What attracts tourists to Bodrum and why tours here should be bought in advance.
Although Russian tourists discovered Bodrum back in the 90s, the region has only been gaining popularity in recent years. And his image has changed. What is the attraction of the region and which of the tourists should recommend a vacation in Bodrum, the deputy director of Profi understood.Travel Elena Komarova.
No matter how much you say that Bodrum is one of the most beautiful regions of Turkey, until you see with your own eyes the green slopes with white houses cut by coves, the blue and azure of the Aegean Sea — you will not fully understand what it is about. The climate on this peninsula is milder than in the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea. The breeze is refreshing in the heat, and the water is a little cooler. However, as it turned out, swimming in the sea is already a pleasure at the end of April.
Bodrum is just a stone’s throw from the Greek island of Kos — it is visible on the horizon. And holders of Schengen visas can go there on an excursion.
View from METT Hotel&Beach Resort
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It was once believed that Bodrum was primarily a youth resort, and the main feature of the region was its vibrant nightlife. Everything is so… and not so much at the same time. After the pandemic, nightlife in jazz bars and clubs began to boil again, and the infrastructure for wealthy tourists has received a new impetus to development in recent years.
View of the city and the castle
The traditional guests of Bodrum are Europeans and Americans, they prefer to relax here in the off—season, when excellent service can be obtained at a lower cost. But the further away, the more tourists from Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are discovering this region. And above all, these are wealthy travelers. They prefer to come to Bodrum during the high season. During the same period, guests from Arab countries tend to come here. Therefore, the competition for VIP accommodation in the season is high, and travel agencies should take care of their clients in advance.
Stars, politicians and other celebrities are frequent guests of branded hotels. “You all know them, but we cannot disclose the names of our guests,” the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, told us. And this is understandable: privacy is an integral part of a premium vacation.
The hilly landscape defines the architectural features of most coastal hotels on the peninsula. The stepped development gives guests the opportunity to admire the picturesque views of the surrounding area and works perfectly to ensure privacy. Villas and suites of prestigious hotel brands are booked with considerable depth.
Breakfast at the METT Hotel&Beach Resort
Recently, wealthy guests from India also appreciated Bodrum, representatives of Lujo Hotel Bodrum shared their experience in organizing large wedding events for them.
In most cases, the issues of comfortable movement of guests on the territory of the hotel are solved with the help of elevators and bugs or even escalators, as in the Lujo Hotel Bodrum.
Treasure Castle
Hoteliers assure that Bodrum Airport (Milas) — the second largest airport for private jets after Istanbul. However, you can not only fly here, but also sail. The port of the city serves large cruise ships.
The shopping streets of Bodrum near the castle
Travelers have the opportunity not only to buy souvenirs in the narrow streets of the city, but also to visit the fortress of the XV century, built by the knights hospitaller. It is also called St. Peter’s Castle. And yes, as souvenirs, we picked up Turkish sweets, spices and coffee with tangerines here — this is the citrus feature of Bodrum.
Along with tourists, turtles, peacocks and ubiquitous Turkish cats walk around the castle grounds — well, where without them!
In addition to the observation decks, which offer views of the rugged shores and the marina with sailboats, the castle museum of underwater archaeology is popular with tourists.
Real treasures are stored here — artifacts collected from the seabed at the sites of ancient shipwrecks: amphorae, statues, household items and other evidence of antiquity.
In a word, romantics and lovers of antiquities will certainly find a place.
Marina view from Bodrum Fortress
As can be seen from the walls of the fortress, not only the port of Bodrum receives large ships. The Aegean Sea is perhaps the ideal place for sailing enthusiasts. You can admire yachts, both with and without sails, in Yalıkavak village, located 18 km from the center of Bodrum.
In recent years, Yalikavak has turned into a respectable resort inhabited by expats who are looking for a comfortable home for themselves and an equally comfortable parking lot for their yacht. By the way, real estate prices in the region have risen markedly in recent years.
The infrastructure of Yalikavak is adapted to the needs of those living in the village: if your tourists plan to shop in prestigious branded stores, they are here. A beautiful promenade and fashionable restaurants are also available.
Not only for tourists
The infrastructure in Bodrum continues to develop taking into account new realities — now it takes into account not only the interests of tourists, but also the needs and habits of expats. So, for example, recently opened here
The Inspera Art and Culture Center is an attractive modern space.
In addition to several scenes with modern technological equipment, there is an art gallery, a coworking space, an atmospheric coffee shop with delicious desserts and a bookstore. And, perhaps most importantly, there are rooms for music, modeling and drawing, dancing, accessible not only to children, but also to adults.
Not just about food
The regional cuisine of Bodrum is a separate story. Two days were not enough to appreciate all its diversity. Going to restaurants is one of the adventures that you should definitely enjoy yourself in the resorts of the peninsula. It should be noted that most of the hotels in Bodrum operate on half board. Although since May of this year, Maxx Royal 5*, operating under the “ultra all inclusive” system, has begun to receive guests, which will surely attract family tourists focused on premium holidays.
The choice of restaurants is large, there are fish and meat restaurants offering authentic cuisine. But the special charm of the evening is given by combining the pleasure of gastronomic delights with a beautiful view. We were able to appreciate the real hospitality skills of Turkish restaurateurs at Isola Manzara Gardens. Everyone clearly enjoyed what they were doing and it was felt in literally everything: in the prepared dishes, communicating with the guests, being polite and warm at the same time, in responding to our requests. There is something to learn, definitely.
Colleagues, I’m sorry, the topic of nightlife will remain undisclosed. We didn’t have time, we’ll have to go back.
So which one of you has been to the local jazz clubs?
Thanks to Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency for organizing the trip.
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