Bodrum is said to be the most charming port in the south Aegean Sea. The beaches are glorious stretches of golden sand and guaranteed sunshine, the villages are whitewashed dwellings swathed in bougainvillea, the sea is warm and clear, the variety of good food is unending and the people are friendly and hospitable. Bodrum is a wonderful place for a holiday.
Turkey has managed to retain its traditional appeal even in the most popular tourist resorts enabling visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Turkish life along side the facilities that holiday makers have grown to expect.
The quality of Bodrum's beaches is renowned and its water sporting facilities are wide ranging. The nightlife is varied and caters for all tastes from the party seekers to those searching for a romantic evening for two. Similarly the diverse cuisine satisfies most palates. The Bodrum peninsula appears to be the ideal holiday destination.
Bodrum is popular with all age ranges and interests. Families with small children and sun worshippers will find many resorts with long stretches of fine sand safe shallow water. Active holidaymakers will discover wide ranging sporting opportunities to satisfy their needs. Those interested in the ancient world with find Ephesus fascinating and shoppers will uncover endless retail opportunities. In short, Bodrum is popular with most people.
The holiday season lasts from early spring until late autumn when the temperature range is from 20 to mid 30 degrees, summer being the most popular time. The mild winter make it an ideal place for hikers and those wishing to visit the ancient sites away from the heat of the summer.
Bodrum appears to have all the ingredients for a perfect holiday. Situated on a stunning peninsula with wonderful palm lined waterfronts, crystal clear seas and glorious sunshine it has much to offer visitors. The range of sporting activities include, diving and snorkelling, water skiing, horse riding and jeep safaris. Two aqua parks have opened in the area and are enjoyed by both adults and children.
Bodrum town is a busy, lively place with many ancient buildings including the medieval Castle of St. Peter, now a museum, built by the Knights of St. John from Rhodes and the Roman amphitheatre that has been restored. There are numerous shops, bazaars and markets where haggling for goods has become a tourist sport.
A visit to the steaming Turkish baths is a popular attraction especially after a hard night of drinking and dancing.
A short journey from Bodrum Town is Ephesus which is second only to Pompeii in showing well preserved examples of life in Roman times. It is well worth a visit.
It is said that Turkey, as far as culture is concerned, is the richest country in the Mediterrean. It has a wealth of ancient ruins and buildings within its shores including the ruins of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus. Halikarnassus is the ancient name of Bodrum town.
The nightlife in Bodrum is varied and offers entertainment to suit most tastes. The liveliest places are Bodrum town, Gumbet which is noted for its discos and bars, and Antalya which boasts a large floating disco. There are many opportunities for peaceful dining overlooking the waterfronts.
Bodrum provides more than an ample supply of opportunities for retail therapy. Shops, roadside stalls, bazaars and markets are usually selling their goods until late in the evening. Many shops don’t close until midnight. The shop keepers and stall holders have a very proactive approach to selling and you will be offered many ‘bargains’. Be aware that bartering is expected and that the original price is almost always inflated. There are many outlets for leather goods, carpets and gold and silver jewellery. Don’t forget to buy the blue glass beads to protect you from the evil eye!
In Bodrum there are numerous places to satisfy the appetite ranging from pavement cafes to restaurants offering international cuisine.
Traditional Turkish food is very tasty and includes stuffed peppers and vine leaves, kebabs and of course feta cheese, olive and tomato salads. Rice dishes are also popular.
The national drink of Turkey is raki which is aniseed flavoured.
Turkish people, although friendly, are more formal than the British and behaviour follows certain rules. Certain things are considered rude such as sitting with the sole of the foot facing someone, or pointing at a person with a finger.
When visiting mosques shoes should be removed and clothing should be modest. Women are expected to cover their hair.
Coffee houses remain part of Turkish culture and even the smallest village will have one. Here the men go to drink their coffee, smoke their pipes and solve the world's problems.
If you're looking to find a cheap Bodrum holiday, the best time to look is in April, May or October. Any time outside of the peak summer season has the potential to have some cheap offers. There's also a chance you could find a great deal in June depending on a number of factors, such as the weather in the UK and any sporting events that may be going on at the time.
With Turkey being a cheap place to visit, it's recommended that you book into a self catering or bed and breakfast hotel and use the extra money you'll save to buy the food yourself either at restaurants or supermarkets.
As with all Turkish holiday destinations, Bodrum features plenty of fantastic beaches with soft golden sands and a warm clear sea perfect for a relaxing vacation. The temperature will be between 20 and 30 degrees C from spring to autumn too, so you'll be picking up a lot of sunshine and probably get a nice tan.
Bodrum features many of the activities you'll find on most holidays. Snorkelling, diving, water skiing, horse riding and jeep safari's just to name a few. The night life is also very active and whether you're looking to party all through the night, or go out for a quiet romantic meal with your family or loved ones, you'll find something that suits your tastes in Bodrum.
For a cheap Bodrum holiday, there's no better time to watch out for offers than April, May or October. Make sure you grab one before they're all snapped up.
