What would you do in Bodrum?
I would go to the beach. I would drink beer. I would eat fish. I would drink raki, which is a liquor that tastes like licorice. And I would swim in the Mediterranean.
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Weather
In the winter the average temperature in Bodrum is approximately 15ºC In the summer the average temperature is approximately 30ºC.
Money currency
The local money is the Turkey New Lira (TRY).
Look today's exchange rate
Language
The official language is Turkish, but you will also hear people speaking Kurdish, Armenian and Aramaic. In the tourist resorts you can usually get by with English and/or German.
Exploring the city of Bodrum
The castle of Sint Petrus is the symbol of the city. The castle contains various museums so be sure to set aside a few hours for your visit. Setting out from the port you can go on various boat trips along the coast past several little islands. Remember to take your bathing suit and snorkelling gear with you. The most beautiful beach -the bay of Gümbet- is a few kilometres outside of Bodrum.
The convivial bazaar quarter with its enchanting little shops and restaurants determines the look of the city. Browsing through the large bazaar at the foot of the castle is a 'must'. You can shop there until late in the evening. Local specialities include sponges, soft cotton clothing and beads made of lapis lazuli which are said to ward off 'the evil eye'. Turkey is also famous for its beautiful Persian carpets and hand-made and hand-painted pottery. Both make lovely souvenirs!
In the summer Bodrum is definitely not for those who like peace and quiet! It's delightful to eat out in one of the restaurants on the water, where the little tables look out over the sea and the castle. Generally speaking, when you are in Turkey it's best to eat the local dishes in so-called 'lokanta'. The köfteci tend to have all kinds of roast meats on the menu. It's better not to drink the tap water. Mineral water is on sale everywhere. But make sure that the bottle is properly sealed!
Escape
Known to the ancients as Myndus, Gümüslük is south of Yalikavak. It's the place to go diving -there's plenty to be discovered beneath that turquoise blue. An old Greek Orthodox chapel has been remodelled and is now being used as an art gallery and hosts cultural events.
Not to be missed
A jeep safari in the hills behind Bodrum.
A trip to the lime terraces at Pamukkale (expect crowds during the high season)
The port full of streamlined yachts, fishing boats and elegant wooden kayaks. (You can hire a kayak for a day or even a few days...)
A trip to the turtle beach at Dalyan.
Shop: World-famous sandal-maker Ali Güvern offers unique handmade shoes. His A-list customers include Mick Jagger, Donna Karan and Bette Midler (Çarsi Içi. Tel. 0252 313 2216)
No way!
Feeling hemmed in by the beach crowds? Head to Yaliciftlik and Asagi Mazi, east of Bodrum and south of Mumcular. Getting there may be tricky as public transport is limited, but it's well worth it!
