Bodrum is located on the southwest coast of Turkey and is known for its rich history and bustling harbour.

The dominant feature of the town is St. Peter's Castle, which was built by the crusaders of the Johannite order in the 15th century at a strategic location above the harbour.The castle served as a defensive fortress and symbolised the Christian presence in the area. Today, the castle is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts from shipwrecks found in the Aegean Sea. The castle is also a great place for visitors who want to enjoy the views of the harbour and the whole town of Bodrum.

The port city of Bodrum was founded in antiquity by the Greeks and called Halicarnassos, and it was here that one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, once stood. The Mausoleum was built around 350 BC for King Mausolus, ruler of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, and his wife Artemisia. The mausoleum was huge and reached a height of 45 metres. Its design was a combination of Greek, Egyptian and Asia Minor architecture, with impressive statues and rich decoration. The mausoleum survived for several centuries, but was destroyed during medieval earthquakes. Today, only the ruins remain on the site, which include the foundations of the original building and a few remains of masonry and sculptures that give visitors an idea of the magnificence of the structure. Some of these fragments are on display on site or at the British Museum in London.

The city also has a picturesque old town with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and markets where visitors can buy traditional Turkish products. The varied scents of dried fruit, nuts and all kinds of spices mingle here. Optional excursions often start with a drive to the viewpoint at the windmills, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole city.

Bodrum can be reached from the island of Kos by fast boat or ferry, which leave regularly from the port of the main town of Kos and take about an hour. However, Turkey is not an EU member state, so you will need a valid passport. Customs and passport control takes place before sailing from Kos, where passengers are given a one-day 'ticket' to Turkey linked to their boat ticket. In Bodrum, you go through passport control again, this time faster.

Upon arrival in Bodrum, tourists have the option of exploring the town on foot or using local transport. In addition to the historical monuments, the local beaches or the lively promenades with cafes and restaurants are also worth a visit.

More touristic destinations of Kos

Tips for trips on Kos: Bodrum (Turkey), Kos Capital city, Kalymnos Island, Nisyros Island, Dikeos Mountains, Thermal springs Embros, Lido Water Park

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Kos.