Bodrum (Turkey) is a haven for lovers of nightly fun. The city has a great many clubs, restaurants, bars and discos. Hotels and villages are located in fourteen bays of the peninsula, and the city is located in its very center. These places attract mainly active French, British and Scandinavians. The windy weather of the Aegean makes this resort a great place for surfing and other water sports.
Bodrum (Turkey). Map, geographical location
The city in question is located on the peninsula of the same name. It is washed by the Aegean Sea. Bodrum is located in the northwestern part of Turkey. The distance to Antalya is 300 kilometers. The unofficial name is “White City”, since all the houses are painted exactly in this color. Thirty one thousand people live permanently in Bodrum.
A look into the past
The location of modern Bodrum is the territory of ancient Halicarnassus, which was founded in the ninth century BC. In the fourth century, by decree of the satrap Mavsol, the city became the capital of Caria, in addition, six more settlements joined it. All of them were united by a wall. After the death of this ruler, a mausoleum was erected, which became one of the wonders of the world.
The city was destroyed in 334 BC by the troops of Alexander the Great. In the Middle Ages a fishing village appeared in its place. In 1402, the construction of St. Peter's Castle began there. For the construction, stones were taken from the Halicarnassus tomb.
How to get there
Sixty kilometers from Bodrum is an international airport. The Havas bus runs regularly to the city. The trip will cost eight euros. If you use a taxi, you will have to spend five to six times more.
Beaches
Bodrum (Turkey) - the most popular resort, providing the opportunity to soak up the gentle sun. Most of the beaches are owned by hotels. These are, as a rule, small areas covered with pebbles, or artificially created concrete platforms with fine bulk sand.
The surroundings of Bodrum are famous for the presence of many bays, the most popular of them are Gumbet and Bitez. Over the clear waters of the latter, the Blue Flag proudly flies. As for Bitez, this is a great place for parties and dances until the morning. In the towns of Gumyushluk and Ortakent there are many fish restaurants that stretch along the coast by an endless chain.
Since the shores are quite steep, descending in steps to the sea, in some expensive hotels there are special elevators that deliver vacationers to the beach.
Lovers of solitude and romance are sent to Bitez, Turtugates or Torbu. The beaches in these places are not as crowded as in Bodrum itself. At the same time, the most remote of them is only an hour away from the city center.
Climatic features
Bodrum (Turkey) - a resort that can boast of not so exhausting hot summers as in Alanya or Antalya. Even in July and August - traditionally the hottest months - the thermometer rises no higher than thirty degrees of heat.
When is the best time to travel to a country like Turkey? Bodrum, the weather in which is windy, is recommended to visit in June, July or August. The sea in this period warms up to 23-25 degrees. As some tourists note, not everyone will like May water with a temperature of 15 ° C.
The coldest months are January and February. During the day, on average +13, and at night - +8.
Where to stay?
All hotels on the peninsula are located a maximum of twenty-five kilometers from the center of Bodrum (Turkey). Accommodation prices range from very affordable to astronomical. Most hotels were erected in the 70s of the last century. All of them are periodically updated - cosmetic repairs, replacement of communications, etc. are made. The difference between four- and five-star hotels is minimal. In addition, often 4 stars in Bodrum - this is much better than 5 in Antalya. As a rule, hotels have playgrounds and clubs with qualified teachers.
An interesting feature: cheap hotels in the city of Bodrum (Turkey) are concentrated in the city center, while fashionable hotels are located on the outskirts.
One of the most fashionable and expensive hotels is considered The Marmara Bodrum. The price for a room in it starts from 10,700 rubles per day. One of the most affordable accommodation options is offered by Dolce Bodrum Hotel. For a day of living in one of his rooms you will be charged from 1,100 rubles.
Let's look at some more VIP-class hotels. First of all, we note the Rixos Hotel Bodrum. It was erected on the very shore of the sea and boasts not only its own beach, but also an island on which various events are held for hotel guests. Hotel Baia Bodrum also has a private beach. An extensive range of services is offered by the local spa. Its specialists make massage of various types, apply anti-aging masks and carry out many other procedures. Little guests are also not deprived of attention. They can frolic in playgrounds, in the pool, on water slides and in a mini-club.
Shopping features
Most shopping streets are located at the side of Ataturk Avenue and the castle. The assortment of goods is decent, but sometimes the prices are just off scale. Tip of experienced tourists: in Bodrum, you can buy beautiful inexpensive souvenirs - natural sea sponges, which will serve as environmentally friendly washcloths.
Connoisseurs of all the unusual rush to the village of Chomkadang, in the suburbs of Bodrum. In this place you can not only study the centuries-old way of life of the Turks, but also get acquainted with the technology of producing silk threads and weaving carpets of amazing beauty. Especially attracted products can be purchased.
