Bodrum, Türkiye — Why the Aegean Sea stole my heart

Bodrum — The Aegean pearl that I can't get out of my head

There are places you visit once and then have a nice photo on your phone. And then there are places that captivate you so much that you keep coming back. Bodrum, for me, falls into the latter category. The Turkish Aegean coast has something I've rarely found anywhere else: the easygoing nature of the Mediterranean, combined with a hospitality that instantly envelops you. Add to that food that's a feast every single day. And prices that make you wonder why you ever bothered flying to Mykonos.

I've now been to the Bodrum region three times, most recently for two and a half weeks. I came with a drone, a camera, and the firm intention of visiting every bay and village on the peninsula this time. The result: hundreds of photos, some of my best drone shots, and the realization that the Turkish Aegean is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe.

Bodrum Town — More charm than you expect

The white old town and the harbor

Bodrum town is a surprise. Those expecting concrete hotel complexes will instead find a picturesque old town with white cube-shaped houses, purple bougainvillea, and narrow streets reminiscent of a Greek village. This is because Bodrum was Greek until 1923—it was then called Halicarnassus, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum, stood here. Today, only ruins remain, but the atmosphere of the old trading city persists.

The harbor is the heart of the place. In the mornings, fishing boats are moored, cats stroll along the quay, and locals sit in the cafes enjoying their third cup of tea. In the evenings, the harbor transforms into a promenade—families, couples, street musicians. No intrusive nightlife atmosphere, just relaxed Mediterranean evenings. The sunset behind the castle, seen from the harbor pier, is one of the most beautiful moments Bodrum has to offer.

St. Peter's Castle — Bodrum's landmark

The 15th-century Crusader castle dominates the cityscape and is now a museum of underwater archaeology. The collection is surprisingly good—finds from ancient shipwrecks, including the oldest known shipwreck in the world (from the Bronze Age, 14th century BC). Admission is 200 TL (about €6). But what impressed me most was the view from the castle walls. You can see the entire bay of Bodrum, the peninsula, and on a clear day, even the Greek island of Kos—only 20 kilometers away.

From the highest tower platform, I took some of my favorite ground-level shots—the Sony A7 IV with the 24-70mm lens at 70mm, the boats in the harbor with the city behind them, compressed by the focal length. A drone from the castle? Better not—too many tourists and officially prohibited in the immediate vicinity of historical buildings.

The Bodrum Peninsula — 10 villages, each an experience

Gümüslük — The fishing village that time has forgotten

Gümüslük lies at the western end of the peninsula and is my absolute favorite place. A sleepy fishing village where the biggest attraction is dinner by the water. You sit with your feet practically in the sea, the sun sets, and in front of you is a whole grilled sea bream with salad and fresh bread—for 15 euros. Add a cold Efes beer for 3 euros, and you seriously wonder what you were ever doing in Ibiza.

What makes Gümüslük so special: The sunken city of Myndos lies just off the coast. At low tide, you can wade along a stone path to the nearby Rabbit Island and see ancient wall remnants in the water. Bring a snorkel—the ruins are even more visible underwater. And fly your drone over the shallow, crystal-clear water with its submerged structures: pure goosebumps. The contrast between the turquoise water and the dark stone remains is spectacular.

Yalıkavak — Fisherman meets jet set

Yalıkavak has become the most fashionable spot on the peninsula in recent years. The Palmarina—a luxurious marina with designer boutiques and champagne bars—attracts the Turkish high society. On weekends, mega-yachts are moored here, and sundowner cocktails cost 25 euros. It's not my scene, but it's interesting for an afternoon.

What really impressed me about Yalıkavak was the old town center. Just a five-minute walk from the marina, you'll find the original fishing harbor—small boats, a handful of restaurants, and the best gözleme (Turkish flatbread) on the entire peninsula. Freshly baked over a wood fire, filled with spinach and cheese, for 60 TL (1.70 euros). The world is so unfair: In Berlin, you'd pay 5.50 euros for the same gözleme at a snack bar.

