The Bodrum Peninsula
Located in the south east of Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations.
Known to the ancient Greeks as Halicarnassus, it is a region steeped in history and culture, an enchanting place of great natural beauty and scenic spleandor.
Bodrum is popular with boating enthusiasts of all kinds you’ll find everything from small
fishing vessels to huge luxury yachts.
With its unique atmosphere and its crystal clear waters, Bodrum attracts visitors from all over the world, yet still maintains its relaxed atmosphere and easy-going pace. This is not a roaring resort, this, instead, is where wealthy Turks come to retire. Any wonder, then, that the place has, in recent times, become quite popular with Europeans looking for property in the sun. So forget Bulgaria or Portugal, Bodrum is the “next big thing”.
Holidays in Bodrum
For the holidaymaker there’s no shortage of things to see and do, with something to suit all tastes.
You can relax on the beach, or meander your way through the markets stopping along the way to visit the various galleries, cafes and restaurants. For those with a love of history Bodrum and its outlying regions sport a wealth of historical and cultural sites. The town of Bodrum itself has, at its heart, the Castle of Saint Peter, a fortress built by the Crusaders, an icon which dominates the Bodrum skyline. Bodrum is also host to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Mausolus.
Overlooking Bodrum Bay, with its large harbour presided over by Saint Peter’s Castle.
Activities in Bodrum
Those looking for a more active holiday won’t be dissapointed either. You can go walking, cycling, swimming, diving, fishing, or sailing. You can even rent a yacht for a day and explore the Bodrum peninsula with its many islands, beaches, towns and sleepy fishing villages. Or, if you like, you can also drop in on the neighbours and take the ferry to the neighbouring Greek islands of Rhodes and Kos.
Bodrum Nightlife
If you’re still raring to go when the sun goes down Bodrum is also famous for its nightlife with a wide range of bars and clubs, such as the famous Halikarnus, the largest open air night club in Europe.
Bodrum Gokova Yacht Cruises - What Can You Expect On Your Voyage?
Written by admin on July 23, 2008 – 12:58 am -Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises are a favorite of tourists who vacation in the resort town of Bodrum, in Turkey. This highly popular Mediterranean resort is situated on the Gulf of Gokova’s northern coast. Since all Bodrum yacht cruises leave from this marvelous city, there’s no need to choose between the two.
The islands off Turkey’s coast are dotted all over the Gulf of Gokova, and a week will fly by as you try to explore all of them. The translucent water allows you to view the marine life beneath the water without difficulty. On Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, or just basking in the sun with your favorite drink.
Hire an entire yacht for yourself or reserve a cabin on a passenger boat on Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises. Perfect for first-timers to sailing, Bodrum mini cruises are usually between three and five days. With shipmates from all sorts of different countries, you’ll enjoy the voyage even more.
Among the wonders Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises take you to are ruins of ancient civilizations and treasures of natural beauty. You might want to spend some time touring the ruins of ancient empires that remain underwater as well as the charming town of Karacasogut and the ancient cities of Caunos and Telmessos. Your itinerary will be based upon the particular cruise you select but anywhere you travel with Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises promises to be spectacular.
Sedir Island, filled with history and known as Cleopatra Island, is another favored stop on Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises. The island’s legendary beaches are said to be covered with sand filled with gold dust, which was brought from Egypt by Mark Anthony as a gift for Cleopatra. The ancient Roman amphitheatre located on the island definitely warrants a visit.
The typical day aboard Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises begins with a few hours of sailing followed by a stop for lunch in a charming locale. After lunch, entertainment can be found in the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Gokova where you can swim, dive or snorkel. Or you might go on a shore excursion to a Turkish village, or visit an ancient site. Bodrum mini cruises have various itineraries, so if there is a place you really want to visit make sure you ask about it before booking your trip.
Both longer and shorter Bodrum yacht cruises guarantee you a wonderful vacation. The Bodrum Peninsula and the Gulf of Gokova are truly unique destinations. Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises give you the best opportunity to experience this paradise.
We hope that you enjoyed reading this article. If you are looking for additional information on Bodrum Gokova Yacht Cruises or Bodrum mini cruises, please be sure to check out our website.
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Food and Drink
Written by admin on July 20, 2008 – 8:45 pm -Turkish Cuisine
In order to truly understand the Turkish food, you have to also understand Turkish history and the various cultures and peoples who’ve added their own flavour to the proverbial pot.
For centuries the Turkish mainland, Anatolia, served as the principal bridge between East and West, not just geographically, but politically and culturally as well. Anatolia’s enviable geographic position meant that the Ottomans could control access to east, and therefore grew quite wealthy from trading in commodities such as silks and spices.
It also allowed them to hold rival European powers, such as the Spanish and Portuguese at bay, forcing them to find alternative routes to the East, leading, inadvertently, to Columbus’ voyage to the Americas.
Herbs and spices at a local market
Istanbul, as a natural harbour, had always been one of the world’s busiest harbours all through Turkish history, from pre-Byzantine times, right through the Ottoman Empire and the formation of the Turkish Republic. Today it’s busier than ever as it continues to bring in all manner of exotic goods and delectable foodstuffs
from all over the world.
With its mouth-watering mix of foods and flavours; Asian, Oriental, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and of course European, Turkish cooking is perhaps the original fusion cuisine. Turkish dishes are garnished with a rich assortment of herbs and spices which are either grown locally or imported from the four corners of the world. Fruit, vegetables and other such produce is sourced domestically along with with fresh bread and pastries, honey, nuts, dried fruits and local delicacies.
Turkish Meze
A Meze is basically an assortment of snacks, such as salads and cheeses, olives, artichokes, flavoured yogurt dips and dolma. Dolma is basically the word for “stuffed” food and is found frequently in Turkish dishes, either as a starter or accompaniment or as a main course.
One of my own personal favourite dishes were the yaprak sarma which are basically vine leaves stuffed with herbs and rice and fried in olive oil. It is generally served with a wedge of fresh lemon to squeeze over.
 Yaprak Sarma - image courtesy of Wikipedia. |
 Lemons at a local market. |
Turkish Kebabs
Of course there’s also Turkey’s most famous dish, the kebab, though visitors will be surprised to find that there are, in fact, many more variations than the standard doner kebab most westerners are used to.
Another delicious food is Köfte, or Turkish meatballs, made from lamb and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, which can be had as a main course but can also make great midday snack.
Turkish Seafood
With the Black Sea to the North, the Aegean to the West and of course the Mediterranean, seafood is, understandably, a vital part of Turkish cuisine. Indeed for seafood lovers Turkey is nothing short of heaven, with local fishermen providing restaurants with freshly caught fish, shellfish, shrimp, octopus and crab daily.
Turkish Drinks
After a nice Turkish meal nothing beats a glass of Raki.
Raki is an aniseed flavoured beverage which is used as the Turkish equivalent of a digestivo. It is generally drank mixed with water, which turns the drink white, and served in a short, narrow glass.
If you find the Raki too sweet for your pallet, you can also enjoy a glass of Efes, the Turkish national beer. Or, if you’d rather keep your head clear, I recommend a glass of Turkish tea, served piping hot in a small, clear glass, to refresh, relax and revitalise.
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