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Bodrum (Halicarnassus)
An impressive medieval castle built by the
Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to
Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the
Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The
town's charm is well-known, attracting a
diverse population of vacationers who stroll
along its long palm-lined waterfront, while
elegant yachts crowd the marina.
Not far from town, you can swim in
absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas.
Underwater divers, especially, will want to
explore the numerous reefs, caves and
majestic rock formations. The waters offer
up multicolored sponges of all shapes and
sizes, octopi and an immense variety of
other aquatic life.
The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates
back to ancient times, and today, craftsmen
still build the traditional yachts: the
Tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and
the Gullets with a broad beam and rounded
stern. The latter, especially, are used on
excursions and pleasure trips, and in the
annual October Cup Race.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as the
center of the Turkish art community with its
lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and
many small galleries. This community has
encouraged an informal day-time life style
and a night-time of excitement. The evenings
in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the
many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood
and other Aegean specialties. Afterwards
night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb
discos keep you going until dawn.
Bodrum, known in the ancient times as
Halicarnassus which was the capital of Caria,
was the birthplace of Herodotus and the site
of King Mausolous' Tomb (4th century B.C.),
one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or
the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine
example of 15th century crusader
architecture, and has been converted into
the Museum of Underwater Archeology, with
remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
The stunning panoramic view from Goktepe,
nearby, is much photographed by visitors to
the Museums' 2nd century theater.
The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits
holidaymakers interested in a subdued and
relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages,
with guest-houses and small hotels on quiet
bays, dot the peninsula. On the southern
coast, Bardakci, Gümbet, Bitez, Ortakent,
Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have fine,
sandy beaches. Campers and wind-surfers
enjoy Gümbet, and at Bitez colorful sail
boards weave skillfully among the masts of
yachts in the bay. On shore you can enjoy
quiet walks through the orange and tangerine
groves bordering the beach. Ortakent has one
of the longest stretches of sandy beach in
the area and offers an ideal place for
relaxing in solitude. One of the most
beautiful beaches on the Bodrum peninsula,
Karaincir, is ideal for lively active days
by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings
with local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar
enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the
fine, powdery sand of its beach, it's also
considered as one of the best beaches in the
world. Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak,
all with excellent beaches, lie on the
western side of the peninsula and are ideal
for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
In Turgutreis, the birthplace of a great
Turkish Ottoman admiral of the same name,
you will find a monument honoring him. In
the ancient port of Myndos, Gümüslük, you
can easily make many friends with the
hospitable and out-going local population.
In Yalikavak white-washed houses with
cascading Bougainville line narrow streets.
Small cafes and the occasional windmill
create a picturesque setting.
See the north coast of the peninsula -
Torba, Türkbükü, Gölköy and Gündogan - by
road or, even better, hire a boat and crew
to explore the quiet coves, citrus groves
and wooded islands. Little windmills which
still provide the energy to grind grain
crown hills covered with olive trees. Torba,
a modern village with holiday villas and a
nice marina is located 8 km north of Bodrum.
Gölköy and Türkbükü are small and simple
fishing villages with a handful of taverns
overlooking a lovely bay.
After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour
from Bodrum, you can bathe in the grotto
where the warm mineral waters flowing out of
the rocks are believed to beautify the
complexion.
The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf
of Gökova, on the southern shore of the
Bodrum peninsula vary from the darkest blue
to the palest turquoise, and the coastline
is thickly wooded with every hue of green.
In the evening, the sea reflects the
mountains silhouetted against the setting
sun, and at night it shimmers with
phosphorescence. You can take a yacht tour
or hire a boat from Bodrum for a two, three
or seven day tour of the gulf.
Also Milas town and Labranda, some 65 kms
from Bodrum, are places of interest for
archaeology lovers.
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