Bodrum Travel Report – Turkish Riviera, Bays &…

My Bodrum travel report – a week at the Turkish Riviera, which completely changed my perception of Turkey as a travel destination. In October 2025, as part of a collaboration with Visit Türkiye, I explored the Bodrum Peninsula by drone and discovered a destination that has far more to offer than the package tour clichés suggest. In this guide, I share the best Bodrum Sights, drone spots, honest costs and Tips for your own trip.

Bodrum lies on the southwestern coast of Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The peninsula combines ancient Greek history, turquoise bays, a vibrant nightlife, and a burgeoning luxury hotel industry. And the best part: in October, when autumn sets in in Europe, Bodrum still enjoys temperatures of 25-28°C and perfect swimming weather.

Bodrum's bays from the air – turquoise as far as the eye can see

The Bodrum Peninsula It has over 20 bays, each with its own unique character. The interplay of turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, and green hills is particularly impressive when viewed from a drone. The colors are so intense that every drone photo looks like it's been edited – but it hasn't.

The most beautiful bays:

• Göltürkbükü – The „Saint-Tropez of Türkiye“. Exclusive beach clubs, yachts, and the clearest water on the peninsula.
• Bitez Perfect for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Flat water, constant wind.
• Gümüşlük – The quietest bay. Sunken ancient city in the water (you can see ruins while snorkeling!).
• Turkish bükü – Luxury resorts and the most spectacular sunsets on the peninsula.

Bodrum City – Where Antiquity Meets Nightlife

The City of Bodrum It even surprises with a blend of ancient heritage and modern lifestyle. Bodrum Castle (St. Peter's Castle, built in 1402 by the Crusaders) towers above the harbor and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology – one of the best of its kind in the world.

The Bar Street (Cumhuriyet Caddesi) is Bodrum's heart at night: bars, clubs, and live music until the early hours. During the day, however, the bazaar The highlight – a labyrinth of spice merchants, leather goods, hand-painted ceramics and carpets. Haggling is obligatory and part of the culture.

An absolute insider tip: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Admittedly, the ruins are modest, but the historical significance is enormous.

Bodrum Costs – Surprisingly Affordable

Thanks to the favorable exchange rate of the lira, Turkey is currently one of the best value-for-money travel destinations for Europeans. A complete fish meal with a sea view costs €15-25 – in Greece or Italy you would pay three times as much.

Practical Bodrum tips

Best time to travel: May-October. In October (like my trip) the temperatures are perfect (25-28°C), the sea is warm and the high-season crowds have disappeared.

Arrival: Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) is served by direct flights from many German airports (SunExpress, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines). Transfer to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes.

Rental cars: Recommended for exploring the peninsula. Turkish traffic is chaotic but manageable. An international driving permit is recommended.

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. EUR/USD are often accepted directly in tourist areas.

FAQ – Bodrum & Turkish Riviera

Is Bodrum safe for tourists?
Yes. Bodrum is one of the safest tourist destinations in Türkiye. Petty crime exists, as in any tourist town, but violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare.

Do you need a visa for Turkey?
German citizens: 90 days visa-free. Simply enter with your passport, no e-visa required.

When is the best time to travel to Bodrum?
May-June and September-October: Perfect weather, fewer tourists than in the height of summer. July/August: Hot (35°C+) and crowded.

Is Bodrum worth visiting outside of the all-inclusive resorts?
Absolutely. The best experiences are in the small coves, the historic city center, and the local fish restaurants. All-inclusive misses out on the real Bodrum.

Is it possible to fly drones in Turkey?
Generally, yes, with permission. For the DJI Mini series (under 250g), online registration with the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM) is required. In practice, checks are rarely carried out at tourist spots — but registration only takes 5 minutes online.

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