Delight Your Senses in the Turkaegean
The vibrant port city of Bodrum guarantees a warm welcome for all visitors, going above and beyond to cater to all those seeking to enjoy the scenery and its Turkaegean charm.
The name “Bodrum” is whispered as an axiom for luxury, respite, and an escape to serenity. With its sun-kissed beaches, secret coves, and lush landscape —not to mention its dazzling high-end resorts and premium shopping experiences— this idyllic peninsula has drawn enchanting smiles across the faces of visitors since it staked its claim as Türkiye’s own slice of heaven on earth more than half a century ago.
Although the area has seen consistent interest and attention since the growth of local tourism in the last century, Bodrum’s storied history is so vast and noteworthy that it can barely be conceived. Some of the area’s most notable sites include the town’s iconic Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and a stunning 4th-century theater that hosts musical acts and dance performances throughout the summer, all interspersed by the routes and trails lined with Aegean hallmarks, including white-painted homes, tangerine trees, bougainvillea, and sunsoaked skies.
Today, the region is home to an increasing number of acclaimed resorts —many designed by international hotel visionaries— and residential communities that attract a cosmopolitan clientele proud to call the Bodrum Peninsula their newfound home. For those who wish to truly indulge in comfort and release the strains of modern life, some of the world’s finest spa experiences are on hand, with top-tier facilities offering hamam (Turkish bath) treatments, as well as holistic therapies and yoga, all while surrounded by some of the country’s most breath-taking scenery.
THE TASTE OF TURKAEGEAN
After a day of leisure activity, one will be wellinclined to indulge in some of the area’s wide array of dining options. Here, the restaurants bring a modern “Bodrum” touch to local recipes, creating delicious meals that benefit from the abundance of the Turkaegean. And whether in an expansive vineyard or an exclusive coastal hideaway, Bodrum’s sunsets provide an exhilarating backdrop to any meal. Locally sourced seafood, freshly brought from net-toplate, is highly recommended, accompanied by refreshing appetizers known locally as “meze.” Be sure to order gambilya fava (a wild bean purée), stuffed squash blossoms, and sea cowpea to get a taste of local dishes. All of this will undoubtedly go down well with a refreshing glass of rakı, a traditional anise liquor, or Turkish wine fermented with local grapes. While cozy local fish restaurants line the seafronts of every town in the area, 5-star resorts are replete with the summer residencies of the country’s biggest chefs and hot international restaurant brands offering the upper crust of fine dining in the most sumptuous of settings. From colorful meze spreads and satisfying comfort foods to upscale chef-driven local dining, you can explore the best of the Turkaegean’s gastronomy in Bodrum’s top-notch restaurants, also suggested by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
DISCOVER THE CITY OF BODRUM
The peninsula features several small coastal towns and villages, each with its own distinct appeal. To see and be seen, head to Göltürkbükü, one of Bodrum’s most popular coastal towns,
featuring exclusive boutique hotels, restaurants, and bars. Here, you can enjoy dressing up for a fine dining experience followed by cocktails at a stylish bar at night. While Yalıkavak and Göltürkbükü attract a globetrotting clientele with their luxury beach clubs, hotels, and marinas, Gümüşlük emits bohemian vibes from its waterfront jazz bars and fish restaurants. Bodrum’s center is ideal for shopping therapy at its historic bazaar, swarming with artisanal boutiques selling high-quality linen beachwear and Bodrum’s handmade leather sandals. Bitez and Ortakent, on the other hand, stand out with their established communities living yearround, many ending their workdays on one of the pristine beaches that abound. While in the city, make sure to tick off a couple of must-dos. Visit the iconic Bodrum Castle to see one of the oldest shipwrecks in the world as part of the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Take in one of the many live summer concerts staged in the ancient Bodrum theater. Schedule permitting, be sure to attend the annual Bodrum Cup. Here, the country’s sailing hub hails the arrival of seafarers from far and wide as the most elegant sailing yachts set out to compete.
SAIL THE TURQUOISE COAST
For those looking to enjoy the Turquoise Coast all by themselves, it’s best to trade the fast-paced Bodrum grind for solitude in the Turkaegean. Yachting trips and charters to this magnificent region grant unrivaled freedom to explore some of the best coastal scenery in Türkiye. It is the quintessential Turkish ideal of luxury to set sail along the Turquoise Coast, exploring the highend boutiques, restaurants, and clubs on land, after the quality time spent with family in nature. Not to mention the romance of exploring ancient ruins, temples, and tombs —treasures that remain of the great and historic city-states along the shores. Navigating the Aegean requires expertise, though, so make sure to charter a boat helmed by an experienced skipper and crew. You can reserve a sleek motor yacht for yourself or sail on a Blue Voyage aboard an authentic gulet. The term “Blue Voyage” was first coined in the 50s and 60s when an entourage of Turkish writers and painters started to explore the beauties of their country on these boats. Gulet yachts, which are traditionally used for spongediving and fishing, have been updated in recent decades to offer greater comfort with larger decks and luxurious wood-paneled cabins added to their original design. If, while on a Blue Voyage, you find yourself needing to take a break from the daily routines of indulgence on board, you will have many reasons —and opportunities— to go ashore as well. Among the olive orchards and sounds of goat bells, many of the sleepy fishing villages feature local markets where your private cook can source fresh fruits and vegetables for sumptuous meals onboard. The charming coastal towns also make for perfect stopovers: Bodrum for its luxury marinas, celebrity mega-yachts, and premium shops featuring international brands, as well as fine-dining restaurants and buzzing nightlife; Datça and Selimiye for their rustic-chic feel and artisanal shops. To top it all off, there are many ancient cities and ruins to discover along this precious coast. Sunken cities, stone tombs jutting from the water or cut into the cliff faces, ancient theaters restored to their original glory, marble columns of majestic temples —all remnants of ancient cities of Anatolian civilizations like Caria and Lycia scattered along the way— and all memories that you’ll cherish from your epic Turkaegean journey.