Bodrum is a family-friendly beach destination with vibrant nightlife, fantastic history and activities for all - a holiday to Bodrum will put a smile on anyone’s face.

Holidays to Bodrum 2026

• Family-friendly beach destination

• Historical hotspot

• Party paradise

• 215km of coastline in the Bodrum Peninsula

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Bodrum

• 🏛️ Ancient Wonder: Bodrum was once the ancient city of Halicarnassus, home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus—one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. That’s some serious bucket list energy.

• 🏖️ Beach Goals: Akyarlar Beach is our personal fave – think powdery sand, calm turquoise water, and a mellow vibe that’s basically made for lazy days and paddleboarding selfies.

• 🍻 Pint-Sized Prices: A beer in Bodrum will only set you back around £2 – that’s less than your Pret flat white, and significantly more fun. Cheers to holiday maths!

Getting around on your holidays to Bodrum

• 🚖 Taxis: Yellow taxis are everywhere in Bodrum and are perfect for short hops or when the flip-flops give out. Just make sure the meter is running (no meter = no deal), or agree on a price before you set off. For hassle-free rides, download the BiTaksi app—it’s like Uber, but Turkish.

• 🚐 Dolmuş (Minibuses): These shared minibuses are a true Bodrum rite of passage. They zip between the beaches, resorts, and villages for pocket change. Just wave one down, hop in, and pay the driver in cash—no ticket faff needed.

• 🚌 Buses: The main bus station (otogar) connects Bodrum with nearby towns and beaches, perfect if you're in the mood for a mini adventure. Grab a Bodrum Kart (travel card) to save money and avoid fumbling with change.

What are the best beaches for your Bodrum holidays?

Beach holidays in Bodrum are for the sun-worshippers, families seeking adventure, and anyone after a spot of relaxation. These are the top beaches you need to visit on a holiday to Bodrum:

• Gumbet Beach – buzzing and brilliant for water sports lovers, with beach bars galore and nonstop entertainment.

• Akyarlar Beach – soft sands, gentle waves, and a laid-back feel make this a dreamy choice for families or lazy-day fans.

• Bitez Beach – a firm favourite with families, offering calm waters, a full range of exciting facilities and loads of watersports.

• Gumusluk Beach – a narrow stretch of sand recognised for its beauty and shallow waters, as well as the nearby village.

• Ortakent Beach – the place to be for swimmers, with a long beach and clear, slightly deeper waters.

• Yalıkavak Beach – a prime spot for relaxation and beach days away from the crowds.

• Karaincir beach – a 2km stretch of coastline which is considered the ‘Maldives of Turkey,’ with deep blue waters and range of watersports.

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Bodrum?

Picking a hotel for your jollies is almost as important as curating the perfect Spotify playlist, you've gotta get the right balance; do you want sea views? Do you want an on-site spa? Do you want A La Carte options? ... whatever way you like to curate your perfect jolly, we've got the hotel for you, whether you've got a beach holiday in mind, an all inclusive getaway on the cards, or you've thought, why not? and booked something completely last minute:

For Families

• La Blanche Island – Five-star resort with swim-up rooms, five à la carte restaurants, a mini club with inflatable games and mini disco, plus 24/7 buffet. Just 15 minutes from Bodrum Airport.

• Bodrum Holiday Resort and Spa – Beachfront dreams with a kids' club, aqua park, multiple pools, and a Turkish bath. Tennis, volleyball, basketball – basically summer camp for all ages.

• Duja Bodrum – Six pools, an aqua park, mini club for ages 4-12, and a private beach with pier. Five à la carte restaurants and evening entertainment keep everyone happy.

• Golden Beach Resort & Spa – Family-friendly with connecting rooms, mini club, pools, and beachfront location near Turgutreis. Great value all-inclusive.

For Couples

• The Marmara - Adults Only – Boutique luxury overlooking Bodrum Castle with jaw-dropping Aegean views. Rooftop bar, infinity pool, and that five-star diamond award polish. Adults 12+ only.

• Salmakis Beach Resort & Spa – Five-star on a private Blue Flag beach with suites featuring private Jacuzzis. Spa, sea views, and that romantic Bodrum bay setting.

• The Blue Bosphorus Hotel – Brand new hotel in peaceful Gündoğan with something for everyone but especially good for couples seeking tranquillity away from the crowds.

• Bodrium Hotel and Spa – Boutique charm near the historic Myndos Gate, just 500m from the beach. Individually themed rooms and year-round service.

Luxury Picks

• La Blanche Island – The full five-star experience with butler service for swim-up rooms, Haribo and macarons in the minibar, and enough dining options to eat somewhere different every night.

