Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum, home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus, is these days better known as a popular holiday resort. Enchanting villages of houses painted in white and trimmed with purple bougainvillea together with miles of sandy beaches and ideal locations for water sports.
odrum casts a magic spell. It exerts a lasting fascination on everyone who visits, irrespective of age, nationality or sex.
Bodrum retains its charm despite the crowds and development. Women feel more beautiful, men feel more intriguing. This is Bodrum's spell.
Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: the castle, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum.
And there is history in Bodrum. Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: the castle, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum.
Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus' Tomb, the Mausoleum (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbour, the Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th-century crusader architecture, and has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
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 the marina.
Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offering an immense variety of aquatic life.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some with live music) and, of course, some of the best discos in Europe keep you going until dawn.
The boatyards of Bodrum have been famous since ancient times and today the craftsmen still make the traditional types of yacht: the pointed bow and stern (tirhandil) and the broad beamed and rounded stern (gulette). The latter, especially, is used for excursions and pleasure trips. The gulette is also used in the Bodrum Cup Race held every October.
There are daily ferries to the Greek island of Kos in summer, and a weekly hydrofoil to Rhodes between May and September.
Bodrum also is South Aegean's prettiest resort for scuba diving, with a yacht harbour and a port for ferries. Bodrum has several dive centers that rent out equipment, arrange excursions and even provide diving lessons for the inexperienced individual, eager to try out this underwater sport.
And there is history in Bodrum. Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: the castle, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum.
Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus' Tomb, the Mausoleum (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbour, the Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th-century crusader architecture, and has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
1001 nights are back
Belly Dance - as in 1001 night
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 the marina.
Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offering an immense variety of aquatic life.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some with live music) and, of course, some of the best discos in Europe keep you going until dawn.
The boatyards of Bodrum have been famous since ancient times and today the craftsmen still make the traditional types of yacht: the pointed bow and stern (tirhandil) and the broad beamed and rounded stern (gulette). The latter, especially, is used for excursions and pleasure trips. The gulette is also used in the Bodrum Cup Race held every October.
There are daily ferries to the Greek island of Kos in summer, and a weekly hydrofoil to Rhodes between May and September. see ferry page
Bodrum also is South Aegean's prettiest resort for scuba diving, with a yacht harbour and a port for ferries. Bodrum has several dive centers that rent out equipment, arrange excursions and even provide diving lessons for the inexperienced individual, eager to try out this underwater sport. see activities.
A different spectacle in Bodrum is its marina, which is a busy place hosting elegant yachts that come from all parts of the world. Bodrum Cup, a unique race for wooden sailing yachts is held every 3rd week in October.
The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the traditional yachts: the well known Bodrum Gulet
Bodrum is the one of the starting points for an unforgettable »Blue Cruise« (or 'Mavi Yolculuk'as it is called here) along the turquoise coast of the Gökova Gulf or down to Marmaris.
Shopping makes a delight in Bodrum. Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads (the Boncuk) are among the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow, white-walled streets. Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions.
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Folk culture:
o , Folk dances of Izmir
o , Horon folk dance
o , Karagöz and Hacivat, a Turkish shadow play
o , Nasreddin Hodja
o , Whirling Dervishes
o , Nomads (Yoruks)
Arts:
o Turkish arts
o , Carpets and kilims
o , Nazar Boncuk beads
o , Mother of pearl inlay (Sedef)
o , Musical instruments of Turkey
Turkish cuisine:
o Traditional Turkish drinks
o , Turkish coffee
o , Turkish tea
o , Turkish soups
o , Traditional mezes 1
o , Traditional mezes 2
o , Traditional mezes 3
o , Traditional mezes 4
o , Turkish meat dishes 1
o , Turkish meat dishes 2
o , Turkish desserts
o , Turkish dessert recipes
o , Mesir paste
Sport:
o Camel wrestling
o , Turkish oil wrestling
o , Turkish Jereed (Javelin)
o , Skiing in Turkey
o , Sports in Turkey
o , Mountaineering in Turkey
Literature & Entertainment:
o Turkish writers and poets 1
o , Turkish writers and poets 2
o , Turkish writers and poets 3
o , Film director Ferzan Özpetek
Architecture:
o Turkish architecture
o , Turkish bath (hamam)
o , Turkish Baths in Istanbul
o , Mimar Sinan
o , Safranbolu and traditional Turkish houses
Government:
o Political parties in Turkey
o , Prime Ministers
o , Presidents of the Republic
o , Grand National Assembly
o , Turkish National Anthem
o , The Constitution
o , Turkish economy
o , New Turkish Lira
o , New Turkish Lira law
o , Tax system
o , Banking system
o , Health Care in Turkey
o , Turkish Education System
o , Turkish Universities
o , Turkish Agriculture
Animals:
o Dogs of Turkey: Shepherd dogs
o , Dogs of Turkey: Akbash and Karabash
o , Van cats
o , Foca Monk Seals
o , Bald Ibis (Kelaynak)
o , Denizli Roosters
Other:
o Marriage in Turkey
o , Marriage for Foreigners in Turkey
o , Turkish language
o , Cultural and natural heritage
o , Turkish Armed Forces
o , Savarona Yacht
o , The Jews of Turkey
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Beautiful sun drenched beaches, deep turquoise blue sea and nothing but sun shine for all year around...
