Adventures Await You in Bodrum

In today's cost conscious world, many travelers are opting for all-inclusive resort options when planning their holidays.  But just because it's all inclusive, doesn't mean you have to limit your experience.  

Let's face it - if you've traveled half way round the world to visit a new location - why would you want to sit and look at the same strip of beach, or visit the same shops, day after day.

Holiday's are an opportunity to throw caution to the wind, and step off the beaten track to see what adventures await you.

Bodrum Peninsula Adventures:

On a map, the Bodrum Peninsula is a tiny fraction of Turkish landmass, but don't let its size fool you.  This area of Turkey can deliver enough mini-adventures to keep you busy for a week, and still get you back to your hotel in time for dinner.  Whether you're a sun-worshiper, an archeology buff, a shopaholic or a hiker, there's enough to fill your camera lens with memories to treasure.

   

Getting About:

Each and village on the peninsula is linked together by a frequent Dolmus service.  These small mini-buses zip from location to location, packed with tourists and locals.  It may be packed and hot, and it may be cheap, but being an adventurer isn't all about comfort - sometimes it about the thrill of the ride!  Tips on using a Dolmus

So where should you go?

Roving Jay’s Top 5 Bodrum Peninsula Adventures:

1. Sightseeing: 2 of the 7 wonders of the world are in Bodrum, and the Underwater Archeology Museum in Bodrum is world renowned.  It houses artifacts from a myriad of local shipwrecks (which, by the way, is what makes the Bodrum Peninsula a great diving destination).

2. Beaches: Be careful when you choose your beach, they're not all created equal.  If you want to avoid Banana Boats and the Party Brigade, avoid Gumbet, and head over to the tranquility of Turkbuku or Gumsuluk. There’s 17 miles of sandy beaches throughout the Turgutries municipality, and Torba, Ortakent and Bitez are only a short Dolmus ride away from Bodrum.

3. Ocean: A day boat trip is a must.  During each of my trips to the area, I’ve taken a different boat trip. Whether it's a ferry ride to Kos, a lively boat trip from Bodrum or Turgutreis, or one of the quieter boats from Gumusluk or Bitez, it'll be a memorable day.  You'll visit multiple bays, be served lunch, and have plenty of opportunities to snorkel and swim.  If you're feeling a little bit anti-social - there are plenty of options for hiring a private boat to take you and your party out onto the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean.  

4. Hiking: The peninsula is hilly, but there is a vast array of easy and strenuous hikes.  You'll be afforded fabulous vistas of the Turkish mainland as well at the Greek Islands.  It gets really hot in summer, so start early in the day, and bring a good supply of water.  You'll encounter ruined buildings from the Leleg era, and deserted villages.  One of the most popular hikes is to the deserted village of Sandima, near Yalikavak.  If you want some hiking adventure, but you're fearful of getting lost, there are local companies who can plan and accompany you on your hike.

5. Visit a Pazar:  One of my favorite holiday activities is visiting the local produce markets of the Bodrum Peninsula.  Market days rotate through the local towns, so if you miss it on one day, you can visit it the next. So what fun is walking these markets if you don't need to buy groceries? They're a great option for a cheap snack or lunch, and many of the stall holders are more than happy to give you samples.

You can create an adventure out of each of these activities, and still make it back to your hotel in time for your dinner.

*Written by Guest Writer Roving Jay, who is a frequent visitor the Bodrum Peninsula. During her first trip to the area in 2008, she started to collect travel information, and has been sharing her local knowledge via her Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide site ever since.  If you're traveling through the blogosphere, why not stop off at one of her blogs: Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide or Roving Jay

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