Top 15 Unique Experiences in Bodrum, Turkey

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was constructed in what is now the contemporary resort town of Bodrum on the Aegean Sea.

During the Medieval period, both marble and polished stone from this grand monument were repurposed for a castle by the Knights Hospitaller, and many exquisite sculptures ultimately became part of the British Museum’s collection.

Indicators of the ancient city of Halicarnassus can be found throughout the town, including at the theatre, Myndos Gate, and the mausoleum’s original location.

Bodrum is situated on a rugged peninsula where bays with pristine, sparkling waters are nestled between headlands.

This location offers the unique opportunity to balance exhilarating archaeological exploration with relaxation on sun loungers by picturesque coves.

1. Bodrum Castle (Castle of St Peter)

Perched on a promontory east of Bodrum’s harbor is Bodrum Castle, constructed at the beginning of the 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller.

This strategic site has been fortified for over 3,000 years and is likely the location of Mausolus’ palace from the 4th century BCE.

A notable feature of this structure is that materials from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus were repurposed for its walls, either ground into dust to create lime or simply incorporated directly.

The castle represents an international collaboration, with its four towers named after the nations of their builders: German, Italian, French, and English.

In the 16th century, it fell to Suleiman the Magnificent and later became a prison in 1895.

2. Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Since the 1960s, the castle has served as a captivating museum dedicated to underwater discoveries from Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern shipwreck sites throughout the Turkish Aegean.

This institution boasts the largest collection in Turkey focused on this area, showcasing a remarkable array of Mycenaean copper ingots and vases, Ancient Egyptian seals, royal Carian jewelry, Roman amphorae, Medieval Islamic glassware, a Spanish four-Real piece from the 16th century, and many more artifacts.

These items are displayed within the castle’s historic interiors and are accompanied by engaging information, such as a timeline of amphora development.

The museum also includes two reconstructed shipwrecks from the Bronze Age and Medieval periods.

3. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The iconic tomb that first established the term “mausoleum” was created in Halicarnassus for the Carian satrap Mausolus (d. 353 BCE). Elevated on a grand podium, this awe-inspiring monument stood 45 meters tall, adorned with reliefs on each facade skillfully crafted by distinguished Greek sculptors of the 4th century BCE, namely Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas of Paros, and Timotheus.

Earthquakes between the 11th and 14th centuries ultimately toppled the structure, marking it as the final one of the six ancient wonders to succumb to destruction.

Most of the marble blocks and polished stone were repurposed for use in Bodrum Castle; nevertheless, despite its now modest state, the original mausoleum site holds significant meaning due to its historical impact.

Numerous notable sculptures were removed during the 19th century and are currently exhibited in the British Museum, yet the remaining reliefs, fluted columns, and a staircase offer a glimpse into its past glory.

This site also includes a small exhibition featuring a video that outlines the timelines of the mausoleum, amphitheatre, and castle.

4. Theatre of Halicarnassus

A short walk from the mausoleum site leads to the Greek-style theatre, constructed during the reign of Mausolus in the 4th century BCE and later expanded by the Romans in the 2nd century CE.

The architect designed this venue to offer spectacular views of the Aegean from its seating area.

In its prime, this theatre accommodated around 13,000 spectators, and it still has enough structural integrity to serve as a cultural venue for performances during the peak tourist season.

Visitors can also appreciate the excavated hillside, which illustrates the continuation of the seating area up the slope.

5. Zeki Müren Arts Museum

The renowned singer and actor Zeki Müren (1931-1996) is an influential figure in Turkish popular culture and spent a significant portion of his life, particularly his later years, in Bodrum.

Müren appeared in numerous films and recorded over 30 albums, and his impact on the arts is profound.

Following his death, his residence on the street that bears his name in Bodrum was converted into a museum.

Müren’s extravagant taste is evident in his stage costumes and photographs, yet the home itself is understated, providing a poignant representation of a man pursuing a tranquil life.

The museum houses a variety of memorabilia, including jewelry, audio equipment, and paintings he created, with an English introduction available at the entrance to familiarize visitors with Müren’s career.

6. Bodrum Deniz Müzesi (Maritime Museum)

Bodrum has a long-standing history in shipbuilding, with the industry receiving a significant boost in the early 19th century when Ottoman warships were constructed here.

However, as demand diminished in the mid-19th century, that shipbuilding expertise was redirected toward crafting three-masted gulets (schooners) for trade, fishing, and sponge diving.

In 2011, Bodrum’s maritime museum relocated to the historic bazaar building (bedesten) adjacent to the castle, featuring numerous models of the wooden vessels built in Bodrum.

Notably, much of the displayed items, including 6,000 seashells from around the globe, originate from the personal collection of Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (1886-1973), a writer exiled to Bodrum in 1925. He earned the nickname “Fisherman of Halicarnassus” and is recognized for enhancing Bodrum’s reputation among 20th-century Turkish intellectuals.

7. Bitez Beach

While the public beach in Bodrum is satisfactory, venturing a bit further reveals some exceptional beaches situated within a few kilometers.

The acclaimed Blue Flag Bitez Beach lies just a short distance west and is considered one of the finest on the entire peninsula, particularly suitable for families with younger children.

Shielded from the east by a long headland, Bitez Beach features a crescent-shaped bay with pebbly sand (be sure to bring flip-flops) and a large expanse of shallow, warm, transparent waters.

Similar to other tourist beaches around Bodrum, the coastline is lined with restaurants, many of which offer sun loungers at no additional cost with the purchase of beverages or meals.