Olu Deniz, a beautiful inland bay that stretches behind the cape, is now closed to yachts. The reason this heavenly place is called Olu deniz ("Sea of the Dead") is attributed to the following legend;
Once a father and son were caught in a storm here and were in danger of sinking. The son claimed that if they approached the rocks ashore they could take shelter in a cove. The father on the other hand asserted that their ship would be driven onto the rocks and break up and that there were no coves around here anyway. In his terror of running around on the rocks, the father knocked his son (who was at the helm) into the sea with an oar and took over the helm himself. Just as the ship was about to hit the rocks on the cape, she turned into this calm, smooth watered bay. This is the reason they say the bay is called the Sea of the Dead, whereas what with the pine clad sandy beach stretched out like a tongue, the name "Paradise Bay" would be more fitting
The Blue Lagoon of Olu deniz has calm, crytal clear waters which makes it ideal for a variety of water sports and a very safe place for children to swim. Part of the lagoon is now a protected area (and it`s a national park).
Oludeniz Beach is surely one of the best beaches in the world. Such clean warm turquoise waters, countless shades of blue, perfect white shingle sand and nothing but sunshine for most of the year - so come and discover it yourself...
But Oludeniz is not the only beach in this part of the Turquoise Coast, there are other beatiful beaches in the surronding areas
Kidrak - also known as the Paradise Beach -only 2 km away from Oludeniz - can be reached with half an hour walk - is much more secluded and quiter than Oludeniz.
Butterfly Beach can only be reached from Oludeniz by boat - there is basic accommodation on the beach - tents and tepees - and a small restautant.
Butterfly Valley is a great day trip from Oludeniz. It is home to the unique Jersey Tiger butterfly. Between June and September, butterflies in thousands of colours and countless varieties can be seen here. This valley is an interesting canyon with steep cliffs up to 350 meters high and stretches back from the cove some 3-4 kilometers. To get to Butterfly Valley, you can take a boat from either Oludeniz or Fethiye
Taxi boats leave from Ölüdeniz three times a day in both directions - an alternative for the adventurous and well-shod hiker is to follow the steep and rocky slope down from the upper rim of the valley, following the footpath from in front of "George House," on the road to Faralya/Kabak (gauge about 30 min.).
Butterfly Valley with it`s untouched nature, most amazing beach and basic facilities (no electricity, tv or any earthly possesions) - only a small restaurant and simple beach huts - is a total relaxation destination
Kabak Beach - one of the most secluded and remote beaches in the area can be reached by car or by boat from Oludeniz. There is a campsite on the beach providing basic accommodation
Gemiler Beach is just opposite of the St Nicholas Island which is worth visiting for it`s history. There are several simple fish restaurants serving fresh fish dishes. It`s a perfect day tour from Oludeniz; swim, snorkel, eat and snooze
Hisaronu Situated on a high plateau 4km from the coast and surrounded by stunning mountains, the once sleepy villages of Hisaronu and Ovacik have combined to create a lively resort which has a distinctly British atmosphere. The nearest beaches are the famous lagoon of Oludeniz or the pebble and sand beach of Belcekiz. A dolmus leaves every five or ten minutes.
