We will tell you about the most popular attractions in Bodrum that every tourist should visit.
Bodrum has long been considered an elite resort on the Aegean coast, accessible exclusively to wealthy Europeans. Today the affordable price policy makes it available to a larger public. Moreover, on the territory of Bodrum and its environs, there is something to do, in addition to the traditional beach holiday.
Historical sights of Bodrum
The must visit list of almost every tourist who comes to Bodrum includes St. Peter's Castle, a mausoleum and an amphitheater. But besides these cultural monuments, Bodrum has something to surprise guests with.
Saint Peter's Castle
Saint Peter's Castle is deservedly considered one of the visiting cards of Bodrum. The structure, built in the 15th century, has been perfectly preserved to this day. The castle's centuries-old history remembers it as both a fortress for Christians, heirs of the Byzantine Empire, and a mosque for the Ottoman Turks.
By visiting this historic complex, you will enjoy:
visiting the museum of underwater archeology;
an installation of a banquet hall from the Middle Ages and other exhibitions inside the castle;
walk through the gallery of amphorae and glassware;
studying the remains of the sunken ship Uluburun of the 14th century;
ringing silence in the mystical walls of the Gothic chapel;
picturesque landscape of Bodrum and its environs from the observation deck at the top of the Commander's Tower;
a stunning garden where pomegranates, mulberry, quince and aloe grow and bloom;
photographs of important peacocks walking quietly around the castle grounds.
In order to save money on an organized tour, you should not order an audio guide. It is more practical to study its history before visiting the castle. It is worth allocating about 3 hours for sightseeing.
What to bring: sun hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, and water - there are no food shops near the castle.
Working hours: daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm during the season (April to October), and from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm the rest of the time (November to March). Entry price: 30 TRY or 7.5 USD for visiting the entire castle grounds. Only Turkish Lira is accepted for payment. Address: Bodrum, Mugla, Carsi Mh. Phone: +90 (252) 316-25-16. E-mail: bodrumsualti@muze.gov.tr.
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is the first of the burials of royalty on the territory of modern Turkey. The construction of the 4th century BC looked like a castle or a palace. At one time it was named one of the seven wonders of the world. Today, only a luxurious fortified foundation and stone blocks remain on its territory, reminiscent of its former greatness.
The tomb of Mausolus attracts tourists primarily with the following elements:
stairs and burial tombs in perfect condition;
parts of marble columns;
separate wall fragments.
It is worth allocating about 2 hours for sightseeing. What to bring: cap or sunhat, sunglasses, sunblock, camera, water..
Working hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 19:00 during the season (April to October), and from 8:00 to 17:00 the rest of the time (November to March). Entry price: 10 TRY or 2.5 USD for visiting the entire castle grounds. Only Turkish Lira is accepted for payment. Address: Bodrum, Tepecik Mahallesi, 48440.
Amphitheater
The hallmark of Bodrum from the era of antiquity is located in the northern part of the city. The arena was erected in the 4th century BC in the city of Halicarnassus, which eventually became Bodrum. The municipality of the resort takes the preservation of this attraction seriously. Thanks to multiple timely reconstructions, the 15th-century amphitheater can still host concerts and theatrical performances today.
There is an observation deck not far from the cultural monument.
It is worth allocating about 1 hour for sightseeing. What to bring: cap or sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, comfortable shoes, water.
Working hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 19:00 during the season (April to October), and from 8:00 to 17:00 the rest of the time (from November to March). Price of admission: admission is free. Address: Yeniköy Mahallesi, 48440 Bodrum. Phone: +90 (252) 316 -80-61.
Myndos Gate
The Myndos Gate is territorially located on the western border of Bodrum, a descendant of Halicarnassus. Once they were located in the heart of the defensive fortress wall, which withstood the defense of Alexander the Great himself.In his fury, he ordered the complete destruction of the gates and the city of Halicarnassus, sparing only the Mausoleum. Today, the Mausoleum Gate stands as the result of restoration efforts in the late 20th century.
It is worth allocating about 1 hour for sightseeing.
Entry Price: Admission is free. Address: Bodrum, Eskicesme Mh.
Pedas Ancient City
The ruins of ancient Pedas are located 7 km away from the center of Bodrum. A walk through the ancient ruins will plunge travellers into the era of antiquity.
It is worth allocating about 1 hour for sightseeing.
What to bring: a cap or sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, comfortable shoes, water.
Price of entry: Admission is free. Location Address: Merkez Konacik, Bodrum.
Mills
The three-hundred-year-old windmills, located between Bodrum and Gümbert, attract tourists primarily with the picturesque view that opens from the lookout nearby.
Near the partially ruined windmills, there is a café where you can have coffee or freshly squeezed juices made from pomegranates, citrus fruits, or quinces. Allocate about 1 hour for exploring this attraction.
Price of entry: Admission is free.
Address: Haremtan Sk., Eskiçeşme Mahallesi, 48400 Bodrum.
Bodrum Museums
Zeki Morena
Turkish Elvis Presley, Zek Moren, is one of the most revered cultural figures in the country. People's love did not pass him by, even in spite of such an unwelcome non-traditional orientation in Muslim countries.
