Bodrum, known as the "Bedroom of the Mediterranean", is an attractive tourist destination in Turkey. Known earlier as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is also known as the birthplace of Herodotus, the "father of history".

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 its marina. The hillsides are covered with beautiful villas.

 Not far from town, you can swim in azure blue, tideless and warm seas. Underwater divers have a great time exploring the numerous reefs, caves and rock formations. Multicoloured sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi and an immense variety of colourful aquatic life make Bodrum an interesting place to visit. Watch the craftsmen build traditional yachts, or just shop to your heart’s delight. Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads are among the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow white-walled streets. Charming boutiques sell kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton.

 Visit the famous tomb of King Mausolus (after whom tombs are called mausoleums), one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the harbour, Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St Peter, is a fine example of Crusader architecture. It has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The museum is open from 8am to noon and 1pm to 5pm daily. Campers and windsurfers enjoy Gumbet and Gumusluk is a pretty village nearby.  

The most popular activities in Bodrum are boating, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. The up market eateries are on the eastern bay. Wholesome, cheap food is available at street side cafes. Local eateries are also cheap in July and August. The nights are full of blaring music from the discos. The night scene here is notorious.

 Flights from Istanbul and Ankara will take you to Bodrum, but for international connections it’s via Istanbul. Buses connect to Izmir, Antalya, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Marmaris, Pamukkale, Fethiye and Selcuk. Dolmus (shared taxis) will take you to Marmaris and back. Frequent ferries link Kos in summer and there is a hydrofoil service to/from Rhodes between May and September. In summer boats go to Datca, Didyma, Knidos, Marmaris and Rhodes. Bodrum has an otogar (bus terminus), a small mosque, a Post and Telegraph office, Internet access, and several banks. The Tourist office telephone number is (252) 316 1091; fax 316 7694. 

For more detailed country and visitor information, see Turkey.