Bodrum

A coastal city in Turkey, renowned for its rich history, Bodrum (Ancient Greek: Halicarnassus) was the birthplace of Herodotus, the father of history. In antiquity, it was one of the Dorian colonies and formed a collective of six cities. It allied with the Persians during Xerxes' campaign against Greece. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum, was located here, constructed in memory of the satrap Mausolus. The city was subjugated by Alexander the Great, later conquered by the Ptolemies, and endured decline during the Byzantine era.

In 1404, it was captured by the Knights Hospitaller, who irreparably destroyed the Mausoleum. The height of the Mausoleum is estimated to have been 45 meters and it had a white color, combining the Greek peristyle with a pyramid-like stepped roof. It was the work of Greek architects Satyrus and Pytheos. In 1522, the city fell under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent and took on the Turkish name Bodrum.

Today, Bodrum is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife and diverse shopping options to cater to every economic demand and taste.

Here are some of the top beaches in Bodrum:

• Gumbet Beach: One of the most famous and popular beaches in Bodrum, Gumbet Beach is a large sandy beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of water sports.
• Bardakci Beach: A smaller, quieter beach surrounded by pine forests, known for its warm and relaxed atmosphere.
• Ortakent Beach: A wide, sandy beach with fine sand and crystal clear waters, Ortakent Beach is a popular spot for families and those seeking a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
• Camel Beach: A small, secluded beach located in a bay, Camel Beach offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area and is ideal for those looking for a beautiful beach.
• Güvercinlik Beach: A small, peaceful beach with turquoise waters and soft sand, Güvercinlik Beach is known for its natural beauty and is perfect for those seeking a serene and calm atmosphere.
• Cennet Koyu: A large beach with turquoise waters stretching along a bay, Cennet Koyu offers incredible views of the sea and the surrounding area.
• Yahsi Beach: A small, quiet beach surrounded by beautiful scenery, Yahsi Beach is known for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for those looking for an unspoiled beach.
• Konacik Beach: A small, quiet beach surrounded by pine forests, Konacik Beach offers a relaxing atmosphere and crystal clear waters.

In addition to the beaches within Bodrum, there are also many beaches in the surrounding area that are worth visiting.

• Museum of Underwater Archaeology: This magnificent museum inside the Castle of St. Peter is a must-visit attraction. After entering, with the huge collection of amphorae and a glass-blowing workshop that you will find fascinating, enter the Gymnasium Hall. There, you will be impressed as you come face to face with a 16-meter-long ship that sank in 1025 AD..
• Mausoleum: The Mausoleum was built in Halicarnassus by the architect Pytheos as the final resting place of King Mausolus (376-353 BC). When completed, its impressive towering structure, reaching a height of 46 meters, was adorned with exquisite sculptures by renowned Greek sculptors. Despite the damages caused by earthquakes over the centuries, the Mausoleum was eventually destroyed by the Knights Hospitaller, who used its stones to build the Castle of St. Peter.
• Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus: The ancient theatre of Halicarnassus is generally smaller than the typical Roman standards. It has been well preserved, and the view from the theatre towards the mountains is magnificent. During its peak in the 4th century, it had 13,000 seating capacity. The theatre is used for events and concerts during the summer.
• Old Town: Just behind the Castle of St. Peter is the most interesting area of Halicarnassus. In the Old Town, you can walk along narrow pedestrian streets lined with wooden houses. It is true that a large part of the old town has been modernized. In the Old Town, you can enjoy an afternoon stroll. There are many boutiques and cafes in this area to relax after the walk.
• The Bazaar: It is an exceptional traditional Turkish market with numerous shops. Here, you can find beautiful textiles from Turkey and Central Asia.

Halicarnassus is accessible through ferry connections to certain islands in the Dodecanese, such as Patmos, Kos, and Rhodes. During the tourist season, ferry tickets from Kos to Halicarnassus are particularly in demand. The ferry routes have a duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can travel quickly with the ferry operated by Exas Shipping Services. The route takes only 20 minutes. The journey from Kos to Halicarnassus is very popular among travelers who desire a day trip from Greece to Turkey.

Through the booktickets platform, you can purchase tickets with just a few simple clicks. Here, you will find all available routes with the cheapest ticket prices and all the available discounts for passengers and vehicles.