Bodrum holidays

You can easily visit a different Blue Flag beach each day by dolmuş (a public minibus) or hire car, while a relaxing gulet cruise is the quintessential way to explore the peninsula’s hidden bays and uninhabited islands. Bodrum’s turquoise waters are made for snorkelling, while scuba divers have more than 20 dive sites to choose from.

Back on dry land, your Bodrum holiday can be as relaxed or as energetic as you like. Haggle for leather sandals and jewellery in the bazaar or explore the historic sites of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, as Bodrum was once known. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, gather for sundowners at the yacht club or go bar-hopping and clubbing in the town’s party zone.

Winters are mild in Bodrum. Average temperatures are in the low teens and December is the wettest month, but you’re also likely to have some sunny days with blue skies. Some hotels and restaurants close between December and February, but it can be a great time to bag a cheap holiday to Bodrum.

Perched on a small headland separating Bodrum’s two harbours, this imposing fortress houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It’s packed with sunken treasures from centuries-old shipwrecks including amphorae and jewellery, and it’s battlements enjoy panoramic views of the harbour.

The Knights of St John built the castle in the early 1400s with stone and marble plundered from the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. What remains of the structure is just 15 minutes’ walk away.

Ancient Theatre

Dating back to the 4th century BC, this Greco-Roman amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved remnants of ancient Halicarnassus. Gladiatorial battles thrilled thousands of spectators here during the 3rd century AD; these days, you can enjoy the view over Bodrum’s rooftops towards the glistening Aegean, as well as summertime concerts.

Time your visit with sunset to make the 15-minute walk uphill from the marina worth it.

Orak Island

Want to swim in heavenly turquoise waters? Then hop on a boat to Orak Island, where impossibly clear waters are hotspot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The island is around 90 minutes southeast of Bodrum harbour, though many organised day trips extend the ride to stop at glorious bays along the way.

Some of the best diving is found on the southern side of the island; sponge-filled caves are common and the drop-off is spectacular.

Yahsi Beach

This long sweep of pebbly shore, around 25 minutes by the public dolmuş minibus, is one of the most popular spots on the Bodrum Peninsula. A range of cafés, restaurants and shops spill out onto the promenade here, while for-hire sun loungers and umbrellas occupy the sands.

The family-friendly sweep caters for all: toddlers can splash in the calm shallows, and thrill-seeking teens can sign up for banana-boat rides, parasailing and water-skiing. For a spot away from the throng, try the eastern end – it’s usually a little quieter.

Torba

For a change of pace, catch a dolmuş to the old fishing village of Torba, around 8km (5 miles) north of Bodrum town.

Backed by pine forest, Torba’s picturesque bay is a magnet for families. Nab a sun lounger on a wooden jetty jutting into the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a lazy seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Feeling active? Hike along the western edge of the bay and follow the coastal path to the next pine-fringed cove.