Holiday villas, airbnbs and apartments in Bodrum

Visit Bodrum: the centrepiece of the Turkish Riviera!

If you are looking for a holiday apartment rental in Turkey there is no place quite as perfect as Bodrum. Although it might sound like a little-known paradise in the south of Turkey, Bodrum actually plays host to over a million tourists every year – not the most visited town in Europe, certainly, but definitely popular. Tourists come from all over the toward to visit the beaches, boutique stores, trendy hotels, restaurants, rooftop bars and more, all set amongst the bewitching medieval charm of the ancient architecture. A little off the beaten track, Bodrum is home to flower-filled cages, a beautiful castle standing tall and proud along the harbour, and whitewashed buildings lining the cobbled streets evoking a lost era.

Best time to visit Bodrum

Tucked away on the southern coastline of Turkey, Bodrum is lucky enough to have a warm and sunny climate throughout the year. So much so, that you don't have to travel during peak times to make the most of the beautiful beaches and clear water. However, if you really want to top up your tan, then the best time to visit is undoubtedly the summer months between late June and early September, when temperatures can reach the mid 30s. If you're looking to head to Bodrum to go sightseeing instead, then autumn and winter are the best months. Between October and February, temperatures can get as low as 15 degrees, although they typically hover around 20, which makes it perfect for wandering around the city and soaking up all the culture.

In terms of festivals and events, October sees the annual Traditional Wooden Boat Races, while May holds the Bicycle Festival; both fantastic little events for any sports lovers. There is also the Pedasa Festival held every year at the end of August, and the Turgutreis Commemoration Festival every June 23 rd.

How to Get to Bodrum

Tucked away on the coast of Turkey, Bodrum can seem like a tricky place to get to – but not if you plan correctly. The easiest way to get there, especially from the UK, is to fly in to Bodrum Milas Airport, which is just 36 kilometres away from the centre of Bodrum city. Plus, to make it easier, the airport offers regular shuttle bus services to Bodrum, and there are a number of transfer companies waiting to take you to your short-term apartment rental.A number of different airlines offer direct flights to Bodrum, including Turkish Airlines, Atlasjet, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress, all of which fly straight out of Istanbul airport. Airports all over the UK fly straight to Istanbul, although during the peak summer months there are a number of additional flights added to airlines itineraries that are direct to Bodrum.

In addition, Bodrum has a good road system, which means it's easily accessible via car or a bus from any nearby major cities. It is a good idea to rent a holiday apartment in Istanbul if you want a base for your Turkish trip, then travel to Bodrum by air in only one hour. Similarly, Bodrum is 5 and a half hours away from quaint accommodation in Antalya meaning you can immerse yourself in the beauty of two exotic coasts, in one trip.

Where to stay in Bodrum

Harbour

Some of Bodrum's best historical sites are found around the harbour; the city itself is centred around it, which means it's also the place to find the best holiday rentals. The deep blue water is the pull for many tourists, as well as the nearby Turkish baths, and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the fantastic Bodrum Castle.

The Beach

For a luxury, elegant stay, the holiday accommodation in Bodrum near the beach is the place to see and be seen. An upmarket beach beak is one of the best ways to experience

the stylishness of Bodrum, with a number of hotels showcasing the beautiful blue sea, gold sand beaches, swaying palm trees and more. These include the Maçakizi, with a Nuxe spa that comes with its own outdoor treatment tents and fleet of boats, as well as the Casa Dell Arte with its own modern art gallery hosted on the walls.

Gündogan

One of the smaller villages, Güngodan is an active fishing town, with fishing being its main point of commerce. In addition, travellers make a stop here to go sponge diving, and explore the olive and citrus groves that line the village. One of the last remaining unspoilt spots along the entire peninsula, Gündogan is surrounded with perfect hillsides for hiking, and a lush rolling green landscape that offers incredible views.

Akyarlar

Often overlooked when people come to Bodrum, Akyarlar is tucked away in the very south-western corner of Bodrum, and almost completely off the beaten track. The best spot to go to escape the busy crowds of tourists, Akyarlar showcases the traditional Turkish market-town life that tourist seek out on their travels. The area has its own bay whith a sweeping view across the horizon, as well as a number of restaurants, boutique cafes, and day boat tours to explore the surrounding area.

Gümüslük

Gümüslük Bay has some of the best views across the entire region of southern Turkey. Nestled at the end of a peninsular that curves around the ocean, what's left behind is a secluded bay with a hidden island in the middle known as Rabbit Island. Founded on the remains of the ancient city of Myndos, visitors often come to explore the remains of the foundations of buildings that can be seen poking above the knee-deep water surrounding Rabbit Island. The entire area has been protected, which means over-tourism hasn't caused the area of Gümüslük to decay like many other sites across Europe, but it is well known for the incredible food scene that can be found here. In fact, most visits heading to Gümüslük will make a beeline straight for the fresh fish restaurants dotting the beachfront, all of which offer endless views of the ocean.

What to do in Bodrum

Bodrum Castle

First built during the early 1400s but the Knights Hospitaller, Bodrum Castle is also known as St. Peter's castle, having been dedicated to the saint. The castle was built during Tamerland's Mongol invasion which began in 1402, using a combination of marble and stones taken from Mausolus' famous Mausoleum, which had collapsed earlier following an earthquake. The castle was based on Rhodes, and the surrounding city was also adapted to fit in with the new style – including the name of the city, changed from Halicarnassus to Petronium, referring again to St. Peter. New defensive measures were added right up until 1522, including moats and walls, until Süleyman the Magnificent captured Rhodes and the Knights were forced to surrender the castle.

Bodrum Maritime Museum

The Maritime museum in Bodrum is a fairly small one, but it packs a punch. Spread across two floors, the exhibitions here look at the history of the maritime industry in Turkey, and especially in Bodrum. These include scale models of boats, and a video showcasing the traditional "Bodrum-type" boat building, as well as more than a notable mention of local writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagaçli, known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus.

Ottoman Shipyard

Nestled just above the marina is the restored Ottoman shipyard, part of a complete rebuilding and restoration process following a Russian attack in 1770. The new shipyard was completely fortified against pirate attacks that were common during the 17 and 1800s, and today the abandoned shipyard is used to host art exhibits. In addition, there are a number of old tombstone that date back at least a thousand years, when the Latin alphabet first began replacing Arabic-based eski yazn.

Ancient Theatre

Another beautifully olden site, the Ancient Theatre in Bodrum is set high above the town which is typical of theatres built in the medieval times, notably because that way, if the show was boring, visitors could simply admire the views instead. First built during the 4th century B.C., it was originally designed to hold 5000 spectators although 700 years later this was extended to coincide with the interest in gladiator contests.

Bardacki Cove

Known locally and internationally as one of the most beautiful spots in all of Bodrum, it's the best spot in the area to find a luxury holiday rental where travellers can sit back and admire the stunning cove, golden sand beaches lining the turquoise ocean, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. A hidden gem in the region, it's secluded and private – away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists.