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Things to do in Bodrum

Our most recommended things to do in Bodrum

Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip from Bodrum

1. Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip from Bodrum

The Orak Island Boat Tour departs from Halikarnas harbor at 11:00 AM, and makes its first stop at Red Bay, where you’ll be able to enjoy a short swim. Continue to Orak Island, and one of the most beautiful bays in the region. You’ll have about 2 hours to swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the white sand beach. After leaving Orak Bay, there will be 2-3 additional stops at different bays, where you’ll also be able to swim and snorkel. The exact itinerary will depend on sea conditions the day of your boat tour. You can be sure of stopping at a number of beautiful sheltered bays on the Bodrum peninsula. Midway through the tour you’ll have lunch on board, which is freshly prepared by the staff. Meals can vary, but usually include fresh salad, grilled chicken and rice or a pasta dish. In the afternoon, enjoy melon and Turkish tea with biscuits. Admire views of the picturesque coastline of the Bodrum peninsula on the return trip to Bodrum. The tour ends at 07:00 PM, when you arrive back in Halikarnas harbor.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Tour from Bodrum

2. Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Tour from Bodrum

Explore the unique travertine terraces of Pamukkale (literally “Cotton Castles” in Turkish), and enjoy a full-day trip to one of Turkey’s most popular attractions. Depart Bodrum and transfer by air-conditioned coach to Pamukkale, known as the “8th Wonder of the World” to those in the know. Explore the natural landscape of limpid pools, hot springs, and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water. Inscribed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1988, Pamukkale attracts some 2 million visitors every year. Get a view of the terraces from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli. Then, go to the ruins of the ancient Greek-Roman city of Hierapolis, built on top of the “Cotton Castles” in the 2nd century BC. See the remains of the Roman amphitheater, and visit the former Turkish Bath, now converted into an archaeological museum. Discover where Cleopatra used to swim, and the monumental tomb of the Christian apostle St. Philippe. Marvel at the Necropolis of Anatolia, filled with sarcophagi, most notably that of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos.

Bodrum: Orak Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Optional Transfer

3. Bodrum: Orak Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Optional Transfer

Soak up the sun on a boat trip to Orak Island with a 3-course lunch and optional hotel transfers from Bodrum included. Visit Rabbit Nose National Park and German Bay and explore the shores of Orak Island at your own pace. You can choose from a private or group trip. Also choose to meet the boat at the port or get picked up from your hotel in Torba, Bodrum, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent, or Yahsi. After boarding the boat, find the perfect spot for sunbathing and take in the views of Bodrum from the water. At your first stop, German Bay, dive into the bay's crystal clear waters or relax on the upper deck and snap some breathtaking photos. Savor a 3-course lunch served on board. Continue to Orak Island Bay, where you will have 2 hours of free time to explore at your own pace. You could go for a stroll on the white sand beaches, snorkel, or swim. On the way back to Bodrum, stop to admire the grey rocks and blue waters of Rabbit Nose National Park. Arrive back to the harbor in Bodrum just in time for dinner.

Bodrum: Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch

4. Bodrum: Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch

Hop aboard this boat tour for a fun-filled day exploring Black Island. Relax with plenty of time to swim and discover the island's beautiful bays. Enjoy alcoholic beverages and soft drinks onboard throughout your day at sea. Start your tour with a stop for a refreshing swim at the Black Island hot spring cave. Then, discover Meteor Bay, where a meteor crashed many years ago, and jump in. Stop at Aquarius Bay for a lunch break and time to swim. Make your way to Red Bay for a swim and enjoy complimentary fresh fruit. End your tour with a visit to Rabbit Bay. Enjoy some tea and biscuits before heading back to Bodrum.

From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum

5. From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum

After being picked up from the port in Kos, take a stunning boat cruise across the Aegean Sea to Bodrum. Once you have passed through passport control and customs, enjoy a full day to explore this incredible ancient city on your own.  When you arrive in the port, gaze in awe at the beautiful white houses built amphitheatrically on the hillside, dozens of sailboats and yachts, plus one of the most imposing castles in the world. Take a walk along the picturesque streets and admire the architecture. Take in the historical sights and ancient ruins, including the Castle and the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus, the Windmilles, and the ancient Greek Theatre with 13,000 seats. If you are not a history lover, take a stroll through the small streets and get to know the local cuisine instead. Enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea at a traditional coffee shop, or try 'kebab' and other traditional 'mezedes' and sweet 'kazandibi' - some of the most popular Turkish specialties. After that, head into the really big bazaar for a chance to practice your bargaining skills. Shop for all kinds of souvenirs, folk art, crafts, and clothing. Soak up the incredible lively atmosphere and enjoy the aromas of the spices and local produce. Many stallholders accept euros and almost everyone speaks Greek or English. For a truly Turkish experience, visit a Turkish bath for a little relaxation. Discover how Turkish bathhouses have held a special place in the Turkish culture for hundreds of years. Relax in the steam roam while a highly skilled masseur works away the stresses and strains that have built up in your body during the year. At the end of your incredible day trip, take the boat back to Kos Port in time for your onward journey. 

