Fun things to do in Bodrum

1 more image

I liked a lot walking in unknown small streets watching the local houses all paint in white (other colours are not allowed). It was very funny when some locals trying to talk to me about directions because I was looking the signs etc and I was trying to explain that I just walk around and I wasnt lost :)

But what I liked more was the flowers around or up to the walls of the houses, red, yellow etc

The ancient city of Halikarnassos, old name of Bodrum had a city wall around it, the Myndus gate was one of the ways in. In 333 BC Alexander the great entered the city after a long fight, theres not a lot left to look at , but if you like history this is for you. Walking the Myndus gate is off Turgut Reis street,this is a one way street but you are walking against the traffic flow.

4 more images

I went on an excursion to Ephesus from Bodrum leaving at 7am. The cost was 60YTL [£23] this included fare, guide , entrance fee and a good lunch. There was a breakfast stop 6YTL[£2.30]. The guide takes you through the site, wear a hat because there is no shade, also carry a bottle of water it can get very hot. I had thought about travelling independently from Bodrum to Ephesus but decided again this, the tour is hassle free. Arrived back at 5pm. Iwas picked up at my hotel and on return, GOOD VALUE TRIP. I booked at the agency next to the tourist office near the castle.

4 more images

St Peter's Castle has another treasure, particularly for the lover of archaeology - the castle houses the museum of underwater archaeology and it is the centre of underwater archaeological techniques in this part of Europe.
Look at artefacts taken from wrecks in the Aegean, the mural of the development of sea trade in this area and huge ships. Some of the exhibition is contained in the old ottoman mosque which was originally a chapel in the time of the Knights of St John. The shipwrecks held here come from medieval and Roman ages as well as teh Uluburin - the oldest shipwreck ever discovered. This all makes St Peter's Castle a double treat.
The Haluk Elbe Art Gallery at the front of the Castle is named after the first Director of the museum.

Lake Bafa is a massive lake and National Park approximately 1 hours drive from Bodrum along the main motorway towards the North (you take the same road to get to Ephesus and the airport). The Lake is unspoilt and a gorgeous place to drive around and sit at.
There is a wide range of activities to do at the lake including bird watching, fishing and camping (although there are some hotels along the route). There is evidence of the many civilisations that have lived near the lake in past times - seen in the ruins of monasteries (apparently there were hermits here) and the ancient city of Heracleia is also on the banks of the lake.
It was not always a lake but geological changes over many centuries closed up the Gulf and created a lake which is now roughly 15km by 10km. There is plenty to see and if you just wanted to go walking here you would get to see such beautiful wildlife.
There are some places to eat around the lake but the quality of food in these less well developed villages is variable - you may want to bring your own snacks or picnic instead! We had a rather startling experience at a lakeside cafe that served hard bread covered in flies and some very unusual fruit juice.

Euromos is a fantastic site about 7 miles or so from Milas and would make a good addition to a day out near this town. The site has been home to Greeks and Romans in antiquity and the evidence of the religious behaviours of these peoples is in plain view - if a little battered looking. The village is just past Milas near the town of Selimiye (not too far from the delightful Lake Bafa). It has had many names including Hyramos.
The dramatic preserved ruins of the Temple of Zeus provide the best part of the site but there are other partially excavated remains of bath houses and other Greek assorted town buildings - interpreters believe the site was never fully functional and was a work in progress. Column bases and capitals in the Corinthian style are easy to see on the ground and in situ and are superb!
It is quite a compact site, easy to get round but also quite exposed to sunlight so wear a hat if you go in the hottest part of the day. It is open every day and is very inexpensive to visit (approx 10YTL).
Pictures to come!

Gümüskesen Tomb is well signed in Milas and is a lovely sight. It is a monumental chambered tomb (Turkey has many burial archaeological sites from before the 1st Century). This tomb is believed to be a smaller replica of the long since disappeared Mausoleum in Bodrum. It is useful for archaeologists who have been wondering for a long time about the possible appearance of the Mausoleum.
This is a first century Roman chambered tomb. It is in an excellent state of repair and is accessible. You can still see the place where the mourners would come to make offerings. If you are in Milas for a day of shopping you should definately visit this monument.

The ancient and very historical city of Milas was once the capital city of Caria and it has a great deal of archaeology for those with a car or willing to do the bus journey. Milas is about 45km from Bodrum. It is worth the trek to see some well preserved Roman artefacts. It is handily placed near the airport so is an ideal stop off on the way to/from Bodrum for some shopping and food.
In days gone by this city was called Mylasa and its claim to fame now is that it has been and is one of the centres for traditional Turkish carpet making. Each carpet designing and making region in Turkey has its own style - Milas carpets are plainer and more geometric than those from other regions. Just remember to be careful when buying carpets - Turkish carpets are really works of art and some are certainly expensive enough to be framed. Genuine carpet dealers will take you to see where the handmade carpets are produced and allow you to watch the process. It is quite amazing to watch the ladies weaving and knotting and it is as you watch this that you understand how the carpets are so expensive - the hours taken can be phenomenal. Check the carpets and be happy before you part with money.