Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbor and the International Marina. The castle grounds includes a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

Geography:

The region includes the municipalities of Bodrum, Turgutreis, Ortakent, Türkbükü, Yalıkavak, Gümüşlük, Bitez, Konacık, Yalı and Mumcular; and tourist-oriented developments were built or are being built across the district area. The peninsula extends across an exceptionally dry belt. Bodrum borders the Gulf of Gökova.

Climate:

During winters and springs, November through April, the weather in Bodrum is generally very good with a few heavy shower periods, usually taking place in November, and then some time after new year and the last one in March/April. February is especially pleasant with not too cold nights and the almond blossoming and the abundance of wild ruccola all over the place.

Summer, arriving after April, are as hot as it can get (expect temperatures higher than 40 C) and sunny with no rain.

Landmarks

Bodrum Castle (Bodrum Kalesi) - Built from 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller, the Castle is easily the most prominent landmark in the city. The castle now operates as a museum, with the focus on the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It is one of the world's best preserved monuments dating back to medieval times. The supervision of the construction of the castle was assigned to the German architect Heinrich Schlegelholt, so that the latest developments in castle design were included. The castle is quite pretty and the views are spectacular.

The Bodrum Amphitheatre is another ancient structure accredited to the reign of King Mausolus, although it wasn’t completed until the Roman era. The theatre is another witness to the great past of Bodrum, and it is one of the best preserved structures of ancient Halikarnassus. You can find this site on the road to Gumbet.

Windmills in Bodrum - one of the many sights in the Bodrum peninsula are the white windmills, which were made of stone and lined with wooden planks. These windmills were used from the mid 18th century until the 70s as a means to grind flour. Seven windmills can be found on a hill between Bodrum and Gumbet, at the road to Turgutreis and a lot of windmills can be found around the former fishing port Yalikavak. These historical mills on the Bodrum Peninsula are currently being restored to attract local and foreign tourists.

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - Tu-Su 10AM-5PM (off-season, likely open till evening in summer). Just a short walk uphill from the marina, the foundations of the Mausoleum.

Myndos Gate - The old city gates, built under the reign of King Mausolus. It was the scene for one of the greatest bloodiest battles during the siege of the city by Alexander the Great.

Museums and Galleries

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, inside Bodrum Castle, established in 1961, this great museum has won numerous awards, and displays amazing finds from underwater excavations along the Turkish coast. Includes the famous Uluburun Shipwreck, one of the earliest and richest wrecks yet discovered. Not to be missed.

Hotels in Bodrum

In Bodrum many luxury, five-stars hotels:
Hotel Kempinski Barbaros Bay, adress: Kizilagac Koyu Gerenkuyu Mevkii Yaliciftlik, 48400 Bodrum
Hotel Azka, adress: Bardakci Köyü, Bodrum
Hotel Ersan Resort and Spa, adress: Icmeler P.K 357, 48400 Bodrum
Hotel Salmakis Beach Resort and Spa, adress: Bardakci koyu, Bodrum
Hotel Bodrum Princess, adress: Cennet Koyu/Sapliburun Mevkii/Göltürkbükü, 48452 Bodrum
Hotel Majesty Belizia, adress: Icmeler Koyu Kizilagac Mevkii, 48400 Bodrum
HotelThe Marmara Bodrum, adress: Yokuşbaşı Mah. Suluhasan Cad. No: 18, 48400 Bodrum
Hotel Baia Bodrum, adress: Kizilburun Mevkii Gundogan Beldesi, 48400 Bodrum
Hotel Karia Princess, adress: Canlýdere Sokak 15, 48400 Bodrum
Hotel Etap Altinel Bodrum Resort, adress: Duvarli Tarla Mevkii, Bodrum

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