Swap Saint Tropez for Affordable Luxury in Bodrum, Turkey
You don’t need a Saint-Tropez budget to enjoy a deluxe holiday in Bodrum. Perched on Turkey’s western coast, this sun-soaked peninsula is drawing travelers from Europe’s traditional luxury hotspots with its turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and exceptional food—all without the sky-high prices. From the breezy peaks of the Leleg hiking path, overlooking the forested coastline and the deep blue Aegean, you can spot the ruins of Pedasa, a 3,000-year-old settlement that hints at Bodrum’s rich cultural legacy.
Bodrum offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. Start by embracing the country’s famed spa culture with a traditional Turkish hammam experience. Local establishments around Bodrum town offer affordable treatments that leave you feeling rejuvenated. For a natural version, head to Karaada (Black Island) to soak in a cave’s thermal pool and slather on mineral-rich orange mud.
Active travelers can explore newly developed hiking and biking trails that trace the region’s ridgelines and ancient Leleg settlements. With support from the regional tourism board, Bodrum is pivoting from a fly-and-flop destination to one that embraces nature and wellness. Even Ukraine’s President Zelensky reportedly explored its trails at the start of his term.
Culture lovers can visit the 4th-century BC Theatre at Halicarnassus, still hosting performances today, or explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus—once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Coastal villages like Yalikavak and Gumbet offer boutique stays, shopping, and nightlife, while Kos in Greece is just a short ferry ride away.
Dining in Bodrum rewards those who venture off the tourist track. Head to Kısmet Lokantası, a Slow Food-certified local favorite, for goat stew, chicken in tomato sauce, and a variety of meze including yoghurt dips, roasted vegetables, and wild greens. Sip raki with locals or try Turkey’s emerging wine selections, perfect with seafood. Finish your food tour at Taş Fırın bakery near the Mausoleum, where you’ll find cheese pastries and sticky-sweet baklava. Then cool off with a shisha or coffee in Han, an 18th-century caravanserai turned courtyard café in the heart of the old town.
Bodrum is proving you can have a luxury Mediterranean escape without the premium price tag—especially if you visit in spring or fall when the weather is cooler and the crowds fewer.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=turkey, https://airguide.info/category/destinations/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, euronews.com