6 reasons why Bodrum should be your next beach holiday

Bodrum is a magnet for the rich and famous, and anyone who's anyone has hit the shores of the peninsular in recent months, including Bill Gates, whose Lana superyacht was spotted by our sources in the waters of Cennet Koyu, near Göltürkbükü. Actor Rebel Wilson also visited Bodrum this year and dined at a seafood restaurant on the north coast, while Lindsay Lohan, headed to the peninsula for a post-wedding break earlier in the summer.

Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss are regulars, with Naomi touring Cennet Koyu on a yacht with her daughter in June. Meanwhile, Kate is believed to be a fan of wellbeing and detox centre LifeCo in Göltürkbükü.

Once a tiny fishing village, Bodrum's city centre is the thriving hub of the peninsula, but retains a small town feel. It's worth spending at least a day here as you stroll the narrow streets with colourful flowers, take a seat at a beach bar to watch the sunset and shop for souvenirs, including leather sandals, hand-painted ceramics and local herbs and oils.

If you're looking to learn about Bodrum's history, Bodrum Castle is the city's main attraction and dates back to 1406. Meanwhile, the seafront is flanked by restaurants for dinner and at night, the town is a lively place to walk, drink and party.

When it comes to luxury hotels, Bodrum has the goods. Some of the world's finest hotel chains have outposts here, from Aman's Amanruya to the EDITION Bodrum and the Six Senses Kaplankaya, north of Bodrum, there's a five-star address for everyone. Meanwhile, Four Seasons is building a hotel in Bodrum Yalıçiftlik and Bulgari is said to have chosen Bodrum for its first hotel in Turkey.

You'll find some superb independent hotels too, such as Mivara Luxury Bodrum in Gündoğan, which boasts elegant bedrooms, glorious views and Acqua di Parma toiletries in the rooms, along with suites that have their own Jacuzzi. For celebrity spotting, Maçakizi, in Göltürkbükü, has welcomed VIPs through its doors since the 1970s.

The Turkish lira is trading at historic lows and a pound will now get you double the amount of liras compared to last year, with an exchange rate of approximately 21 liras for every pound. This makes Turkey one of the best-value holiday destinations for 2022, especially if you're looking for an affordable holiday or saving on a luxury escape.

Recent studies by Saxo and Post Office found that Turkey offers the best value for money in the world, with Saxo's research revealing that the average cost of a pint of beer at a local bar comes in at £1.66 and petrol averages at 94p per litre.

Wherever you're staying in Bodrum, you're never too far from the sea, and the beaches around the peninsula offer scenic places to swim and sunbathe. Gümüşlük, in the west, is a quiet village, with a sand and pebble beach, shallow water and seafood restaurants by the water. Torba, in the north east of the peninsula, is close to the city of Bodrum and tucked into a sheltered bay, with a thin stretch of sand shaded by trees.

Then there's Akyarlar in the south west corner, which has a soft sand beach and clear water. Aspat Beach is one of the most gorgeous places in the south and a quiet stretch among mountains. Of course, these are just a handful of Bodrum's superb swimming spots, along with Bitez, Yahsi and Camel Beach.

Home of the gulet, a wooden sailing vessel found around the Turquoise Coast, Bodrum is where many of the boats are built and is an excellent place to take to the water on a cruise. While a Blue Cruise traditionally takes place over a few days, allowing you to make the most of the comfy, air-conditioned interiors featuring lounging, dining and sleeping spaces (and some with hot tubs), you can also rent a gulet for a day with or without a captain and crew.

Gulet and yacht cruises offer the perfect way to spend time on hard-to-reach beaches, feast on the freshest fish and stop in picturesque spots to swim in the sea. With a private charter, you can also experience Bodrum's most beautiful locations, such as Cennet Koyu, at your own pace.

Ready to hit the Turquoise Coast? Expedia has three-night holidays to Bodrum from £304 per person this October.

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