Bodrum is a town of white-washed houses hung with bougainvillea, rising in tiers on the green hill overlooking a dazzling blue bay at the entrance to which stands a medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes.Here, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet, is one of Turkey's loveliest holiday resorts, with its long palm lined waterfront and its marina crowded in the summer with elegant yachts Not far from the town it is possible to swim in unbelievably clear,tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will not want to miss the numerous unexplored reefs with caves and majestic rock formations. Multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopus and other forms of aquatic life are commonly found here.Afterwards, sit idly in one of the many restaurants eating delicious seafood, with wine or some of the other Aegean specialties. Stroll beside the marina, a popular place that beats to the tempo of this town with yachts constantly bringing in tours and tourists from all over the world. The boatyards of Bodrum have been famous since ancient times and today the craftsmen still make the traditional types of yacht: the pointed bow and stern (tirhandil) and the broad beamed and rounded stern (gulette). The latter, especially, is used for excursions and pleasure trips. The gulette is also used in the Bodrum Cup Race held every October.Bodrum has a lively, friendly, Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. It is the meeting place of the Turkish art community. Renowned forits relaxed, informal life style and its abundance of daytime fun-filled activities and nighttime excitement, it is impossible to be bored. There are many interesting and varied bars, restaurants,night clubs (some with cabaret), and, of course, some of the best discos in Europe. Credits: Explore Bodrum

Bodrum & Aegean

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Mausoleum, Temple of Halicarnassus