Pay a visit to the famous Turgutreis market, held each Saturday morning in the nearby village of Turgutreis. Alternatively, a tour of the picturesque villages around Bodrum or a visit to the Bodrum bazaar offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkish life and culture.

Take in the city sights on a guided walking tour. Admire the views from the hilltop Bodrum amphitheater, which dates back to the 4th century; see the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; and visit the Castle of St. Peter, now home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

A stroll around Bodrum Marina is most atmospheric at sunset, after which you can tuck into typical Turkish cuisine at one of the many restaurants or go barhopping along Bar Street. Top off the evening by dipping into Bodrum’s legendary nightlife at one of the beachfront nightclubs.

You can’t visit Bodrum without cruising the coast, so set sail around the Bodrum Peninsula on a full-day tour and explore the tranquil bays, sandy beaches, and rocky coves. Alternatively, take a day trip to the Greek island of Rhodes and its medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or Kos, with its ancient ruins and idyllic beaches.

After working up an appetite swimming and snorkeling in the Mediterranean, enjoy a delicious lunch onboard the tour boat. Then, spend the afternoon discovering the peninsula, stopping at sites only accessible by boat such as Aquarium Bay or Camel Beach, where you can opt for a camel ride along the shore.

Relax and unwind after a busy day of swimming and sightseeing by visiting a traditional Turkish bath for a relaxing sauna and foam massage. Alternatively, head out of the city for a romantic dinner at the Karnas Vineyards, where you can sample typical Turkish cuisine and discover the region’s fine wines during a guided tasting.