Everything you need to know before going to Bodrum

Bodrum is THE chill destination in Turkey: no need to rush around, just relax, unwind, and enjoy the sea. I spent a few days there completely disconnecting with my brother, and here's all the info and recommendations to help you plan your trip 👇

How to get to Bodrum

We land at Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV). Two options:

• Direct flight from Paris (Transavia in particular, departing from Orly): approximately 4 hours 35 minutes flight time, fares from €70 one way.
• Combine Istanbul + Bodrum with 2 separate flights This is the option we chose: not a flight with a layover, but two separate tickets, to stay a few days in Istanbul before heading to the peninsula (June 17-25: Istanbul from the 17th to the 20th, then Bodrum from the 20th to the 25th). Here's a breakdown of our flight budget: Paris ↔ Istanbul (round trip) €126, Istanbul → Bodrum (domestic flight, separate ticket) €30, Bodrum → Paris (direct return, separate ticket) €150, totaling approximately €306 for this combination. It's a bit more expensive than a simple round trip, but practical if you want to visit both cities during the same trip.

Milas-Bodrum airport is then 20-30 minutes from most of the villages on the peninsula (allow a little more if you are staying on the Boğaziçi side like us, about twenty minutes).

Best time to visit Bodrum

The season generally runs from March to December, but for the beach and swimming, aim for June to October. July and August are the hottest and driest months (around 30°C in August), but also peak season when accommodation prices skyrocket. If you want to enjoy the same sunshine with fewer crowds and lower prices, June or September are a great compromise; in fact, that's when we were there (mid-June).

Where to stay in Bodrum: our top pick, Villa Selen

We absolutely fell in love with the Villa Selen, in Boğaziçi, a small coastal village about twenty minutes from the airport. The kind of place where you don't unpack until check-out 🏡✨ My favorite moment: the pool at sunset, with the sea in front. It was magnificent.

That's what makes it so charming:

• 🏊 Private pool with a sea view from the terrace, and breakfast overlooking it, it's priceless.
• 🌅 Breathtaking view overlooking the sea, to be admired at sunset with a tea/coffee
• 🛏️ 3 bedrooms, Great for families or groups of friends (up to 5 people)
• 🍽️ Fully equipped kitchen + barbecue area for quiet evenings at the villa
• 🏖️ Adabükü Beach is only 15-minute walk

🌟 Book the Villa Selen

If you prefer to be closer to the action, Bodrum centre, Gümbet or Yalıkavak also offer good hotel options, closer to bars and beach clubs.

Where to eat

Two addresses in Boğaziçi that we loved, each with a very different atmosphere:

• Bogazici Mandalya Restaurant : seaside location, fresh fish, friendly and family atmosphere, affordable prices. Perfect for a relaxing lunch.

Bogazici Deniz Restaurant : our absolute favorite! 🌅 Breathtaking sea view with a magnificent sunset, excellent fish, and very affordable too. If you only have time for one, this is the one.

In both places, we especially loved the fish, and their salads are very good too.

In Turkey, eating halal is never a problem: the country is predominantly Muslim, so the vast majority of restaurants are halal by default, no need to chase after a specific address as in other destinations.

What to do in Bodrum

The motto of this trip was: relaxation. We didn't do much besides enjoy ourselves, but here are our recommendations:

• Mazı, Muğla : a beautiful, calm, and almost deserted spot. To relax on the beach and get a sun lounger for the day, simply buy a meal at the local restaurant. The water is clear, warm, and gorgeous, and there was hardly anyone there. A nice bonus: a ramp helps with getting into the water, which is convenient for everyone.

• A stroll in Gülük, a small fishing village, really cute, perfect for an evening stroll.

• Bodrum City Centre : a classic stroll, between the port, Saint-Pierre castle (worth visiting if you like history) and the lively streets in the evening.
• The beach clubs in the center : we haven't tried any ourselves, as the prices are quite high and it's not really our thing. But if that's your thing, there are several very reputable ones there (check the daily rates before choosing, they vary a lot).
• Excursion to Orak Island with Bay Side Bodrum: a magnificent outing that deserves an article of its own. Discover the full program and our review of the Orak Island excursion here 👀

Getting around Bodrum: car rental and alternatives

Since the beaches and restaurants are a bit scattered around Bodrum, having a rental car clearly makes life easier, especially if you're staying in a village like Boğaziçi, a little away from the center.

Some useful information if you plan to rent:

• Minimum age : generally 21 years old (often 23-25 years old for SUVs/premium categories, with a "young driver" fee for those under 25)
• Permit : your French driving licence is sufficient (valid for at least 1-2 years); an international driving permit is not mandatory but can be reassuring in case of a check.
• Caution : an account between €600 and €1500 blocked on a credit card depending on the vehicle (debit cards are refused by most rental companies)
• Budget : from €10-15/day for a city car in the off-season, up to €30-40/day in the height of summer

Don't feel like driving? Dolmuş (local minibuses) serve the peninsula well for a few Turkish lira per trip, a good alternative, just a little less flexible in terms of schedules.

Good to know

• 💶 Cash : the Turkish lira (TRY). Always pay in lira rather than euros if the terminal offers you the choice; the exchange rate is often much worse in euros.
• 🔌 Electrical outlets : same format as in France, no adapter needed
• 🕌 Muslim friendly : mosques everywhere, the call to prayer audible in the villages, no problem finding halal food – Turkey is one of the easiest destinations from this perspective.
• 🗣️ Language : Turkish is the language of choice, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas of the peninsula.

Bodrum in brief

Bodrum is a perfect destination if you just want to disconnect and relax: good, simple places to eat, quiet coves, sunsets by the water… and no need to run around to enjoy it.

Let me know in the comments if you want more details about one of the spots!

FAQ: Getting to Bodrum

When is the best time to visit Bodrum?

For the beach and swimming, aim for June to October. July and August are the hottest months (around 30°C in August), but also the most expensive. June and September offer the same sunshine with fewer crowds and lower prices: we were there in mid-June, and it was perfect.

How much does a flight from Paris to Bodrum cost?

Direct flights from Orly, particularly with Transavia, start from €70 one way for a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes. We combined Istanbul and Bodrum with separate tickets, for a total of about €306 per person.

Should you rent a car in Bodrum?

It's highly recommended, especially if you're staying in a village like Boğaziçi: the beaches and restaurants are scattered all over the peninsula. Expect to pay from €10-15 per day in the off-season and €30-40 in the height of summer, with a deposit of €600 to €1,500 held on a credit card. Alternatively, dolmuş (local minibuses) serve the peninsula well for just a few pounds.

Where to stay in Bodrum?

For peace and quiet by the sea, a small coastal village like Boğaziçi is ideal, where we loved Villa Selen and its pool overlooking the sea. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, bars, and beach clubs, choose Bodrum city center, Gümbet, or Yalıkavak.

What to do in Bodrum?

Bodrum is above all a place to unwind and relax. Our favorites: the almost empty Mazı beach, the sunset stroll in the fishing village of Gülük, the city center with its port and St. Peter's Castle, and the boat trip to Orak Island.

Should you pay in euros or Turkish lira in Bodrum?

In Turkish lira. If the terminal offers you the option to pay in euros, refuse: the exchange rate is often much worse. Good news too, the electrical outlets are the same as in France.

Is Bodrum a Muslim-friendly destination?

Yes, Turkey is one of the easiest destinations from this point of view: the vast majority of restaurants serve halal by default, and there are mosques everywhere.

Transparency: Our stay at Villa Selen was a gift as part of a collaboration. My opinion remains 100% honest: I'm sharing both the positive and negative points. This article also contains affiliate links.

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