Bozcaada is an island on the Aegean Sea, near the western exit of Dardanelles in Turkey. Its ancient name is Tenedos. Bozcaada is located 12 miles from the Çanakkale Strait and extends over an area of around 40 square kilometers, roughly in the shape of a triangle one edge of which is parallel to mainland coast.

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Overview of Bozcaada

Bozcaada is located 12 miles from the Çanakkale Strait and extends over an area of around 40 square kilometers, roughly in the shape of a triangle one edge of which is parallel to mainland coast. The islanders make their living from viticulture, fishing and tourism.

The sole town of the island—home to about 2,000 people—lies on its northeastern corner, facing the mainland. The rest of the island is covered by vineyards, scattered pine woods, and Mediterranean shrubland (maquis), dotted by the occasional vineyard manor and, close to the coastline, housing estates used by mainland Turks as vacation homes.

Getting to Bozcaada By bus

Regular buses run from most major cities to Çanakkale. From Çanakkale there are frequent Bus connection to Geyikli Yukyeri Port where the ferryboats connect Bozcaada with the mainland. There are also some buses from Istanbul directly to Geyikli Yukyeri Port ("Truva" and "Metro" bus companies).

There is a bus company office located in one of the small shops at the town square. You can buy your ticket for Istanbul (or somewhere else on the way) for a bus departing from Geyikli in the mainland. Your bus will be waiting for you just outside the harbour in Geyikli. Don’t forget to catch the corresponding ferry back to the mainland (bus hours are usually in accordance with the ferry hours, they depart usually about 30 minutes after the departure of the ferry from island quay), they may wait for the next ferry or not! (more likely, not)

Getting to Bozcaada By car

From Istanbul — Get to Çanakkale first by following the route west from the city via Tekirdağ, Keşan, Gelibolu, and Eceabat. Take the ferry at Eceabat to cross the Strait to Asia. After passing the Strait into Çanakkale in Asia, take the road (D550/E87) south to Izmir. About 30 km away from Canakkale (and only a few km after you left the junction for the road to Troy behind), you’ll arrive at the junction which the access road to Geyikli harbour forks (there are also ‘Bozcaada’ signs on that junction). This route is about 400 km in total. Those who’d like to drive less may take fast ferries from Istanbul to Bandirma on the southern shore of Marmara. Bandirma to Geyikli is abut 210 km in total.

From Izmir — Take the route north (D550/E87) to Çanakkale, and turn left (to direction signposted as ‘Geyikli’/’Bozcaada’ there) in Ezine, about 50 km south of Çanakkale.

Getting to Bozcaada: By boat

In summer of 2009, passenger-only fast ferry (deniz otobüsü) service to Bozcaada direct from Çanakkale started. However, the only mainland location with a ferry connection which can accommodate cars to Bozcaada is still Geyikli, located on the western (Aegean) shore of Troad (Biga) Peninsula, south of Çanakkale.

Ferryboat Schedule from Geyikli to Bozcaada (there are often changes on the schedule, so it advisable to check): www.bozcaada.info

A return ticket (they don’t sell any one-way) for the ferry between Geyikli and Bozcaada costs 4 TL per person without a car (no student discounts). There is a ticket check only once when boarding the ferry in the mainland, after this, the ticket is practically worthless, since it is not checked again (for example when boarding to return to the mainland in Bozcaada).

Getting Around Bozcaada

There are frequent minibuses heading for Ayazma and Habbele beaches. Their departure is in the square right next to the entrance of the castle. A one-way ride costs 2 TL per person (no student discounts available) and takes about 15 minutes. There is also a minibus service once every day (at sunset time) to Cape Polente, the westernmost point of the island and where the electricity-generating wind turbines are located.

Although they are well-paved in most sections, most of the roads on the island are narrow. Nevertheless, there is little traffic anyway, so it is no problem that they are narrow.

The town itself is really small — you can walk from one edge of it to another in approximately ten minutes.

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Bozcaada Sights

•  Castle. The castle, surrounded by sea at one side and by a nowadays-dry (or marshy at best) moat at the others, served for Byzantines, Venetians and Genoans, although there is no evidence indicating who exactly built the castle. Still maintaining its glory, this is one of the castles that are in best condition in Turkey. Entrance fee: 5 TL (3 TL for students).

• Streets. The old cobbled streets and districts in the center of the town maintain their traditional architecture.

