Bodrum is the name of both a peninsula on Turkey’s Aegean coast and one of the country's most popular resorts. So, what makes French and British travelers adore Bodrum—and why should we follow their lead?

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE BODRUM

1.⁠ ⁠Mild climate.

Summers in Bodrum aren’t as scorching as in many other resorts, thanks to the peninsula being cooled not only by hot southern winds but also by refreshing eastern breezes. This brings a pleasant seaside wind in the evenings. The sea temperature is fresh and invigorating rather than too warm: around +20°C in May, +23°C in June and September, and +25–26°C in July and August.

2.⁠ ⁠Prestige and beautiful landscapes.

Hotels and villas nestled in orange groves, cozy bays with white yachts on turquoise waters—Bodrum radiates the charm of the French Riviera with a touch of Eastern exoticism.

3.⁠ ⁠Blue Flag beaches and picturesque bays.

With 17 scenic bays, the peninsula offers perfect Instagram-worthy photo spots. Bodrum has 51 beaches to suit every preference: sandy, pebbled, or with platforms. Families will enjoy the peaceful, sandy Bitez beach, while younger visitors tend to flock to vibrant Gumbet, which is mostly sandy and known for its party scene.

4.⁠ ⁠Surfing and nightlife.

Thanks to the steady winds, Bodrum has become Turkey’s surfing mecca. There are also plenty of other water sports like parasailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, canoeing, and more. Bodrum is also famous as the liveliest Turkish resort, boasting an endless number of discos and clubs—including ones hosted on boats and large yachts that sail out into the sea.

5.⁠ ⁠Great location for excursions.

Bodrum is perfectly located for trips to Turkey’s most iconic destinations: the travertine pools of Pamukkale, the “Turkish Santorini” Marmaris, or the ancient city of Ephesus. Plus, a short 30-minute ferry ride will take you to the Greek island of Kos—giving you a chance to visit two countries in one trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN BODRUM

There aren’t that many hotels in Bodrum city itself, and although the beach there is sandy, it’s relatively small. The city center is perfect for strolling through the Old Town, shopping, admiring yachts, and picking up fresh fruit and berries at the local Friday market. But for accommodation, it's better to stay in one of the nearby villages.

For party lovers – Gumbet

Just 3 km south of Bodrum’s center, this area attracts energetic visitors from France, the UK, and Scandinavia. Gumbet offers wide sandy beaches—some with a gentle slope into the sea, others with deep water just a few steps in—plus cozy hotels, a legendary bar street, and over 50 clubs. It’s a true paradise for nightlife lovers. Two more bonuses: a scenic seafront lined with charming restaurants and Ada-Boğazı (also known as the “Aquarium”)—a spot with crystal-clear water where the underwater world is visible 20–30 meters deep. Even if you stay elsewhere, visiting Gumbet for a sunny beach day or an evening out is a must. It’s the liveliest and most vibrant part of the resort.

For families with kids – Bitez, Ortakent, Yahşi

Bitez, located 7 km from the center, features one of the longest and mostly sandy beaches in a crescent-shaped bay. Surrounded by mandarin and pine groves, the bay stays cool even on the hottest days. The sea has a gentle slope and a wide shallow area—making it safe for children to play. The infrastructure is excellent, with plenty of restaurants for every taste and budget. The same goes for Ortakent and Yahşi, located 12 km away—although they’re a bit quieter and smaller.

For surfers and peace seekers – Akyarlar

Akyarlar is a stunning bay located 15 km from Bodrum and one of the fastest-developing resorts in the area. It was established on the site of the former Greek village of Kefaluka. The natural surroundings are perfect for finding your inner peace, and the beach offers great views of surfers enjoying the bay’s ideal wind conditions.

For luxury and celebrity spotting – Gölköy (Türkbükü)

This upscale district, located 19 km from Bodrum, is regularly featured in rankings of the best “paradise beaches.” Luxury yachts moored by the shore, villas tucked into orange groves—this is Gölköy in a nutshell. It’s a pricier place to stay, but here, along the shaded beach promenade, you just might bump into Nicole Kidman or Cristiano Ronaldo—celebrities love staying here.

WHAT TO SEE IN BODRUM AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The Old Town with its iconic white-and-blue houses and St. Peter’s Castle, also known as Bodrum Castle. The castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which attracts visitors with the Uluburun Treasure, discovered on a sunken ancient ship.

For history enthusiasts: head to the northern part of Bodrum, where you'll find a 4th-century BC amphitheater that once held 13,000 spectators, as well as the remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Just 6 km from Bodrum’s harbor lies Kara Ada ("Black Island), famous for its healing muds. Locals claim, without hesitation, that Cleopatra herself used them. If mud treatments aren’t your thing, go diving—the pristine waters reveal corals, octopuses, and colorful fish. Experienced divers can explore sunken ships and even a military aircraft submerged as part of an artificial reef program.

Traveling with kids? Head to the Dedeman Aquapark in Bodrum: 24 water slides with different thrills (including almost free fall!), a pool with three-meter waves, jacuzzis, decorative lakes, and a 350-meter lazy river. Bonus tip: right across from the aquapark is the METRO shopping center.

Bodrum Dolphin Park, located in the cozy bay of Güvercinlik, is essentially a cordoned-off part of the sea under the open sky, with a viewing area for visitors on the shore. Tickets should be purchased in advance—there are only 4 shows per week, plus dolphin therapy sessions are also offered. Nearby, there’s a public beach and a seafood restaurant.

TOP 5 EXCURSIONS FROM BODRUM

Marmaris

Often called the “Turkish Santorini,” Marmaris is sure to charm you: narrow alleys, a beautiful harbor and promenade, an old fortress and mosque, the famous bar street, and the evening singing fountains show.

Fethiye and Dalyan

Fethiye is the gem of Turkey’s Aegean coast. You can explore the ruins of a Roman theater or a 600-year-old knight’s castle, but the main attraction is the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs of Mount Mendos. Don’t miss the Ölüdeniz Bay, known for its three shades of blue, the town of Dalyan, dubbed the “Turkish Venice,” and Iztuzu Beach, a nesting ground for Caretta-caretta sea turtles.

Pamukkale

Located 200 km or about 3.5 hours by car from Bodrum, Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces filled with thermal waters are absolutely worth the trip. The excursion usually includes a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis (dating back to the 2nd century BC), a textile factory, and an onyx stone workshop.

Ephesus

One of the best-preserved and largest ancient cities in the Mediterranean, Ephesus is home to legendary landmarks such as the Temple of Artemis column (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the beautifully arched Library of Celsus, and an impressive amphitheater. Just 9 km from Ephesus, you’ll find the House of the Virgin Mary, where—according to legend—she lived after the death of Christ. Nearby are healing springs, whose water is believed to have special powers, and the Wishing Wall, where visitors pin written prayers and wishes.

Kos Island

Right across from Gökova Bay, where Bodrum is located, lies the Greek island of Kos. Ferries run regularly, and the crossing takes only 35 minutes. You can spend a whole day on the island, combining sightseeing with a swim and a relaxing lunch at a seaside fish restaurant.