Bodrum is a popular tourist destination and a port city in Muğla province. The city used to be called Halicarnassus and was famous for the Mausoleum of Mausolus which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Halicarnassus or Halikarnas, was founded by the Dorian Greeks. The ruins are one of the main attractions for visitors.

Situated on the Aegean coast, Bodrum is on the southern side of Bodrum Peninsula. There is a castle in Bodrum that was built by the Knights of Hospitaller in the 15th century and now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It overlooks the busy harbour and marina area. It is also known as The Castle of St Peter and is one of the main attractions in the city. The old castle and the town used be known as Petronium.

Until fairly recent times Bodrum would have been known as nothing much more than a fishing village with sponge divers and boatyards. Its maritime history gave it craftsman who are well known for building good quality wooden yachts and gullets. You can actually rent them to tour around the coastline. Tourism provides the main income for the city. With its Bohemian atmosphere and art and craft galleries there is plenty of traditional Turkish shopping opportunities in Bodrum.

Bodrum is for fun. It is for shopping and for bars and good food. The Halicarnassus Disco is famous for its open air themes and quality musical performances. There are many very good restaurants, bars and pubs. There are also night clubs and the city comes alive at night. Bodrum is very popular with British tourists.

Bodrum is cultured, vibrant, and entertaining. Bodrum has its own marina and plenty of places to swim in the warm seas where the Aegean meets the Meditteranean. The long palm lined promendade is popular during the summer evenings and nights. Bodrum has it all. Whether you want to chill and relax and sample some fine dining and beautiful beaches and sunsets or spend your time shopping, drinking and clubbing then there is something for everyone here.

Along the coastline and peninsula there are holidaymakers from all around the world. A host of small boutique hotels, guest houses and larger establishments can be found and on the southern coast and there are plenty of excellent sandy beaches. Wind surfing, diving, and a variety of water sports can be found in and around Bodrum. Turgutreis, Yalikavak and Gumusluk have some of the best beaches and consequently are very popular with tourists. Turgutreis is named after the great Turkish Ottoman Admiral. The unique and picturesque villages along this coast are enchanting.

Other places you should visit include the Zeki Muren Arts Museum ( Zeki Muren was a very famous Turkish singer and he had a house in Bodrum ), the Bodrum Amphitheatre, The Bodrum Bazaar, the local windmills and Bitez Beach. Further out of town you might want to take a look at Orak Adasi, a beautiful island with crystal clear waters and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The Greek Island of Kos is so close to Bodrum you can take a 30 minutes ferry crossing and spend a day on the island.