Despite the bustling atmosphere, Bitez remains significantly more tranquil than Gümbet and central Bodrum.

8. Ortakent-Yahşi Beach

Approximately ten kilometers west of central Bodrum is one of the longest beaches on the peninsula, located between the two villages of Ortakent (to the east) and Yahşi (to the west) which have merged into a single municipality.

The two ends of this beach offer distinct experiences: Yahşi is more tourist-oriented, providing restaurants, shops, and a jetty for boat excursions, whereas Ortakent, accessible over the Uludere river inlet, is more serene and flanked by hotels and holiday rentals.

During peak season, every inch of the crescent-shaped pebble beach becomes filled with sun loungers and parasols.

Typically, drinks are included in the rental fee, allowing visitors to cool off by wading into the clear Aegean waters.

There is a strip of greenery along the beach, utilized for outdoor seating by nearby bars and restaurants, occasionally adorned with cabanas and hammocks nestled among the palms.

9. Pedasa

Situated atop the rugged spine of the Bodrum Peninsula are the remnants of the ancient Carian settlement of Pedasa.

Hiking to Pedasa from Bodrum’s Konacık can serve as a refreshing escape from the busy resort atmosphere, meandering through fragrant maquis shrub and quiet forests shaded by pines, cedars, and larches.

The ample shade allows for a morning hike even during the hot summer months, provided ample water is brought along.

The evocative remains at Pedasa date back to between the 11th and 6th century BCE, with recent excavations revealing a temple dedicated to Athena.

This archaeological site, spread across multiple hilltops, offers stunning 360° views of the peninsula and the Aegean Sea.

10. Windmills of Bodrum

The Bodrum Peninsula is sprinkled with charming remnants of a pre-tourism era, dating back as far as the 1700s.

These windmills are found in varying conditions of repair and are strategically positioned atop ridges to harness the breeze.

Among them, a row of eight windmills lies conveniently close to central Bodrum, situated along the peninsula between this resort and neighboring Gümbet.

With their whitewashed exteriors, these circular structures stand out vividly against the blues and browns of the surrounding land and sea.

In addition to their historical significance, the windmills offer panoramic vistas of the sparkling turquoise bays, sprawling resort areas, and the verdant coniferous hills that surround them.

11. Bodrum Harbour

It is intriguing to consider that ships have been arriving at Bodrum Harbour, nestled snugly behind the castle, for over 3,000 years.

Along the western side of the harbor lies Milta Bodrum Marina, regarded as one of the most distinguished marinas in the Aegean region.

This Blue Flag facility features 450 berths, some occupied by lavish super yachts.

For land-based visitors, the harbor, adorned with wide promenades and surrounded by palm and eucalyptus trees, serves as an ideal place to wander and observe the comings and goings of ferries, especially enchanting during sunset.

Back along the streets adjoining the harbor, one can find an unbroken succession of restaurants and cafés that capitalize on these scenic views.

The harbor is also home to traditional three-masted gulets, meticulously constructed right here in Bodrum.

12. Bardakçı Koyu (Bardakci Cove)

On the eastern side of the headland housing the windmills lies a charming cove with pool-like waters.

The only drawback to Bardakçı Koyu is the absence of a public beach, necessitating payment for a sun lounger from one of the three hotels situated in the cove (approximately 50TL or $8.50 as of 2020). The good news is that a scenic water taxi can transport you across the bay from Bodrum Harbour, with departures every ten minutes.

This journey is a delightful way to arrive, and once there, visitors can enjoy swimming in sparkling waters with soft sand underfoot, virtually free of seaweed.

13. Myndos Gate

The final remnant of the seven-kilometer walls of Halicarnassus is situated in the western area of Bodrum.

These fortifications were erected in the 4th century BCE by Mausolus, the satrap of Caria, with Myndos Gate serving as one of two monumental entrances.

Although the stonework on the two gate towers represents a modern interpretation, the area is of significant archaeological interest, showcasing vaulted tombs from both the Hellenistic and Roman periods nearby.

Visitors can still view approximately 50 meters of the surrounding ditch, which historically impeded Alexander the Great’s conquest of the city in 334 BCE.

Information plaques surrounding the site elucidate its historical relevance.

14. Midtown Shopping Centre

In a reflection of contemporary trends, a lavish shopping mall has opened in Ortakent, situated less than ten kilometers west of central Bodrum.

On particularly hot days, one might appreciate the comfort of this air-conditioned venue.

Midtown Shopping Centre features numerous well-known international brands typically associated with European high streets, such as Marks & Spencer, Gap, L’Occitane, Mango, H&M, Yves Rocher, and MediaMarkt.

A substantial food court is also available, offering popular Turkish establishments alongside global fast food franchises like McDonald’s, Burger King, Popeyes, and Starbucks.

In addition, like most malls, Midtown includes a multiplex cinema showcasing both Turkish and international films, albeit often with dubbed audio.

15. Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip

Orak Island, located in the Aegean Sea east of Bodrum, offers a glimpse back at a long stretch of largely uninhabited peninsula.

A day-long cruise allows visitors to experience the beauty of this setting through GetYourGuide.com.

After departing from Bodrum Harbour in the late morning, the cruise includes a stop at the stunning Red Bay, followed by an anchoring at Orak Island Bay, where swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters is encouraged, alongside relaxation on a pristine sandy beach.

Lunch is typically served onboard, featuring a fresh salad and grilled chicken.

Subsequently, additional swimming stops are included, with the opportunity to enjoy views of the peninsula as the day winds down over slices of melon and cups of Turkish tea.