The village is full of bars, restaurants and shops. This is certainly the place to haggle for any imitation designer gear. The cool mountain air can be quite a relief after a day in the sun and there is plenty to do in the evening
Hisaronu, and the Fethiye area in general, are blessed with a rugged and beautiful landscape, the potential of which for activity holidays (and holiday activites) is just being realised. Hisaronu is special because its location means that you can paraglide in Oludeniz one day, canoe down the Xanthos river to Patara the next, paintball in the pine forests of Kaya Koyu and still take an overnight trip to the classical ruins of Ephesus.
The area is nice if you just want to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool but to get the most out of your trip you ought to consider moving around a little bit
Be it diving, rafting, paragliding or simply walking and sunbathing lazily on the beach, Oludeniz has it all
Oludeniz is one of the best places in Europe for paragliding hence in the last ten years the area became mecca for paragliders from all over the world. Paragliders from all nations come to Oludeniz for some of their best flights of life time- with turquoise blue waters, white strechs of beaches, several take off points at different heights and locations makes Oludeniz the ideal place for both novice and experienced pilots.
It is fair to say that paragliding in Oludeniz became as famous as Oludeniz and especially with the annual Oludeniz Air Games Festival held in October every year in Oludeniz, this thrilling sport is sure to be tried and learned.
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Legendary Anatolia, or Asia Minor is one of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea which was eventually the birth-place of a bold and unsurpassed civilization for centuries. This peninsula of the Turkish Republic has the coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, almost half of which is the border of Antalya City. The wonders still stand there today, even in ruins, in its power to amaze - through the excellence of monuments, its spectacular tombs and, above all, the awesome spin of time through which its greatness has survived. It is God’s work that country was rich in art and accomplishment while Europe was in its Stone age, and also to its life it was so gratifying that man asked better nothing but eternity than to go living in a close replica of this fruitful earth he loved.
They in fact engineered intricate irrigation systems, developed mathematics, mined useful and precious ores, traded with lands over sea, perfected the techniques of administration and government.
Perhaps you have heard about the enchantments of this miracle land though some epochs told by the visitors of Antalya. You will see that it is really no exaggeration in telling and applauding this truth wherever you enter into the City. On both sides of the streets date trees soar up into the sky, and in the middle of the streets water flows in canals in a never-failing continuity and serenity. Those are the first vivid specialties that will welcome you.
It has a large and radiant Park embellished with motley-kind of flowers and trees. Its south is the sea, and the cliffs are often rocky and sleep, and they form a natural border in the height of 50 or 60 meters in the south of the City, and those cliffs stretch along the shore 10 or 12 kilometers long. Rivers and streams, the sources of which are actually in the Taurus Mountains, pour down in thunder over the cataracts on its way into the sea along this coast. Another wonder for the visitors who won’t really be able to see any other similar to this! The water comes down over the cliffs in such a way that million of water-dews in atoms look like a misty dust embracing the gloomy sea.
Lara, Karpuzkaldiran, Mermerli Beaches near the Park, and Adalar, Konyaalti Beaches in the east are some that can provide good-bathing for the vacationers. After Konyaalti Beach towards the west Arapsuyu Beach, is another one which was turned to be camping by the Antalya Tourism and information Society.
Whenever the vacationer visits Denizli (Hierapolis). Konya and Adana they are bound to call at Antalya. Because those cities are so near to Antalya. And also you will find priceless treasures of the historical masterpieces as well as the two sophistications mentioned above such an incomparable treasure that you will ask yourself in a moment and try to give an answer to how even one huge stone, in tons of the facade of the theatre of Perge had been hauled up 20 or 25 meters high by the use of levers, ropes and manpower only; and further why and for whom the theatre in Side had been constructed so large; and then today why no human beings live except birds in Termossos which once had a population of 150.000 and which Alexander the Great hadn’t been able to conquer.
Five Specialties that can never be provided in any place of the world:
1- Much Sunshine
2- The Sea
3- Hospitality
4- Historical Background
5- Reasonable price
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The large popular resort center of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. A 13th century Seljuk fortress-one of the most magnificent sights on the coast-crowns the headland. About 150 towers punctuate the walls of the well- preserved, double walled citadel. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; in the inner walls are a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church. Although Alanya's history dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuks, when in 1220, Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and naval base. The surviving buildings reflect the importance of the city in Seljuk times. Besides the impressive citadel tourists should explore the unique dockyards and the octagonal Kizil Kule(Red Tower).
