Cheap Flights to Bodrum

Situated on the Southeast coast of Turkey, elegant Bodrum is both a modern holiday destination and an ancient site of historical significance. This is a city that exists in two halves and has something for everyone. On the east side are the vibrant clubs, beaches and bars and to the west is the harbour area: a quieter, more genteel area for high-end shopping, fine dining and relaxing. It's one of the most well-established beach holiday destinations in the whole country with a wide choice of historical sites including a medieval fortress and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in the form of the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus. By day there is plenty to do from scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing to relaxing in a hammam. By evening the city is alive with bars, clubs and restaurants. With year-round sun, clean beaches and excellent tourist facilities, many visitors to this city find they return year on year. This sophisticated white city is the perfect base to explore the rest of the beautiful Mugla Province.

Things to do

There's plenty to do in Bodrum, whether you're an adrenaline seeker, culture vulture or party animal. From ancient sites to party boats, Turkish baths to scuba diving, the fun never ends in this established resort.

• Bodrum castle and underwater museum
  Possibly the most striking and majestic structure in the city, this medieval fortress is built onto a sea promontory, making it visible from anywhere in the city. Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in the 15th century, this very beautiful castle hosts the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, an award-winning museum with exhibits from famous shipwrecks.

• Ancient Halikarnassus and the Mausoleum
  Around 2,000-3,000 years ago, an ancient city named Halikarnassus existed here. Visitors can learn more by taking a trip to the ancient site of Halikarnassus. The site includes a Roman amphitheatre and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus (the tomb of King Mausolus). This tomb is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Most of it is now destroyed, but visitors can still access the site and see the foundations of this once great pyramidal structure. The amphitheatre was also built in honour of King Mausolus, although it wasn't constructed until Roman times and is arguably the best preserved building of Ancient Halikarnassus.

• Recreation & leisure in Bodrum
  This city has everything the tourist needs for a perfect holiday. During the day many visitors enjoy visiting the famous hammams (Turkish baths) for some serious pampering. Further daytime activities includes watersports such as windsurfing, diving, sailing or snorkelling. By night the bars, clubs and restaurants of the city come alive, particularly in the Bar Street area. A popular nightspot is the Marine Club: a glamorous nightclub built onto a large boat.

Calendar of Events

The resort city of Bodrum plays host to many annual festivals, with a strong emphasis on dance and music.

• International Dance Festival. One of the biggest dance festivals in the country, this one in late May sees performances from dancers all over the world.
• International Ballet Festival. The most classical of offerings in the city, the International Ballet Festival takes place each August at the castle and includes performances from the state and city ballet companies.
• Traditional Wooden Boat Race. Despite being home to many a luxury yacht, the residents and tourists alike enjoy this annual traditional wooden boat race held on the third Sunday of October.