In the building dedicated to his life and work, in the Zeki Muren Arts Museum, you can see:
original costumes and decorations of the singer;
numerous awards in honor of many years of stage activity;
photos, gifts and other souvenirs;
The star's personal car.
On the roof of the house today there is an observation deck for everyone to enjoy the view of the bay. It is worth allocating about 2-3 hours for sightseeing.
Working hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 19:00 during the season (April to October), and from 8:00 to 17:00 the rest of the time (November to March). Entry price: 5 TRY or 1.25 USD. Address: Zeki Muren Cad. Icmeler Yolu No:12 | Bodrum Merkez.
Underwater archeology
Artifacts kept in the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology will surprise even travelers indifferent to history. Among the most entertaining are the following exhibits:
household items and jewelry from the Bronze Age;
Sunken amphoras raised from the bottom of the Aegean Sea in the ancient and Hellenistic eras;
parts of sunken ships;
Princess Ada's impressive jewelry;
glassware of the 12th century;
fossil shells and more.
It is worth allocating about an hour for sightseeing. What to bring: cap or sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, comfortable shoes, and water - there are no food shops near the castle.
Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 18:30 during the season (April to October), and from 8:30 to 17:00 the rest of the time (November to March). Entry price: 30 TRY or 7.5 USD for visiting the entire castle grounds. Only Turkish Lira is accepted for payment. Address: Bodrum, Mugla, Carsi Mh. The museum is located on the territory of St. Peter's Castle. Phone: +90 (252) 316-25-16. E-mail: bodrumsualti@muze.gov.tr.
Natural sights of Bodrum
Bodrum is not only surrounded by pristine greenery. The natural attractions of the resort (dolphinarium, diving centre, Black Island balneological resorts and other recreation centres) primarily owe their existence to man.
Diving center
Aquapro Dive Center is suitable for both experienced professionals and beginners who wish to explore the underwater world for the first time. Guests are provided with everything necessary for a comfortable and exciting experience, including:
comfortable boats for moving around the Aegean Sea;
modern diving equipment;
photo support of the entire diving process.
The cost of diving starts from 40 USD and depends on the level of the diver, the desired depth and other factors. Address: Bitez Mahallesi, Bitez 48960. Site: aquapro-turkey.com
Milta Bodrum Marina
Promenade Milta is one of the most beautiful places for romantic walks in the resort. The mysterious atmosphere of moored ships of various sizes is organically complemented by the evening lights of Bodrum and the white marble that lined the Marina.
But you shouldn't buy souvenirs and seafood in the waterfront area: their cost here is several times higher than the average market price.
Kara-Ada or Black Island looks more like green: it is covered with a thick layer of exotic greenery. The elongated piece of land owes its name to the large number of mud and mineral springs on its own territory. Every year, thousands of tourists come here for health and relaxation.
Black Island is also of interest to divers. A ship and even an airplane were intentionally sunk there for diving purposes.
You can get to the Black Island either on your own or as part of a sightseeing tour.
Aquapark
The Dedeman Aquapark is the largest and oldest water park in Turkey, delighting visitors for 20 years. On the territory of its area of 4 hectares, travelers can find the following attractions:
24 slides with various effects for adults and children, in particular, Kamikaze, Black hole, Sidewinder, Wave Pool;
several pools and jacuzzis;
river and lakes with artificial waves.
In addition to entertainment, Dedeman boasts all the necessary tourist infrastructure for a comfortable stay, including restaurants, bars, changing cabins, showers, and toilets.
Working hours: daily from 10:30 to 17:00 in the low season (May, June, September, October), from 10:30 to 18:00 during the high season (July, August). The water park is closed from November to April. Entrance Fee: 15 USD for adults, 9 USD for children over 7 years old, free for children under 7 years old. Address: Bodrum/Mugla, Turgut Reis Yolu Yalıkavak Kavsagi. Phone: +90 (252) 358-61-61.
Dolphinarium
The Bodrum Dolphinarium boasts the most comfortable living conditions for its marine residents. The dolphins perform a maximum of four times a week, even during the high season, to allow them enough time for rest and recovery. The dolphinarium itself is an enclosed area within an open-air bay. In addition to traditional performances, the Bodrum Dolphinarium offers its guests:
a walk along the adjacent beach (entrance to its territory is free for everyone);
lunch at a restaurant serving freshly caught seafood;
joint swimming with artists.
Show schedule: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday at 16:00. The grounds and restaurant are open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entrance fee: 120 TRY. for children under 12, 240 TRY for adults. You can swim with dolphins for 640 TRY, take pictures for 150 TRY. You can feed the artists for 200 TRY. Address: Bodrum, Guvercinlik Bodrum Karayolu 2. km Deniz Kiyısi. Phone: +90 252 374 59 36 Website:http ://www.bodrumdolphinpark.com/en
Bodrum is a glorious successor to the traditions of ancient Halicarnassus. Traces of the domination of the Ottoman Empire have also been preserved on its territory. The rich heritage of this modern resort will not leave indifferent neither children nor adults.