Alanya is a beautiful holiday center of modern hotels and motels, numerous fish restaurants and cafes and bars. The cafes that ring the harbor have become popular gathering places for tourists. From the town's lovely park, the road runs along the coast to the harbor, lined with countless boutiques that tempt tourists with handicrafts, leather, clothes, jewelry, handbags and the amusing painted gourds, a symbol of the area. In August, when Alanya hosts a colorful International Folklore Festival the atmosphere is charged with vitality and gaiety.
If you enjoy exploring you should visit the Damlatas Cave to see the eerie misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, (Open weekdays except Monday). A boat can take you to the three sea grottoes:Fosforlu Magara with its phosphorescent rocks, the Kizlar Magarasi, where pirates imprisoned their female captives, and the Asiklar Magarasi.
When the intense sun overpowers you, take a day trip to the Dim Cayi Valley, 15 km east of Alanya, where you can relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to the stream rushing by. Avsallar (incekum), about 25 km from Aianya to the west, is a holiday resort center with fine sandy beaches. If you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipasa you will discover and no doubt linger on the exceptional beaches. 30 km east of Alanya, Aytap, the historical harbor city Lotape, is a great excursion site, with Roman ruins, secluded beaches and bays.
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Marmaris is truly the Jewel of the Turkish Riviera. It is Turkey's most sophisticated and multi-faceted resort. Located where the Aegean sea meets the Mediterranean the beautiful bay is famous for its yachting and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Marmaris is originally a Greek word meaning glittering and shining and this is a very apt description. Nowadays it offers abundant accommodation ranging from small pensions (guest houses) to luxurious 5 star hotels. Hundreds of restaurants, shops, tours, and other entertainment ensure that you will never be bored.
The beaches are not the greatest in the world but are more than adequate for children and adults alike. The sand is mostly black sand and a bit gritty. The beaches are not very wide and the top half is covered in sunbeds and umbrellas which you can rent for a nominal fee if the hotel/restaurant does not provide them. Many hotels have private beaches and some even ship in very good sand from other areas. The sea is warm, crystal clear and perfect for swimming. There are some fabulous beaches within half an hours drive, so if beaches are your thing, visit Cleopatra Island where the sand is said to be the best in the world
The famous Bar Street is just what it says, a street chock full of night clubs of every description which are open until 4 am
The beautiful harbour water front hosts many restaurants and bars where you can relax and take in the spectacular view. Netsel Marina is an important yachting centre full of romantic restaurants, shops and boutiques. One look at the yachts in the harbour will tell you that Marmaris is a stylish and cosmopolitan resort. The traffic-free promenade stretching from the marina all the way round the bay to Icmeler. It has a sophisticated 'Riviera' feel to it, vaguely reminiscent of St.Tropez.
There are many beautiful islands and villages to visit. Gulets are the local boats used for boat trips and provide food and drink and a wonderful day out. All kinds of water sports are available on the beaches, diving is very popular, check to make sure the dive company have the correct qualifications. See tours for more info.During the Winter you will find a different Marmaris from the high season. Quieter, more intimate where you will be welcomed into the warm and friendly local and ex-pat community. Many tourist prefer winter to summer and return every year to continue the deeper friendships provided by the more relaxed and timeless atmosphere. You can still get a tan and the water is always warm enough for swimming so Marmaris is a great winter destination.
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More famous for its historical sites and its carpets, most visitors come to Turkey not expecting to find much in the way of nightlife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Turkey's recent economic growth and increasing prosperity had had enormous effect on the vitality, energy and variety of its nightlife. The range of night entertainment is huge, from traditional male-dominated birahanes to techno and rave nightclubs, with new venues opening by the week. As a result, Turkey's nightlife is quickly gaining recognition as one of the liveliest in Europe.
