Bodrum is a small and very picturesque town in southwestern Turkey. This is the capital of the country’s nightlife: there are many bars, nightclubs and discos, and often youth go here, and from all over Europe. But there are also enough attractions in Bodrum. We tell you what to do on the weekend.
Entrance rules to Turkey
Since June 1, 2022, the entrance to the country is free-the results of the PCR test for coronavirus are no longer required. Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa either.
How to get
From Moscow and St. Petersburg to Bodrum, you can fly with a transplant in Sochi or Istanbul (depending on the airline). The minimum travel time from the capital is 7 hours, from St. Petersburg – 8 hours. From Sochi to the resort of the Turkish city for only two hours in the sky on the flights of Aeroflot airline.
Where to stop
We have chosen several hotels with good grades for every taste and budget:
- REGNUM Escana Boutique Hotel (rating 10 points out of 10)
- Ha la Bodrum (rating 9.4 points out of 10)
- Jasmin Elite Residence (rating of 8.9 points out of 10)
What to see
Bodrum is a place with history. Once there was a rich city of Galicarnas, in which there was one of the seven wonders of the world. Antiquities have not survived to our days, but the city still has interesting attractions.
Saint Peter Castle (Bodrum Kalesi)
Address: Bodrum, Mugla, Carsi MH.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30, Monday – a day off.
The impressive walls of the castle of the 15th century are noticeable from anywhere in the city, so you definitely will not miss it. Once it was a powerful fortress, which more than once defended the city. By the way, during the construction of the castle, marble columns and stones from the destroyed Galicarnassk Mausoleum were used.
Today there is an interesting museum of underwater archeology, which contains the richest collection of amphor of the Mediterranean in the world, as well as ancient home utensils and other artifacts. And in the Hall of Uluburun, you can consider in the details a small sunken ship, which is attributed to the XIV century BC.
Mausoleum in Galicarnas (Mausoleum at Halicarnassus)
Address: Bodrum, Tepecik Mahallesi, 48440.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 19:00, Monday – a weekend.
Today, the word “mausoleum” is familiar to everyone, but for the first time it was used here: in the city of Galicarnas during the burial of Tsar Mavsola in the middle of the 4th century BC. His luxurious tomb was like an ancient temple – and for his beauty and monumentality became one of the seven wonders of the world.
Unfortunately, the mausoleum was destroyed as a result of a powerful earthquake in the 13th century, and most of the debris went to the construction of the castle of St. Peter. Today you can visit the ruins of the tomb – look at the remains of foundations, stairs and numerous stone fragments. It is best to take a tour with a guide that will tell interesting stories and amazing facts.
Amphitheater
Address: Bodrum, Cevre Yolu Kıbrıs Sehitleri CD.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 16:30, Monday – a day off.
In the northern part of Bodrum, you can take a briefly to the ancient past – here is a well -preserved amphitheater, built in the 4th century BC. Once up to 13,000 spectators gathered here to look at gladiatorial battles, and today in the amphitheater concerts and music festivals are arranged. But even if you do not get to the performance, it doesn’t matter – come to just admire the sunset and a wonderful view of the city and the castle of St. Peter. The entrance outside the concerts is free.
And in the western part you can get acquainted with the restored Min-Domest gates, which were once part of the fortress wall and the central entrance to Galicarnas.
Windmills
One of the few attractions of Bodrum, which can be seen at any time of the day is completely free, is located in the vicinity of the city. There are mills on the hill between Bodrum and Gyumbet bays, it is most convenient to get here by car or taxi. Come for the sake of beautiful photos – a wonderful view of the city and the sea opens from the hill – and also this is a great place for a picnic at sunset.
White-stone buildings were built in the 18th century and were actively used until the 70s of the last century. The roofs and blades of most mills are destroyed, but one, in the Jalykavak Bay, is restored, and a restaurant is working in it today.
Island of Kara ADA (karaada)
The Paradise Island, known for mineral pools, medical sources and mud baths, is located 6 km from Bodrum. You can get here on an excursion boat that regularly departed from the port, or having agreed with one of the local residents-they are happy to ride tourists in boats for a small fee.
“Kara AD” from Turkish is translated as “Black Island”, but in fact it is very green – numerous pines and ambroof trees grow on the shores. Local mud is considered healing, there is even a belief that it is the mud baths of the island of Kara who is owed by its beauty Cleopatra. Also, you can swim in natural mineral springs and, of course, swim in the crystal pure waters of the Aegean Sea.
