What to Do in Bodrum, Turkey, One of Europe’s Buzziest Seaside Retreats

It feels like it happened overnight: Suddenly, Bodrum is the vacation destination on everyone’s lips. But this stop along the Turkish Riviera is anything but a fad.

Since antiquity, visitors have been dazzled by the city’s gently sloping hillsides and bluer-than-blue waters—features which have also endeared it to a fabulous modern-day clientele, whose penchant for superyachts has prompted locals to nickname Bodrum “the Hamptons of Turkey.” Now, thanks to a wave of luxe new resorts and increased flight connectivity, the hype factor has been dialed up to 11, and it doesn’t appear to be flagging anytime soon.

But no matter how many flashy hotels break ground along its treasured coastline (one, Bvlgari Resort Bodrum, is slated for 2026), Bodrum remains as effortlessly cool as ever—and there’s no reason why you can’t fit right in. Here are some of our top recommendations to help you fast-track your introduction to this glamorous seaside retreat. 

The Royal Suite at Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort.

Drop Your Bags

Some of Bodrum’s best properties are beach resorts, each with its own personality and tempo—so choose wisely. Most are within an hour’s drive of the city and the airport.

The Bodrum EDITION

Six years after its opening, this chic, minimalist resort in Yalıkavak remains one of the most talked-about on the peninsula, drawing celebrities with its VIP cabanas, 92-foot infinity pool and 110 super-sleek rooms, many with plunge pools and Aegean views. Wellness shots in the minibar and a Pilates reformer in the gym add to the sense of an exclusive club.

Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort

In a region of luxury hotels, this brand-new property lays down the gauntlet with designer boutiques, fashionable restaurants (including a caviar bar), a cutting-edge wellness center and seawater pools. Babysitters are available around the clock, and the kids’ club is top-tier. If you’re only stopping in for a bite, try the stracciatella with tomato water at ORO by Alfredo Russo.

El Vino Hotel & Suites

With its salt-of-the-earth service and ideal location near the marina, it’s hardly surprising that this is one of Bodrum’s best-loved hotels. Afternoons center around the outdoor pool and wine bar (no surprise, given the property’s name); but the pro move is to grab a table at the rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy the freshest grilled seafood from the sea that day.

The dreamy terrace at Maçakızı.

The Main Attractions

There’s plenty to experience in and around Bodrum city—that is, if you can tear yourself away from your chaise lounge.

Get Your History Fix

Visit the UNESCO-listed Bodrum Castle, a hulking Crusader fort built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John. Today it houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, showcasing ancient amphorae, jewelry and artifacts recovered from Aegean shipwrecks. The ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are also close by.

Walk, Talk and Shop

Look for a locally led excursion of the Bodrum marina and bazaar, such as the Discover Cuisine Crafts & Stories walking tour. Led by Local Story Bodrum founder Melis Selçuk, stops included in the 2.5-hour outing might include a köfte shop, a tiny art gallery and an antiques emporium stuffed with vintage henna dresses and hand-embroidered suzani textiles. Whichever one you book, ask your guide where to buy a Turkish peshtemal, a traditional bath towel dating back some 600 years.

Visit Local Makers

At Elly Ceramics, chat with self-taught potter Elif Muslu while browsing Turkish coffee cups and gold-dipped porcelain earrings. Nearby, the shop Çamur offers handmade clay jugs and incense burners from over 20 local artists.

Book a Private Boat

Skip crowded party boats by chartering a private gulet for a sunset cruise or day trip to uninhabited Orak Island, which from certain angles channels the atolls of French Polynesia.

Formerly a fortification for the city, Bodrum Castle sits between two sheltered bays.

Sate Your Appetite

There’s no shortage of trendy restaurants on the peninsula, but the best way to experience Bodrum’s culinary prowess is by striking a high-low mix.

Maçakızı

The always-in-style Maçakızı was one of the first hotel restaurants to put Bodrum on the map. Go for the award-winning fine dining (artichoke carpaccio, grouper cheeks with wild-garlic emulsion, rose petal pavlova) and stay for the people-watching.

Bağarası Bitez

It’s tempting to fill up on the spread of cold meze at this garden spot in Bitez, but if you see çıtır mantı (like a Turkish ravioli) or skewered grilled beef, order them without delay.

Keep the Party Going

Days can be long and lazy in Bodrum, with hours spent baking beside infinity pools. But nights can get as wild as you want them to be.

Halikarnas

Founded in 1979 and still pulsing, this dance club has welcomed everyone from Mick Jagger to Princess Margaret. Its Vegas-caliber productions involve DJs and acrobats, with 24 VIP areas set over an open-air dance floor.

Scorpios Bodrum

Next to Maxx Royal, this hot new hotel-slash-club hosts out-there music, art performances and meditation sessions. Get ready to have your chakras cracked wide open.