Explore Bodrum’s mix of history, luxury gulets and nightlife. Our Bodrum sailing tour covers Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum, the harbour, marinas and scenic bays like Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak. Book your blue cruise gulets experience today.
With its mix of excitement and serenity, Bodrum is a paradise for holidaymakers and travellers on Turkey sailing tours. Set on a peninsula in Muğla’s southwest, this town enchants visitors with ancient monuments, pristine bays, turquoise waters, a mild Mediterranean climate and legendary nightlife. Once known as Halicarnassus, Bodrum also houses one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Mausoleum of King Mausolus, from which the term "mausoleum" originates.
The city’s allure and its modern marinas welcome cruise ships from around the world, drawing millions of international visitors each year. The combination of history, scenery and hospitality makes it one of the top destinations for turkey sailing holidays.
Built by the Knights of St John in the early 15th century, Bodrum Castle served as a strategic stronghold for more than five centuries. Within its towers and walls, the complex once contained a small town; today it houses the award winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Exhibitions display collections of artefacts retrieved from local shipwrecks, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s maritime past.
This monumental tomb, constructed for Carian ruler Mausolus, stood 45 metres high on a massive podium and was decorated with reliefs depicting Greek myths. The grandeur of the structure gave rise to the word "mausoleum."
For over three millennia, vessels have moored at Bodrum Harbour, which lies beneath the castle. Today the quays are home to numerous boats offering memorable sailing experiences. Traditional Turkish gulets are still built here, and many operators run bodrum sailing tour itineraries using motor yachts and luxury gulets. The town is a key hub for famous Turkey sailing tours launched by global operators. Guletcruises also offers a remarkable route that begins or ends in Bodrum. For details on our Grand Turkish Riviera cruise, visit www.gulet-cruises.com
From this port you can set out on blue cruise gulets to explore some of the Aegean’s most beautiful inlets.
This distinctive bay has become a favourite stop on blue cruise gulets itineraries. Its natural setting makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and lingering over a fine meal. A weekly farmers’ market sells handcrafted ceramics, souvenirs and jewellery, while windmills and whitewashed houses frame the view. Nearby Rabbit Island is a popular anchorage for gulets, and Gümüşlük’s shoreline bars are ideal for watching the sunset.
Roughly 20 minutes from Bodrum, Yalıkavak sits at the peninsula’s north west tip and has become increasingly popular thanks to its world class marina. Yalıkavak Marina hosts superyachts and features gourmet restaurants, bars and clubs. Surrounded by crystal waters and uncrowded beaches, it’s a superb destination for passengers seeking luxury gulets and blue cruises.
Göltürkbükü curves along the peninsula’s north coast and ranks among Bodrum’s most desirable bays. Home to one of the area’s longest stretches of sand, this bay provides a tranquil setting and attracts lovers of windsurfing, paragliding, snorkelling, jet skiing and other aquatic activities. Tangerine trees dot the landscape, and the well protected harbour sits beneath steep hills dotted with upmarket hotels and holiday resorts. The waterfront is lined with bars, restaurants and clubs offering fine cuisine and exotic flavours.
On the north eastern side of the peninsula lies Torba Bay, another favourite stop for blue cruises. Pine forests and beautiful beaches surround this tranquil spot, yet it’s close to Bodrum town. After a swim you can hike to the ruins of an old monastery at the bay’s eastern end.
Gündoğan Bay is among the most peaceful swim stops on Bodrum Peninsula itineraries. With one of the longest beaches in the region, it offers a serene landscape and draws enthusiasts of windsurfing, paragliding, snorkelling, jet skiing and other water sports.
Named after the Ottoman admiral Turgut Reis, this large bay is a favourite summer retreat. Visitors enjoy sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, bustling bazaars and a lively nightlife. The award winning marina village and heliport have Blue Flag facilities, premium boutiques and restaurants, creating an elegant atmosphere that appeals to upmarket blue cruises.
This small village is framed by pine covered hills, mountains and a turquoise bay. Nearby Aquarium Cove, with its clear waters and reefs, is frequented by daily excursion boats and Turkey sailing gulets. The area is ideal for scuba diving thanks to warm water, good visibility and abundant marine life.
When the sun sets, Bodrum’s nightlife comes alive. The nightlife centres on Bar Street, a long avenue lined with clubs and pubs where partying lasts until daybreak. Many visitors sample the local spirit, rakı, but be aware that its alcohol content is around 45 per cent. Beyond the town centre, venues in Gümbet, Bitez, Ortakent, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük, Yalıkavak and Türkbükü offer lively beach clubs, nightclubs, bars and pubs. Overlooking the harbour and the historic castle, the Bodrum Marina Yacht Club is another renowned entertainment hub that remains open year round, with stunning views and a variety of dining and music options.
