A Region Scented with Bougainvillea: Bodrum Guide

Guide in Türkiye

25.06.2024

Bodrum, the most populous district of Muğla, ranks first among the most beloved holiday destinations in Turkey. Known for its white houses surrounded by pink bougainvillea, which have been the subject of poems and songs, Bodrum is a place visitors are eager to return to. Loved equally by local and foreign tourists, Bodrum's population can exceed 1.5 million during the summer months. With six months of summer, you can visit Bodrum in any season and be enchanted. While it is part of cultural tours with its historical and cultural structures, Bodrum is also famous for its nightlife. Bodrum's center is one of the liveliest places in terms of nightlife. Türkbükü, Yalıkavak, and Gümüşlük are also rich in entertainment clubs.

What to Eat in Bodrum? Bodrum Restaurants

Bodrum is a gastronomic paradise offering unique flavors of Aegean cuisine. The first dish that comes to mind in Bodrum cuisine is the Bodrum kebab, also known as Çökertme kebab. This dish, served with thinly sliced fried potatoes topped with beef, garlic yogurt, and tomato sauce, is a must-try. Following the Çökertme kebab, Bodrum cuisine is filled with various recipes made with herbs. Among the different flavors you can try in Bodrum are stuffed squash blossoms, sautéed sarmasik (known locally as "bitter herb"), and a salad made with rock samphire collected from the coastal rocks. Additionally, we recommend trying radish salad, samphire, sautéed mallow, and mustard green salad.

Bodrum is not only famous for its herbs but also for its fresh fish. These dishes, made with fresh fish, make Bodrum evenings even more enjoyable. You should definitely try fish soup made with scorpionfish or gurnard, sour bonito cooked with a different sauce, and mullet stuffed with pilaf. If you're looking for a different taste, you should also taste the octopus soup.

During your visit to Bodrum, do not forget to try Bitez ice cream. If you try this ice cream in the early days of your holiday, you will want to eat it every day throughout your vacation. If you taste it just before you leave, you will regret not having it earlier. Also, don't leave without drinking the famous Bodrum mandarin soda made with the region's renowned mandarins.

In addition to these local flavors, Bodrum also has many restaurants offering tastes from world cuisines. In popular resorts like Gümüşlük, Türkbükü, and Yalıkavak, you can find venues suitable for different budgets and tastes.

Historical Sites in Bodrum

Apart from its bougainvillea scents, Bodrum has a unique atmosphere with its historical sites. Here are some historical places you can visit:

Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archaeology Museum

The symbol of Bodrum, Bodrum Castle, was built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John. The castle captivates visitors with its magnificent sea view and impressive architecture. Inside, the Underwater Archaeology Museum is one of the world's most important underwater archaeology museums. The museum offers visitors a unique experience with ancient shipwrecks and various underwater findings. Especially notable are the famous Uluburun Shipwreck and the Serçe Limanı Glass Wreck.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, is one of Bodrum's historical riches. This monumental tomb, built in memory of King Mausolos, is one of the finest examples of ancient architecture. Although only its remains can be seen today, some of the stones and sculptures that formed the mausoleum are displayed in Bodrum's Underwater Archaeology Museum and various museums around the world. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is a must-visit place for those who want to feel the grandeur of ancient times.

Bodrum Ancient Theater

Another significant structure shedding light on Bodrum's history is the Bodrum Ancient Theater. Built in the Hellenistic period, this theater, with a capacity of 13,000 people, is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of that era. Today, the restored theater hosts various concerts and events during the summer, offering unforgettable experiences in an ancient atmosphere. The Bodrum Ancient Theater offers a rich heritage both historically and culturally.

Places to Visit in Bodrum

There are many places you can visit in Bodrum. Some of the main ones are:

Zeki Müren Art Museum

One of Bodrum's cultural treasures, the Zeki Müren Art Museum, keeps alive the memory of the famous artist known as Turkey's "Sun of Art." The house where Zeki Müren lived for many years in Bodrum was opened to the public as a museum in 2000. The museum exhibits Zeki Müren's stage costumes, awards, personal belongings, and many objects related to his artistic life. Visitors have the opportunity to get to know the artist's life and art closely while also refreshing their love for this legendary figure of Turkish classical music. This museum, which everyone visiting Bodrum should see, presents Zeki Müren's artistic and life journey impressively.

Bodrum Bays

Bodrum, with its indented and protruding geography, is surrounded by countless beautiful bays to the north, west, and south. These bays, each more beautiful than the other, are places you must discover during your Bodrum trip. You can reach these bays on daily tours organized by tourist boats, or you can rent a boat yourself. Paradise Bay, Aquarium Bay, and Poyraz Port are among the bays you must see and swim in. These bays captivate visitors with their clear waters and natural beauty.

Investment Value of Bodrum

According to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, the average cost of purchasing real estate in Bodrum is approximately $4,500 per square meter.

Bodrum, a port city located on the Bodrum Peninsula on Turkey's southern coast, is an impressive holiday destination and an important hub for urban real estate investors. With its stunning nature, historical riches, and vibrant social life, Bodrum is attractive to both vacationers and investors.

Bodrum city has a broad spectrum of tourism profiles. Among those who visit the city are travelers, history and art enthusiasts, beach lovers, and nightlife seekers. This diversity creates a stable demand for rental properties throughout the year, offering profitable opportunities for real estate investors, especially in short-term holiday rentals. Bodrum's tourism sector is continuously growing. Questions like "Is Bodrum safe?" or "Is Bodrum safe at night?" may cross your mind. The answers to these questions are positive. The ongoing tourism infrastructure development in the region makes Bodrum more attractive as a holiday destination, which can increase property values. Bodrum continues to be an attractive destination for investors due to its developing infrastructure and diverse tourism profiles. Despite its popularity, the prices of villas for sale in Bodrum remain competitive compared to similar destinations in Europe. The constant demand and developments enhance the potential for property value appreciation over time, offering promising returns to investors.

 

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