After traveling through sunny Antalya, Turkey, I decided to visit the city of Bodrum, located about 400 kilometers away from the resort. My main interest was the ruins of the Mausoleum, which once ranked among the Seven Wonders of the World. After exploring this historical landmark, I had some time to stroll through the city center. Here, I share vibrant spring photos of my visit.
A Bit of History
In ancient times, the city of Halicarnassus stood where Bodrum is now located. The settlement reached its peak during the reign of Mausolus, who lent his name to the Mausoleum, where he was later buried. I’ll discuss the ruins of this site in one of my upcoming articles.
Halicarnassus was destroyed during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. The restored city came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in 1522.
A Stroll Through Bodrum
The distance from Antalya to Bodrum by road is approximately 420 kilometers. I traveled there by intercity bus, which departed at 11:59 PM, arriving around 6:30 AM. The first thing I noticed was that at this early hour, all shops and eateries in the city were closed. I had previously arrived early in other Turkish cities, like Çanakkale, where it was possible to find places to grab a bite. However, in Bodrum’s center, this proved impossible. The first establishment I saw with staff ready to serve didn’t open until 10:00 AM.
Another notable difference from other Turkish cities is the relatively high prices in cafes and restaurants. Lunch at a chain restaurant cost me more than dining in central Istanbul. Undoubtedly, both the late opening hours and the higher prices are linked to Bodrum’s reputation as a destination for affluent tourists. The city is often referred to as the Turkish Saint-Tropez and the most exclusive resort in the country.
During the few hours I spent here, I managed to see some of Bodrum’s most popular attractions. My list of places of interest includes windmills, the ancient amphitheater, the Mausoleum I mentioned earlier, and the Castle of St. Peter. Another distinctive feature of the city that caught my attention is the abundance of covered cisterns. These were likely once used to store water but are now, unfortunately, filled with trash in many cases.
In the city center, there is a bay filled with countless yachts. A pedestrian walkway runs along the shoreline, offering views of small sculptures and installations.
The next story about my trip to Bodrum will focus on the windmills that stand tall above the city.
Have a nice trip!
