Turkey’s historic city of Bodrum, located on the Aegean coast, is a great place to discover a bit of history in a relaxed, moderate climate. Originally a sleepy fishing and sponge-diving village, the last half-century has seen Bodrum evolve into the bustling town it is today.
Bodrum is a very popular place for yachting, and charter yachts are available in plenty for those who don’t have a yacht of their own. There’s also a decent beach, although Bodrum is better known for its historical sites, including the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the fifteenth-century Bodrum Castle. The castle also houses a fascinating Museum of Underwater Architecture, which includes treasures from shipwrecks dating back as far as the fourteenth century BC.
Accommodation in Bodrum is a mix between resort-style and smaller, family run hotels. Guest houses and hotels are known to fill up quickly so it’s best to book ahead. Many travellers catch boats to Bodrum from Rhodes, although a number of flights operate from Bodrum-Milas airport, about 20 miles outside of town.