• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Bodrum, Turkey
    Provided by: EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock.com

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Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, still stands today, albeit in remnants. Its true appearance remains a mystery to many, but it's believed that the renowned sculptor, Skopas, lent his talent to parts of its decoration — and it was undoubtedly extravagant. Nowadays, visitors can only gaze upon the remains of the once majestic building's walls, the rest having been claimed by earthquakes and the passage of millennia.
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Temple of Apollo at Didyma

Temple of Apollo at Didyma

Even if ancient ruins aren't your cup of tea, a trip to an archaeological site is worth the detour. The journey will take you through the quaint countryside, threading through small towns and villages that might otherwise escape your notice. Just a few kilometres from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, you'll find Didyma — home to a grand temple dedicated to Apollo. Didyma was more than a religious site; its oracle rivalled the fame of Delphi's. While the original temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, the existing ruins hail from the Roman times. The remnants of 120 columns stand as testament to the temple's once monumental size.
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Ancient City of Ephesus & Selçuk

Ancient City of Ephesus & Selçuk

This excavation rivals the famous sites of Pompeii. Once home to around 400,000 residents, ancient Ephesus was built around the temple of Artemis — another marvel among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins we see today primarily hail from the Roman era. The remnants of the Temple of Artemis stand outside the main ruin area, while the hill above is graced with the cathedral of Saint John, said to be the final resting place of the evangelist. Legend holds that Saint John lived in Ephesus alongside the Virgin Mary.
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Boat Trips

Boat Trips

Bodrum harbour is a bustling hub for 'gulets' — traditional boats that whisk visitors away on tours of the stunning coastline. These comfortable vessels feature spacious rear decks and cosy cabins. Whether you prefer a short ride, a day trip or something longer, you'll often find the captain doubling as the cook. If you're after a more exclusive experience, you could rent a sailing boat complete with a crew, or hop on a bathing boat to one of the picture-perfect beaches. And all around the peninsula, you'll stumble upon quaint, shady bays.
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Beach Life

Beach Life

The beaches around the Bodrum peninsula provide excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling. With bathing boats or dolmuş, reaching them is a breeze. Bagla, located 14 km from Bodrum on the south coast, boasts fine sandy beaches, while Gümbet — just about 3 km west of Bodrum — is often the go-to for windsurfers. On the west coast, you'll discover inviting beaches at Akyar, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak. Each of these are quaint villages brimming with charming fish restaurants and popular anchorages for sailors. Don't miss Kara Ada (Black Island) Bay either, where you'll find caves hiding hot water springs.
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