Turkey
Location / Region Guide
Bodrum
Must Sees
Must-see stops for this place.
Boat Tour
I did the Orak Island boat tour through GetYourGuide, and there are a variety of trip lengths and styles to choose from. For $30, I spent 8 hours out on the water, swimming in some of the most beautiful turquoise water, relaxing on the two-story boat, and enjoying a meal provided onboard. The water was unreal, and you could easily see fish swimming below even from the top deck.
Pro Tip
You can choose a private tour option, but I felt the group tour was still very spacious and never felt crowded.
Churchill
A great place to rent a lounge chair. They’re located right at the water’s edge, offer umbrellas if needed, and staff regularly check in to see if you need anything. For $24, I spent the day relaxing in a chair, enjoying shrimp, and having a cold glass of white wine. A nice added perk is access to restrooms.
Pro Tip
There are cheaper lounge chair options available, but for the convenience and service delivered directly to my chair, it was well worth spending a few extra dollars.
Kos Day Trip
A day trip to Kos is definitely worth it. The ferry lines can be long, but the trip is easy to manage. Wander through Old Town for cute shops and cafés, and stop by Avlogyros for a delicious local meal. Kos Castle is free to enter and worth exploring. For a beach day, there are plenty of restaurants and day bed options along the waterfront, including Jackson’s.
Pro Tip
Trips can range from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the vessel. I recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
Penguen
The perfect treat on a hot summer day in Bodrum. I found myself coming here almost every day for their chocolate gelato.
Diamond Beach
If you want to escape the crowds and paid beach chairs, head toward Diamond Beach. Bring some wine and find a spot to watch the sunset. It’s just a short, scenic walk from the main beach area.
Pro Tip
If you want to be waited on during sunset and don’t mind the crowds, staying by the main beach is your best option
Yula Bodrum
Head to the rooftop for a DJ set overlooking the water and castle. It’s a lively atmosphere while still offering a more relaxed night out.
Pro Tip
The rooftop is on the smaller side; it will fill up fast.
Mandalin Bar
A great late-night spot for drinks and live music. The venue is spacious and extremely lively.
Pro Tip
Bodrum has a great nightlife scene with plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for bars, live music, or a packed night out.