Best Things To Do in Bodrum

If you're looking for a place to combine natural beauty with cultural richness, then Bodrum, Turkey's summer hotspot, is the perfect destination. Its scenery blends green mountains and hidden coves with a history dating back to ancient Greece.

With Turkish baths, traditional boat or gulet trips, charming villages and medieval castle tours on offer, Bodrum is ideal for families and adventurers alike. Get your camera and swimming costume ready to discover the city that won over even Cleopatra. Here are 13 must-do activities in Bodrum, so let's get started!

A different way to explore Bodrum' s natural environment beyond the beaches is to sign up for a jeep tour. This type of adventure activity takes you into the heart of the mountainous hinterland, where you'll discover rural landscapes, small traditional villages and lush nature that contrasts with coastal life. As you get into the jeep, an adrenaline-filled ride on dirt roads, up and down hills and through dense forests awaits you.

During the tour, several stops are made at scenic spots, such as hidden waterfalls, natural viewpoints with spectacular sea views, and small villages where time seems to have stood still. You will also meet some of the local people who often show you their traditions, as well as offering homemade honey and olive oil products. This is an experience that combines the thrill of off-road adventure with the discovery of the rural culture of the region.

Interesting details

• Duration: approximately 6 to 8 hours.
• What you should know: the Gulf of Ciftlik is a popular place for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing, so you can add these activities.

If you love nature and animals, I invite you to book a horseback ride along the banks of the Dalyan River is a fantastic way to connect with Bodrum's natural environment.

There are several attractions to this type of ride here, as you ride, you will enjoy the panoramic views of the mountainous landscape, as well as have the opportunity to see the ancient Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs and the serenity of the river. These are the Lycian Temple Tombs, a monument with more than 2,000 years of history, and one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.

But if that's not enough for you, head to İztuzu Beach, a paradisiacal place w here sea turtles have chosen to lay their eggs.

Interesting details

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
• What you should know: it is recommended to bring long trousers, sunscreen, swimming costume and towel if you want to take a dip in the beach.

Bodrum is one of the most famous spots on the Aegean Coast. Its crystal clear, wave-less waters and schools of multicoloured fish have earned it the nickname of the Maldives of Bodrum, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is to snorkel at Orak Island.

You can reach this little paradise by signing up for a boat trip to Orak Island. After 30 minutes from Bodrum harbour, you will have reached the island. The boat trip offers an unforgettable experience for sea lovers. Upon arrival, you will dive into turquoise waters and discover an underwater world rich in marine life, including coral formations. This tour is ideal for those looking for an aquatic adventure in a peaceful and natural environment.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4 to 6 hours.
• What you should know: You can bring your own snorkelling equipment or rent it in Bodrum. You don't need to be an expert; even beginners will enjoy the experience.

Traverse rugged terrain, dusty roads and natural areas where you'll feel the adrenaline rush aboard an ATV. The experience is ideal for those looking for an adventure in the middle of nature, and you don't need any previous driving experience.

For almost half a day you will drive through hills, forests and countryside, enjoying panoramic views of Bodrum's surroundings. It's the perfect way to unwind from the beach and explore the wilder side of the region.

Interesting details

• Duration: half a day.
• What you should know: it is advisable to bring a change of clothes as there is some muddy terrain to traverse in the area.

Immerse yourself in a unique sensory experience by booking a Turkish bath experience in a traditional hammam. Turkish baths, or hammams, are an institution in Turkey and a wonderful way to relax body and mind.

In Bodrum you will find numerous hammams offering traditional treatments such as foam massage and body scrub. Imagine lying on a warm marble slab as you are enveloped in a cloud of aromatic steam. The gentle, moist heat will open your pores and leave you feeling deeply relaxed. After the bath, you can enjoy a relaxing massage to complete the experience.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the treatments you choose.
• What you should know: it is advisable to bring a swimming costume and towel and to book in advance, especially if you plan to take advantage of other services such as the popular sauna and are travelling in high season.

Carla's Tip

Tea is traditional in Turkey and the best time to drink it is right after a Turkish bath. Having complemented your experience with this drink, you will feel that you have pampered your body inside and out.

Bodrum is known for its excellent local wines, in fact, in recent years it has found a renaissance by opening its vineyards to the public, and not only that, but wineries have also joined the Turkish winemaking movement, and a winery dinner is the perfect opportunity to taste them while enjoying the local cuisine.

Depending on the experience you choose, the activity may include a tour of the vineyards, or if you book a wine pairing dinner in a winery the space will change to a barrel environment where you will learn about the winemaking process, followed by a dinner under the stars.

