Bodrum, TURKEY

Sitting on the west coast of Turkey, 700 kilometres from Istanbul, Bodrum has been making a lot of buzz lately.

Distinct from its Turkish counterparts, the seaside getaway offers a mix of cultural landmarks, spa resorts, beaches, and nightlife. Last year, with the reopening of the 600-year-old Bodrum Castle that was closed for restoration since 2017, the city is quickly climbing bucket lists. Other iconic landmarks in and around the city include St Peter’s Castle; Yalıkavak Marina; the sandy cove of Bardakci; and the fourth-century Bodrum Amphitheatre. Bodrum was once home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus built in 350 BC; its remnants can still be found at the Bodrum Castle. goturkiye.com