From Bodrum to Marmaris

The undisputed hot-spot of the Aegean Coast, Bodrum is a swinging, singing, dancing town and its bohemian atmosphere gathers together Türkiye's artists, intellectuals and lovers of the good life.

An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The Castle of St Peter (Bodrum Castle) now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Shopping here is a delight for souvenirs hunters, and the Bodrum Turban Marina is one best-equipped in the region.

One of the best anchorages is the scenic Akbuk, hidden behind a forested hill. Sedir Island (ancient Cedrai) boasts an incredible beach with fine sand scattered with fossils, and great views of the Kiran Mountains across the bay.

The town of Datca has become a popular stopover for yachts, and offers many seafood restaurants, pubs and discos.

In the Gulf of Hisaronu is the peaceful Kecibuku Bay. The mountains and forests surrounding the Korfez Marina has a rich natural beauty, and the long Kizilkumu has a natural sand formation. After the Gulf of Hisaronu, the town of Bozburun is hidden away in its own exclusive inlet, and famous as one of the gulette-building centres in Türkiye. Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay, and above the water on the northern side is the Rhodian city of Amos. The natural harbour at Turunc opens out into a wide expanse of spectacular blue water, and Marmaris is next port.