About Bodrum

Ancient Halicarnassus - Modern Bodrum

Built upon the ruins of ancient Halicarnassus, Bodrum (Turkey) is a bustling town of contrasts.  A popular embarkation point for gulet charters setting out on their Blue Cruise, Bodrum also bustles with the local Turkish jet set, who love to flock down and stroll the promenade by summer.  Winter time brings a serene peace and quiet as local inhabitants reclaim their town for themselves again. 

Despite its rapid growth, Bodrum still retains the charm which has drawn people to her for over 2 millenia.  Spectacular contrasts of color from purple bougainvillea draped over the corner of a stark white cube house, and  the azure Blue of the Aegean constantly emerging between a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways. 

Bodrum is the center of activity on the oblong peninsula on the southwestern most corner of Turkey.  Many smaller villages dot the perimeter of the Bodrum peninsula, each with its own personality.  Gümüslük draws Turkish locals and visitors to its quiet bay to offer the finest selection of fresh seafood available.  Yalikavak, on the northwestern side, offers magnificent sunsets and small town charm with its century old windmills along the mountaintops.  The twin towns of Türkbükkü and Gölköy are particular favorites of Turkish society crowds in the summertime and are a must for those who enjoy people watching. 

On the southern side of the Bodrum peninsula is Bitez, a particular favorite for families on holiday, and Ortakent with its acres of mandarin groves situated below the 16th century Ottoman Tower House.  Continuing westward is Akyarlar, the closest point to the Greek island of Kos, and on the western most tip of the peninsula is Turgutreis, with T-Marin, the sparkling new yacht marina.

Bodrum's Castle of Saint Peter

Just as the town of Bodrum is the center of activity upon the peninsula, the Castle of St. Peter, with its beautiful, trademark  silhouette is the focal point of Bodrum.  Home to the world reknowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the Bodrum Castle is also a fine example of a medieval stone fortress complete with cannons, dungeons and banquet halls.   The castle is also home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housing one of the world's largest and most extensive collection of excavated shipwrecks and their cargo.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Can you name Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?  Two of the seven are located in Turkey: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum.  While little remains of the original Mausoleum, archaeologists have excavated the site of where it stood and a small museum commemorates the grandeur of the building as it once stood.  However, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus lives on as the Bodrum Castle, since the Knights of St. John used the crumbled remains of the Mausoleum to build the castle with. Upon close inspection as you stroll through the Castle's gardens, you can often see the unique green blocks from the Mausoleum embedded in the Castle's walls.