BODRUM INFO

Bodrum with its beautiful resorts, comfortable hotels and motels, cozy guest houses, impressive ruins of past civilizations and magnifıcent landscapes offer holidaymakers plenty of choice.

The town's charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long , palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina. Also Bodrum Intemational Yacht Club (B.I.Y.C.) is situated in the marina organizing intemational festivals twice a year. Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Undenvater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi and an immense variety of other aquatic life.

The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the  traditional yachts: the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and the gulette with a broad beam and rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Cup Race.

The yearly throng of visitors has encouraged small entrepreneurs to make shopping in Bodrum a delight. Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads are among the bargains to be j found in the friendly little shops along the narrow, white-walled streets. Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton. If you feel like going to a shopping moll Oasis is there for you with various stores selling all sorts of .goods.

Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries.

This community has encouraged an informal day-time life style and a night-time of excitement. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Aftenvards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn.

The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest-houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour from Bodrum, you can bathe in the grotto where the warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to beautify the complexion.