THE LAND OF ETERNAL BLUE

CLIMATE

Summers are hot and dry whille winters are mild and rainy.

HOW TO COME?

By Road : Transportation to Bodrum from all over Turkey through bus services is availlable. Bus terminal is in the city centre.

By Sea: There are regular ferryboat services to the Greek Islands of Cos and Rhodes. There are also connections to Knidos, Didim and Dalyan. The ferryboats and sea-buses all leave from the main harbour.

By Air : The Bodrum - Milas aitport is 30km. from the city centre. Transportation is provided by Turkish Airlines, taxis and minibuses.

Summers am hot and dry while winters are miid and rainy.

HISTORY

Halicarnassos Bodrum was an important city in the Caria civilization which was located between its much more powerful neighbours Lykia and lonia.

such greats as the historian Herodotus, history's first woman admiral Artemisia II as well as

artist like Leachares and Shepas.

Bodrum experiencend the dorninance ot various civilizations throughout the history such as Persians Macedonians, Roman Empire and Byzantines. Byzantines lost their power in Anatolia region after they were defeated by the Seljuk Ruler Alparslan at Malazgirt in 1071. Rhodian knights had constructed the present Bodrum castle and established their rule over the region Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent on his millitary expedition to Rhodes conqured Bodrum together with Rhodes and added them to the territory of Ottoman Empire

A cove unusual beauty with every conceivable tone green and blue, it is located 25km from Bodrum. Salih Island, located right across the water, only serves to enhance the natural appeal ot this beautiful cove.

A peaceful little village just 5 km from Bodrum is a charming and lively place where the shining sea melds with the green pines and olive trees. There are boats going to Didim, Milet and Priene frorm here.

Situated beside Gölköy, at a distance ot 15 km from Bodrum, it resembles Gölköy in almost every way. It is one of the places preferred by people looking for peace and quiet.

Located 18 km frorn Bodrum, Gündoğan cove is one of the coves that has been least changed by man and which still preserves its beauty in the most natural way. Its tangerine orchards are famous.

This viilage is 18km from Bodrum in the Northwestern part of the peninsula. It is famous for its windmills, fish, citrus orchards and sea.

it is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula it is still possible to see the underwater remains of the old harbour wall which connected Tavşan Island to the mainland. The sea and fish here are famaous. Watching the sun set here amidst the lush green vegetation will be life long memory.

The sandy beaches of this crystal clear sea are surrounded with citrus orchards. Situated 23 km from Bodrum, it gets its name from the remains of a nearby castle belonging to the Hellenistic era..

Situated 20 km from Bodrum, the town is famous for its tangerine orchards. It was named after the famous Turkish admiral, Turgut Reis, in terms of population, it is one of the most populous areas al the peninsula. it is known for its unforgettable sunsets.

Bağla :

With one of the best coves and beaches on the peninsula, it is an excellent place to camp and is 14 km from Bodrum.

Aspat :

Rising out of the shores of the Aegean and mentioned often in Iurkish folk music. the real name of Aspat is Aspartos. Built on barren rock, the perimeter of Aspat Castle measures 700 paces. The remains of several civilizations dating back to the Classical Age can be seen here.

Ortakent :

Located 14 km from Bodrum, its waters are warm and it has sandy beaches. lts tangerine orchards are quite famous. It is one of the best vantage points from which to view village life in Bodrum.

Bitez :

One of the most beautiful coves on the peninsula, it is 10 km from Bodrum. It has sandy beaches. it is a beautiful quiet corner where blue and green reach out to touch each other in the tangerine orchards which stretch from the village to the sea.

Ada Boğazı (Aquarium) :

It is called as Aquarium because of its crystal-clear waters. in the open waters, the seafloor to 30 m depth can be seen just with your eyes.

Gümbet :

About 3 km west of Bodrum, its waters are very shallow. Bardakçı is at a distance of 500 m. from Bodrum. Most people go there by boat. It is known for its beach and the water, which is as clear as glass. as well as the fresh water spring there. Do you know that Gümbet is the best place for entertainment in Bodrum Peninsula? This little town is the place to lie the nights as long as you like besides its fanıous sandy beach for sun and sea for your day time. You will feel happiness and comfort while you are having your meal and drink at Smiley's Fun & Pub Restaurant located on Adnan Menderes street. Every customer is their friend, and they continue to be your friend after your great holiday. They guarantee you to miss Bodrum. because memories at Smiley's. Do not forget friendsh never dies at Smiley's and you are their friend and family and kids are for 1/2 price !..

Bardakçı :

It is 500 m. from Bodrum, One can reach to Bardakçı by sea easily. lts crystal clear sea is well-known for its springs.

Karada :

Situated 6 km from Bodrum, it is famous for its healing mineral springs. The water comes out of a cave and the mud from the cave is said to be good for skin conditions.

it s one of the most important and biggest museums of its kind in the world. The relics recovered from excavation which started in the 1 960's are on display in this museum located in the Bodrum Castle. The Eastern Mediterranean amphora collections as well as findings resulting from research on sunken ships in the immediate vicinity are on display The significant of these sunken ships are those at Yassıada. Şeytan Brook and Serçe Harbour. The remains of the oldest known sunken ship in the world are also here and well-worth seeing.