• Beaches. Although you can swim even in the small harbor, the beaches are located on the southern part of the island, namely Ayazma and Habbele where you can find some beach cafes around. Renting two deckchairs and a beach umbrella for half a day in Ayazma beach costs 5 TL. The fee is collected twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon by employees walking around the deckchairs one by one (not at the entrance). You can of course swim and sunbathe free of charge in nearby areas which are out of the beach club property.

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Bozcaada Money and Shopping

There are two ATM's in town and they do accept foreign VISA cards. One is located at the main square and other on the exterior wall of Ziraat Bankası in the town square.

As of summer 2006, there was only one supermarket in the island (located at one of the cobblestone streets, past one of the wine shops, leading to the town square). There you can find anything you may need as a casual traveller. Despite its monopolistic situation, the prices were at about the same level as the mainland.

• Locally produced wine and natural Red Poppy Syrup www.bozcaada.info

• Tomato jam – This delicious jam can be only found on the island in Turkey. It can be obtained from the shop with a big “Salto” sign on the town square, or from the only supermarket of the town (it did cost 7 TL in summer 2006, there are also other locally produced jams being sold at both stores), or from villager stalls (same price).

Books

Locally available books that are worth a look are:

• Kalaafiyet The book of Bozcaada recipes. A list of 100 recipes and Aegean food, island food and also island life.


• Anayurt (Mother Land) by Dimitri Kakmioglu. This is a memoir about an island childhood set in the late 1960s. Available in Turkish and English.

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Eating in Bozcaada

Definitely fish restaurants. A fish, some green salad, and a glass of raki did cost about 20 TL per person in summer 2006. You can see the prices for different kinds of fish on the boards in front of many restaurants. Keep in mind that almost all restaurants in the town gets really crowded between 8PM and 10PM and it is almost impossible to find a seat between these hours unless you either, be seated before 8PM or after 10PM, or better yet, reserve a seat during the day.

• Marti Restaurant, (behind the castle), ☎ +90 286 697 88 95 (info@martirestaurant.com.tr), www.martirestaurant.com.tr. Fish and other local tastes. From 30 TL/person.

• There is also a cheaper (did cost about 15 TL for a filling meal for two persons in summer 2006) outdoor restaurant in the first street to the left (when walking from the harbour) which serves traditional Turkish cuisine. You can recognise it by its checked tableclothes.

• Ucmuz Ada. Restaurant serving delicious meals as well as great chocolate soufflé—this is the only place on the island serving that dessert.


• Maya, American Cesme Mevkii, Kume Evleri (Its about 50 meters from American Fountain), ☎ (0286)697-80-50, www.mayabozcaada.com. 8 a.m to 11 p.m.. This is small restaurant serving daily home made dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The owner is the chef and he prepares everything daily; freshly baked breads and treats, home made cheeses and jams and wines. Reservations are a must as its small but worth the experience! Moderate.

[caption id="attachment_143" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Dinner in Bozcaada"][/caption]

Drinking in Bozcaada: Local drinks

• Wine - this is a wine-land where they imprinted a bunch of grapes on their coins thousands of years ago! The local wine producers are Corvus www.corvus.com.tr, Yunatçılar Camlibag www.camlibag.com.tr, Talay, Ataol and Gülerada. There are various local grapes such as vasilaki (white), karalahna (red), kuntra (red), karasakiz (red).


• Red Poppy Syrup - a local specialty of Ada Cafe. adagelincik.blogspot.com

Drinking in Bozcaada: Bars

• Salhane Bar, (in the yellow building on the far edge of the cove enclosed by the citadel, town, and mountains), ☎ +90 286 697 01 27. Probably the most famous drinking establishment of the island. Also has some open air deckchair-like seats just on the edge of the sea, facing some scary looking rocks ascending suddenly from the sea. Quite lukewarm waiters. There are reports that Salhane is closed, though it is worth a check if it will re-open for 2010 summer.

• Fuska bar behind the castle has a lovely terrace by the sea. There are also other nice bars behind the castle.

• There are also some other bars located on the sides of the street leading to Salhane, too.

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Bozcaada Hotels and Accommodation

Average price in the hotels and pensions of the island is about 50 YTL (and upwards) per person per night. This price generally includes breakfast too. There is also a campsite near Habbele beach which should be much cheaper.

