Once known as Halicarnassus, the Bodrum Peninsula has emerged as one of the Aegean Coast’s most beautiful resorts, and with an illustrious history stretching back more than 2,000 years, it has become a truly enchanting holiday destination.

Like a picture from a postcard, the Bodrum Peninsula and the town of Bodrum in particular is as charming as any resort you’ll find in Turkey. The landscape is full of quaint sugar cube houses bulging with bougainvillea, rickety windmills scattered amongst hills drenched in olive trees and fragrant tangerine groves skirting gleaming gold beaches.

Up until recently the town was just a small and sleepy fishing port known for its historic sights and scenic coastline, however the town is reinventing itself and with a swanky marina and chic restaurants in the West Side, Bodrum is buzzing. To the south of the peninsula, tangerine orchards and olive groves are now starting to be replaced by popular tourist developments, however there are many untouched areas just waiting to be discovered. The north of the peninsula for instance, is littered with idyllic coves that blend tangerine orchards, olive and pine trees with pristine Mediterranean beaches that can be uncovered on full day boat tours and by car.

 There are also a myriad of ancient settlements and historical sites to unearth in the area. King Mausolus’ tomb for example, is probably Bodrum’s most cherished landmark due to its age and brilliance. The tomb is over 2,000 years old and was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and has some pleasant gardens and interesting excavations. Then there’s the Myndos Gate in the west, another hallmark of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, the newly restored twin-towered gate was built in the 4th century B.C. and is the only remnants from what was originally a 7 kilometre long wall.

Finally, out of all the fascinating historical sites in the Bodrum Peninsula, the award-winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology is by far the most enthralling. Housed in the majestic 15th century Castle of St. Peter overlooking the shimmering waters of the harbour, the museum displays some extraordinary discoveries dating all the way back to the Bronze Age.

The Bodrum Peninsula is surrounded by a plethora of 32 islands and islets, and it’s 174 kilometres of coastline supplies some first class sun sea and sand by the bucketload. The eastern part of Bodrum has a wonderful thin and long beach where an abundance of cafes and bars make it a popular spot. Some of Bodrum’s finest beaches like Bardakci, Gumbet and Aktur can be found on the southern coast, whilst the pick of the regions heavenly coves include Akyarlar, Bagla, Bitez, Golkoy and Gundogan.

We have a wide range of holiday homes in Bodrum Peninsula, but one of our favourites has to be the stunning, Villa Sophia click here to have a look at this amazing holiday villa and book today!

The Bodrum Peninsula is a beautiful region of Turkey that is draped in history and heritage. The land is drenched in tangerine orchards and olive groves, with enchanting villages, stunning landscapes and some of the most pristine paradisiacal beaches you’ll ever see.

Fall in love in this sun-kissed land that is perfect for a relaxing getaway where you can retreat to your own secluded cove and soak up the sun, or you could explore Bodrum’s fascinating heritage by visiting several ancient monuments and sights. Nestled on the south west coast of Turkey and boasting a coastline that stretches 174 kilometres with 32 islands and islets scattered in amongst the crystal blue waters and glistening sandy beaches, Bodrum is a terrifically relaxed and subdued destination and was made to be explored.

On the sun-kissed beaches of Bodrum you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the orange and tangerine groves that skirt the coast, or immerse yourself in Turkish culture in a quaint hillside village amongst the windmills and olive trees, or you could explore the years and years of history in many of Bodrum’s historic sites like St.Peter’s Castle, which also houses the world-renowned museum of underwater archaeology. There is so much to keep you busy in Bodrum, that’s why the only way to be able to see and discover everything is to rent a holiday villa in Bodrum Peninsula, so you don’t have to worry about set meal times or any other hotel restrictions and have the freedom to make your holiday everything you want it to be.

If you tire of the sea and sand of Bodrum’s beaches, why not explore its rich history. There is the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, and there is the ancient amphitheater that was used by King Mausolus and the Romans, which has sweeping panoramic views of the land, also take a quick visit to Myndus Gate, built in 364 B.C. and stood against Alexander the Great, it is a great place for a quick history lesson. However the number one priority on your list should be the Museum of Underwater Archaeology at the fantastic baroque St. Peter’s Castle built in the 15th Century, this stunning castle houses some of the best exhibitions of underwater archaeology in the world as well as the world’s oldest shipwreck.

Come to the Bodrum Peninsula and be enthralled by a land of history and beauty, click here to view some of our luxury holiday homes in Bodrum Peninsula.

Turkey is an exciting and adventurous destination to explore. Its enchanting Turkish spell will allow you to discover the sights and experience things you’ve never even attempted before.

