Bodrum in Turkey is
a perfect holiday destination. Packed with history and a pretty harbour full of
colourful boats and yachts - it’s an ideal spot to get a real flavour of
Turkey. Flights to Bodrum are plentiful, so once you've landed, take a break in
one of the harbour cafes, settle down with a cool drink and see what’s on offer
in this lovely town.
You are in the
birthplace of Herodotus – considered to be the first literary recorder of
history! And while there are lots of historical sites to enjoy, there are also
some quirky, fun things to enjoy. One of them is a visit to the Zeki Muren
Museum. Zeki was an all round Turkish entertainer. He was hugely admired, known
as the “Son of Art” and he's still something of a cultural icon. His house is
now a Museum, where you can see his fabulously glitzy stage costumes, and
musical memorabilia.
If you want to
experience a Turkish Bath – try out the Bodrum Hamam. It’s in a lovely old
building, has a reputation for being very clean with trained masseurs, who will
happily work their magic on your tired limbs.
You cannot avoid the
history of this place – it’s everywhere, so try and see at least one of the big
sites:
The Mausoleum of
Halicarnassus - once listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, along
with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Great Pyramid of Giza, the remains
of the Mausoleum are a genuine spectacle. The building was originally about 45
metres high, decorated with sculptures – which were painted and gilded. It is still
possible to appreciate its former glory – the foundations are visible, as are
some of the white marble pillars.
Bodrum Castle –
Bodrums magnificent Castle was built in 1402 on a little spit of land joined to
the mainland by a rough causeway. You can’t miss it – it’s the key sight across
the harbour. The Castle houses the world's largest underwater archaeology
museum, with displays that have been gathered from shipwrecks over the years.
Its high walls, battlements and Towers (two of which are open to the public)
are great for youngsters. The Glass Shipwreck Hall is one of the key rooms to
see, with its skeletal warrior ship and haul of recovered treasure!
Food and Fun –
Bodrums’ harbour is alive and kicking with boats bringing in their catch and
many restaurants serve daily specials. As a tip, try and eat where local people
eat. If you stroll into the centre of Bodrum, you’ll be delighted to see lots
of tiny cobbled backstreets complete with family run cafes. Brightly decorated
shops sells traditional turkish pottery, leather goods and engraved metal
plates which have mirrors on the their reverse. Gorgeous! The shop owners are
welcoming, and the cafe owners will be happy to help you interpret the menu.
The grilled meats, flat breads and delicious sauces will have you coming back
for more!
Bodrum has plenty of
nightlife. During the long summer you can enjoy a big range of bars, late night
eating and some fantastic clubs – the small venues are really buzzing and keep
an eye out for special club nights with Guest DJ’s. There is one massive club,
but be prepared to part with about 40 € to get through the door!
If you are
travelling in October and fancy something more physical than relaxing on a
beach front, you can watch OR take part in the Bodrum Cup Wooden Yacht Regatta.
It’s a unique celebration of yachts and traditional fishing boats involving
five days of racing to win the Bodrum Cup. Visitors can join in by booking a
place on a boat and giving the crew extra muscle power. It’s an early start
each day, but about 1500 people get up for the days racing (each year the route
changes). What a way to see the Turkish coast, and come home with a real
holiday experience under your belt!
