Things to do in the Bodrum Peninsula

One of Turkey’s most beautiful locations, discover the best things to do in the Bodrum Peninsula. Start planning your next luxury charter with Burgess now.

When planning a visit to Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula, it’s often delicious fresh meze and grilled seafood in delightful al fresco restaurants that first spring to mind, sprinkled along the shores of its resort towns and laidback coastal villages. But the excellent location – extending west into the Aegean and bordering the Mediterranean – makes the azure blue cruising ground an ideal destination in which to enjoy an idyllic yacht charter.

Spot the camels at Camel Beach

Camel Beach located on the southern end of Kargi Bay

Camel Beach, as it’s affectionately known by the locals, is one of the finest beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula. Ideal for sunbathers and water babies alike, it earned its nickname from the humped inhabitants that roam its sands. Though accessible by road, it’s best reached by day boat and tender, with moorings available on the small jetty.

Explore the Mausoleum

The Mausoleum when completed around 350 B.C., was raised above the Bodrum Peninsula with a 24 step pyramid and chariot on top

Once classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Bodrum Town’s Halicarnassus Mausoleum was Carian King Mausolus’ crowning glory. Built out of polished stone and marble blocks around 353 BC, it originally stood 44.8m high. Today, only the foundations remain, presented as an open-air museum, yet the monolithic castle built by the Knights of St John to surround and protect the mausoleum still stands.

Wander through Bodrum Market

Explore the markets of Bodrum and embrace the sights and smells

As markets go, Bodrum’s is up there. Friday is reserved for fresh food, while Tuesday is dedicated to clothing and proves the most popular among international visitors. Both provide a heady, multicultural shopping experience with a large serving of the archetypal Turkish souk. There are glorious bargains to be had, just come prepared to haggle.

Tour the Zeynep Sanat Galerisi

Enlighten the mind with beautiful art at Zeynep Sanat Galerisi

Art aficionados will appreciate a trip to Zeynep Sanat Galerisi, a high-end contemporary art gallery that showcases both local and foreign artists and forms a pillar of cultural enlightenment in the heart of Bodrum.

Enjoy the sunset in Turgutreis

Soak in the beauty with a drink in hand or with loved ones

Sinking into the horizon around 6pm each day, the sunset at Turgutreis, the westernmost city in Bodrum Peninsula, has long been a romantic must-see among locals and tourists alike. Orange, pink and burnt amber shades light up the night’s sky, with the Aegean Sea in the foreground and a mountainous silhouette behind. Whether viewed from high up on the hills or with a drink in hand on the sandy shores, it’s a natural spectacle to be cherished.

Step back in time with a trip to Gumusluk

Take a stroll across the sunken stairs and enjoy the adorably fluffy rabbits

Residing in the Muğla Province, which forms part of the Turquoise Coast, Gumusluk is an unassuming sleepy seaside village. However, it’s worth stopping off here on a yachting itinerary simply to wade across the sunken steps of Myndos to Rabbit Island, which conceals the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos. Only a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland, the island and its fluffy-tailed inhabitants has become a popular stop off.

Dine at Limon

Indulge in fruity cocktails made with homemade syrups

For those who are keen to cast eyes over the ancient city of Myndos while sampling some of the area’s finest dishes, a lunch reservation at Limon that overlooks the city will do just the trick. It offers a snapshot of casual Turkish dining, decorated with wooden chairs and tables, sofas and large cushions laying atop straw rugs. Its Mediterranean menu is complemented by a range of homemade syrups and liqueurs to quench your thirst on a warm summer’s day.

Visit the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Delve into Bodrum's history and view the underwater archaeological artefacts

The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is found within the grounds of Bodrum Castle. Just a 10-minute boat ride from Bodrum marina, the museum contains artefacts from the Bronze age that highlight Bodrum’s maritime history, such as a collection of relics from ancient, shipwrecked mariners, including glassware, copperware and gold.

Visit Yalikavak

Yalikavak located in the southern reaches of the Aegean Sea

Yalikavak is best known for its five-gold-anchor superyacht marina and golden hued beaches. With 620 berths for yachts up to 135m in length, it’s a lively spot to watch daily life pass by, awash with eateries, charmed cafes and bars. Palm-lined streets and cool sea views dominate the horizon, apart from on Thursdays when the popular weekly market pulls in the crowds.

Discover Bodrum Castle

The Bodrum Castle contains cultural assets that date back to the 4th century B.C. and Ottoman period

Few of Bodrum Peninsula’s landmarks compare to the imposing presence of Bodrum Castle. Another monument built by the prolific Knights of St John, the early 15th century fortress, also known as the Castle of St Peter, dominates the coastal town’s skyline. Its stone walls and moat hide a web of elegant winding interior paths and gardens. Enjoy a post-lunch stroll through the grounds or wait until the sun has set to see the castle walls lit up with beautiful nigh time illuminations.

Enjoy the magical waters of Göltürkbükü Beach

Unwind on the golden sand after a long day of exploration

Though all the beaches on Bodrum Peninsula have crystal-clear waters and a wonderful view, Göltürkbükü stands out from the crowd as being one of the best. Situated in a sheltered cove between Turkbuku and Torba, it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, where lush green hills, verdant foliage, mandarin gardens and lakes sit in contrast to the golden sands. The area forms part of the ancient city of Karyanda filled with pastel coloured houses, yet the beach today is alive with watersports and families.

Plan your trip to the Bodrum Peninsula with a Burgess yacht charter to Turkey

Our knowledgeable team of Burgess charter brokers are well positioned to support and advise the most suitable yacht to explore the beautiful Bodrum Peninsula. Contact us today to learn more about this picturesque coastal destination.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.