Costa Maya Bodrum
Bodrum City - Gerence Sok. No:33
Featuring an outdoor pool with a sundeck, this Bodrum hotel offers spacious rooms with a private balcony.
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Once known as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is a city located on Turkey’s south-western coast and was the birthplace of the celebrated Greek historian Herodotus and the Roman philosopher Dionysius. The city boasts a remarkably long and storied history, and it was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, commissioned by Queen Artemisia as a tomb for her husband Mausolus.
Its coastal position has always made this city strategically important. During the Ottoman period, Bodrum became a significant centre for the sponge trade. After the founding of the Turkish Republic, the city was used as a place of exile for political dissidents. Only from the 1950s onwards did Bodrum begin to develop its tourism potential, eventually transforming into an important seaside resort destination.
From a small fishing village, Bodrum has experienced significant tourism growth in recent years, becoming a sought-after destination for affluent visitors, not just Turkish nationals, earning itself the nickname “Saint Tropez of Asia Minor”. The Mediterranean charm, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and development of upmarket facilities – including resort hotels, beach clubs, fine-dining restaurants and luxury services – have made the city one of Turkey’s most coveted summer destinations.
The most famous beach in town is undoubtedly Bardakci, located just a short distance from the city centre and easily accessible on foot. This makes it particularly busy during the peak season with both tourists and locals. The sandy shore, lined with eucalyptus trees, is equipped with full facilities whilst also offering free beach areas, and the waters are beautifully clear and azure.
Just over 1 km from central Bodrum lies Gumbet beach, which offers not only the chance to relax at beachside establishments but also opportunities for water sports and activities such as water skiing, sailing and surfing. The area is packed with beach clubs, resorts, restaurants and bars, ideal for those who enjoy nightlife, as regular parties and live DJ sets are organised. Gumbet can be reached by bus or by sea via boat shuttle services departing from the city centre.
For a wilder and more secluded experience, Rabbit Bay appeals to those who favour rockier shorelines and more peaceful, intimate settings. Access is via a pebbled path or by boat, details which make it considerably less crowded than the city beaches.
Bitez beach, a few kilometres from Bodrum, is particularly popular with families with children, thanks to its calm, shallow waters and numerous amenities. The shore boasts fine, golden sand whilst the sea is turquoise with gently sloping depths. This is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches not just in this stretch of coastline but throughout Turkey. Other popular beaches in the area include Bagla, 10 km from Bodrum centre, and Akyarlar, also roughly 10 km away and favoured by surfers; alongside the main beach here are smaller coves and tranquil bays.
As mentioned, Bodrum was one of the most important cities of Ancient Greece and was home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, constructed from 353 BC as a monumental tomb for King Mausolus at the behest of his wife (and sister) Queen Artemisia. The word “mausoleum” derives from King Mausolus’s name and his funerary complex, becoming the term used to describe grand burial structures. Built in white marble and embellished with such impressive ornamentation, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, only fragments remain, with some elements, including the horses that crowned the structure, now housed in the British Museum in London.
Just outside the city centre stands the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus, considered one of Anatolia’s oldest theatres, carved directly into the hillside. Originally designed to accommodate up to 13,000 spectators, it has been partially restored and continues to host events and concerts. In Bodrum’s western district sits the Myndos Gate (Myndos Kapısı), the only surviving gateway of the ancient city walls, which originally stretched nearly 7 km and were built in the 4th century BC by King Mausolus, though later expanded.
Bodrum’s iconic landmark is St Peter’s Castle, located in the harbour area and erected in the 15th century by members of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, who repurposed materials and stones from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The castle’s Latin name, Petronium, gave rise to the modern name Bodrum. Originally constructed for defensive purposes, it was repeatedly enlarged and reinforced until 1522, when Suleiman the Magnificent’s occupation led to its conversion into a mosque. During the 19th century, the complex became a prison, and following restoration work in the last century, it was transformed into a museum. Visiting offers a journey through much of Bodrum’s history, with displays of artefacts discovered locally, particularly those recovered from underwater archaeological expeditions.
Bodrum’s historic old town is a charming area with narrow lanes and cobbled alleyways lined with whitewashed houses, shops and small restaurants; the modern city, meanwhile, is one of Turkey’s most famous seaside resort destinations with accommodation options to suit all preferences. Choosing to stay in central Bodrum is certainly a good option, as you’ll be in a lively area with plenty of accommodation choices and close to the beaches. The Gumbet beach area is another highly sought-after zone, brimming with resorts and hotels as well as bars, venues and clubs perfect for those who enjoy nightlife. The Bitez area is better suited to families, offering more child-friendly tourist facilities and aparthotels, studios and villas situated in quieter locations compared to central Bodrum or Gumbet.
We offer a selection of hotels at Bodrum to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Bodrum, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Bodrum. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Bodrum are in high demand.
The best way to reach Bodrum is undoubtedly by air, with flights departing from both Istanbul’s airports and from Ankara arriving at Milas-Bodrum airport. Direct flights from the UK are not currently available, but connections exist with other European cities. Bodrum airport is located 36 km north-east of the city and is connected by bus and taxi services. During the summer season, Bodrum can also be reached via ferry connections.
What's the weather at Bodrum? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Bodrum for the next few days.
Bodrum is a charming coastal town overlooking the Aegean Sea along Turkey's south-western coastline. This seaside resort lies 700 km from Istanbul, 240 km from Izmir and 420 km from Antalya.
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