Bodrum Things to Do Tips by Lyndra Top 5 Page for this destination

Golkoy/Turbuku

Golkoy is a small village about 20mins from Bodrum which was officially joined to it's neighbouring village of Turbuku a few years ago. The locals have maintained the two separate identities and use both names (rather than the hybrid name of Golturbuku). The Golkoy side of the bay is quiet and traditional, nice villas and beach. Clean sea for swimming. Orange groves. All local amenities are there as the town has most things needed. The Turbuku side of the bay is busier and has hotels and most of the bars and clubs. Nice to stay in Golkoy and party in Turbuku. Film stars etc stay in this area. Definately worth a visit.

Lake Bafa: have a traditional Turkish Breakfast

Eating a traditional well made Turkish breakfast rather than the attempts at English/Irish is an absolute must when you are in this region of Turkey. The further out of town you go to more Turkish areas the better the breakfast will be and it is true what they say - if the locals are eating there, the food will be good.
A really good breakfast will consist of freshly baked bread, olives, cheese, cream, Turkish tea, Gozleme or something similar (possible lighter), fried eggs, tomatos, chilli's (optional) and cucumber etc.

Eat Like a Local...

Gozleme is a very traditional Turkish snack. Like pancakes but with a variety of fillings they make a light and delicious treat for lunch or early evening. Gozleme can have meat, vegetables, cheese or a mixture. Locanta or restaurants that serve Gozleme in Bodrum town are few and far between but if you look for it or ask many chefs will whip some up for you.
In towns like Turgetreis, Gumusluk and Sirince you will find traditional Gozleme houses.

In the same vein try Borek and Baklava (it's Turkish not Greek you know!!)

Sirince: Beautiful Mountain Town

The beautiful town of Sirince is set not far from Selcuk and Ephesus (approx 6km). It is well worth the detour! The town is set high in the hills and in some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of Turkey.
Sirince's claim to fame is it's superb wine industry - white, red and it's unique fruit wines (we are particular fans of the black mulberry variety!). Every street is lined with wine sellers (Turkish word for wine is sarap), just choose the one you like and then be amazed by the choice. The wine sellers will do tasings for you to so you can try before you buy.
Wine apart, Sirince is a wonderful place to walk around. It's traditional crafts are on display and the town has a real sense of timelessness about it. The architecture is unusual and so unlike that often seen on the Aegean/Bodrum peninsula.
If you are going to Efes for the day - you must go to Sirince!!

Directions: 6km NE of Efesus, follow the signs from Selcuk.

Gumusluk: Ancient City of Myndos

Gumusluk is the site of the ancient town of Myndos and is a world heritage site. There is a large car park on the outskirts of the town and you can walk along the front very easily. Lots of restaurants to choose from all specialising in fish.

Visit Turgutreis - the edge of the peninsula!

Turgutreis is a trek to get to from Bodrum due to some variable road quality! There is a main road from Bodrum or a coastal road - the main road is good and takes about 25mins, the coastal road is less entertaining!
This area of the Bodrum Peninsula is full of history and as with Bitez this larger town provides an interesting break from what Bodrum has to offer. There are many little islands off the coast here (marking an ancient shipping lane apparently). There are three reasons to visit Turgutreis - the great shopping, nearly as good as Bodrum depending on your point of view and what you are after. With a bazaar and lots of souvineer shops available it makes a change if that is what you are after.
The beaches are vast and lovely with locals and holiday makers alike visiting - the taxi driver who took us dropped us off and then came back for us at the end of the day, how nice was that! Finally there are a massive number of water sports available including scuba and the usuals. Busy tourist town but well worth popping over from Bodrum too.
The archaeologists out there might like to know that there is a super castle just out of the town. Aspat was the hiding place of Genoese pirates for many years. The Castle of Aspat was built by the Genoese to keep watch.
June 23rd is a big date in the Turgutreis calendar as it remembers the man after whom the town is named - if you are on holiday then there will be many events :0)

Go to Bitez for the day!

Bitez is a beautiful and somewhat quiet town (when compared to Bodrum that is!) about 5 miles away from Bodrum itself. I went there again this summer after an initial visit many years ago now but always remember how lovely the place was with delightful beach areas. The journey to Bitez by road is fairly short (it is not too far after Gumbet along the coastal route) and taxi's are more than willing to take you there. You can also get a Dolmus from the town easily enough. The turn for the beach is marked easily and car parking is available near the beach.
It is an area well known for its mandarin orchards and is a very beautiful, green place. It is also well known for its water sports such as windsurfing and water skiing(but I didn't have a go at those while there!).
If you are weary from the nightlife in Bodrum and Gumbet, Bitez can possibly provide a pleasant alternative that is convenient. Much quieter than Bodrum - it would not be my choice for a two week holiday but for those who are more laid back it is a suitable alternative :-)
The beach is delightful and is covered with sun loungers that are free and have excellent cushions and umbrellas. The restaurants that line the beach offer a sun bed service so you can eat and drink without ever leaving the sun lounger, cool :o)

Address: Bitez Town

Directions: Coast Road from Bodrum/Gumbet

Underwater Archaeology Museum at St Peter's Castle

St Peter's Castle has another treasure, particularly for the lover of archaeology - the castle houses the museum of underwater archaeology and it is the centre of underwater archaeological techniques in this part of Europe.
Look at artefacts taken from wrecks in the Aegean, the mural of the development of sea trade in this area and huge ships. Some of the exhibition is contained in the old ottoman mosque which was originally a chapel in the time of the Knights of St John. The shipwrecks held here come from medieval and Roman ages as well as teh Uluburin - the oldest shipwreck ever discovered. This all makes St Peter's Castle a double treat.
The Haluk Elbe Art Gallery at the front of the Castle is named after the first Director of the museum.

Address: Inside St Peter's Castle

Website: http://www.bodrum-museum.com

St Peter's Castle, Bodrum St. Peter Castle Review

This is a super archaeological site (also home of the fworld famous underwater museum) and a very relaxing way to spend 2 or 3 hours.
The castle itself is largely preserved (with some minor additions!) and represents an example of the skill of the builders - showing Bodrum as more than a good time place. It has been home to many of Bodrum's famous sons and was even a modern day prison too. The castle is a heat trap and make sure you have a hat and some sun screen as much of the area is open to the elements. The view from the top of the castle is phenomenal and well worth the trek. The downside is that every up creates a down and the down is a rather treacherous staircase down to the dungeon area - it is steep and not easy to descend, be careful.
The castle is home to a vast array of its own wildlife including lizards and some very noisy peacocks.
There are places to buy water and other drinks while you are in there. Not much for children to see however unless they are interested in history.

Address: On the Marina

Drive to Lake Bafa!

Lake Bafa is a massive lake and National Park approximately 1 hours drive from Bodrum along the main motorway towards the North (you take the same road to get to Ephesus and the airport). The Lake is unspoilt and a gorgeous place to drive around and sit at.
There is a wide range of activities to do at the lake including bird watching, fishing and camping (although there are some hotels along the route). There is evidence of the many civilisations that have lived near the lake in past times - seen in the ruins of monasteries (apparently there were hermits here) and the ancient city of Heracleia is also on the banks of the lake.
It was not always a lake but geological changes over many centuries closed up the Gulf and created a lake which is now roughly 15km by 10km. There is plenty to see and if you just wanted to go walking here you would get to see such beautiful wildlife.
There are some places to eat around the lake but the quality of food in these less well developed villages is variable - you may want to bring your own snacks or picnic instead! We had a rather startling experience at a lakeside cafe that served hard bread covered in flies and some very unusual fruit juice.