6 reasons why Bodrum should be your next beach holiday
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6 reasons why Bodrum should be your next beach holiday
As far as glamorous beach holiday destinations go, Bodrum is up there with the likes of Ibiza, St Tropez, Mykonos and Hvar. Whether you've been to Bodrum before or not, right now is the time to escape to the Aegean beauty spot.
In fact, our friends at Expedia tell us they've seen a 55 per cent rise in interest for holidays to Bodrum this year compared to 2021.
Located in south-west Turkey on the Turkish Riviera, aka the Turquoise Coast, Bodrum is a peninsula encompassing a city with the same name and various towns and villages. It's the ideal destination for everyone, whether you're after the nightlife of Bodrum's city, the yacht life in Yalıkavak or the laid-back feel of quaint Gümüşlük.
With its turquoise waters, excellent fish restaurants and a whole host of luxurious places to stay (some of the best hotels in Bodrum to open in recent years include Susona, METT Social Living and Radisson Collection Hotel Bodrum), it's the perfect place to escape for a well-deserved break.
The Mediterranean climate means June to September are the most popular times to visit Bodrum, with highs of 36 degrees, but if you're after cooler temperatures of around 21 degrees and fewer crowds, October is worth considering for an autumn getaway.
From the luxury hotels to the stylish celebrities who visited this summer, here's why we've got our eyes on Bodrum right now.
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1) It's an A-lister and billionaire's playground
Bodrum is a magnet for the rich and famous, and anyone who's anyone has hit the shores of the peninsular in recent months, including Bill Gates, whose Lana superyacht was spotted by our sources in the waters of Cennet Koyu, near Göltürkbükü. Actor Rebel Wilson also visited Bodrum this year and dined at a seafood restaurant on the north coast, while Lindsay Lohan, headed to the peninsula for a post-wedding break earlier in the summer.
Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss are regulars, with Naomi touring Cennet Koyu on a yacht with her daughter in June. Meanwhile, Kate is believed to be a fan of wellbeing and detox centre LifeCo in Göltürkbükü.
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2) Bodrum (city)'s old town is packed with photogenic streets
Once a tiny fishing village, Bodrum's city centre is the thriving hub of the peninsula, but retains a small town feel. It's worth spending at least a day here as you stroll the narrow streets with colourful flowers, take a seat at a beach bar to watch the sunset and shop for souvenirs, including leather sandals, hand-painted ceramics and local herbs and oils.
If you're looking to learn about Bodrum's history, Bodrum Castle is the city's main attraction and dates back to 1406. Meanwhile, the seafront is flanked by restaurants for dinner and at night, the town is a lively place to walk, drink and party.
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4) The lira makes it a great-value luxury destination
The Turkish lira is trading at historic lows and a pound will now get you double the amount of liras compared to last year, with an exchange rate of approximately 21 liras for every pound. This makes Turkey one of the best-value holiday destinations for 2022, especially if you're looking for an affordable holiday or saving on a luxury escape.
Recent studies by Saxo and Post Office found that Turkey offers the best value for money in the world, with Saxo's research revealing that the average cost of a pint of beer at a local bar comes in at £1.66 and petrol averages at 94p per litre.
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5) You can swim in crystal-clear turquoise water
Wherever you're staying in Bodrum, you're never too far from the sea, and the beaches around the peninsula offer scenic places to swim and sunbathe. Gümüşlük, in the west, is a quiet village, with a sand and pebble beach, shallow water and seafood restaurants by the water. Torba, in the north east of the peninsula, is close to the city of Bodrum and tucked into a sheltered bay, with a thin stretch of sand shaded by trees.
Then there's Akyarlar in the south west corner, which has a soft sand beach and clear water. Aspat Beach is one of the most gorgeous places in the south and a quiet stretch among mountains. Of course, these are just a handful of Bodrum's superb swimming spots, along with Bitez, Yahsi and Camel Beach.
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6) It's a sailing dream
Home of the gulet, a wooden sailing vessel found around the Turquoise Coast, Bodrum is where many of the boats are built and is an excellent place to take to the water on a cruise. While a Blue Cruise traditionally takes place over a few days, allowing you to make the most of the comfy, air-conditioned interiors featuring lounging, dining and sleeping spaces (and some with hot tubs), you can also rent a gulet for a day with or without a captain and crew.
Gulet and yacht cruises offer the perfect way to spend time on hard-to-reach beaches, feast on the freshest fish and stop in picturesque spots to swim in the sea. With a private charter, you can also experience Bodrum's most beautiful locations, such as Cennet Koyu, at your own pace.
Ready to hit the Turquoise Coast? Expedia has three-night holidays to Bodrum from £304 per person this October.
Izzet Keribar - Getty Images
