History buffs may know Bodrum as the spot where the famed city of Halicarnassos once stood.  That was home to the Mausoleum, one of the original 7 Wonders of the World, and birthplace of Herodotus, the father of History.  The Hospitallers also stood guard here for a while during medieval times and built an impressive stone fortress called the Bodrum Castle.  But these days, folks flock to this peninsula in Turkey to enjoy sun, sea and sand without the hustle and bustle you find in so many other towns along the  Mediterranean and Aegean.

For years, Bodrum was an undiscovered spot – considered to be very much off the beaten path.  It was popular for sponge diving and fishing but it wasn’t as easy to get to as some of the larger cities along the Turkish coast – and so, for a long time, it remained anonymous but to a few.  But word of mouth travels eventually – and Bodrum’s tranquility and beauty (as well as its historical significance) aren’t something visitors soon forget.  And it’s those things that keep people coming back again and again.  Today, Bodrum is a thriving coastal town with a new local airport.   Yet, it remains small and unassuming enough to allow visitors to truly kick back and relax.

Although Bodrum is largest city on the peninsula, there are villages dotting the coastline that are ready and willing to host you.  It is the perfect place to pick up a gulet, or wooden sailboat, to tour the many coves and beaches nearby or to simply walk and get into the rhythm of a small, peaceful town.

Like the other beaches along the Med and Aegean, the beaches in the area are a mix of sand and stone.  But many of the private resort beaches offer pristine white sand along the crystal blue water.  Bodrum’s location, tucked away in the nestles and coves of the Bodrum Bay, offers only lulling, gentle waves.  It’s a perfect beach destination for families with small children.  Water sports like boating, water skiing, jet skiing and kayaking are also readily available.  And with the town’s resurgence, you can find plenty of resort options, from budget to luxury, to enjoy its many offerings.  All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

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Photo courtesy of Kayt Sukel.