This Alluring Mediterranean Beach Town Is the ‘St. Tropez of Turkey’—Here’s How to Plan a Visit

Along Turkey’s sun-drenched Aegean coast, Bodrum has emerged as one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating destinations. Often dubbed the “Turquoise Coast” and even the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” this once-sleepy fishing village has transformed into a glamorous haven for jet-setters and culture lovers alike. 

“While Turkey is home to many beautiful coastal towns, Bodrum stands out as the country’s most renowned international resort,” Engin Kadaster, a T+L A-list advisor and the vice president of Turkey At Its Best, told Travel + Leisure. “Until the 1960s, it was a quiet fishing village. Today, it’s a cosmopolitan hub where rich history meets with glamorous beaches, luxury hotels, and lively nightclubs.”

Part of Bodrum’s year-round appeal lies in its climate: mild, breezy, and reliably bathed in sunshine for most of the year. While it’s beautiful in every season, the peak months (June through September) see the town come alive. Outside of that window, from mid-October through April, many resorts close for the season, Kadaster notes. 

No trip to Bodrum is complete without time spent on the water. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, sailing between secluded coves, or dancing at a beach club as the sun sets, the coastline is the heart of the experience. “Bitez, Gümbet, Yalikavak, and Torba all have great beaches,” Kadaster says. “There are also many upscale beach clubs, where you jump in the most beautiful, clean turquoise waters from the decks.” Among the most popular are Scorpios, Macakizi, and Xuma Village, each offering its own distinct energy, style, and soundtrack.

Over the past decade, Bodrum has become a playground for top-tier hospitality brands. International favorites such as The Edition, Amanruya, Mandarin Oriental, and Six Senses have set the tone for high-design luxury on the peninsula. The latest heavyweight arrival, Maxx Royal Bodrum, opened summer 2024 and is already redefining what luxury looks like in the region.

With 282 rooms, a 60,000-square-foot wellness center, and sweeping views over the bay, the hotel is as much a destination as the town itself. Here, guests can zip across the Aegean aboard a fleet of Axopar water taxis or Mazu 52 yachts for sunset cruises, airport transfers, or a stylish ride to a beach club. Dining options read like a who’s who of global gastronomy: Caviar Kaspia, Spago by Wolfgang Puck, and Scorpios all call the property home. For those wanting to explore further afield, a fleet of Maseratis is available for guests to take out for a spin on a first-come, first-served basis. 

While the glamour is undeniable, Bodrum is also grounded in deep history. The town was once known as Halicarnassus, a major city of the ancient world and home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though little remains of the structure today, according to Kadaster, the site still draws history enthusiasts. More impressive is the Castle of St. Peter, also known as the Bodrum Castle, which has stood over the harbor for more than 600 years. Built by the Knights of St. John, the castle now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, featuring remarkably preserved shipwrecks recovered from the Aegean seabed. “Beyond its historical charm, the concerts occasionally held there under the open sky are truly magical,” Kadaster adds. 

Other cultural excursions include day trips to the Roman ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ephesus and Hierapolis or a visit to the surreal white travertine pools of Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most photographed natural wonders.

Bodrum’s culinary scene is as rich and varied as its landscapes. From elegant international dining to soulful local fare, the region has something for every palette. 

Expect meze (Turkey’s beloved small plates) alongside fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. Kadaster recommends not missing out on the zucchini blossoms stuffed with herbs and cheese or indulging in a classic Rakı Sofrası: a long, unhurried dinner shared with friends, anchored by flavorful dishes and glasses of raki, Turkey’s anise-scented national drink. “It’s a tradition the world could use more of today,” Kadaster said, adding that no meal is complete without fresh Turkish breads, savory pastries, and indulgent sweet desserts.

And while local flavors shine, international cuisine is also making its mark, bringing world-class culinary experiences to Bodrum’s sparkling shores. At Maxx Royal Bodrum, for example, there’s Japanese (Maguro), Italian (Oro by Alfredo Russo), New Ameican (Spago by Wolfgang Puck), Latin (Casa Sol), and French (Caviar Kaspia).

With its crystal-clear waters, glamorous resorts, ancient ruins, fresh cuisine, and warm hospitality, Bodrum is a stylish summer getaway. “Visitors from around the globe flock here year after year, many returning time and again,” Kadaster says. “It truly stands among the must-see summer resorts of the world.”