An authentic Turkish experience can be combined with a racuous nights drinking at one of Turkey's meyhanes. These tavernas serve raki, beer and wine, along with an awe-inspiring selection of mezes (starters), succulent kebabs and fruits of the season. A favourite location for raki drinking, the atmosphere gets louder and merrier as the night progresses, with clients often breaking into impromtu renditions of Turkish classics. The most famous meyhanes in Turkey are located in the Cicek Pasaj in Beyoglu, Istanbul, a bustling passage whose many meyhanes are interspersed with flower, fish and vegetable stalls, and where street musicians and vendors wander among the revellers. Birahanes are more basic, with the beer taking precedence over the food. Turkish women rarely enter birahanes. Although foreign women are tolerently expected to break all the rules, and will usually be made feel welcome, it is advisable not to go to such all-male preserves alone.
The past few years have seen a huge growth in the popularity of Anatolian folk music or Saz bars. These tend to be garishly decorated in artificial flowers and a profusion of kilims and wickerwork, but the prices are very reasonable and the food fresh and delicious. The music is usually provided by a sole singer, accompanied by a saz, who sings plaintive tales of love and war. Dancing is an essential part of the evening, and with customary Turkish hospitality visitors will always be invited to join in. Luckily, the most common dance, called halay, is a simple folk dance which can be
picked up in seconds.
For those who want to see something more exotic, many nightclubs offer "Oriental shows" with sequined bellydancers, troupes of Russian or Romanian dancers, and flashy caberet singers. Most of these shows are quite tame and sanitized, although the visitor should beware of the seedier style pavyon, where the unsuspecting can be ripped off for an inordinate amount of money, in return for some watered-down drinks and the dubious company of one of the girls who work there. Fortunately, these joints are fairly obvious, advertising their services with neon lights and photographs of
scantily-clad girls, and its not difficult to avoid them. They appear to be a dying species, being replaced in city centres by more profitable and fashionable rock bars and cafes. If in doubt about the reputation of a place, clearly establish the prices before ordering anything.
If the pavyons are not sufficiently tittilating for your tastes, Turkey has thriving red light districts, where genelev (brothels) operate legally under the control of the municipality. Certain hotels in the sleazier areas of towns also act as unofficial pickup joints. In the past few years Western-style bars and cafes have become the place to see and be seen. Opening hours are long; most bars stay open until 2:00 am and some keep going until 4:00am or later. The most downmarket of these are sawdust-on-the-floor style rock bars, where the beer is incredibly cheap, decoration is minimal, and heavy metal and 70s rock is the order of the day. These are popular among students, and the atmosphere is extremely lively, with lots of political discussion taking place amidst the headbanging. The dress code for these bars is strictly grunge, with body piercing, heavy metal t-shirts, and lots of hair. The oldest and most enduring of these is Koprualti Kemanci, also known as Eski Kemanci, which began life as one of the hangouts under the old wooden Galata bridge, but is now located in Taksim.
In the middle, there are numerous rock bars offering live music, usually bands performing covers of popular rock classics from Pink Flyod, The Who and Led Zepplin, alternating with the latest disco mixes. Prices in Istanbul are usually a little less than other European cities, while in tourist resorts competition means the prices are kept extremely low. In Istanbul try Kemanci, Hayal Kavhesi and Mojo Blues Bar. In Turkish tourist resorts you will find a selection of bars to suit every taste in music. Kusadasi is famous for its aptly named Bar Street, lined with self-styled Irish and British bars. The nightlife of Bodrum is known all over Europe, the highlight being the outdoor Halikarnas disco. Homegrown pop and rock is improving, and many Turkish stars also perform at bars and clubs. A great way to spend a summer evening is to attend one of the many outdoor rock and pop concerts featuring the current chart toppers which are regularily held in the main tourist resorts. Admission is usually free. Alternative music is becoming more widely available and popular in Turkey, and the newest clubs cater for fans of underground, hardcore and drum and bass. For a more relaxed atmosphere, there are many late-opening cafes serving great cappuchinos along with alcohol and playing everything from classical to drum and bass. At the top end of the market are bars and clubs catering to the young and upwardly mobile elite. These are superbly stylish, and concentrated mainly in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. In Istanbul, the top discos have summer locations along the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy the beautiful view while partying until the early hours. Levent and Etiler are also recommended watering spots.
Gay nightlife is largely confined to Istanbul, where many bars and clubs cater for the gay community. Açýk Radyo has a gay programme where you can find details of any special activities going on. Bilsak, Prive, Hans and Club 14 are currently popular, and are all centrally located around Taksim. A word of warning - always carry your passport or some equivalent ID when you go out.
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