Travel Guide Bodrum (Halicarnass)
It is the chic seaside resort of southwest Turkey. Bodrum, a former fishing village, is today a destination that lines up high-end resorts, chic boutiques and luxury yachts. The site is popular with wealthy tourists who come to enjoy a certain sweetness of life. In summer, Bodrum sees hundreds of thousands of local and European tourists disembark on the beach of Gumbet, with its calm waters, ideal for windsurfing, that of Ortakent, appreciated by the jet set or that of Bitez where families meet. And on the bay, there is a festive atmosphere with parties organized on the beaches, discos and lively bars where tourists and locals mix. On the other hand, the old town does not lack character, authenticity and historical buildings. Thus the castle of Saint-Pierre (XVth century) with its five towers, the English, the German, the Spanish, the Italian and the French, the highest, standing at 47.5 m. This castle houses the magnificent Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. You should also see the Bodrum Maritime Museum and, of course, the site of the ancient mausoleum of Halicarnassus, built in 350 BC. In addition, the Zeki Muren Arts museum, located in the former house of the artist Zeki Müren, exhibits his paintings and stage costumes. As for the seaside pleasures, they are legion: swimming, diving, boat trips and all the glides on the water. Optional wildlife viewing is available. Don't forget to take your tour guide with you!
What to visit Bodrum (Halicarnass)?
When to go to Bodrum (Halicarnass)?
When to go to Bodrum? The high tourist season in Turkey begins at the end of June and ends in August. That is why the best time to go to Turkey, if you want to avoid the crowd, but also the heat, is in May or from September to October, when the climate is still very suitable and the prices already mild. The low tourist season corresponds to the winter in Turkey. Many Turkish tourists also travel inland during the Bayrams, the religious holidays, which take place after Ramadan. At that time, prices often increase and long-term transport reservations are necessary. If you arrive in Istanbul, take the opportunity to visit this fascinating city. And know that in Bodrum, the hotel complexes close at the end of the tourist season. You will still have hotels for premises and accommodation in town that will allow you to share the local life. But of course if you are looking for a seaside holiday, the Bodrum formula in summer, on the beach, is perfect.
Weather at the moment
While Bodrum has pleasant temperatures all year round and 300 days of sunshine per year, the three summer months are the warmest, driest and sunniest. Autumn is less hot but still warm and sunny, and spring is very pleasant. In winter, rains are common. Only from November to April is the average temperature below 20°C (about 17.5°C). The average temperature in July and August is around 30°C, in June and September 25°C.
The local currency is the Turkish lira, but many hotels and shops accept euros and your credit card. Turkey is a country where two worlds coexist. One offers prices that are almost close to ours, or even much higher. It is that of a wealthy minority in large cities and fashionable seaside resorts. The other is aimed at the vast majority for whom the average salary is 500-600 euros.
No visa required for tourists from the European Union. A valid identity card or passport (at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey) is sufficient for a stay of less than 90 days. For Quebecers, a visa is required and can be obtained in two ways: at the Turkish Consulate in Montreal (at least three weeks before departure) or by arriving at the airport at the visa office. The second option, on site, is the simplest and cheapest: your passport is stamped in one minute before the last checkpoint.
No vaccinations are required to go to Turkey. However, make sure that your D.T. Polio vaccinations are up to date. It is also recommended that you get a flu shot during periods of transmission. Vaccinations against typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B are recommended only for extended stays or if you are traveling to places with poor sanitary conditions. Tap water is not normally safe to drink in Turkey.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Bodrum (Halicarnass)? Our advice & tips
The choice of sites is so wide and varied that there are a multitude of organized tours for Turkey. If you want a carefree stay at the seaside, from getting off the plane to returning, there are many suggestions for Bodrum. You stop in Istanbul, before reaching Bodrum-Milas airport where a bus takes you to your hotel complex. There you are 100% taken care of, from breakfast to lively evenings. Some optional excursions will take you off the deckchair if necessary. Otherwise you wouldn't have seen anything from Turkey! Except the parade from the windows of your bus.... Too bad, though. Kos Island is 20 minutes away by hydrofoil, for example.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationFor Turkey, airlines mainly offer flights to Istanbul. Several low-cost flights are offered very reliable. Use an Internet price comparison tool. Take a flight or bus to Bodrum. You can book your accommodation at the same time as your flight or directly with hotels or residents. On site, you will have a wide range of choices, if you leave the hotel complexes to go into town, small restaurants or street kiosks where you can enjoy a meal.
Buses are the most economical means of transport and are the most widely used by Turks, as they serve the entire country, unlike the rail network. Air travel is a more expensive but practical solution and there are many domestic flights. The road network is in good condition with 2,000 km of motorways.