If you are given a chance to choose between a cheaper/non-air conditioned room and a more expensive/AC room, go for non-A/C one, as it is always windy in Bozcaada and you won’t need to use the air-conditioner. Why pay more for a useless A/C? It’s unlikely but even if you feel hot, you can simply wide open the window (except if you are staying in the street-level floor for obvious reasons) even if there is no mosquito screen installed, as mosquitoes cannot survive in this windy climate and theft from the hotel rooms (by entering through the window) is virtually unknown.

Be aware, it is almost impossible to find a room without booking beforehand in summer.

• Gümüş Hotel (on the first street to left when walking out of harbour), tel +90 286 697-82-52. Very clean rooms with air-con and en suite bathroom. Rooms offer a nice view of harbour, fish restaurants, and the castle. Booking is highly advised in summer. Double rooms: 50 YTL per person/night (Summer 2006). Breakfast included.

• Baghane Pension and Traditional Town Houses, www.bahane.biz. You can either rent traditional houses located in the Greek quarter of the island or just share a room in the farm house with large breakfast. Double rooms 110 YTL (summer 2008).

• Yelkenli Bed&Breakfast (Yelkenli Holiday House), Papazbahce Mevkii, Bozcaada (on the way left to Ayazma beach), ☎ +90-541-962-88-00, www.yelkenlibag.com. A cute and cozy vineyard house with 3 separate rooms, located at the (geographical) center of the island, a fair distance from town center. 150 TL per room.

Bozcaada Photo Gallery

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This popular coastal town is located in the Izmir Region on the western tip of Turkey. Cesme (meaning fountain) has a reputation for being a health resort where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday whilst recharging your batteries. This reputation comes from the nearby thermal springs at Ilica which reach far into the sea. The therapeutic hot mineral springs are located on the coastline, on the beach. These springs have a temperature of 58C and are believed to hold curative properties.

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The resort offers accommodation to suit all budgets including family-run guest houses for cheap holidays, hotels, villas and pensions. Cesme also offers yachting holidays for those wishing to spend their time sailing on the crystal clear blue Mediterranean Sea.

Cesme Castle acts as the centre piece for the surrounding authentic Turkish restaurants, cafes and tea houses. Some of the best restaurants are found along the waterfront where diners can enjoy a romantic meal as they watch the sun setting across the sea.

The town’s miles of golden sandy beaches makes it very popular with visitors looking for beach holidays in the Mediterranean. South of the town is the long golden sandy beach of Pirlanta Plaj and Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach) which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Pirlanta Plaj is extremely popular with surfers. The white sandy Buyuk Plaj Beach is popular with families due to its calm shallow waters which are warmed by natural thermal springs. Clark Plaj with its shallow waters is also very popular with families looking for a safe place for the children to swim. The remote, windswept beach of Alacati is popular with water sports fans including wakeboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. Cesme plays host to International windsurfing competitions every year. Scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing are also very popular water sports in Cese. There are also beaches in the area with private beach clubs including the Seaside Beach Club at Piyade Cove.

[caption id="attachment_131" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cesme, Ilica Beach"][/caption]

Away from the beach you can enjoy an exciting visit to the Sunday market in Cesme and the Saturday market in Alacati. At the markets you can haggle with the vendors for Turkish rugs, leather goods, fake designer clothes, gifts and souvenirs, spices, fruit and vegetables. For a great day out the whole family will love a boat trip to the nearby Greek island of Chios and island hopping boat trips to explore the beaches and enjoy some snorkelling at the local islands. There are lots of day trip opportunities when holidaying in Cesme including visits to Sardis, Hierapolis and Pamukkale where ancient ruins can be seen alongside the mountains with frozen waterfalls. Other historical sites that are worthy of a visit whilst on your holidays to this popular resort are the ancient ruins at Pergamon and the museums at Izmir.

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Cesme enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with long hot dry summers and mild wetter winters. The summer holiday season here lasts from April to October with temperatures averaging 28C and 300 days of sunshine. The peak season of July and August sees temperatures reaching 29C and a glorious 14 hours of sunshine a day. Sea temperatures during the peak season maintain a very pleasant 23C. Even September sees daytime highs of 26C and 11 hours of sunshine a day. Winter sees mild weather with the coolest month being January and the wettest month December.

Turkey is surrounded by three seas: Mediterranean Sea to the south, Black Sea to the North and Aegean Sea to the west. That means, there are a lot of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Combine this with really affordable airfare and accommodation and you’ve got yourself one crowded country during the peak season.

