- Bodrum airport is about 35–45 minutes from Bodrum town, up to an hour to the far side of the peninsula
- Each bay has its own character, from party-loving Gümbet to upmarket Yalıkavak
- The Castle of St Peter houses a museum of underwater archaeology
- Beaches are mostly small and sandy or shingle, with lots of beach clubs
- Airports
- Bodrum-Milas (BJV)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- Region
The Bodrum Peninsula is Turkey's most fashionable stretch of coast: whitewashed houses spilling down hillsides, bays dotted with beach clubs and marinas full of yachts. Bodrum town has a crusader castle, a buzzing harbour and big-name clubs, while the villages around the peninsula range from family-friendly to very upmarket.
Flights to Bodrum take about 4 hours from London. Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three in winter, plugs are the two round-pin type, and cars drive on the right. See our Turkey guide for entry rules and more.
Where to stay
- Bodrum town – hotels around the harbour and the two bays either side of the castle, close to restaurants, bars and the clubs.
- Gümbet – a short hop west of town, a lively resort with a sandy beach and plenty of bars, popular with younger travellers.
- Bitez – a calmer bay with a shallow, sandy beach and a long promenade, good for families.
- Turgutreis and Gümüşlük – the west of the peninsula, with sunsets, a big Saturday market and fish restaurants by the water in Gümüşlük.
- Yalıkavak, Gündoğan, Türkbükü and Torba – the north coast, with upmarket hotels, a superyacht marina and stylish beach clubs.
Things to do
- Castle of St Peter – a 15th-century crusader castle housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
- Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; only foundations remain, but it's an evocative stop.
- Ancient theatre – views over Bodrum harbour from the hillside above town.
- Gulet trips – day trips to Orak Island, Black Island and other swimming spots.
- Beach clubs – from relaxed to glamorous, all around the peninsula.
- Gümüşlük – watch the sunset over fish dinners in a small village beside the sunken ancient city of Myndos.
- Kos – a short ferry crossing to the Greek island; bring your passport.
The peninsula is bigger than it looks; if you want to explore several bays, choose a central base such as Bitez or Bodrum town, or hire a car.
Best time to visit
Late May, June, September and early October are ideal. July and August are hot and the busiest time, especially in Bodrum's clubs and beach clubs. The Aegean is a little cooler than the south coast, and the season usually runs from May to October; many places close in winter.
Getting there
Bodrum-Milas (BJV) has direct flights from many UK airports in summer and is about 35–45 km north-east of town. Transfers take about 35–45 minutes to Bodrum town, Gümbet and Torba, around 50 minutes to Bitez and Yalıkavak, and about an hour to Turgutreis. Airport shuttle buses run to Bodrum bus station.
British passport holders don't currently need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days, and passports should be valid for at least 150 days from arrival. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
Dolmuş minibuses connect Bodrum bus station with every village on the peninsula and run frequently in summer. Taxis are available but relatively expensive. Water taxis link some bays. A hire car is handy for exploring, though summer traffic can be heavy.
Top attractions in Bodrum
Bodrum on the map
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Bodrum is best for families?
Bitez, Turgutreis and Torba are calmer and family-friendly. Gümbet and central Bodrum are livelier.
Is Bodrum expensive?
It's one of Turkey's pricier areas, especially on the north coast, though Gümbet and Turgutreis can be good value.
How far is Bodrum airport from the resorts?
About 35–45 minutes to Bodrum town and up to an hour to the western and northern bays.
Can I visit Ephesus from Bodrum?
Yes, on a long day trip of about 2h30–3 hours each way. It's closer to Kuşadası.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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