Ancient City of Ephesus & Selçuk

This excavation rivals the famous sites of Pompeii. Once home to around 400,000 residents, ancient Ephesus was built around the temple of Artemis — another marvel among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins we see today primarily hail from the Roman era. The remnants of the Temple of Artemis stand outside the main ruin area, while the hill above is graced with the cathedral of Saint John, said to be the final resting place of the evangelist. Legend holds that Saint John lived in Ephesus alongside the Virgin Mary.

• Web:

  ephesus.us

• Address:

  Efes, Selçuk

• Subway:

  Local bus to Selçuk or tour bus

Ancient City of Milas

Located about 50 km northeast of Bodrum, Milas holds a notable reputation as a carpet-making centre, boasting a long history in crafting carpets with a distinctive weave in soft tobacco hues. It's a charming town to meander through, offering romantic shopping bazaars and a variety of archaeological sites. Plus, you'll find the prices here are pleasantly lower than in Bodrum.

Bardakçı Turkish Bath

A tradition that dates back to centuries before the Turks reached Anatolia, the Hamam (Turkish Bath) has become a ritual tightly bound to Islam and deeply ingrained in Turkish culture. Like everywhere else in the country, Bodrum boasts a variety of Hamams, most of which are located within hotels. The Tarihi Bardakci Hamam stands as the oldest bath in town, offering a truly authentic Hamam experience.

• Web:

  tarihi-bardakc-hamam.business.site

• Address:

  Tarihi Bardakçı Hamamı, 32 Kumbahçe Mahallesi, Dere Sokak, Bodrum

• Phone:

  +90 534 494 16 93

Beach Life

The beaches around the Bodrum peninsula provide excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling. With bathing boats or dolmuş, reaching them is a breeze. Bagla, located 14 km from Bodrum on the south coast, boasts fine sandy beaches, while Gümbet — just about 3 km west of Bodrum — is often the go-to for windsurfers. On the west coast, you'll discover inviting beaches at Akyar, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak. Each of these are quaint villages brimming with charming fish restaurants and popular anchorages for sailors. Don't miss Kara Ada (Black Island) Bay either, where you'll find caves hiding hot water springs.

• Address:

  Gümbet, Bodrum

Bitez Beach

Just a 6 km jaunt from Bodrum city centre, this 7 km stretch of coastline is beautifully framed by atmospheric mosques. Bitez Beach, with its sandy shores and shallow waters, is perfect for water sports or simply bathing. It's a bustling hub that pulses with life, making it an ideal gathering point.

• Address:

  Bitez Plaji, Bodrum

Boat Trips

Bodrum harbour is a bustling hub for 'gulets' — traditional boats that whisk visitors away on tours of the stunning coastline. These comfortable vessels feature spacious rear decks and cosy cabins. Whether you prefer a short ride, a day trip or something longer, you'll often find the captain doubling as the cook. If you're after a more exclusive experience, you could rent a sailing boat complete with a crew, or hop on a bathing boat to one of the picture-perfect beaches. And all around the peninsula, you'll stumble upon quaint, shady bays.