Bodrum is one of the world’s richest historical sites. Being a city on the Aegean Sea, it attracts tourists every year to both its modern luxury beachside hotels and it’s ancient wonders.

The home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is a must see.  

Bodrum Castle was built in large part from stones taken from the ruined mausoleum in the 15th-century and today is open to enter. The castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you’ll uncover preserved relics taken from shipwrecks from around the area.

To get a closer look, book a on a dive boat and explore the local waters and expect to see stunning wildlife, shipwrecks and even underwater plane wrecks can be found nearby.

Bozburun Cave is still unknown to many, but is an amazing corner of paradise worth visiting as are the carved rock tombs in Kekova. To swim around them is an incredible experience.

Spend time exploring the turquoise beaches along the Aegean Sea. Walk the long beach of Gumbet Bay or swim in the protected waters of the beautiful Bardakci Beach. Windsurfers head to Bitez beach, best for beginners in the morning when the bay is calm, then the breeze picks up later in the day for the pros.

Since Bodrum is so popular for beach vacationers, you’ll need to travel a little further to find seclusion here, but its well worth it. Black Island is located 4 miles off the coast of Bodrum, with crystal clear bays and is most famous for Meteor Bay, named because a meteor crashed here many years ago. However other stunning bays around the island make this is must visit stop on your Bodrum agenda. You’ll even find a hot spring cave that produces mineral-rich mud.

For a snorkelling hotspot, seek a boat trip with stops at Orak Island Bay which has white sand beaches and is a great place to snorkel or swim. Great for both shallow and deep-sea divers, with an incredible vertical reef wall that descends nearly 80 metres. The water is clear and blue that it’ll feel like someone just put a filter on Earth.

For shopping, head to Kaş – there’s a street with small artisan boutiques and antique shops with the best selection of authentic Turkish towels and robes. Other artisans make natural soaps with herbal ingredients, or wood crafted objects you’ll love! Visit Bodrum bazaar on Tuesdays for textiles, wooden spoons, fresh fruit and local teas and Yalikavak Marina is always great for local designers.

If you’re a sunseeker, the best time of year to visit Bodrum is June to September, but the hottest month is July and would recommend after then for a more pleasant experience.