Guide of Bodrum

The city of Bodrum is located on the southwest coast of Turkey and was formerly known as Halicarnassus. Its current name derives from the Castle that was built there and given the name St. Peter by the Knights of Rhodes. In Bodrum, you can find traces of many populations and civilizations from the Persians, Dorians, Hellenes, Romans, Byzantines to the Ottomans. 

Places to visit

Today Bodrum is an important tourist centre that developed during the sixties when it was frequented by the Istanbul bourgeoisie and foreign tourists. The typical white houses with blue windows and a magnificent natural landscape are what have always attracted tourists. There is also the Castle, which is the symbol of the city and of course the beautiful beaches. Bodrum Castle was built on a rocky peninsula surrounded on three sides by the sea, lying between the two ports. The original construction work was completed by the Knights of St. John. For these reasons, it is also known as the Castle of San Giovanni, but later it was expanded and used as a prison and then attached to a hammam. Today it is the first underwater architecture museum in Turkey. Another symbol of Bodrum is the Mausoleum, an ancient funeral monument that is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.  Bodrum is also renowned for its sandal crafts, thanks to the master craftsmen who create elegant shoes, working the raw material according to ancient methods. In winter they hold the Lotte dei Cammelli a traditional festival held during the time when the camels are in heat!

Beaches 

The beach of Turkbuku, on the north coast in a fishing village, has concrete platforms and large piers and is equipped with services of all kinds. This beach is very popular and has a clear blue sea, it is ideal for swimming. The beach of Gumbet is about 5 kilometres from Bodrum has lots of water sports on offer, the coastline has soft sand and crystal clear sea that is shallow and sandy, ideal also for children. The beach is well equipped with all kinds of restaurants, bars and equipment to rent. On the west coast, there is the beach of Gumusluk, which has dark sand and is a very quiet and rich in vegetation which provides natural shade. Its sea is clear with sandy and sloping seabeds.