Once you have taken flights to Bodrum, this Turkish city is likely to become a permanent fixture in your holiday plans. The city is situated at the southern edge of the Bodrum Peninsula on the Aegean coast. It’s the site of the ancient city of Halikarnassus, where the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus once stood. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was razed to the ground during an earthquake in the Middle Ages, but remnants of ancient Bodrum are scattered around the area. Bodrum offers the perfect balance of relaxation and active pursuits and it is a popular destination with artists, writers and the sailing community. Held every October, the Bodrum Cup for wooden boats is Europe’s only yacht regatta. The event is run with passengers on board, who can lend a hand as crew. Bodrum has several Turkish baths, and a session will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Travellers taking flights to Bodrum will discover that it is nicknamed the St. Tropez of Turkey. Its flashy marina gives a glimpse of the high life, with an assortment of upmarket boats moored along the waterfront. Overlooking these modern boats is the sturdy castle, which was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 1400s. Today, it’s the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, exhibiting treasures retrieved from the seabed. Pack a bikini on your Bodrum flight, there are lots of beaches close by such as Gumbet, a popular water-sports centre, Bitez, excellent for windsurfing, and Akyarlar and Karaincir, closest to the Greek island of Kos and fantastic windsurfing spots. All are reachable by dolmus and gulets. At night, there is no shortage of clubs where you can splash the cash you saved when you picked up cheap return flights to Bodrum. All boast excellent food and drink, friendly service and dance-all-night-long action.
