Located in the southeast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea, the Bodrum Peninsula is one the most popular and classy tourist destinations in Turkey. Surrounded by 32 islands and islets that form a 174 kilometer long coastline it’s dotted with beautiful villages, guest houses and small hotels on quiet bays.

Known to the ancient Greeks as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is a rare combination of rich history and culture, a captivating place of immense natural beauty and scenic splendor.

The place is very popular with visitors of all types, especially boating enthusiasts traveling in vessels ranging from small fishing crafts to huge luxury yachts. With its matchless ambiance and its crystal clear waters, Bodrum attracts visitors from all over the world, but yet the place keeps its relaxed atmosphere and easygoing pace. Exactly why it’s the “haven” where wealthy Turks come to unwind.

Bodrum has a truly agreeable climate. The summer months (May to October) are consistently sunny and dry with virtually no humidity. Temperatures peak at 34 degrees Celsius. Sea water temperatures in the summer range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, making all kinds of water activity pleasing.

Famous both among Turkish and foreign travelers, the population goes up from 50,000 people during the winter to over half a million during the summer. Mainly because it has become very popular with Europeans who are looking for property in the sun.

However, Bodrum has something to offer to all holidaymakers – things to do and see to suit all tastes. Choices galore! You can relax on the beach, amble your way through the markets stopping along the way to visit the various galleries, cafes and restaurants, visit the nearby islands or check out the architectural remains of a historic Bodrum.

Home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus, Bodrum itself is a vast wealth of historical and cultural sites. So for those with a fascination for old architecture there’s the Castle of Saint Peter (a fortress built by the Crusaders in the 15th century) that offers an amazing view of the bay, and there’s the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss while in Bodrum is to  explore the islands off of Turkey’s coast. Our advice is to stop in the Gulf of Gokova to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, or just bask in the sun. You can either hire an entire yacht for yourself or take a daily trip in a special Gulet (a traditional design of a two-masted wooden sailing vessel). The cruises will take you to the ruins of ancient civilizations and treasures of natural beauty, including the charming town of Karacasogut and the ancient cities of Caunos and Telmessos.

Bodrum knows a bit about water sports, too. There are several centers all over the peninsula which rent out equipment, arrange excursions and even provide diving lessons for the inexperienced individual eager to try out underwater sport.

But the thing Bodrum is most famous for is the nightlife. Everything begins just before sunset and one of the best places for watching this spectacle is in the Marina or in one of the many bars, cafes or clubs that line the harborfront. Bodrum probably has more bars per area than anywhere else in Turkey, and catering to all tastes, but the one place you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for a night out, is the famous Halikarnus (supposedly the largest open-air night club in Europe).

There are also a number of clubs that offer live music, either traditional Turkish folk music or jazz. A specialty of a number of hotels and tavernas is Turkish Night, where local musicians play the ‘saz,’ a guitar-like instrument, and the ‘zurna’ a type of flute in accompaniment to belly-dancers swaying between tables.

Another great thing that you shouldn’t miss while in Bodrum— the restaurants. Most of them offer everything from traditional Turkish cuisine to contemporary Western and everything in between. Dinner usually begins with drinks, followed by ‘meze’ Turkish starters or hors d’oeuvres and then progresses through entree to dessert— which is usually fresh fruit in the summer season. But how about a tasty Turkish kebab or the delights of the traditional Ottoman cuisine for the meat lover?

A place to enjoy a great hotel with amazing personnel and some of the best weather in the world, Bodrum is among the best travel destinations for the 2009 summer. Are you heading there this year?

Images courtesy of myhsu (1, 2, 3, 4), mekiaries (1, 2, 3), dmaxwell, gokberk, dysanovic, bastiendevos, wendymehndi.

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