The fresh flavours of local ingredients together with local wines such as Karnas zinfandel are the perfect combination to make this activity a complete culinary experience.

Interesting details

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• What you should know: the dinner offered in this type of activity is often a 3 or 4 course meal and transportation as well as the walk through the vineyards or wineries plus wine tasting is also usually included.

Just 45 minutes by ferry from Bodrum, the Greek island of Kos offers a hassle-free international getaway along its more than 100 kilometres of coastline.

This island is known for its rich history, with archaeological sites such as the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hercules, both of which you can visit when you book a Kos Island tour.

I recommend spending the day on the island to wander through its cobbled streets and visit its Ottoman mosques, medieval castle, Roman ruins, churches, exotic nature or simply ride along the coastline and enjoy the delicious local cuisine that combines the best of both worlds due to its proximity to Bodrum and the charm of Greece.

Interesting details

• Duration: full day.
• What you should know: don't forget to bring your passport, as you are crossing into another country. The ferry departs several times a day from Bodrum harbour.

Book a trip to Pamukkale, one of Turkey's natural wonders. This stunning landscape set in the Büyük Menderes Valley, known as the**'Cotton Castle**', is made up of terraces of white travertine that look as if they've been sculpted by the gods.

Soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools and feel the healing properties of one of the most beautiful hot springs in the world. And if you decide to make your way through the basins of the hillside, you will find a treasure at the top, the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman city built on the terraces.

A dip here will allow you to boast of having enjoyed the same pleasures as Cleopatra in one of the world' s most Instagrammable thermal baths. How cool is that? The combination of Pamukkale's natural beauty and Hierapolis' rich history make this an unforgettable getaway.

Details of interest

• Duration: full day.
• What you should know: it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and a swimming costume to enjoy the hot springs. Also bring a hat, as all the activities mentioned are outdoors and the sun can be intense especially if you are travelling in summer.

Did you know

According to legend, Hierapolis was a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. It was originally flanked by the Temple of Apollo but between earthquakes and wars, it is now in the open air surrounded by a field of flowers.

Let's see, Bodrum is a place associated with adult parties, however, families will also find activities to enjoy such as a visit to the Dedeman Water Park, the ideal choice for those on holiday in Bodrum with children

With over 20 slides and pools with rides for everyone. The little ones will have a great time at this aquapark while the adults can lie in the sun. In addition, the Dedeman water park has a lazy river, a play area for toddlers and a picnic area. There are also restaurants and bars where you can enjoy local and international cuisine along with refreshing drinks.

With the purchase of your Dedeman Water Park tickets, both the adventurous and the relaxed will find alternatives to spend the day.

Interesting details

• Duration: all day.
• What you should know: This is the largest water park in Bodrum, with all the facilities for a day out.

If you're a foodie, a Turkish cooking class in Bodrum is an activity not to be missed. In this experience, you will learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as meze, kebab, Gozleme and many other dishes as well as delicious desserts such as baklava.

Local chefs will guide you step by step in the creation of these dishes from buying fresh ingredients or picking them in their gardens, and at the end you will be able to taste your own creations. It's a perfect opportunity to bring a piece of Turkey into your own kitchen.

Interesting details

• Duration: 4 to 6 hours.
• What you should know: all ingredients are usually included as well as tea, coffee and water.

If you're looking for a more natural experience, Karaada Island's hot springs are the perfect place to relax. These mineral-rich hot springs are renowned for their age-old healing and rejuvenating properties.

These hot springs flow into the small cave on Karaada or Black Island, just a few kilometres from Bodrum harbour. To get there, simply book a private boat ride. As you immerse yourself in these waters, you will feel your body completely relax, while enjoying the spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. It is an ideal place to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 to 7 hours.
• What you should know: this island is almost virgin, the only thing available is a beach bar where you can have a light snack.

One of Bodrum's most iconic experiences is a visit to St. Peter's Castle of Halicarnassus, better known as Bodrum Castle, a majestic medieval fortress that dominates the town's coastline. Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, this castle has witnessed centuries of history, from its use as a defensive bastion to its transformation into a museum.

Upon arrival, the first thing that strikes you is the imposing stone structure, surrounded by the glimmering Aegean Sea. As you enter the castle, you pass its ancient walls, 5 towers, 7 gates and courtyards, each corner revealing something more about its fascinating history. The tour of the castle is an experience in itself.

You can explore its Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where artefacts salvaged from shipwrecks of yesteryear are on display. And strolling along the terraces and towers gives you breathtaking views of Bodrum's harbour, turquoise waters and skyline.

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
• What you should know: the castle is open daily, but it is advisable to go early to avoid the hottest hours and crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and steep corridors.