Traveling in Bodrum
Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.
Neighborhoods & Around
Bodrum Town
Some visitors are drawn to the activity and vibrancy of Bodrum town, where you're spoilt for choice with its ancient sights, it's shopping, as well as its restaurants, bars and clubs. Here you can just walk down any of its cobbled back-streets, and find small restaurants that cater to the local Turkish crowd. You'll get more for your money as well as a relaxing and authentic dining experience.
Gundogan
An active fishing town, also known for sponge diving and for the array of olive and citrus groves. It's a lot more peaceful and laid back than the bigger towns, and even though it has a thriving tourist trade, it still exists as one of the unspoilt corners of the peninsula. The hillsides in this area of the peninsula are shrouded in pine trees, and give Gundogan a different vibe than some of the more barren looking parts of the peninsula. These hillsides are perfect for hiking and to explore the area for Leleg ruins. There are many different trails to choose from, depending on how adventurous you are.
Akyarlar
Located in the often overlooked south-western corner of the Bodrum Peninsula, Akyarlar is due south of Turgutreis. It's a little off the beaten track, and if you fancy a day away from the mass of tourists that converge in Bodrum and Turgutreis, head to this corner of the Peninsula to get a slice of Turkish market-town life.