Its majestic landmarks include Pamukkale. This stunning sight of beauty will put you at instant ease. The hot calcium – laden waters spring from the earth and cascade over the cliffs and as they cool, forming some of the most dramatic travertine’s of hard, brilliantly white calcium which form the beautiful pools. For a small fee you are permitted to swim in the pools and enjoy the exquisite views that come with it.

Another fascinating sight is the city of Troy which existed over 4000 years ago and is known as the centre of ancient civilisations. The city is named after the famous Greek myth about the Trojan War and visits to see an authentic Trojan horse are available as well as receiving much more historical information with regards to the city.

The Turkish nightlife is one that displays the lively culture of the city with dining experiences to suit every preference. During the hot seasons, al fresco dining is usually the norm along the costal regions. The nightlife in Turkey is traditionally centred around Meyhares and an assortment of mezes (small plates of appetisers are commonly served and followed by a meal of fish. This tradition is still extremely popular amongst all ages and is often accompanied by live music played on familiar Turkish instruments.

Of course, we could never fail to mention the picturesque beaches which Turkey is full of. Whilst relaxing on the beaches may suit many, there are a wide variety of water sports available for the members of the group who fancy a bit of adventure during their trip.

If Turkey sounds like the holiday destination for you, do not delay in viewing some of our best Turkish properties below. Click on the links at the bottom of this page and be led to some of the finest and most sophisticated Turkish holiday homes and apartments.   

To find some of our fantastic holiday homes in Turkey, click here

Here are some of our favourite turkish holiday villas, click here and here  and here

Turkey

Famous for its pretty coves and shores, gorgeous green hills and blue sea. This is a holiday maker’s dream. There is a fascinating history, vibrant markets where there is always a bargain to be had, providing you are happy to haggle with the locals (they love it!) There is so much to explore, with great value dining, a lively nightlife and great days out.

Welcome to a land filled with Turkish delight!

Weather

There are considerable differences in climate within Turkey. The coastlands and mountain slopes facing the Black Sea on the north, the Aegean on the west and the Mediterranean on the south all have wetter and milder winters than the interior, which can be extremely cold in the winter. However the summers are very hot with excellent sunshine levels making it an ideal place for a perfect getaway summer holiday!

Average temperatures in degrees celcius

January 13
February 13
March 16
April 19
May 24
June 29
July 32
August 32
September 28
October 23
November 18
December 15

Culture

The rich history in Turkey produces culture which is an immense mixture. It is diverse combining elements derived from Ottoman, European and Middle Easter traditions.

There are also 2 calendars in Turkey – the official one being exactly the same as the ones used elsewhere around the world. This is called the Gregorian. However, religious festivals follow the Hijri calendar – a lunar calendar which is offset from the Gregorian calendar by 11 days every year. This can obviously mean that shops, museums etc are closed on different days throughout the year.

Food and Drink
It is said that travelers in Turkey, “come for the history but stay for the food”. Make sure you carry home a Turkish food item like a Turkish Delight as a souvenir from Turkey. Here are some of their popular dishes:

Kebab – the popular varieties of kebabs are sis and doner. Sis kebabs are grilled pieces of skewered meat. Doner kebabs are made by stacking alternate layers of ground meat and sliced leg of lamb and grilling them over slow fire

Kofte - is ground meat mixed with spices, eggs and onions, shaped into balls and then fried or boiled.

Meze – starters are food served with alcohol. They range from feta cheese served with dread to cold vegetable dishes.

Turkish Delight – Sold in abundance and very cheaply around Turkey – try it, its gorgeous and there are many varieties.

A popular drink in Turkey is ‘Turkish Tea’ which is served in special cups has a very important place in daily life.

Beaches

Turkey is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the south, The Black Sea on the north and the Aegean Sea in the west. There really are some breathtakingly beautiful beaches. These tend to be underrated but with the beach activities available and the pure beauty, they really do give beaches all over the world a run for their money!

Shopping

You can’t go to Turkey and not go shopping – it truly is entertaining. There is a wide range of beautiful and unique crafts there. Amongst the best buys are:

Turkish carpets
Gold or silver jewellery with or without stones
Leather goods
Traditional hand painted ceramics
Also don’t forget all the of the famous markets and don’t forget to haggle – they love it!!

Things to do in Turkey

Paraglide over the dead sea
Scuba dive in Antalya
Rafting in the River Coruh
Yachting in the blue coastal line
Hot air ballooning in Cappadoccia
Mountaineering in Mount Ararat
Play golf on one of the many courses
Explore caves and ski on the mountains
Visit hot spings and spas
Enjoy the many National Parks
Travel the green plateous of Turkey!