Hotels In Bodrum
Hotels In Bodrum & The Turkish Aegean Coast
The Turkish Aegean coast is one of the most varied and rewarding stretches of holiday coastline in the whole of the Mediterranean. Running south from the outskirts of Izmir down through Bodrum and on to the ancient shores of Didim, this is a part of Turkey that combines extraordinary beaches with some of the most impressive historical sites in the world, all within four hours of the UK.
Bodrum itself is the centrepiece and the most well-known name on the coast. Built around a beautiful peninsula in the Aegean Sea, it combines a glamorous harbour town with dozens of smaller resorts and bays spread across the surrounding countryside. The Castle of St Peter dominates the old harbour and the streets around it are lined with whitewashed buildings, roof terraces, seafood restaurants and boutiques. It is equally good as a base for exploring and as a place to simply find a pool, a sun lounger and a view of the sea.
North of Bodrum, the coast becomes quieter and more boutique in character. The area around Seferihisar and Gümüldür, accessed from Izmir Airport, is the Turkish Aegean at its most relaxed and genuine. Small fishing villages, olive groves running down to the water, and a pace of life that feels a long way from the larger resort towns further south. This is the part of the coast that experienced Turkey travellers tend to discover after they have done Antalya a few times and want something different.
South of Bodrum, the ancient city of Didim sits on the Aegean coast and gives this stretch of coastline one of its most compelling cultural draws. The Temple of Apollo at Didyma is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Turkey, and the surrounding landscape of olive groves, Aegean bays and local villages makes the area a genuinely excellent base for a holiday that combines proper beach time with real culture.
A Few Of Our Favourite Hotels In Bodrum
Which Part of The Coast Is Right For You?
Bodrum Peninsula is the most established and most visited part of the coast. The peninsula stretches out into the Aegean with resorts and bays on both sides, each with its own character. Gumbet is lively and well set up for families, with a good beach and easy access to Bodrum town. Bitez is quieter and more relaxed, popular with windsurfers. Torba has a lovely village feel and some excellent boutique hotels. Yalikavak on the northern tip is the glamorous end of the peninsula, with a famous marina and quality restaurants. For families who want a classic Turkish beach holiday with good nightlife and lots of choice on their doorstep, Bodrum Peninsula is the obvious answer.
Didim and the Southern Aegean is served by Milas-Bodrum Airport and sits around 60 to 75 minutes south by road. The area has a completely different feel to Bodrum town, quieter, less developed and far more authentic. The coastline around Didim is genuinely beautiful and the ancient ruins of both the Temple of Apollo at Didyma and the city of Miletus are within easy reach. For couples and families who want Turkish Aegean beaches without the Bodrum crowds, and who appreciate serious history alongside their sun loungers, this area is outstanding.
Seferihisar and Gümüldür sit on the northern part of the Turkish Aegean coast, accessed from Izmir Airport rather than Bodrum, around 60 minutes away. This is the least touristy stretch of this coastline and the one that feels most genuinely Turkish. Boutique hotels, olive groves, wildflower covered hillsides and a coast that remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism make it ideal for those who want quality without crowds. Ephesus, one of the great ancient cities of the classical world, is within easy reach.