In addition to a light tan and splashing in the warm sea, you can receive a boost of new emotions, walking along the streets of a provincial resort. Bodrum is reminiscent of Greece, which makes it even more beautiful.
Getting acquainted with the ancient buildings of Bodrum
Fortress of the ancient city of Pedas
Travel time takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The route starts in the northern part of Bodrum. It leads to the ancient citadel of Gokcheler.
The starting point begins on a gradually ascending trail, offering beautiful views of the resort. From there, it smoothly transitions to the fortress. At the intersection of two valleys, you can observe the northern and southwest parts of the peninsula. The Lelleg Castle and a couple of buildings from the ancient period have been preserved here.
Ruins of fortresses near the village of Girel
Hiking calculated for 4 hours.
You can see the preserved ancient fortresses.
The starting point is located at the intersection between Dagbelen and Gelem. Along the way, you will encounter the settlement of Oren, where the ruins of the Byzantine temple complex of Telmis are located nearby. Upon reaching the village of Girel-Avlusu, the route goes up the Karadag Mountain. By the way, the mountain village is abandoned, like many others on the peninsula.
Near the top of the mountain lies the Leleg town of Side, where the remains of the Gurel and Oren forts have been preserved. Later they were used as defensive structures. Having bypassed the southern and western slopes, we return back.
Fortress in Icmeler
The starting point is from the settlement of Kızılyğaç, located in the eastern part of Bodrum. The ruins of the fortress are impressive in their grandeur. The route ends at the seaside, where you can swim in the cool Aegean Sea.
Walking through the towns and cities near Bodrum
Viewing the Leleg houses
Travel time takes up to 4 hours.
Route walk allows you to see buildings that belong to different historical periods.
The starting point is Gökçeler. From there, the trail leads up to the Chukurbogaz pass. After passing through Evdil-Oren and Koja-Oren, you will reach the Gekçeler fortress. Then, you descend back to the town.
Sandima settlement and Partipanas rock
Travel time takes 1 hour 50 minutes.
This route offers exceptional scenic views.
By following this route, you can enjoy exceptional picturesque views.
The meeting point is Yalıkavaktan. From there, the road leads to the Partipanass rock, passing through the old village of Sandıma. Along the way, you can learn about the abandoned settlement and its life before its abandonment. The hike concludes by descending the slopes of Mount Karakuş back to the initial meeting point.
Gerish village along the Karasulu ridge
Travel time takes up to 4 hours.
Great views will accompany you throughout the hike.
The hike starts from Yalıkavak. The path passes through the abandoned village of Sandıma towards the Partipanass rock. The route then goes up the slopes of the Karasu Mountain Range. Here, you will find the village of Geriş. On the way back, you follow the Karakaya ridges southward towards the settlement.
Girel-Avlusu village
You need to allocate 3 hours to bypass the route.
This is an ancient path, along which they once reached the mountain village on a beast of burden.
The trail starts from Yukarykellekiry and goes westward, passing by a reservoir called Çukur Bogazı. It then leads to the foothills of Karadag and Oyukludag mountains. After passing through them, you will reach the village of Girel-Avlusu, and then the village of Dagbelen.
Tiangel City
The ancient settlement was built by the Romans. You will have a unique opportunity to explore its Greek heritage on your own. To reach it, you should head northeast from Yalıçiftlik, following a forest path uphill. At the end of the hike, you can take a dip in the cleanest bay of Bodrum.
Exploring Bodrum's Local Attractions
The Gebekse Church
Travel time takes up to 3 hours.
Although Gebe is usually called a church, in fact, this is an ordinary old cemetery.
Starting your journey north of the Gekçeler Citadel, you will reach the town of İnçirli. The road to Gebekse Church leads through a mountain ascent. Its surroundings are densely covered with poppy flowers, making it easy to lose track of the trail, which occasionally hides among the grass. From the sanctuary, you descend to Demir or Torba.
Sacred sights of the city of Termer
The route takes 2 hours in total.
You will have the opportunity to see the place where, according to mythology, one event took place in the life of Hercules.
You can only get to the village of Mandyra by car, as it is located on Mount Bagla. This is followed by a walk to the mountain peak Asarlyk and to Termera, then we keep our way back.
On the tourist route, you will come across old foundations that belong to Lelleg structures. On the northern side of the trail, there is a huge wall built of stones. At the very top, away from the eyes, in Termara's Asarlık, there are ruins of rock tombs and several chapels. This place is considered sacred.
Overnight walk along the Royal Path
Travel time takes from 14 hours. On the hike you will spend 3 days and 2 nights in tents.
The trail leads through picturesque places that are famous for their rich historical past.
The "Path of the Ancient King" starts from the ancient port town of Herakleia (modern-day Kapiçıkırı), located on the shores of Lake Bafa. The road leads to Mount Beşparmak (Latmos) and its caves. Inside, you can admire prehistoric frescoes and paintings that date back to the early Christian period. Further along the itinerary are the ruins of the Arap-Avlusu Monastery.
Shrines of the Byzantine period Derekey - Yalykavak - Yakakoy
The walk starts from the tangerine grove. Along the way, there are church shrines of the Byzantine period, rock tombs, graves that resemble miniature pyramids in shape. To get a thrill, climb the Sivri-Kaya rock.
For enthusiasts of outdoor activities and ancient history, there is plenty to engage with. A well-chosen route, a few hours on the trail, and the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views of the resort and uncover its secrets – everything that a seasoned traveler needs.
