It is not a city, but Bodrum today can pass for the smallest, but cutest city of Turkey. With a winter population of about 35.000, Bodrum has all that a city of this size can offer. Due to the increase of permanent residents, almost all of the facilities, once only available during the summer time, are now available all year round.

Although tourism is the leading industry for most of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, Bodrum is situated at the heart of fertile West Aegean Turkey. It is no wonder then, nearby towns such as Mumcular are considered to be the center of cattle herding, honey and olive oil production. Fish farming is also a blossoming industry around the Bodrum peninsula.

Bodrum is a natural destination for tourists with its beautiful resorts, comfortable hotels and motels, cozy guesthouses, impressive ruins of past civilizations and magnificent landscapes. Other types of visitors are also attracted to Bodrum for various reasons: international festivals organized by Bodrum International Yacht Club (B.I.Y.C.) twice a year, or international headquarters of underwater archeology (situated in the Castle), or the traditional yacht building.

The reputation of Bodrum’s boatyards dates back to ancient times, and today craftsmen still build the traditional yachts: the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and the gulet with a broad beam and rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on excursions and pleasure trips and in the annual Wooden Yacht Regatta.

The yearly throng of visitors has encouraged small entrepreneurs to make shopping in Bodrum a delight. Leather goods off all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads are among the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow, white-walled streets. Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton. If you feel like going to a shopping mall, Oasis is there for you with various stores selling all sorts of goods, restaurants and cinemas.

Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an informal daytime life style and night time of excitement.

Today Bodrum is as lively in winter as it is during summer.

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