Compare Bodrum Holidays

Overview

The popular resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancienttimes, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described byHomer as 'The land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered inpainted villas adorned with bougainvillea. Narrow streets windtheir way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twinharbours offer shelter for yachts. Bodrum is a mustering point forlocal boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or thepristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificentcoastline. From its position between the two harbours, the15th-century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part ofthe town, now home to the fascinating Museum of UnderwaterArchaeology. The other attraction in town is the Mausoleum ofHalicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders ofthe Ancient World. As Turkey's leading seaside resort destination,Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remainsunspoilt and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting thebalance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin andancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife thatis notorious throughout Turkey.

Money

The official currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which wasintroduced on 1 January 2005, whereby six zeros were dropped fromthe TL and the sub-unit New Kurush was created. Currency can beexchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports andferry ports; banks have the worst rates and highest commissions,but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks openmainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas.ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, butTurkish ATM keypads usually do not have letters of the alphabet ontheir keys. Most bank branches have ATMs which accept Cirrus andPlus. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular areVisa or MasterCard, but American Express is accepted in many of themore expensive places. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at somebanks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cashor credit cards. US dollars or Euros are preferred. Some pensionsand hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars aspayment.

Time

Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Language

Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.

Climate

Both the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typicalMediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, withtemperature often rising above 30ºC (86ºF) in July andAugust. Showers are unlikely in the summer months, but the rainfallis quite high in winter.

Shopping

Like everywhere in Turkey, shopping in Bodrum is quite anadventure, with dozens of shops lining the busy narrow streets,mainly from the bus station down to the marina. Touts and vendorsoffer a variety of local goods, from carpets and kilims toleatherware, gold and silver jewellery, and designer clothing (muchof which is fake). Look out for Turkish meershaum pipes and onyx.There is an extensive, colourful craft market in operation onTuesdays, and a fruit and vegetable market on Fridays. Bargainingis expected and it is customary to haggle down to about half theasking price. In Bodrum some shops stay open late at night, someeven all night.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Bodrum is frenetic and varied, offering not onlywestern-style decadent clubs and discos, but also the chance tosample partying Turkish style at one of the 'meyhanes' (there areseveral of these local nightclubs on the road to Konacik andOrtakent) where the crowd joins in with the local artiste, singing,dancing, eating and drinking. Most of the bars in Bodrum'smile-long 'Bar Street' (Dr. Alim Bey and Cumhuriyet Street), offerdancing, belly-dancing floor shows, live music and outdoor seating(often on the beach) with a view of the illuminated castle. Forclubbers the main place to be is Halikarnas, one of the biggest andswankiest open-air clubs in the world, where the entrance chargematches the volume of the music and brightness of the laser lights.There are plenty of other clubs too, even one on a catamaran thatsets sail late at night and takes the party out to sea until thedawn.

Activities

The blue Aegean waters that wash the beaches of the peninsula onwhich Bodrum is perched lend themselves admirably to a vast rangeof watersports, from scuba diving to windsurfing and jet-skiing.Local operators can be found all over the area, renting outequipment, arranging excursions or offering lessons. Aquaticthrills are also on offer at the town's two waterparks. Those whogrow tired of the sea and sand can put on their walking shoes andtake a hike; local walking clubs offer programmes (generally not inthe height of the summer season when it is too hot forfoot-slogging). There are numerous ways to get out of town andexplore the enchanting villages, bays and historic sites in thearea. Either hire a car, motor-bike, or bicycle; take aboat/hydrofoil trip; book an organised excursion; a jeep safari; orsimply hop on a dolmus (mini-bus). An absolute 'must' on the Turkeyexperience is to enjoy a 'Hamam' (Turkish bath), complete withmassage to soothe the cares away.

Restaurants

Warm, sultry evenings in Bodrum are best spent dining on freshseafood or local specialities in one of the numerous restaurants.Those who prefer to stick to more familiar tastes will find plentyof the usual popular cuisines on offer too, like Italian, Thai,Chinese, Mexican and European. Renowned as the top place in townfor typical Turkish is Denizhan, a little out of town betweenKonacik and Ortakent, easily reached in a dolmus or taxi. Forexcellent Aegean dishes, especially lamb, Epsilon in the old townis hard to beat. The best pizza in Bodrum is served up with a viewon the rooftop terrace of Sunger Pizza, while a good blend ofMediterranean and Californian cuisine can be enjoyed at La JollaBistro at Xuma Beach. Also very popular is the Secret Garden nearthe Marina, where English cooks prepare gourmet Mediterranean farewith flair.

Current Weather Conditions for Alanya, , TU

Now 18°C Windchill: 18°C Rain Shower

Location: Alanya, , TU Wind: 3 kph E Humidity: 74% Visibility: 0.1 km Pressure: 1,015 mb steady Sunrise: 5:40 am Sunset: 7:53 pm

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Sun High: 23°C Low: 14°C Showers

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