Things to do — Bodrum

Bodrum and its peninsula offer a range of experiences from chic beach to ancient culture via nautical cruise.

In Bodrum-centre: - Castle of Saint Peter (Bodrum Kalesi) — built by the Knights of Saint John in the 15th century, houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology (one of the world's best, Uluburun shipwreck 14th c. BC, 320 TRY / €10, 2-3h) - Mausoleum of Halicarnassus — remains of one of the 7 ancient wonders (200 TRY / €6, 30-45 min) - Ancient theatre — 4th century BC, capacity 13,000 seats, panoramic bay view (free, 1h) - Myndos Gates (Myndos Kapısı) — remains of ancient walls - Central marina — promenade, excursion boats, 1h cruises (€15-30)

Peninsula beaches (to explore by car or boat): - Bitez — family, 2 km long sandy beach, accessible beach clubs - Türkbükü — chic and trendy, lounge beach clubs (Maçakızı, Sun Sandal), no sand but wooden pontoons on crystal-clear water - Yalıkavak — the most chic, luxury marina with superyachts, private beaches of boutique hotels (Macakizi) - Gümüşlük — bohemian and authentic, fish restaurants on stilts (Limon, Mimoza), Rabbit Island (Tavşan Adası) accessible on foot at low tide — sublime sunset - Akyarlar — windsurfing and kitesurfing (regular north Aegean wind) - Gümbet — young, intense nightlife (Halikarnas Disco clubs) - Turgutreis — residential, quiet, panoramic view of the Aegean and Kos

Gulet cruise (traditional caïque) — Bodrum's signature nautical experience. Departing from the marina, 4 to 8 day cruises to Datça, Fethiye or Marmaris (€400-1500/person/week half-board). Swimming in otherwise inaccessible coves. Companies: Bodrum Gulet, Blue Cruise Bodrum, Gulet Caicco.

Excursion to Kos (Greece) — daily ferry from Bodrum (45 min, €35-50 return), Greek island visible from the peninsula, day excursion for ancient ruins, beaches, Greek gastronomy. No Schengen visa required for 24h round trip.

Nightlife — Bodrum is one of Europe's summer party capitals. Halikarnas Disco clubs (Bodrum-centre, open since 1979, capacity 5,000 people outdoors), Catamaran Club (Gümbet, boat-disco), Sun Sandal Beach (Türkbükü, chic beach club). Evenings until 5am in July-August. International DJs regularly programmed.

Gastronomy — Bodrum has one of Turkey's best gastronomic scenes. Iconic restaurants: Macakizi (Türkbükü, fine Mediterranean cuisine, €100-180/person), Maçakızı (reference boutique hotel and gastronomic restaurant), Limon (Gümüşlük, fish restaurant on stilts, €60-100/person), Mimoza (Gümüşlük, seafood facing sunset). Aegean specialities: grilled fish, cold mezze, Aegean white wines (Sevilen).