The temple of Hecate can be reached by following the dirt road (9km) leading to Turgut. Excavations have shown that this city, once an important centre of the Caria Civilization, has been inhabited since the Early Bronze Age.

One of the most eminent ruins of the region with its rich history and natural beauty, Sedir island can be reached by boat either from Gökova-Akyaka of Çamlıköy The ruins which one would want to see first are the Temple of Apollo, the theatre, and the ancient harbour. The famous Cleopatra beach is here as well.

Cisterns built by the Ottomans and known as "Gümbet" can be seen all over the peninsula. They werebuilt by the wealthy citizens who named the cisterns after themselves.

The commen features of the traditional architecture used in Bodrum are windowless first floors and doors on the second storey with access by way of ladders that can be drawn up into the house. These houses, which are now protected by the government, are located mostly in the willages of Ortakent and Kocakaya above Gümüşlük. Individuals, such as artists and writers who have settled in Bodrum have done a great service to the area by restoring older houses and this has made it even more interesting place to visit..

YACHTING & THE BLUE VOYAGE

With everything from manufacturing and maintenance to repair and operation, the yachting centre of Turkey is Bodrum. The tradition of bulding schooners contiunues in the İçmeIer Shipyard, whose namehas become almost synonymous with Bodrum itself. As big as many modern shipyards, Iuxury sailboats up to 30 meters can be built here using the latest available technology. The marina has a capacity of 275-yachts, The marina also has 12 slips for the rnaintenance and repair of yachts as well as wintering. The yacht races in Bodrum are probably the only ones in the world that completely inexperienced people can participate in, even children have parficipated. The Bodrum cup is the most comfortable competition for 15-30 m. Iuxury yachts in the world. Streching from Bodrum to the south-east. Gökova Bay has been named after Halikarnas Balıkçısı and Azra Erhat as "The BIue Voyage" when they first discovered it. Boats which pull up anchor in Bodrum and head for Gökova will soon disoover the ultimate harmony of green and blue and the beauties which lie under the crystal clear coves ot Küçük Çatı, Büyük Çatı, Yedi Adalar, Longöz, Değirmen Bükü and Karacasöğüt. Besides the natural beauty, historic sites such as Sedir lsland, the ancient city of Keramos and Yedi Adalar are frequent stopping places. AIlow 7-10 days for this journey, which is open to anyone who wants to join one of the groups.

Thern are 22 diving schools in Bodrum who are ready to serve you either you are experienced or not. Very colorful underwater life will be waiting for you at 17 diving spots.

Bodrum sea hosts a variety of Mediterranean underwater living being. lf you are experienced diver you may dive twice with a guide during their trip in one day. If you are a first timer you may have a discover diving to begin your adventure, and go on for a 4-day course to take an international diving license. Also non-divers are welcome on board for snorkeling.

Handicrafts in Bodrum are very developed. The beads, leather clothes, cloth, silver & gold jewellery, embroidery, decorations and many other items made in Bodrum are sold on the broad street between İskele Square and Halikarnas disco. Bodrum and everywhere in the bays of Bodrum peninsula have bazaars open seven days a week where everything, from needle to thread, from fruit to snacks, can be bought. These bazaars also sell scarves and curtains made of 100 % hand made Milas cloth and hand-painted batik clothing and other decorative items.

ENTERTAINMENT

On the Aegean coast, Bodrum is famous for its colorful life. Besides the vitality and colorfulness of the city in the daytime, Bodrum is also renowned for its exceptionally appealing from İskele Square to the end of Kumbahçe District; Cumhuriyet Street is with bars, pubs, discos and taverns that guarantee fun and good times for people ofl all ages.In the mysterious darkness of the Bodrum nights, thle magical shimmer that surrounds Bodrum castle adds a certain charm to the atmosphere. The heartbeat of the city's nightlife is in the bars of Bodrum where every kind of music, from jazz to tavern music, can be heard.

Bodrum Otfshore Sailing club (BAYK) has been founded in 2001 to gather lovers of sailing sport. The club aims to encourage beginners fromn all ages to take up the sport of sailing by providing trainings. The goal of the clubs to promote and facilitate the sport of sailing in Turkey and bring it up ta Olympic standards while organizing races that support both sailing sport and tourism..The club also intends to develop the friendship and support between Turkish and foreign sailors and make Bodrum the center of sailing sport at Aegean. Just in two years time, thanks to the races organized by the club, BAYK has familiarized its name not only in Bodrum's but in Turkish sailing society.

From the day it has been established, with our without sponsor-ship, BAYK has organized a race every month. Since 2001, with the "WINTER THROPY" organized between January and May (during 7 weekends, total 14 races), BAYK provides adventurous racing to all sailors who love Bodrum during winter.

in 2002 BAYK became first in Turkey to organize an international race. With the sponsorship of the globally known men-sportswear garrment brand GANT, "GANT CUP" had been organized where Bodrum - Kos island leg bad been added to race wbich brought international identity both to the cup and to the cup. Thanks to this identity, BAYK has been receiving both the attention and the support froom all other sailing clubs in Turkey.