Bodrum...

Now a sizeable town measuring about 2¾ mls E to W and 1¼ mls N to S, Bodrum's development over the last few decades has been strictly controlled; all buildings are now low-rise, white-painted blocks without balconies to help achieve a "Mediterranean village" effect. Bodrum has a large native population (21,000), augmented by thousands of tourists every year from April to Oct. The waterfront is the main attraction, stretching out on both sides of an abrupt headland on which sits the striking medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John. To the W is the almost circular, enclosed harbour and marina with its fleet of charter yachts; to the E is a more open bay with a narrow beach and more boats, plus restaurants built directly above the lapping waves. The centre is a knot of streets and alleyways immediately inland from the castle, stretching back as far as the bus station.

Attracts enquiring, self-sufficient types who like to poke among ruins and warren-like backstreets or explore the peninsula, are prepared to take a bus to better beaches, and enjoy an evening stroll along the waterfront.

Mainly small and medium-sized hotels with a great many budget lodgings. Every category well represented, including a few 5-stars on the edge of the resort.

A narrow sand and shingle beach stretches for 350 yds E of the castle with sunbeds and parasols for hire; eateries line the promenade but there are no water sports or lifeguards. There are also bathing possibilities from rocks. More impressive beaches exist in Gumbet, 2 mls away, Bitez, 6 mls, and Turgutreis, 14 mls.

In the narrow streets of the old centre, a small selection of international names are interspersed with the usual tourist shops selling such items as shoes, handbags, jewellery and fake designer gear. Also a street market, at its most extensive on Thursdays and Fridays, near the bus station. The marina includes a small arcade of exclusive shops.

Daytime: exploring the town itself; the castle and its archaeological museum; the stone amphitheatre; the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Hall of the Carian Princess, an ancient tomb. Nightlife: full marks, with many music bars in the centre and waterfront areas; some impressive nightclubs including a large open-air venue on the edge of the resort, popular with both tourists and Turkish people.

A particularly extensive choice though Turkish cuisine and pizzas predominate. Familiar fast-food outlets. Seafood restaurants predominate near the harbour and marina but tend to be more expensive.

Dolmus (minibus) service to all parts of the peninsula and neighbouring towns; intercity buses.

Ferries to Kos and Rhodes; coastal cruises; Ephesus; Pamukkale with its limestone formations; villages and bays of the Bodrum peninsula.

On Turkey's SW coast, at the point where the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas meet. 150 mls S of Izmir. 30 mls SW of Bodrum airport; 135 mls NW of Dalaman airport.

On the S side of a scenic peninsula indented with bays and coves.

Telephone Area Code: 252
Website: www.bodrum-bodrum.com

Airport : Imsik Airport
Airport Code: BJV
Flight time from ther U.K.: 3 hrs 30 mins