When?

The peak season and when the Turkish beaches are at their best is between May and October. The water is still rather cold until June but the prices clearly recommend May as a shoulder season. The beaches are very crowded during July and August.

Where?

There are a lot of beaches in Turkey and it’s impossible to write about all of them. However, we can easily list the most popular beaches.

Patara Beach (Fetiyhe)

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This beach is Turkey’s best and was even rated as the best in the world by The Sunday Times. It’s the longest beach on the Mediterranean shore. Accommodation is limited but inexpensive. Camping is not an option either. And there isn’t any possibility for water sports. Patara town can be reaches by public transport or by foot (a rather longish walk).

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Ölüdeniz (Fetiyhe)

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This is Turkey’s most popular beach. The resort area is beautiful and there are beautiful hotels in the town and in the near-by resorts. But the beach can get overcrowded. A wide variety of water sports are available, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants and bars. Paragliding and Hangliding off the near-by hills and landing on the beach is one of the popular activities among tourists. Locals say the resort is open all year round. During summer it gets as hot as 32 C/89.6 F, while during winter it’s never colder than 20 C / 68 F.

Olympos (Antalya)

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Having a tiny pristine beach, Olympos (alternative spelling: Olimpos) is a small town near Antalya where you can also see ruins of Roman temples, hike in a pine forest and be amazed by the Chimera, a natural flame which has been burning naturally for hundreds of years.

Initially discovered by backpackers traveling to Turkey on a budget, Olympos is now famous for its tree-house camps and pensions.

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Iztuzu Beach (Dalyan)

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A really big beach, tucked away from the cities, Iztuzu leaves you the impression that it’s totally undiscovered. Far from that, but clearly it’s not crowded at all. It’s one the best beaches in Turkey. Take an excursion boat from Dalyan to get in the mood even before arriving on the beach.

There are plenty of low-cost airlines flying into Turkey and just as many connecting the Turkish cities, so it’s fast and quite affordable to travel to/from Turkey as well as within the country by plane.

However, if you are on a tight budget, bus travel makes an excellent alternative. There are plenty of buses and dolmus offers connections even to the off the places which are located off the beaten bath.

The bus network in Turkey is excellent, with long haul buses equipped with air conditioning. However, don’t expect to find too many luxury buses, as most are economy-type but the services are good. The motorways are well maintained, but the further you get from them, the worse the roads tend to be.

Getting to/from Turkey by Bus – From Another Country

The cheapest way to get to/from Turkey and another country is by bus. It’s cheaper and faster than trains.

Romania, Bulgaria and Greece

There are direct buses to Turkey from Bucharest and Constanta every day. Romania also offers the possibility to travel further west , offering the link to Central and Western Europe. There are also direct connections from Sofia (Bulgaria) and Athens (Greece) via Thessaloniki. Smaller bus carriers offer links to other cities in the Balkans, as well.

Iran

There are direct buses from Teheran to both Ankara and Istanbul. The travel time is about 48 h.

Syria

There are buses from Aleppo to Antakya and the travel time is only 3 h. If you need to get to Istanbul, there are direct flights from Damascus.

Getting around Turkey by Bus – from one city to another

Buses are excellent choices to get around Turkey. There is an extensive network covering the Turkish cities. The service is generally good and you need to reserve the seat. Buses are often crowded.

As a rule of thumb, the further east you travel, the less frequent the bus service will be. But even if you travel very far from Istanbul or Izmir, you’ll still be able to find a connection.

Generally, if you can choose from more operators, a bus capable of carry more passengers will offer more leg room. There are also the dolmus, which are minibuses, and they are definitely not as comfortable as the buses. However, the dolmus typically cover small distances (such as from the periphery of a major city to the centre or within a city).

Don’t be surprised to see that you are dropped off somewhere on the ring road. Sometimes, the bus companies also offer a bus to take you to the city center, but in other cases you’ll have to use the public transport to get where you need to.

Getting around Turkey by Bus – within a city

In Ankara, there is an extensive bus network service (350 different lines). In Antalya, the buses also connect all parts of the city. The fares are low and there is even AC in the buses. The city of Izmir also has an extensive bus network. In Bodrum, the dolmus is the best way to get around the city.

