Bodrum holidays

Wandering around the buzzy markets of Bodrum, you’re guaranteed to stumble across vendors making gozleme. Made to order, these tasty flatbreads are stuffed with mouth-watering ingredients including, feta, spinach, minced meat and herbs. Another street food classic, pide – sometimes known as ‘Turkish pizza’ – makes for a delicious lunch or dinner. You’ll find this inexpensive snack topped with everything from spiced sausage to aubergine – perfect with a glass of chilled Efes Pilsen, the popular local beer. Meze is another holiday favourite. This platter of hot and cold dishes made for sharing includes houmous, dolma (stuffed vine leaves) fried aubergines, and white bean salad. Try your meze with raki, the local fire water, or ayran, a refreshing summertime drink made with yoghurt.

Centrally located in Bodrum, Kumbahce Beach is a fantastic place to swim and sunbathe, with views of Bodrum castle and harbour. At night, the beach is lit up, and you can take your pick from a handful of beachside restaurants overlooking the water. A 10 minute dolmus (minibus) ride west will take you to Gumbet Beach, a 1km-long bay of golden sand. Fun water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing, while Gumbet is also the best place to scuba dive in the area – the reef is home to large shoals of colourful fish. Drive 15 minutes further along the coast to find Camel Beach, arguably the most beautiful in the area. The crystalline turquoise waters make this a top spot for snorkelling, while the soft sand is ideal for little ones. With camels resting on the beach, it’s an exotic place to spend an afternoon.

Built in the 15th century, the Castle of St. Peter is a top Bodrum attraction for all ages. Built by the Knights Hospitaller, the castle was taken over by the Ottoman Empire in the early 1500’s when it was converted into a mosque – a single minaret stands to this day. Perched on a hilltop, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of Bodrum Harbour. Within the grounds of the castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology is another fascinating site for your Bodrum bucket list. Witness the remains of centuries-old shipwrecks, and learn all about early maritime history at this outstanding step-back-in-time experience. Built in the 4th century BC, Bodrum Amphitheatre is one of the oldest stone theatres in existence. Once home to gruesome gladiator fights, the 10,000 capacity theatre is used today for plays and concerts in the summer months. Entrance is free of charge.

Mud baths: A day out at Dalyan Mud Baths is a fun holiday experience, and you might even end up looking younger! The mineral-rich mud is said to have rejuvenating properties for the skin, while the hot spring next door is designed to alleviate aching muscles. Combine your visit with a river tour of the nearby Lycian rock tombs – an exciting two-in-one day trip.

Thermal pools: The astounding thermal pools at Pamukkale have to be seen to be believed. Formed over thousands of years, these unique terraced pools are a top attraction the whole family will love. Your entrance fee includes swimming, and a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis.

White water rafting: Bodrum is the place to tick this off your list. Get to grips with the basics on a quiet stretch of the Dalaman River, before hurtling down ferocious rapids on a white-knuckle ride to remember. Bring your sense of adventure!