Homer's description of Bodrum as "The land of eternal blue" and the words of another resident of Bodrum, Cevat Sakir, who said "The heavenly bliss of life in Bodrum is better than any eternal bliss that may await us" were not without foundation in reality. Throughout history Bodrum, known as Halicarnassos in ancient times, has always been fought over and people have been unwilling to share its beauty with others.Built on a peninsula formed by the meeting of the eastern and western harbours, Bodrum, with its narrow streets winding down to the sea, is famous for its castle, its world-renowned yachts, its shipyards and the dazzling white houses and tombs lining the shores of its two harbors.

BODRUM HOUSES

The common features of the traditional architecture used in Bodrum are windowless first floors and doors on the second storey with access by way of ladders that can be drawn up into the house. These houses, which are now protected by the government, are located mostly in the villages of Ortakent and Kocakaya above Gümüslük.  Individuals, such as artists and writers who have settled in Bodrum have done a great service to the area by restoring older houses and this has made it an even more interesting place to visit.

BEACHES ON THE PENINSULA

Güvercinlik: A cove of unusual beauty with every conceivable tone green and blue, it is located 25 km from Bodrum. Salih Island, located right across the water, only serves to enhance the natural appeal of this beautiful cove.

Torba: A peaceful little village just 5 km from Bodrum is a charming and lively place where the shining sea melds with the green pines and olive trees. There are boats going to Didim, Milet and Priene from here.

Gölköy: Located 13 km north of Bodrum, this beautiful cove blends the green of olive, tangerine and pine trees with that of palms. Because it faces the north, it is always lush and the water in the cove is cooler than that in the other coves.

Türkbükü: Situated beside Golkoy, at a distance of 15 km from Bodrum, it resembles Gölköy in almost every way. It is one of the places preferred by people looking for peace and quiet.

Gündoğan: Located 18 km from Bodrum, Gündogan cove is one of the coves that has been least changed by man and which still preserves its beauty in the most natural way. Its tangerine orchards are famous.

Yalıkavak: This village is 18 km from Bodrum in the north western part of the peninsula. It is famous for its windmills, fish, citrus orchards and sea. The most famous sponge divers have come from this village.

Gümüslük: It is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It is still possible to see the underwater remains of the old harbour wall which connected Tavsan Island to the mainland. The sea and fish here are famous. Watching the sun set here amidst the lush green vegetation will be a life-long memory.

Kadıkalesi: The sandy beaches of this crystal clear sea are surrounded with citrus orchards. Situated 23 km from Bodrum, it gets its name from the remains of a nearby castle belonging to the Hellenistic era.

Turgutreis: Situated 20 km from Bodrum, the town is famous for its tangerine orchards. It was named after the famous Turkish admiral, Turgut Reis. In terms of population, it is one of the most populous areas of the peninsula. It is known for its unforgettable sunsets.

Akyarlar: This cove with its wonderful beach and crystal clear waters is 13 km from Bodrum. It is one of the best places  to surf.

Karaincir: Situated 16 km out of Bodrum, its 500 m. beach is one of the best in the area.

Bagla: With one of the best coves and beaches on the peninsula, it is an excellent place to camp and is 14 km from Bodrum.

Aspat: Rising out of the shores of the Aegean and mentioned often in Turkish folk music, the real name of Aspat is Aspartos. Built on a barren rock, the perimeter of Aspat Castle measures 700 paces. The remains of several civilizations dating back to the Classical Age can be seen here.

Ortakent: Located 14 km from Bodrum, its waters are warm and it has sandy beaches. Its tangerine orchards are quite famous. It is one of the best vantage points from which to view village life in Bodrum.

Bitez: One of the most beautiful coves on the peninsula, it is 10 km from Bodrum. It has sandy beaches. It is a beautiful quiet corner where blue and green reach out to touch each other in the tangerine orchards which stretch from the village to the sea.

Gümbet: About 3 km west of Bodrum, its waters are very shallow. Bardakci is at a distance of 500 m. from Bodrum. Most people go there by boat. It is known for its beach and the water, which is as clear as glass, as well as the fresh water spring there.

Bardakçı: It is 500 m. from Bodrum. One can reach to Bardakci by sea easily. Its crystal clear sea is well-known for its springs.

Karaada: Situated 6 km from Bodrum, it is famous for its healing mineral springs. The water comes out of a cave and the mud from the cave is said to be good for skin conditions.

Ada Boğazı (Aquarium): It is called as Aquarium because of its crystal-clear waters. In the open waters, the seafloor to 30 m depth can be seen with the naked eye.

Places to visit during a holiday on Bodrum and the surroundings, ....
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