There are three large shopping centers on the Bodrum Peninsula with a full range of modern services, including parking, a car wash, restaurants, billiards, cinemas, bowling, not counting the stores themselves, where you can buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, watches.
It is recommended to inspect the production located in the suburbs. Among them are factories of leather and jewelry, carpets and onyx products. In this case, you will be given a unique opportunity to make an individual order.
Interesting places
The main attraction of Bodrum is St. Peter's Castle. He divides the city in half. Western territories personify the modern world with nightclubs, luxury hotels, yachts and discos. In the eastern ancient part of Bodrum there are many restaurants and authentic souks.
The Museum of Underwater Archeology was created in the aforementioned castle. There you can admire the Uluburn - the oldest wreck in the world . Among the exhibits are a priceless seal made of gold belonging to the legendary Queen Nefertiti, ancient manuscripts and many other interesting things. Admission costs ten lire. By purchasing it, tourists get the right to visit all the halls of the museum and take a walk along the walls with loopholes erected many centuries ago.
The tomb of Mausolus was considered one of the 7 wonders of the world. Currently, a museum is opened in its place, located four hundred meters west of the city center. Four lira will be taken from you for entry.
A partially restored Hellenistic theater with a capacity of thirteen thousand spectators is located on a hill in the northern part of Bodrum. From here it is recommended to watch the sunset - an amazing sight.
Entertainment
Is it possible to do without a variety of pleasures, going on vacation? Bodrum (Turkey) - a place that will appeal to lovers of fun and active pastime. Consider the most popular way to have fun.
Dademan - city water park
Paradise for lovers of water rides is located on the outskirts of Bodrum. This first water park in Turkey was erected in 1993. It has many diverse water slides, a river with artificial waves, several lakes, waterfalls and grottoes. The most extreme attraction is Kamikaze. The angle of its inclination is 80 degrees, so you can feel all the charm of the state of free flight.
The territory of the water park has three restaurants, one bar and several food courts. On comfortable sun loungers you can relax after descents or a hearty lunch. Young visitors are happy to entertain the animators.
Excursions
Bodrum is often compared to a real architectural museum. Each vacationer, when inspecting a local landmark, will be able to find something interesting for himself. The main thing is to be patient and take a camera with you.
What so attracts connoisseurs of antiquity Bodrum? Excursions in the ancient city of Ephesus are particularly popular. One of the most interesting places tourists consider Maryemanu. According to legend, it was there that the Virgin Mary spent her last years on the sinful land. Many pilgrims are attracted by the tomb of St. John. Inspection of the large amphitheater, the temple of Hestia, the Troyan fountain and the monument to Memmia will bring no less impressions.
Another popular excursion destination - Pamukkale - a real miracle of nature. On its territory there are many hot springs. The waters in them are rich in various mineral salts. Falling, the latter form petrified cascades, incredibly beautifully shining in the sun.
Another local attraction is the Dalyan River. Sightseers move on it on a boat, examining the river and coastal exotics. Stops are periodically made so that tourists have the opportunity to explore the agora, the church, the Roman baths and the amphitheater. Everyone can swim in the healing springs and take a mud bath.
Beauty lovers of the deep sea will appreciate diving excursions. Special centers offer everything necessary for diving equipment, and if necessary, the services of a qualified trainer.
Russian men will certainly enjoy the opportunity to go fishing. Organized excursions to the shore of a local lake will allow you not to worry about where to get a fishing rod, live bait, etc.
Pros and cons of relaxation
We list the positive aspects:
- The mild climate of Bodrum (Turkey). The sea gives a refreshing breeze.
- A rich and interesting nightlife.
- Resort service - at a European level.
- The presence of a huge water park.
- The proximity to the main attractions - Ephesus and Halicarnassus.
Negative points:
- At the beginning of summer, the sea is not very warm.
- - There is no wide selection of hotels.
- - Air travel will cost more than to Antalya.
- Not the cheapest vacation spot is Bodrum (Turkey). Tours to this resort cost a little more than in the whole country. For example, for eleven nights in mid-August you will be charged $ 1600 for two.
- The beaches of many hotels are narrow.
- The resort can not be called drowning in greenery.
Conclusion
The world of pleasure, entertainment and enjoyment is the city of Bodrum (Turkey). Map, climatic features, attractions and hotels are described in the article. The considered resort provides an opportunity not only to have fun from the heart, but also to improve your health. You will not regret if Turkey will be the venue for the next vacation. Bodrum, the photo of which is presented above, is a worthy vacation option.