a camel along Camel Beach, or marvel at the many tropical fish in Aquarium Bay. Don’t forget your swimsuit—the clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

Afternoon: Sightseeing in the City

It’s possible to reach Bodrum’s main sights on foot, and a guided walking tour will ensure that you maximize your time. Discover Bodrum’s ancient past—the modern city is built on the site of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus—as you visit ruins such as the Myndos Gate and Bodrum Amphitheater, which also offers a spectacular view over the city. Pay a visit to the landmark Castle of St. Peter, which affords stunning coastal views and houses the excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Then head to the Palmarina, Bodrum’s lively marina, lined with colorful boats, souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Night: Drink, Dine, and Dance

Bodrum’s nightlife is legendary, and the aptly named Bodrum Bar Street is buzzing with activity all night long. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sample the local spirit raki, and stop at one of the many bars playing traditional Turkish music before dancing into the early hours at one of the city’s beachfront nightclubs. Alternatively, escape the busy beachside bars for a relaxing dinner at the Karnas Vineyards, where you can sample typical Turkish cuisine and discover the region’s fine wines during a guided tasting. 

Two days in Bodrum, one of Turkey’s most popular resort towns, gives you enough time to explore the Bodrum Peninsula, immerse yourself in local culture, and swim at the beautiful beaches. Here’s how to get the most out of 48 hours in this popular Turquoise Coast destination.

Day 1: Ancient Wonders and Turkish Traditions

**Morning:**Pay a visit to the famous Turgutreis market, held each Saturday morning in the nearby village of Turgutreis. Alternatively, a tour of the picturesque villages around Bodrum or a visit to the Bodrum bazaar offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkish life and culture.   

**Afternoon:**Take in the city sights on a guided walking tour. Admire the views from the hilltop Bodrum amphitheater, which dates back to the 4th century; see the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; and visit the Castle of St. Peter, now home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.  

**Night:**A stroll around Bodrum Marina is most atmospheric at sunset, after which you can tuck into typical Turkish cuisine at one of the many restaurants or go barhopping along Bar Street. Top off the evening by dipping into Bodrum’s legendary nightlife at one of the beachfront nightclubs. 

Day 2: Cruise the Coast

**Morning:**You can’t visit Bodrum without cruising the coast, so set sail around the Bodrum Peninsula on a full-day tour and explore the tranquil bays, sandy beaches, and rocky coves. Alternatively, take a day trip to the Greek island of Rhodes and its medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or Kos, with its ancient ruins and idyllic beaches.

**Afternoon:**After working up an appetite swimming and snorkeling in the Mediterranean, enjoy a delicious lunch onboard the tour boat. Then, spend the afternoon discovering the peninsula, stopping at sites only accessible by boat such as Aquarium Bay or Camel Beach, where you can opt for a camel ride along the shore. 

**Night:**Relax and unwind after a busy day of swimming and sightseeing by visiting a traditional Turkish bath for a relaxing sauna and foam massage. Alternatively, head out of the city for a romantic dinner at the Karnas Vineyards, where you can sample typical Turkish cuisine and discover the region’s fine wines during a guided tasting. 

With the Mediterranean waters offering high visibility, warm temperatures, and a variety of underwater environments, the Bodrum Peninsula is among Turkey’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. Before you put on your fins and pop in your mouthpiece, read below to find out more about Bodrum’s must-see underwater sites.

Black Island (Karaada)

Situated off Bodrum's shore, Black Island is one of the most popular dive spots in the peninsula. Among the most interesting underwater sights is Bubble Cave, where divers can find funky multicolored sponges and swim up through the cave’s ceiling chimney, which is filled with rising Champagne-like bubbles.

Big and Small Reefs

Located between Bodrum and Black Island, this pair of neighboring reefs are just 650 feet (200 meters) apart, making it possible to explore both in one outing. Marine life, from sponges to schools of grouper, sea bass, and scorpionfish, can all be spotted here, with sea turtles and barracudas occasionally showing their faces, too.

Pinar 1 Shipwreck

At the depths of the bay not far from Black Island sits the wreck of Pinar 1, a Turkish naval ship sunk in 2007 to create an artificial reef. Divers descend to between 59 feet (18 meters) and 108 feet (33 meters) to explore the captain’s room, the deck, and the wheelhouse of the vessel.

Dakota Plane Wreck

The intentionally sunk C-47 Dakota Plane—once used by the Turkish Air Force—now lies on the sea bed near Pacoz Bay. Split into different sections by storms, parts of the plane are now strewn along the sea bed with marine life, including groupers, present at each.