📍 Where Is Bodrum?

Bodrum is a vibrant coastal city in southern Turkey, extending into the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Known for its beaches, historic sites, and lively summer atmosphere, it has become one of Turkey’s most popular holiday destinations — not only for locals but also for international travelers.

The high tourist season runs from June to September, during which accommodation and flight prices can skyrocket to 2–4 times their off-season rates. That’s why we chose to visit in late May, just before the seasonal surge — and it was perfect.

Thanks to its location, Bodrum (along with nearby cities like Antalya and Mersin) enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round. Even in winter, temperatures hover around 15–17°C, making it a great option if you’re looking to escape the cold elsewhere.

🛬 Day 1 – Arrival and Hotel Bliss

🚌 Getting to Bodrum

We flew into Milas–Bodrum Airport, from where shuttle buses conveniently run to Gümbet Bus Terminal (the main transit hub near the city center). The ride takes about 50–55 minutes and costs 100 TL — cash only.

From Gümbet, you have a few options to reach your hotel or the city center:

1. Local minibus (dolmuş): The cheapest option (about 50 TL), but can be confusing to navigate without Turkish, as signs are rarely in English and drivers don’t usually speak it.
2. Taxi: We ended up taking a cab for 400 TL (around $10 USD). Quick and easy, and honestly a good deal if you're carrying luggage.

🏨 Staying at an All-Inclusive Hotel

Most hotels in Bodrum operate on an all-inclusive basis — which, we discovered, is amazing value. Think unlimited meals (yes, even midnight snacks!), alcohol, beach access, pools, and live entertainment at night — all included.

While there are standard hotels too, I highly recommend the all-inclusive option. Compared to similar resorts in places like Alanya, Antalya, or even international destinations like Malta, Nice, or Santorini, Bodrum offers far better value for money.

🏛️ Exploring the City

Even though our hotel was incredibly tempting, we couldn’t resist exploring. We hopped on a local bus heading to the port area — they run every 20 minutes from most hotel districts. Walking is also possible (about 50 minutes) and worth it if the weather’s nice.

Along the way, we passed whitewashed houses with blooming flowers, charming alleyways, and even stumbled upon Myndos Gate, a historical remnant from the time of ancient Halicarnassus — and totally free to visit.

Soon we arrived at the waterfront, where the impressive Bodrum Castle (also known as the Castle of St. Peter) dominates the skyline.

1. 🏰 Bodrum Castle & Museum of Underwater Archaeology

   Built between 1402–1437 by the Knights Hospitaller, this castle blends Gothic and Ottoman styles and once protected the region from pirates. Inside, you’ll also find one of Turkey’s best museums.

   1. Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
   2. Admission: €24
   3. UNESCO Tentative List Info
2.  

🛍️ Shopping at the Bazaar

The bazaar is the heart of Bodrum — bustling with souvenir stalls, Turkish textiles, handmade pottery, sweets, and seafood restaurants overlooking the Aegean. It’s a sensory treat, and a great place to pick up gifts or enjoy local food with a sea breeze.

After a full day of walking and sightseeing, we returned to our hotel for some beachside relaxation and unlimited dinner, just in time to watch the sunset over the sea.

🌅 Day 2 – History, Views & Chill

Leaving our dreamy hotel wasn’t easy, but we made the most of our second day. After checking out, we walked about 30 minutes to another historical gem — the Bodrum Antique Theatre.

🏛️ Bodrum Antique Theatre

Dating back to the 4th century BC, this ancient amphitheater mirrors the architectural style of classical Greek theaters. With tiered stone seating and an ocean view backdrop, it's an incredible spot to imagine the cultural life of ancient Halicarnassus. There's no entry fee, and it’s open all day — though keep in mind it can get very hot in the sun.

⛵ Bodrum Marina & Yacht Life

We headed back toward the Bodrum Marina, where dozens of yachts bobbed in the harbor. It's a lovely area to relax — we grabbed a coffee at one of the cafés overlooking the water.

If you have more time, yacht tours (half-day, full-day, or multi-day) around the Aegean are widely available and can be a luxurious way to experience the coastline.

Want to escape the crowds? Take a 20-minute walk from the bazaar through a charming arcade street lined with wine shops and boutiques to Marina Yacht Club Bodrum. This area has elegant, peaceful restaurants and cafés — a quieter contrast to the lively bazaar.