Bodrum Holidays

Bodrum was known in ancient times as Halicarnassus and was home to the famous historian Herodotus who was born here in 484 BC, as was Dionyssius, a great rhetoric teacher from the 1st century BC. Bodrum is the most cosmopolitan and almost certainly the best known of Turkey's holiday resorts, it was in fact the first Turkish town to experience a large influx of tourists. Holidays to Bodrum first became popular with artists, musicians and actors back in the 1960s and '70s and the resort quickly established a reputation as a bohemian party capital. Nightlife is still a huge draw, but these days Bodrum has re-established itself as Turkey's capital of chic, home to boutique hotels, stylish bars and elegant eateries.

Despite its popularity, holidays in Bodrum are still something quite special as it retains a unique charm and relaxed ambience. It is exceptionally striking, its dazzling whitewashed houses draped in cascades of bright pink and purple bougainvillea. Narrow streets wind down towards the sea and the formidable Castle of St. Peter dominates the resort's twin bays. The town is overlooked by the remains of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, once ruled by King Mausolus, whose grand tomb or Mausoleum became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city walls, built by Mausolus, were almost destroyed during a seige by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a definite highlight of holidays to Bodrum and it has some excellent exhibits including ancient shipwrecks and various examples of ancient glass, amphora and more.

Another excellent reason to choose Bodrum holidays, this charming resort was the birthplace of the famous Blue Cruise, the route plyed by the traditional wooden sailing boats known as gulets, and it is still Turkey's yachting centre. Take a day trip to explore the stunning coastline and myriad of rocky coves and sandy beaches nearby. Alternatively, the smaller bays, beaches and villages of the Bodrum peninsula are easily accessible by regular dolmus services from the resort centre. For days out we recommend a visit to Yalikavak, a small fishing village on the Bodrum Peninsula, just 11 miles from the resort of Bodrum.

5 Star Hotels in Bodrum

We have chosen some wonderful 5 star hotels in Bodrum, the Grand Yazici is a brand new luxury hotel right in the heart of the town and has stunning views over the bay. We also highly recommend the Bodrium Boutique which has a spa featuring a unique indoor pool designed to look like a cave, holiday here for the ultimate in relaxation.

Scuba Diving in Bodrum

Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate or advanced diver, there are plenty of opportunities in Bodrum to enjoy the underwater world, and we can arrange a suitable scuba diving excursion for you.

Excursions from Bodrum

We offer a range of excursions to enjoy during holidays to Bodrum, here are just a sample of trips you can enjoy.

Magnificent Ephesus
Ephesus is the most well-known and best preserved ancient site in Turkey, and one has to see it to appreciate it fully. Our knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey back in time as you learn about the fascinating history of this eerily well-preserved place.

Pamukkale
This lovely and unique place is a truly natural phenomenon and is on the "Must see list" for Turkey. The name Pamukkale literally translates to cotton castle. Hot spring waters escape from the earth and cascade over a cliff, the cooling process then transforms them into dramatic travertines of hard, gleaming white calcium, a simply stunning sight. Here you will also find the ruined Roman city of Hierapolis.

Dalyan, Caunos and Iztuzu Beach
During your holiday in Bodrum, you can also book a day trip to Dalyan, the jewel in this charming village's crown is the protected Iztuzu Beach, home of the endangered 'Caretta Caretta' turtles. After your tour of ancient Caunos, you will also have time to enjoy relaxing in the mudbaths, wonderful for the skin!

As well as the excursions mentioned above, we offer some tours over several days where you can explore places further afield or in greater detail. We also offer guided tours in and around the immediate Bodrum area, so if you want to explore Halikarnassos City accompanied by an expert guide, or take a trip around the surrounding villages such as Yalikavak, there is plenty of choice.

Here at Anatolian Sky we are experts in arranging tailor made holidays for our customers, so if you want to combine your time in Bodrum with a visit to another resort in Turkey, or perhaps spend a longer time touring the ancient sites, speak to our friendly reservations team who can help you create the perfect holiday to suit your own unique requirements.