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In the capital of Istanbul, there are both public and private buses. They run from 6 a.m. until midnight, with limited service after 10 p.m. There are also 24 hours lines which connect the city to the airports. Some areas of the city aren’t covered by buses, so you’ll use the tram or metro if you need to get to Sultanahmet and Taksim areas.

Buses in Turkey are a cheap way to get around. And they are usually faster than trains. But do you really want to be stuck in a bus for 12 hours, without being able to move at all? The alternative is the inexpensive, civilized, air conditioned, but , sometimes, slower train. You can also choose a sleeper for over night travel and there are restaurant cars for your meals. Plus, you have quite a bit of space to move around.

How to get to Turkey by train

There are direct connections from Romania and Bulgaria on the Balkan Express. You can also get to Turkey by train from Greece on the Filia-Dostluk Express and from Iran on the Trans-Asya Ekspresi. There are also daily connections to Budapest (Hungary) via Bucharest (Romania).

Domestic train travel in Turkey

The best trains in Turkey are now modern and are excellent choices for long distance travel. However, it is true that the rail network is limited, so you’ll have to use the bus where you cannot take the train and for the short distances.

There is a high speed service between Istanbul and Ankara, which drastically reduces the travel time (by 2013 it’s expected to take this journey in just 3 hours, beating both the plane and the bus). Istanbul is also connected to Izmir, Bursa, Bodrum, Eastern Turkey and cities in Cappadocia; while Ankara is also connected to Izmir, Adana, Konya and Eastern Turkey. There are no train services to Antalya, Marmaris, and Alanya, so to get to these cities you need to combine train and bus travel.

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How to get tickets online

The TCDD website http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/ offers the possibility to book the tickets online , but you’ll need to create a user/password before you actually book the ticket. Remember to print out the reservation.

Alternatively, you can get the tickets directly from the train station. If you travel during the high season, chances are that the sleepers are already full; but otherwise you should be able to book a seat several days before departure.

InterRail and Rail Europe

Rail Europe doesn’t offer point-to-point tickets for Turkey, but you can get a Balkans Pass which also offers the possibility to travel in Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Romania.

On the other hand, InterRail has the Turkey Pass which allows for travel on all trains operated by TCDD.

Overview of Bodrum

Bodrum is that the web site of the traditional town of Halikarnassus, the placement of the famous Mausoleum of Halikarnassus (built when 353 BCE) – one in every of the Seven Wonders of the traditional World. sadly, the traditional monument was destroyed by earthquakes within the Middle Ages – a number of the remnants are often seen in London’s British Museum.



Bodrum could be a fascinating place because it contains a pleasing distinction between the traditional town – where there are discernable fragments everywhere within the city -and a playground for wealthy Turks and an array of foreign guests. it’s one in every of the centres of the Turkish Tourist business and is that the market city for the Bodrum Peninsula that consists of variety of cities and villages nestling on the sting of the Coast. till the 1960′s the city was a fishing village that modified when variety of Turkish intellectuals gathered and wrote concerning Bodrum. Most notable of the these was Cevat Sekir ‘The Fisherman of Hallikarnassus’, an Oxford Educated Turk who devoted his time to writing and planting various plants and trees that still dot the landscape of the city. His book the ‘Blue Voyage’ describing gullet visits round the Turkish coast, and his descriptions of the astoundingly clear Blue Seas of the Aegean and therefore the delights of a visit round the coasts adjacent to Bodrum galvanized an entire generation who have return to emulate his visits. Bodrum has thus grown as a sailing destination and due to its heat however not humid climate has become a prime destination for guests who relish the mixture of the traditional past at the side of all the same old tourist paraphernalia. There are giant numbers of retailers and restaurants – from humble cafes to exquisite Turkish cuisine served by an array of waiting workers.

 

Modern Bodrum unusually looks to own 2 contrasting sides to it.

 

The east half the city contains a long skinny however affordable beach, that has been added within the previous couple of years, with the authorities making an attempt and largely succeeding in making an honest beach. Behind the beach lay all the bars, restaurants, and night clubs that are typical of Mediterranean resort cities. this suggests open fronted bars that don’t return alive till 10pm when everyone goes out. still as some nice beach fronted bars (e.g. restaurant del mar being a fairly chilled out and engaging bar, with engaging workers in order that helps) it conjointly has some terrible ones, if you are doing not just like the laborious drinking culture of some tourists. It will have some affordable clubs. Halikarnas being the apparent one because it is big (4000 people). It is also principally outdoors and hosts foam parties on regular occasions.

