Bodrum holidays
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It's easy to see why holidays to Bodrum are popular with the international A-list. The jewel of the Turkish Riviera has fantastic food, top nightlife, and 5,000-year-old history on its doorstep.
The jewel on the Turkish Riviera
Bodrum is fast becoming the Saint-Tropez of the Turkey Riviera, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Beyoncé and the Saudi royal family choosing to spend their summers here. This trendy, cosmopolitan town is made up of sugar-cube houses that spill down the hillside into two turquoise bays. One has a glitzy new marina, the other a small beach. They’re both watched over by the turrets of St Peter’s Castle.
Beach life
The town itself has only a small beach, and finding a sunlounger here can be a struggle. But a whole host of 24-carat beaches are just a short ride away on the local dolmus bus. Neighbouring Gumbet has a Blue Flag, Bardakci Bay is great for watersports, and Bagla Beach and Turgutreis have some of the best sand on this entire coast.
Old town
A holiday to Bodrum is about more than relaxing on the beach. Shopaholics, foodies, history buffs and the party crowd can all find their fill in the old town. Not only is this labyrinth of streets stuffed with tiny shops and restaurants, but it has the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World, right on its doorstep.
Close to Didyma
Turkey is full of ancient marvels, including the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, 2 and a half hours away by car. A little closer to hand is Didyma, an 8th-century Ionian sanctuary and one of the places where ancient Greeks came to have their fortunes told.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BODRUM
How long does it take to fly to Bodrum?
Flights from the UK to Bodrum take around four hours, depending on which airport you fly from.
What is the time difference between the UK and Bodrum?
Turkey is three hours ahead of the UK – so when it’s 9am here, it’s 12pm in Bodrum.
What currency should I take to Bodrum?
The currency of Turkey is the Lira. However, if you run out, many shops and restaurants in the more touristy areas will accept euros.
Do I need a visa to visit Bodrum, Turkey?
British citizens travelling to Bodrum won’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport will also need to be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive in Turkey. Check the FCDO website for the latest information.
How far is Bodrum from Marmaris, Turkey?
Bodrum is on a peninsula that juts out into the Aegean Sea, and Marmaris is a little further south. It takes around two and a half hours to drive from one to the other.