|
Province: Muğla
Region: Aegean
Airport: Bodrum Milas
Resorts: Bodrum, Gümbet, Bitez, Ortakent, Turgutreis, Torba, Türkbükü und Gölköy, Gundogan, Yalıkavak, Gümüşlük, Akyarlar.
Transfer Time: 30-45 minutes (Depending on resort)
The Aegean town and yachting port of Bodrum is one of Turkey's longest established resorts. It boasts world-class facilities including it's own airport, and a wealth of history, most notably the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The main resort itself has long been a favourite holiday destination of the Turkish elite and as such, there is a vibrant nightlife scene. The close-by resort of Gümbet is also famed for its discos and bars. In contrast, the Bodrum peninsula offers a calmer alternative: a shore line characterised by charming fishing villages with whitewashed houses, crystal clear water and a welcoming breeze.
Things to Do In and Around Bodrum:
· Halicarnassos Mausoleum is Bodrum's oldest and most significant antiquity, given it's status as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Mausoleum was built by Artemisia II in honour of her husband King Mausolos and it is indeed this name from which the word "mausoleum" is derived . In it's entirety, the structure stood at over 50 metres in height. Reliefs from the Mausoleum, including frescos, were brought to the British Museum in London in 1846.
· The Castle of St. Peter is without a doubt the most prominent feature of the Bodrum landscape. This impressive structure dates back to the medieval knights of St. John, a catholic order which later became a military alliance that acted as defenders of the Christian faith. Construction of the castle began in the 1400s, and the Knights made use of materials from the tomb of King Mausolus. Interestingly, the exact stones taken from the site can today be identified by their greenish tinge. A detailed description of the history of the Castle can be found on the Bodrum Bodrum website. Today the Castle is home to the Underwater Museum, exhibits include an ancient shipwreck and various other antiquities found in the area.
· Bodrum Amphitheatre is another structure accredited to the reign of King Mausolus, although it wasn't fully completed until the Roman era. Situated on the hillside over looking the resort, the theatre had a capacity in the region of 13,000. The theatre has been diligently restored and today houses the September Festival.
· Myndos Gate, a further relic from King Mausolus's time, is the most significant remaining part of the original city wall. Located on the west side of the resort, this was one of two entrances to ancient Halicarnassus. The gate is named after the town which it faced, Myndos (now Gümüslük).
· Milas/Mylasa was in it's day and important trade centre. Today evidence of it's ancient history include a Roman tomb, a temple and a section of city wall. Situated north of Milas, Labranda was a site dedicated to Zeus and connected to Mylasa by a 12km scared road. It occupies a prime hill-top location and the remains of the temple itself, an acropolis, a 4th century tomb, some Roman baths and a Byzantine Church have been identified.
· Shopping lovers are spoilt for choice with Bodrum's many weekly markets. In the main resort, there is a fabric and clothing market on Tuesdays and food markets on both Thursdays and Fridays. Gümüşlük and Ortakent both hold markets on a Wednesday, Yalıkavak on a Thursday, Bitez on a Friday and Gümbet on Sundays. Turgutreis also has a Saturday market. As if this wasn't enough, Bitez now hosts it's own flea market on the first Sunday of every month.
· Why not take advantage of Bodrum's alluring coast line, crystal clear water and cooling breeze by going on a daily boat trip, stopping off at secluded coves for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. Alternatively, in the area's maritime tradition, charter a yacht from one of the many locally-based agencies.
· Take in stunning coastal scenery, lush woodlands and historic ruins that otherwise would be missed, by Exploring the Bodrum Peninsula on foot using one of the established Walking Trails.
· The Greek island of Kos is within easy reach of Bodrum by boat and is a popular day-trip with visitors to the resort. Services run daily throughout the summer months, departing at around 9am and returning in the late afternoon/early evening. The journey lasts approximately 50 minutes.
· Bodrum's prime position along the Aegean coast is ideal for Diving. There are numerous dive sites in the vicinity of the resort and the Peninsula. You can hope to see lobster, crayfish, barracuda, octopus, sea bass and shoals of sea bream to name but a few.
· Iassos is thought to have been founded by the Peloponnesians in the 9th century B.C. The most significant structure remaining today is the city wall, built by King Mausolus. In addition, the remains of a roman villa, a Byzantine castle and a theatre have also been uncovered at the site.
More about Bodrum
|
