Bodrum has long been shaped by its people and its landscape. Set along Türkiye’s Aegean Coast, the region combines ancient ruins, olive groves and a reputation for luxury travel.
In this episode of Grand Voyager, Euronews’ Lilly Douse explores Bodrum and the surrounding Aegean coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
At the heart of the city stands Bodrum Castle, a Crusader fortress built by the Knights of St. John over 600 years ago. The castle’s five towers reflect the different parts of Europe the knights came from, including English, French, German and Italian towers.
Today, the fortress is home to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses artefacts recovered from shipwrecks, some dating back more than 3,000 years.
Just north of the city, between the hills and the sea, is a Luxury wellness resort that's becoming increasingly popular with health-conscious travellers. Here, Lilly checks in to Six Senses Kaplankaya to experience it for herself. The resort is home to pools, Turkish hammams and treatment rooms, as well as personalised wellness assessments.
Olive oil has been part of life on the Aegean Coast for thousands of years. Near Şenköy, Lilly visits a local producer to learn more about the region's olive-growing traditions. Along the way, she tastes locally produced oils and learns to prepare sarma made with stuffed grape leaves, bulgur wheat and herbs.
Further inland, Lake Bafa offers a different side of the region's past. Exploring the area by e-bike, Lilly encounters giant rock formations, ancient Greek ruins and stunning viewpoints.
Through Lilly’s journey, Bodrum becomes more than just a luxury beach destination. She reveals its lesser-known sites, century-old traditions and some of the region's most iconic landmarks.
