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The home base of old cities with origin lost of time and some of the most picturesque beaches in the world – as well as the most busy – the Mediterranean Sea resembles everyone’s bucket list for the coming summer.
Before you continue and book a too expensive Amalfi trip that will be everything, from relaxing, with all the stuck traffic and tour buses, there is A less well -known resort city in the Eastern Medal You should know, offering sunny weather and old world vibes.
Unlike all your usual tourist hotspots, it actually fits your budget:
Welcome to the Turkish St Tropez
Bodrum, a medium -sized city in the Aegean coast of Turkey, is an incredibly popular summer destination for both Europeans and Turks, although many Americans may not be so familiar with it.
See it as the Turkish Saint-TropezWith the same countless beach bars, luxury villas with a view of Azure Waters and the Instagramable Historic Center, except that it is slightly 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 ‘largest places’ to visit in 2025.
The experts continue on time Compare Bodrum with the Greek islandsThe Netshore is the trendy Greek holiday island of Kos, for example, is clearly visible from mainland Turksih and a short ferry from 51 minutes away.
In their own words, Bodrum competes the ‘decadence’ of the Greek islands, which have been overwhelmed by tourists in recent years and for the most part feel anything but authentic, with the ever -long population, the seasonal employees and cruise srowds.
Although Bodrum itself is not a hidden gem, It can feel less tumultuous.
A photo-perfect old city that still has to be ruined by surpassed
The old city shares many similarities with Greece, with Stone Paved Paths Covered with chalk-white houses and bougainvillea clad street cafés.
In contrast to Mykonos, Santorini and the like, however, you are still able to find dirty goods-chop ceramic souvenirs and leather sandals in the local bazaar, and gap on lush three-lane diners at the marina for around $ 36.80.
If you are in order with kebabs and other popular take -away meals, That is a surprisingly built-up $ 5.26- $ 10.52.
Some of our favorite cheap ate in Bodrum are Levant Ocakbasi, for their ‘Adana’ Kebab, Hadik Balik, a relaxed bistro, famous for their grilled fillets and freshly caught fish, and Mirzaoğlu, everyone’s go-to bakery for that honey-so-called Baklava.
Beautiful white sandy beaches
We will not lie, the beaches in Bodrum tend to be busy in the warmer months, especially between June and August, the high season for travel, but that does not mean that you cannot find a hidden place or two to escape from the crowds.
For that you want to walk directly past Bodrum Beach, the nearest of the old city, unless you are here for the wide range of facilities And windsurfing.
Instead, take a taxi to Yahşi, a 18 -minute drive from the city, and a long piece of soft, clean sand bathed by turquoise waters, away from the screaming children and city sounds.
Furthermore, even in Aspat, there is a less developed sandy strip along a quiet, shallow part of the Aegean Sea.
If you want to party in Mykonos style, and you don’t mind spending a bit (for Turkey’s standards), Türkbükü has a large choice of beach bars, including a well-milled Reana, serving food and drinks all day long, and Miam, true A drink will cost you around $ 11.
For a more family-friendly experience you can always choose Camel Beach: Whether it is driving (hence the name), paddle boarding, snorkeling or taking boat trips through the coastline, there is enough to keep you and the children busy.
Make sure you are there early in the summer to get a good place.
An abundance of old world wonders
Bodrum is not only photo-perfect alleys and beaches!
For our colleague culture buffs that are there, it is home to the home A milestone castle of St. PeterThat dominates the port surrounded by yacht 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 preceding value, there is a partially preserved 2,400 year old theater overlooking the sea.
In the past it placed 13,000 spectators, and despite the fact that it was no longer functional, it remains a breathtaking panorama of Bodrum in the distance.
A quick stop on the road, don’t forget to view the MyNDOS port, an equally angled structure that was part of the fortifications of Halicarnassus and the site of An important battle Between Alexander the Great and the Persians.
No matter how fascinating that is, the most famous historical monument in Bodrum is the mausoleum in Halicarnassus, not because of the impressive state of preservation – it is usually in ruins – but because it is one of the seven wonders of the old world.
Built in 350 BC, it used to be celebrated for its complicated design, pure scale and monumental graves.
Oh, and like most things in Bodrum, the mausoleum costs a bargain to visit: 129 Turkish liras, or About $ 3.41.
$ 77 per night for an all-inclusive
Looking for an affordable stay in Bodrum?
This May, the local Holiday Inn Resort Has the cheapest rates and the best reviews, with overnight stays from just $ 49 per adult:
It takes place in a quiet area, within walking distance of a remote beach, and the zone in the city center is 1.9 miles away, not to mention the sauna (equipped with a Turkish bath), the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and the fitness center.
There are also all-inclusive offers, Of just $ 77that you can view here.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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