Full-Day Jeep Safari from Bodrum

6. Full-Day Jeep Safari from Bodrum

You won’t want to miss this unforgettable adventure and the chance to see another side of Turkey. On this full-day jeep safari you’ll travel through the landscape of the Bodrum mountains, far from the main streets and city life of Bodrum, and through narrow, dusty valleys, rivers, and mountain ranges. Not only can you be a part of this great adventure but you’ll also have an opportunity to participate behind the wheel of a 4x4. Visit a small Turkish village, swim in a mountain river, and enjoy lunch at a small local restaurant. You’ll drive through romantic ravines and fertile fields into the high Bodrum mountain range the pine forests and remote parts of the region. In the late afternoon, after an extended drive through the mountains and valleys of Bodrum, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

Scuba Diving Tour in Bodrum

7. Scuba Diving Tour in Bodrum

There are more than 15 dive points around Bodrum with typical Aegean and Mediterranean flora and fauna. Shallow water diving points offer dives without currents but full of fish for first timers, while some deeper points have small currents for experienced divers. At times visibility reaches up to 40 meters meaning that you are now diving in crystal clear waters, literally! Rock formations in the dive points offer shelter for groupers, octopuses, learfish, barracudas and other different creatures. You also may see amphoras and antique anchors which are more than 2000 years old. There are two reefs with depths ranging from 7 to 40 meters. They are full of fish with good chances for photography. There are two caverns, the first at 12 meters, a bubble cavern. The second is at 6 meters with air in it, and walls reflecting different shades of deep blue. Drop-offs allows you to discover something different.

Bodrum Peninsula Private Boat Tour with Lunch

8. Bodrum Peninsula Private Boat Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a day on a private boat trip just with your friends and/or family and visit the most beautiful bays on the Bodrum peninsula. The advantage of hiring a private boat all to yourself is that you can choose when and where on the Bodrum coastline you would like to go. You can also simply relax and trust the captain to take you to the most beautiful bays. This private boat tour can be adjusted to your special wishes and needs. It's also the perfect choice for private parties, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasion. Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch on board (including three Turkish starters), fresh fruits, afternoon tea/coffee and cake or biscuits. Lunch includes fish or chicken or meatballs, salad, pasta, fruits, tea or coffee and cake, The boat has lifejackets, a changing cabin, a bathroom and a shower. There is a large cushioned area and front deck for sun bathing. If the sun gets too hot there are shady places available for your comfort. The boats are fully licensed and insured and have a friendly English-, German- and Turkish-speaking crew. Now all you have to do is relax and enjoy the day.

Ölüdeniz: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Lunch

9. Ölüdeniz: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Lunch

Enjoy the sun and sea breeze as you pass by the changing coastal landscape. Make your first stop at the Blue Cave where you will have the opportunity to swim in the bright blue waters of the bay and into the cave. Then, continue sailing to the Butterfly Valley nature reserve. Take another chance to swim in the clear waters here and sunbathe on the beautiful beach. After this, enjoy a short hike through the area and climb up to see the waterfalls. Marvel at the wildflowers and spot colorful butterflies as they fly around you, keeping your eyes peeled for the rare Tiger Butterfly. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch back on the boat. Finally, continue your adventure as you sail on towards the next attraction, St. Nicholas Island. When you arrive, discover the ancient ruins of the 5th-century churches. Climb to the island's highest point and admire the spectacular views. Make your last stop of the day at the Cold Spring Bay where you can enjoy a refreshing final swim in the freshwater spring which flows into the sea.

Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class

10. Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class

At 09:30, you will be picked up from your hotel or the cruise ship port. At your first stop, you will meet your host and culinary guide for a cup of tea. Next, you will drive to the farmers’ market to shop for the ingredients to make your lunch. Your lunch will comprise of three cold starters, one warm entrée, and a main course. At the market, you will meet local food purveyors selling homegrown olives, wild seasonal greens, vegetables and homemade noodles, jams, pickles, breads, and cheeses. Once you have bought all the necessary ingredients, you will drive to the chefs home in the farming area of Bodrum. Your final stop is her kitchen where you be will guided through the delicious secrets of regional Aegean cookery, a special and particularly healthy branch of Turkish cuisine. You can either join in with the cooking sessions or watch while sipping a glass of Turkish wine. Either way you will be given written recipes of each dish. You will be served lunch with the view of the mythological Aegean Sea. At 14:30, you will drive back to your original location in Bodrum.

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Frequently asked questions about Bodrum

What top attractions are a must-see in Bodrum?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Bodrum?

The best day trips and excursions from Bodrum are:

Pamukkale

What are the best indoor activities in Bodrum for rainy days?

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Bodrum?

Other Sightseeing Options in Bodrum

Want to discover all there is to do in Bodrum? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Bodrum

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 1,056 reviews

absolutely amazing experience, for the premium extra money you are paying, this is absolutely fabulous, my driver was just standing at the gate, we exited and straight in front of him, he quickly took our luggage and straight off we started. superb driving and brilliant experience. very courteous driver who even asked us to call him for any help in Bodrum.if required. Definitely recommended.

Very great event. However, it is worth negotiating the price on the spot. The trip itself was great, lots of nice impressions. Drinks on the boat are too expensive. There were explanations of the sights in several languages. Very nice staff

Great to use the mobile network without financial worries. The e-SIM works wonderfully. Please note: before purchasing the e-SIM, it is best to check whether your smartphone supports the e-SIM.

worked as it should. easy to install - requires a device with E-sim. note, try to print the voucher out as you will need to scan a qr code for installation.

Cheap efficient, on time but was a longer journey than expected.