General Information
Bodrum: ’’the land of eternal blue’’, a stunning town both for its spectacular nature and variety of ruins with a history estimated to go back to the year 1000 BC.
Bodrum is one of the magnificent bays of Muğla and among the most beautiful areas of the Aegean region. It offers different beauties to its visitors in every season.
Known as Halicarnassus in the ancient times, Bodrum has many ancient relics and sites left behind by the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. The year 353 BC was the most significant era in the history of the town when it was capital of the Caria region. Nevertheless, Bodrum still maintains its significance in the present day.
The Tomb of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World constructed within a time span of 100 years, is a popular open air museum.
Bodrum is shrouded in a dreamlike atmosphere with its castle located at the junction of the eastern and western ports, the cupolas and narrow streets and its famous white Bodrum houses lined up along the beautiful shore.
The holiday resort offers a wide range of natural sceneries such as a magnificent coast and beautiful bays where one can take refuge and enjoy the beauties of nature.
Bodrum, hot and dry during the summer and mild and rainy during the winter, is described by the famous poet Cevat Sakir the fisherman of Halicarnassus as a place “where one can live in peace instead of somewhere else resting in peace.”
Offering a variety of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels by the turquoise sea, Bodrum is a haven for visitors fond of history and entertainment all the year round.
Attractions
There is no limit to the historical sites and seas to be discovered in and around Bodrum one of the most popular holiday destinations rich in natural beauties.
Bodrum Castle is one of the cornerstones of the town and the first thing to greet you upon your arrival in Bodrum. Established in the 15th century and well preserved throughout the centuries, the castle is almost like the North Star visible from everywhere in the city. The building with five towers has been turned into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology exhibiting a large collection of underwater artifacts.
Another site of attraction, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus bearing the traces of Greek and Egyptian architecture, was built on behalf of King Mausolus in 4th century BC. The mausoleum is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and has been turned into an open air museum by now. The ruins of the mausoleum still reflect the grandeur of the period it was established.
The antique theatre on the other hand, is the sole historical structure in Bodrum from before the Common Era. Established at the slopes of Göktepe, the theatre with a capacity of 4 thousand people, maintains its popularity through a series of summer concerts given on sight.
The birthplace of the famous historian Herodotus, the ancient site of Halicarnassus has been home to twelve more ancient cities. Within time, ancient cities such as Bargylia, Pedasa and ancient Myndos came together and created more powerful communities.
A range of fascinating holiday resorts in and nearby to Bodrum open their doors to thousands of visitors each year. For example, nearby locations such as Ortakent, Gümüşlük, Bitez, Torba, Turgutreis, Gümbet, Yalıçiftlik, Göltürkbükü and Yalıkavak offer visitors a magnificent mosaic of beaches stretching along the shore, snow white houses reflecting the unique architecture of the town, the warm Aegean sun and fabulously tasty dishes.
Bodrum is also the mecca of diving enthusiasts since the underwater is as beautiful as the land of the area. Amazing bays offer a variety of diving areas where you can discover other worlds. Moreover, a wide variety of sports ranging from water sports to extreme sports can be done in Bodrum.
Various blue cruise tours organized to explore the mysteries of magnificent bays depart from Bodrum and introduce you to unique places along the deep blue shores. Depending on your choice you may either join organized tours, or hire a private yacht that will take you unique places along the Turkish Riviera.
As the Fisherman of Halicarnassus said, "Do not assume that you will leave here the same as you came. There were others like you before. They left with their minds in Bodrum.’’ If you are willing to be enchanted too, start planning your Bodrum holiday!
Events
Bodrum organizes many festivals and events amidst the unique and colorful nature and welcomes participants from all over the world.
The International Bodrum Ballet Festival held in August every year, presents famous ballet performances bringing international ballet companies and art lovers together.
Another event in August, the Turgutreis International Music Festival presents terrific classical music concerts by wellknown artists at Turgutreis Marina.
Furthermore, the Bodrum International Dance Festival, Europe's most comprehensive dance festival including more than 80 performances, is held every year in May. Dance lovers who do not want to miss the spectacular performances should book their tickets in advance.
The Bodrum Herb Festival organized in April every year is waiting for its guests to share the generosities of nature and to introduce local herb recipes as well as delicious dishes prepared at competitions among local chefs.
Apart from this, the International Bodrum Carnival Exhibitions are organized in June every year welcoming their visitors with a large collection of works from various branches of art.
Art enthusiasts should definitely make time and explore this fertile land abundant in works of art.
How can I get there?
Located on one of the most beautiful spots of the Aegean region Bodrum can be reached easily via highway or airway.
One of the most convenient ways to travel to Bodrum is to take a direct flight from any of the airports in Turkey to Dalaman Airport in Muğla. Shuttle services and other transportation vehicles stationed outside of the gates will transfer you to Bodrum in the shortest time possible.
The town can also be reached by using direct buses between any city of Turkey and Bodrum. Any of the touristic locations near to Bodrum can be reached via shuttles leaving from Bodrum bus terminal.
Furthermore, there are ferries operating between Bodrum and Datça, Kos and Rhodes giving you the opportunity to explore different geographies during your holiday.
Travellers who want to enjoy a sojourn in nature and explore the roots of history are more than welcome!
Source: http://goturkey.com/