Türkbükü — beach club culture by the sea

Türkbükü is Bodrum's answer to Saint-Tropez. Beach clubs with white sun loungers, DJ sets from the afternoon onwards, and a crowd that looks like they've just stepped out of an audition. Not my usual thing to do, but entertaining for a day. The bay itself is beautiful—sheltered, calm, with crystal-clear water. If you avoid the club scene and arrive at 8 a.m. instead, you'll have one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the entire peninsula almost entirely to yourself.

Akyarlar and Karaincir — Beaches for connoisseurs

At the very southern tip of the peninsula lie Akyarlar and Karaincir Beach — two of the best beaches in the region. Akyarlar has fine sand, shallow water (perfect for families), and a direct view of the Greek island of Kos. On clear days, you can see the white houses on the other side. Karaincir is a bit wilder, with bigger waves and fewer sunbeds — ideal for those who prefer a beach without amenities.

My best drone photos of the entire trip were taken in Akyarlar. At 7 a.m., the sun had just risen, the water was perfectly still and ranged in color from turquoise to deep blue. The drone was 80 meters above the water, looking down at the sandy bottom—you could see every stone, every shadow of a fish. These photos have received over 500,000 impressions on Instagram combined.

Food in Bodrum — A daily feast

Turkish cuisine on the Aegean coast

Aegean cuisine differs from the rest of Turkey. More fish, more olive oil, more vegetables, less meat. The Zeytinyağlı dishes (vegetables braised in olive oil, served cold) are a highlight: stuffed grape leaves, artichokes with dill, beans in tomato sauce—all on a large tray, accompanied by fresh bread. A complete meze menu for two costs 200–300 TL (6–9 euros). Unthinkable in Germany.

Fresh fish isn't a luxury here, it's an everyday occurrence. In the fish restaurants (balık restaurants), you choose your fish at the counter—sea bream (Çipura), sea bass (levrek), or octopus (ahtapot). The price is calculated by weight: A whole sea bream for two people costs about 250–350 TL (7–10 euros). You can also have raki—the Turkish anise-flavored spirit, which you drink with water and ice. It turns milky white and is therefore called lion's milk. A glass costs 60–80 TL (1.70–2.30 euros).

My restaurant recommendations

Gümüslük: Mimoza — right on the water, grilled fish, reserve a table for sunset. Main courses from 200 TL.
Bodrum Old Town: Orfoz — tucked away in a backyard, excellent meze and fish. Not a tourist trap.
Yalıkavak fishing port: No name (really) — the restaurant right on the old harbor, recognizable by its blue awning. Best gözleme on the peninsula.
Türkbükü: Kısmet — upscale, but not overpriced. Creative Aegean cuisine with a modern twist.

Drone flights around Bodrum — The best spots

What you need to know about drones in Turkey

Good news: Turkey is relatively relaxed about drones under 250 grams. No registration or pilot's license is required. However, flying is strictly prohibited near military areas and airports—and there are several military installations along the Aegean coast. The DJI Fly app displays restricted zones—be sure to respect them. Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV) is 36 kilometers from the city center, so it's not an issue.

My top 5 drone spots

1. Akyarlar Beach: In the morning, when there is no wind, the flat, crystal-clear water creates abstract patterns in turquoise and blue from above.
2. Gümüslük Coast: The sunken ruins in the water and Rabbit Island are unique.
3. Road between Yalıkavak and Gündoğan: Dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden coves.
4. Karaada (Black Island): Accessible by boat, an island with hot springs and a grotto. Spectacular from above.
5. Bitez Bay: The kitesurfers on the water, the colorful sails — dynamic action shots.

