Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most established and cosmopolitan resorts. Originally a fishing village in the shadow of a magnificent Crusader castle , Bodrum’s history stretches back 2,000 years , to when it was the capital of the tyrant Mausolus and home to his tomb , one of the ‘ Seven Wonders of the World ‘ more recently , Bodrum was a bohemian retreat for Turkish artists and intellectuals. In the last two decades it has grown massively ,attracting European holiday-makers ,domestic tourists and also the elite of Turkish society. Renowned for its nightlife , the town also boasts good restaurants and a museum in the restored Castle of St John. Local healthcare is excellent with several private hospitals. Shopping is also good with a choice of supermarkets and a weekly market. There is a large marina and a dock for cruise-liners is under construction. A golf course is planned for an area near the town’s airport.

Beyond the town , the Bodrum peninsular is ringed by a series of smaller , quite distinct resorts , Bodrum is very popular with foreign and Turkish buyers and there is an excellent choice of property. Villas and apartments with views of the castle are available , with prices from 85,000 for a two-bedroom apartment or from 200,000 for a four-bedroom villa. Elsewhere a two-bedroom apartment is 60,000 – 75,000 , but don’t expect a view.
Gümbet several kilometers west is favaured by British package tourists . Prices are similar to Bodrum but many areas are noisy in the season and most local businesses shut in winter.
Turgutreis beaches is excellent , Yalikavak , Gumbet beaches hotels and bars are good.