Top 10 Places to Visit in Bodrum and the Aegean Coast

The Aegean Coast on the west of Turkey is an excellent place for luxury holidays boasting superb beaches, charming towns and a plethora of things to do and places to see. Below we’ve put together our top ten recommendations for a holiday to Bodrum and Aegean Coast.

Bodrum town

The classy seaside town of Bodrum is a fantastic place to both stay and visit on your holiday. The famous Fish Market in Bodrum which is sometimes referred to as ‘manavla’ is an excellent way to explore the town and try the local cuisine. Equally enjoy a day or evening at the Blue Flag Bodrum Marina, which also offers visitors a shopping centre alongside a range of restaurants and bars.

Bodrum Castle

A must for those visiting the town of Bodrum is the famous Castle of St Peter. Built during the 15th century by the Knights of St John the castle boasts several impressive towers, a chapel, Turkish bath and dungeon. The castle itself is impressive however it is also the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology which houses artefacts from shipwrecks, from the First Crusade and from the ancient city of Halicarnassus.

Bodrum Castle

Blue Cruise

Those of you who are looking to relax I’d highly recommend a Blue Cruise. Hire out a private luxury, traditional Turkish gullet, sunbathe, swim and discover the Aegean Coast from the azure sea. Blue Cruises can be easily organised from Bodrum.

Turkish Gulet cruise

Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Turkey and is the Mediterranean’s best preserved classical city. The site which was built in 1,000 BC is dedicated to the huntress goddess Artemis and the city’s Temple of Artemis is listed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Marvel at the great theatre, stroll down the ancient marble streets, visit the Roman baths, and the House of Virgin Mary, where St Mary is believed to have been during the last few years of her life. Ephesus is around a two and a half hour drive from Bodrum and is well worth the trip.

Dedeman Aquapark Bodrum

As the largest waterpark in Turkey, Dedeman Aquapark Bodrum is a fantastic choice for those with families. Spend a fun filled day hurtling down slides, splashing in the pools and sunbathing. The park is just 8 kilometers from the centre of Bodrum and is open from 10.30 until 17.00 every day from 21 May to 05 October 2014.

Slides at Dedeman Aquapark Bodrum

Experience a traditional Turkish bath

A Turkish bath aims to cleanse and relax and will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Visitors wear a pestemal which is cloth that that is often tied at the waist. Firstly you will sit in a hot room to relax with the option of a massage and scrub from an attendant (who will always be of the same sex as you), before cooling off in an adjacent room. This form of cleansing treatment has been a favourite for centuries and an experience that we highly recommend on your Turkey holiday.

Turgutreis

With its abundance of superb sandy beaches it is no wonder the sunny seaside town of Turgutreis is a favourite amongst holiday-makers. Perfect for both families and couples you can relax on the beach, partake in watersports or dine at the sophisticated marina. One of my favourite things about Turkey are the markets and are a great way experience a slice of the Turkish culture, so on Saturdays head down to the market and pick up some authentic souvenirs including leather goods, clothing, spices and pottery. As with all markets – be prepared to barter!

Kos

Now this may not be your first thought of places to go on a holiday to Turkey but the Greek island of Kos is actually only a 15 minute journey from Turgutreis on the hydrofoil. Explore the cosmopolitan town with its trendy bars and restaurants, visit the medieval sites or relax on the sandy beach.

Harbour in Kos, Greece

Turkbuku

If you are looking for high-class restaurants, designer boutiques and that little bit of something special then I recommend a visit to Turkbuku, often referred to as the ‘Turkish St Tropez’. The sheltered harbour is perfect for a leisurely swim, the waterfront offers exquisite restaurants, classy bars and a display of stunning luxury yachts.

Pamukkale

Around a four hour drive from the coast it will make for a whole day excursion but I can guarantee you will not be disappointed of the sheer breathtaking beauty of Pamukkale. Translating to ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish, Pamukkale is made of thermal springs on a cliff where the calcite waters have made up natural basins, mineral forests and fossilised waterfalls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true wonder of nature and one of the number one places to visit in Turkey.

Pamukkale

Have you been to the Bodrum and the Aegean Coast? Where would you recommend? Share with us on Facebook.