Bodrum information

Updated: 11 August 2021 Created: 04 June 2013

The first thing to know about Bodrum in Turkey is that in 2006, the New York Times called it Turkey’s version of Saint Tropez. Sitting on the western Aegean coast, with three upmarket marinas, a wealth of superb restaurants, a buzzing nightlife, super luxury villas, fabulous shops and numerous hidden bays and beaches, it has hosted many visitors over the years. Although it has become a decidedly sophisticated destination in recent years, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars visit, the diverse peninsula boasts of sleepy villages, hidden coves, pine-and-citrus-clad hills, and pretty beaches.

Known initially as Halicarnassus, the capital of the Caria kingdom, Bodrum boasts a wealth of history, with recent years changing the landscape significantly. Thankfully modernisation has been kind, and Bodrum remains the picture postcard setting we see in travel brochures. The photos of pink bougainvillaea cascading down the whitewashed houses and into the sea are apt; the Castle of St Peter separating Bodrum’s two bays is a stunning spectacle. Bodrum may be a place where traditional sits next to modern, but the atmosphere and beauty lure you in and leaves even the hard-hearted wanting more.

Bodrum in Turkey


About Bodrum in Turkey


Location in Turkey

Bodrum is in Turkey’s Southwest Mugla province, Turkey, on the Aegean Sea, western coast, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast. Bodrum’s primary industry is tourism. With large expanses of fertile agricultural land outside the bustling resorts, the surrounding villages have also become famed for mandarins, grapes, olives, oranges, and cotton. Bodrum has a great climate, beautiful coastline and many areas designated as beauty sites or significant historical interest.

Life in Bodrum


Population and prominent places in Bodrum

Bodrum Peninsula’s population varies dramatically between summer and winter. The seasonal nature of tourism means that the area is quiet during the winter months of November to April. In contrast, the busy summer months attract ever-increasing numbers of tourists meaning the population easily goes over 1 million.

Bodrum Town, the largest and hub of the peninsula, offers a distinctly vibrant ambience all year round. More than 20 small towns and villages are scattered along the peninsula, mainly on the coast with superb sea and island views. After Bodrum Town come Turgutreis, Yalikavak and Gumusluk as the peninsula’s largest towns.

Yalikavak is a modern marina town with plenty of investment potential thanks to the recently opened Palmarina Bodrum and careful zoning regulations. Yalikavak sunsets are awe-inspiring. Yalikavak offers a wide range of houses and apartments, including some of Bodrum’s most exclusive mansions nestled in the hills and with fantastic bay views.

Turkbuku is the St. Tropez of Bodrum with elegant beach clubs, a natural marina shaped bay and several islands. Turkbuku offers some stylish waterfront homes with mooring and beach platforms. There are also some quiet and hidden villages on the peninsula, such as Derekoy and Geris up on the hills behind Gumusluk and Yalikavak. In short, this compact peninsula is like a chest of treasure with so much variation and diversity, all within manageable geography.

Gumusluk on the peninsula’s southwest coast is home to the oldest Aegean settlement, Myndos. Excavations are constantly ongoing around the protected Rabbit Island cove area, where the antique sunken city is located. Gumusluk, with a distinctly bohemian feel, is a somewhat developed real estate market and is well known for its waterfront fish restaurants and low-key coffee house culture.

Gumusluk


Weather and Climate in Bodrum

Bodrum’s climate is Mediterranean with long, hot and humid summers and highs of 38*C in August and an average low of 33*C. There’s little rain from June to September, just the occasional showers in May and October. The winters are mild and generally sunny, with an average daytime temperature of 15*C and a nighttime low of 6*C. January and February are the wettest months. Most believe the best time to visit Bodrum is May or September. Visiting early and late seasons ensures the sun is shining but not overly hot, the season is in full swing but not crowded, and the prices of holidays and flights are lower.

You will often talk to permanent residents of Bodrum, Turks and ex-pats alike, who will tell you that they love winter in Bodrum. At first, this sounds a bit far-fetched to believe; however, once you spend a winter here, you shall undoubtedly understand why. In winter, Bodrum becomes a more intimate place to enjoy seaside Sunday brunches such as the one pictured to the left at Leman Kultur in Bodrum Town or, better still, the open buffet on Bitez beach.

Bodrum beaches


Quality of Life in Bodrum

Bodrum is famous for good reason: it offers an excellent quality of life. The prices of properties, holidays, and living costs are certainly rising, but they are still very reasonable compared to the UK and many other countries. In addition, the climate is excellent with hot summers and mild winters, and the variety of shops, bars, and restaurants is endless. Life in Bodrum will never leave you wanting more; experience the best of what Turkey has to offer by beginning your new life in arguably the best town there is in Turkey for exclusive lifestyle and idyllic surroundings.

Bodrum Castle


Things to do in Bodrum

1. Halicarnassus Mausoleum: Known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, visiting this site while in Bodrum is an absolute must for any traveller, tourist, or person living in Bodrum.

2. Bodrum Castle: The most highly sought out landmark in Bodrum, the superb 15th century Bodrum Castle played a part in significant historical moments of the region.

3. Bodrum Amphitheatre: The original spot for Gladiator fighting and plays - what could be better than visiting the 13,000 seater theatre still used to this day for summer concerts and festivals?

4. Camel Beach - Kargi Bay : Enjoy a fine beach or take a peaceful ride upon a Camel - Camel beach by name, most certainly Camel Beach by nature.

5. Rabbit Island: Home to wild rabbits and a favourite spot for a King - separating the two beaches of Gumusluk, the island is easily walked to through the water since the water generally only reaches around knee-deep depth.

6. Kara Ada: The perfect spot for yachting - translated as the Black Island, Kara Arda is a popular hotspot amongst tourists.

7. Learn about Bodrum at Myndos Gate : Scenes to some historic battles involving Alexander the Great, the ancient monument of Myndos Gate will please any history buff looking to learn the history of Bodrum.

8. Pedasa:  Uncover the region’s best kept secrets at Pedasa- the ancient city is a marvel to stumble upon when in Bodrum. Enjoy a day exploring the old town.

9. Take a water taxi to Bardakci Cove:  a beautiful cove with superb views over the Castle and surrounding areas.

10. Unwind and relax at Bitez Beach- a perfect beach for the whole family to enjoy; Bitez Beach is gorgeous and belongs on the list of best beaches.

Rabbit Island Bodrum


Expat Living and Buying Property

Bodrum has a diverse foreign and Turkish community. Many well to do Turks from Istanbul and Ankara have chosen to buy holiday homes around the Bodrum peninsula. Since the opening of Bodrum Milas International Airport, the British, Scandinavians, Germans, French, Dutch and lately the Russians all followed suit. Bodrum’s ever-changing tapestry with strict laws regulating the building and development keeps its idyllic status.

If you want to buy property in Turkey, Bodrum is an excellent place to look. Browse our portfolio of property in Bodrum for sale across the peninsula. Each listing contains the price, neighbourhood location, features, and contact details to arrange a viewing or find out more via email. Alternatively, to know more about Bodrum in Turkey and investing in the country, call us today.

Ortakent in Bodrum

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