|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
An impressive
medieval castle built by the knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to
Bodrum's dazzling blue bay,in which the Agean and the Mediterranean Seas
meet.The town's charm is well-known,attracting a diverse population
vacationers who stroll along its long palm-linet waterfront, while
elegant yachts crowd the marina.
Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear,tideless, warm seas.
Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs,
caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored
sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi and an immense variety of other
aquatic life.
The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times, and
today, craftsmen still build the traditional yachts: the tirhandil with
a pointed bow and stern, and the gulette with a broad beam and rounded
stern. The latter, especially, are used on excursions and pleasure trips,and
in the annual October Cup Race. |
|
The yearly throng of visitors has
encouraged small entrepreneurs to make shopping in Bodrum a delight. Leather
goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads are among
the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow,
white-walled streets.Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and
embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton. |
| Bodrum has
gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with
its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries.
This community has encouraged an informal day-time life styie and a
nighttime of excitement. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in
one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean
specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb
discos keep you going until dawn. |
 |
|
 |
Bodrum, known
in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and
the site of King Mausolus's Tomb (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or the
medieval castle of St.Peter, is a fine example of 15th cenfury Crusader
architecture, and has been converted into the Museum of Underwater
Archaeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The
stunning panoramic view from Goktepe, nearby, is much photographed by
visitors to the Museums second-century theater.The beautiful Bodrum
Peninsula suits holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing
atmosphere. |
| Enchanting
villages, with guest-houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the
peninsula. On the southern coast,Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Aktur,
Ortakent Yalisi,Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have fine, sandy beaches.Campers
and windsurfers enjoy Gumbet, and at Bitez colorful sailboards weave
skillfully among the masts of yachts in the bay. On shore you can enjoy
quiet walks through the orange and tangerine groves bordering the beach.Ortakent
has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area and offers
an ideal place for relaxing in solitude. One of the most beautiful
beaches on the Bodrum peninsula,Karaincir, is ideal for lively active
days by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with local villagers.Finally,
Akyarlar enjoys a well- deserved reputation for the fine, powdery sand
of its beach. |
 |
|
Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak,
all with excellent beaches,lie on the western side of the peninsula and are
ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. In Turgutreis, the
birthplace of a great Turkish admiral of the same name, you will find a
monument honoring him. In the ancient port of Myndos (Gumusluk) you can
easily make many friends with the hospitable and outgoing local population.
In Yalikavak, white-washed houses with cascading bougainvillaea line narrow
streets. Small cafes and the occasional windmill create a picturesque
setting.See the north coast of the peninsula - Torba, Turkbuku,Golkoy and
Gundogan - by road or, even better, hire a boat and crew to explore the
quiet coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little windmills which still
provide the energy to grind grain crown hills covered with olive trees. |
|
 |
Torba, a
modern village with holiday villas and a nice marina is located 8 km
north of Bodrum. Golkoy and Turkbuku are small and simple fishing
villages with a hanctful of taverns overlooking a lovely bay.
After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour from Bodrum, you can bathe in
the grotto where the warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are
believed to beautify the complexion. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
