Travel Guide
This Lesser Known Mediterranean Resort Town Named One Of The World’s Greatest Destinations
Apr
Home to ancient cities with origins lost to time and some of the most picturesque beaches in the world—as well as the most crowded—the Mediterranean seems to be on everyone’s bucket list for the upcoming summer.
Before you go ahead and book an overpriced Amalfi trip that will be anything from relaxing, with all the jammed traffic and tour buses, there’s a lesser-known resort town in the Eastern Med you should know about, offering sunny weather and Old World vibes.
Unlike all your usual tourism hotspots, however, this one actually fits your budget:
Welcome To The Turkish St Tropez
A mid-size city in the Aegean Coast of Turkey, Bodrum is an incredibly-popular summer destination for Europeans and Turks alike, though many Americans might not be all-that-familiar with it.
Think of it as the Turkish Saint-Tropez, with the same myriad of beach bars, luxury villas overlooking azure waters, and the Instagrammable historic center, except it’s somewhat less boujee (and usually half the price).
According to TIME magazine, these are some of the reasons why Bodrum is one of the top 100 ‘greatest places’ to visit in 2025.
The experts at TIME go further in comparing Bodrum to the Greek islands, which lie just offshore—the trendy Greek holiday island of Kos, for instance, is clearly visible from the Turksih mainland, and a short 51-minute ferry away.
In their own words, Bodrum rivals the ‘decadence’ of the Greek islands, which in recent years, have been overrun by tourists, and for the most part, feel anything but authentic, with the ever-fluctuating population, the seasonal workers, and cruise crowds.
Though Bodrum is no hidden gem itself, it can feel less tumultuous.
A Picture-Perfect Old Town Yet To Be Ruined By Overtourism
The Old Town shares many similarities with Greece, with stone-paved pathways lined with chalk-white dwellings and bougainvillea-clad street cafes.
Unlike Mykonos, Santorini and the like, however, you’re still able to find dirt-cheap ceramic souvenirs and leather sandals in the local bazaar, and gorge on sumptuous three-course dinners by the marina for around $36.80.
If you’re fine with kebabs and other popular takeout foods, that’s a surprisingly-affordable $5.26—$10.52.
Some of our favorite cheap eats in Bodrum include Levant Ocakbasi, for their ‘adana’ kebab, Hadik Balik, a laid-back bistro, famous for their grilled filets and freshly-caught fish, and Mirzaoğlu, everyone’s go-to bakery for that honey-soaked baklava.
Gorgeous White-Sand Beaches
We won’t lie, the beaches in Bodrum do tend to get busy in the warmer months, particularly between June and August, the peak season for travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a hidden spot or two for escaping the crowds.
For that, you’ll want to walk right past Bodrum Beach, the closest ones to the Old Town, unless you’re here for the wide range of amenities and windsurfing.
Take a taxi out to Yahşi instead, an 18-minute drive from town, and a long stretch of soft, clean sand bathed by turquoise waters, away from the shouting children and city sounds.
Further out even, in Aspat, there’s a less developed sandy strip lining a quiet, shallow stretch of the Aegean Sea.
If you’re looking to party Mykonos-style, and you don’t mind splurging a little (for Turkey’s standards), Türkbükü has a big choice of beach bars, including a well-frequented Reana, serving food and drinks all day long, and Miam, where a drink will cost you roughly $11.
For a more family-friendly experience, you can always opt for Camel Beach: be it riding camels (hence the name), paddle-boarding, snorkeling, or taking boat tours of the coastline, there’s plenty to keep you and the kids busy.
Just make sure you get there early in summer to get a good spot.
A Plethora Of Ancient World Wonders
Bodrum is not just picture-perfect alleyways and beaches!
To our fellow culture buffs out there, it is home to a landmark Castle of St. Peter, which dominates the yacht-lined harbor, and was built by an order of knights in the 15th-century.
On the outskirts of Bodrum, near the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus, Bodrum’s precedessor, there’s a partially-preserved, 2,400-year-old theater overlooking the sea.
It used to seat 13,000 spectators, and despite no longer being functional, it continues to command a breathtaking panorama of Bodrum in the distance.
A quick stop on the way, don’t forget to check out Myndos Gate, an equally-ancient structure that formed part of Halicarnassus’ fortifications, and the site of an important battle between Alexander the Great and the Persians.
Fascinating as those may be, Bodrum’s most famous historical monument is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, not due to its impressive state of preservation—it’s mostly lying in ruins—but because it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Built in 350 BC, it was formerly celebrated for its intricate design, sheer scale, and monumental tombs.
Oh, and like most things in Bodrum, the Mausoleum costs a bargain to visit: 129 Turkish liras, or approximately $3.41.
$77-A-Night For An All-Inclusive
Looking for an affordable-enough stay in Bodrum?
This May, the local Holiday Inn Resort has the cheapest rates and best reviews, with overnights starting at only $49 per adult:
It’s set in a peaceful area, within walking distance of a secluded beach, and the downtown zone is 1.9 miles away, not to mention the sauna (equipped with a Turkish bath), the beautiful outdoor pool, and the fitness center.
There are also all-inclusive offers, from only $77, which you can check out here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