Costs — What you need to budget for 14 days in Bodrum

category	budget	middle class	comfort
Flight (Return)	80-150 EUR	150-250 EUR	250-350 EUR
Rental car (14 days)	210-350 EUR	350-500 EUR	500-750 EUR
Accommodation (13 nights)	350-550 EUR	550-950 EUR	950-2,200 EUR
Food and Drink	150-250 EUR	250-400 EUR	400-700 EUR
Activities (boat tours, excursions)	50-120 EUR	120-250 EUR	250-500 EUR
petrol	60-100 EUR	80-130 EUR	100-160 EUR
IN TOTAL	900-1,520 EUR	1,500-2,480 EUR	2,450-4,660 EUR

Practical tips for Bodrum

Best time to travel: May to June and September to October. In July and August, temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, and the beaches are crowded. I was there in June—perfect water temperature (23-24 degrees Celsius), pleasant air (28-30 degrees Celsius), and the peninsula wasn't yet overrun.

Arrival: Direct flights from Germany to Bodrum-Milas (BJV) with SunExpress, Corendon, and Turkish Airlines. From €80 return in the off-season, from €180 in the peak season. Airport transfer: Havas bus to Bodrum town for 200 TL (approx. €6) or taxi for about 600 TL (€17).

Rental cars: Definitely take it. The peninsula is too big for taxis, and while public transport (dolmus minibuses) does serve all the villages, it's slow. From €15 per day for a Fiat Egea, from €25 for a Renault Captur. Book through localrent.com — the best prices with no hidden costs.

Money: The lira fluctuates. Current exchange rate (as of 2025): approximately 1 EUR = 35 TL. Wise cards or Revolut offer the best exchange rates. You'll need cash for small restaurants and markets—cards are widely accepted in Bodrum town and the more upscale areas.

Day trips: Greek island of Kos by ferry: 50 minutes, from €25 return. Perfect for comparing different parts of Greece in one day. Boat tour to the islands and bays: From 150 TL (€4.30) for the standard tour including lunch.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Bodrum

Is Bodrum only for party tourists?

Not at all. The party scene is confined to two streets in the old town (Bar Street and Cumhuriyet Caddesi) and a few beach clubs in Türkbükü. The rest of the peninsula—Gümüslük, Yalıkavak Old Town, Akyarlar, Ortakent—is completely relaxed. Family-friendly, quiet, and just the right pace for a relaxing holiday. You can avoid the party scene entirely and still have two weeks in Bodrum without getting bored.

How does Bodrum differ from the Greek Aegean?

The scenery is comparably beautiful—same Aegean Sea, same turquoise water, similar coastline. The differences: Bodrum is significantly cheaper (often 40-501,000 euros less than the Greek islands), the food is more varied and affordable, and the hospitality is on another level. On the Greek side, you have the iconic white and blue architecture and the island-hopping experience. My conclusion: Turkey wins in terms of value for money, Greece in terms of charm. Ideally, you should do both—the ferry to Kos is only 50 minutes away.

Do I need a visa?

No. German citizens receive a 90-day entry stamp upon arrival, valid for any stay within a 180-day period. No visa, no fee, no advance application. Just bring your passport (which must be valid for at least six months). Since 2024, Turkey has also accepted the German identity card—but I still recommend a passport for a smooth entry.

Is the tap water in Bodrum drinkable?

No, don't drink tap water. In Turkey, the general rule is: only drink bottled water. A 5-liter bottle costs 30-40 TL (less than €1) in the supermarket. Hotels and restaurants always serve bottled water—make sure the bottle is sealed.

What do I need to be aware of as a drone pilot in Bodrum?

The DJI Mini, under 250g, requires no registration or license. However, stay away from military areas (the DJI app will show them), avoid flying over crowds, and respect privacy. Along the coast and over the bays, you have absolute freedom—it's a drone pilot's paradise. The best times are before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.: little wind, soft light, and hardly any people around. Don't forget to bring at least three batteries. With the light conditions on the Aegean coast, you'll get in more flying time than you think.

About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.