• Royal Asarlik Beach – Privacy and luxury on its own beach in Gümbet. Five-star facilities with a spa, multiple pools, and that exclusive feel.

• The Marmara - Adults Only – Small Luxury Hotels of the World member with Party Animal Suites, rooftop Jacuzzis, and views of Bodrum Castle. Proper bucket-list stuff.

Budget Picks

• Onderhan Hotel – Great value in Ortakent, moments from the sand with gorgeous sea views. Simple, clean, and perfect for beach life on a budget.

• Charm Beach Hotel – Beachfront in Turgutreis with good facilities and that laid-back Turkish Riviera atmosphere without the price tag.

• Bodrum Beach Resort – Just 100m from Gümbet beach with pools, kids' slides, and easy access to the nightlife strip. Solid value.

👉 Browse all Bodrum hotels | All-inclusive Bodrum holidays

Bodrum holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families in Bodrum

Bodrum is a real treat for a family holiday, especially with the thrills and splashes waiting at Bodrum Aqua Park in Konacık - think lazy rivers, slides, and kiddie pools galore. For something a little calmer (and drier), hop aboard a glass-bottom boat tour to peek at Bodrum’s underwater world without getting your toes wet. History buffs in the making? Bodrum Castle is a must-see. Little explorers will love wandering the medieval halls and checking out treasures in the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It’s a mix of fun, education, and a bit of pirate play-acting all rolled into one.

💕 Things to do for couples in Bodrum

Lovebirds, you’re in luck - Bodrum brings all the romantic vibes for a couples holiday. Kick off with a private sunset boat tour and float into the golden hour with dinner onboard (sighs included). When dinner calls, book a table at Kocadon Restaurant, where candlelit dining under the stars is set in a dreamy Greek house courtyard. That’s right, the kind of place that practically begs for a proposal (or at least a cheeky selfie together).

🍻 Things to do for groups in Bodrum

Group holidays in Bodrum are next-level. Grab your mates and set sail on a group boat tour for a day of coastal exploring, snorkelling, and sunbathing - plus, there's always someone on board to snap the perfect group shot. If you fancy keeping your feet on land, take a wander through Bodrum’s buzzing bazaars packed with colourful stalls, cool souvenirs, and Turkish treats. And for a more refined palate (or just a good excuse to drink wine in the sun), head to Karnas Vineyards for a tasting session—sip, swirl, and soak in the views with your favourite people.

🍕 Things to do for foodies in Bodrum

Food lovers, brace your taste buds. Bodrum’s culinary scene is bursting with flavour, and the best way to explore it is on a local food tour - think tucked-away tavernas, street food nibbles, and dishes you’ll dream about for weeks. For a proper taste of Turkish tradition, join a Raki and mezze evening - this isn’t just a meal, it’s a whole experience. And don’t skip the sweet stuff: local markets are a haven for fresh Turkish delight, honey-soaked baklava, and other sugary bites that’ll have you packing your suitcase with edible souvenirs.

Day trips from Bodrum

• 🏛️ Ephesus (2.5 hours) – One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk the marble streets, gawp at the Library of Celsus, and imagine life in Roman times. Easily done as a day trip with a guided tour. The ruins are near Izmir if you fancy extending your trip.

• 🏖️ Kos, Greece (1 hour by ferry) – Fancy popping to another country for the day? The Greek island of Kos is just a short boat ride away. Wander the old town, lounge on a beach, and tick off two countries in one trip.

• 💧 Pamukkale (3 hours) – The famous white travertine terraces and thermal pools are a bucket-list must. Combine with the ancient ruins of Hierapolis for a full day of exploring.

• 🏝️ Orak Island (boat trip) – One of the most beautiful spots on the Bodrum peninsula. Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling – most boat tours stop here.

• 🍷 Bodrum Peninsula villages – Hire a car or jump on a dolmuş and explore the quieter villages like Gümüşlük (seafood and sunsets), Türkbükü (celeb spotting), or Yalıkavak (upmarket marina vibes).

Nearby Destinations

Fancy exploring more of Turkey? These spots are within easy reach:

• Dalaman – Gateway to the Turquoise Coast with Ölüdeniz, Fethiye, and the famous Blue Lagoon. About 3 hours by road.

• Marmaris – Lively resort town with pine-covered hills, a bustling marina, and boat trips to Dalyan. Around 2.5 hours from Bodrum.

• Antalya – Turkey's biggest beach resort region with ancient ruins, waterfalls, and mega all-inclusive resorts. About 4 hours or a short domestic flight.

• Izmir – Turkey's third-largest city, perfect base for visiting Ephesus. About 2.5 hours north of Bodrum.