 

The other half the city is that the west aspect. This mainly revolves round the Marina and Yacht Club. Here life could be a very little additional sedate with retailers catering mainly to those that have stepped off their boats. Expensive supermarkets with correct wine and olive oil still because the obligatory Helley Hanson to be able to purchase your new jacket. There are variety of nice restaurants if you look laborious enough and a few sensible garments retailers. Like all resorts being directly on the ocean front will increasethe costs. throughout the evenings there’s a beautiful atmosphere because the locals and tourists all appear to promenade along the ocean front.

 

There are several cultural events – notably the Ballet pageant in August, a good vary of pop concerts at the Castle or within the Amphitheatre that has been restored within the previous couple of years, having been engineered some two,000 years ago.

 

History

 

According to Herodotus, born B.C. 484 in Halikarnassus (ancient name for Bodrum), town was founded by the Dorians. Megarans enlarged town B.C. 650 and adjusted its name to Halikarnassus, and then Persians began to rule town from B.C. 386

 

Halikarnassus had its superb days, when it absolutely was the capital of the Karia B.C. 353. one in every of the Seven Wonders of the traditional World, the Mausoleum, was designed there by Artemisia for the memory of King Mausolos.

 

After the Roman and Byzantium rule for ages, Ottomans have conqured town in 1522, throughout the time of Suleyman, The Magnificent. town was named “Bodrum” when the Turkish Republic was declared.

 

Mausoleum

 

Known as one in all the Seven Wonders of the traditional World, The Mauseloum was engineered by Artemisia, the sister and therefore the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355.

 

This work of art, stood on a twenty one stepped pyramid that was forty six metres high and automotiveried a horse car symbolising victory on it, had thirty six marble columns in Ionian vogue.

 

The mauseloum was destroyed in an earthquake; and therefore the ruins were utilized in building of the Halikarnassus Castle. several statues and reliefs from the mauseloum were carried to The British Museum by archeologist C. Newton, in 1856 and currently lies there for public viewing.

 

Climate

 

During winters and is derived, November through April, the weather in Bodrum is usually superb with a number of serious shower periods, typically going down in November, and therefore then your time once new year and the last one in March/April. February is very pleasant with not too cold nights and therefore the almond blossoming and therefore the abundance of untamed ruccola everywhere the place.

 

Summers, arriving once April, are as hot because it will get (expect temperatures on top of forty C) and sunny with no rain.

 

Getting to Bodrum

 

By plane

 

Bodrum-Milas airport is thirty five km faraway from Bodrum and lots of flight corporations operate charter flights to Bodrum in Summer season. There are Dalaman and Izmir Airports that are three hours distant from Bodrum.

 

From the Airport: There are Havas www.havas.com.tr Shuttle services in accordance with every planes’ arriving to the domestic lines of Bodrum Milas Airport. price tag Fee from airport to Bodrum Center is seventeen.00 TL, journey takes 40-45 minutes.

 

Food and drink prices at the airport are astronomical. for instance, a will of soda prices concerning five Euros whereas it’d be a fraction of that within the town. Take this under consideration before arriving at the airport.

 

By bus

 

There are several intercity bus firms that operate bus services to Bodrum from major cities of Turkey like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Bursa, Konya, etc… when arriving at any of those cities, Bodrum is reached by bus. By bus: from Istanbul to Bodrum thirteen hours; Izmir to Bodrum four hours; Ankara to Bodrum ten hours.

 

Sometimes, if you’re returning from a awfully distant destination (such as Cappadocia), the bus won’t arrive on to Bodrum (inquire regarding this once you purchase your price ticket as they do not continuously hassle to allow you to understand and a few buses are direct whereas alternative are not) however rather arrive at a close-by city (usually Mugla) where you may modification to a smaller bus which is able to take you on to the central bus station in Bodrum. the initial bus price tag you bought to Bodrum can sometimes embrace this leg of the trip within the value therefore confirm you are doing not pay once more when the ticket seller comes by to gather the ticket fee on the smaller bus.

 

Bodrum Sights

 

Landmarks

 

• Bodrum Castle/Castle of St Peter (Bodrum Kalesi), www.bodrum-museum.com. Tu-Su. designed from 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller, the Castle is well the foremost distinguished landmark within the town. The castle currently operates as a museum, with the main focus on the Museum of Underwater Archaeology (see below). it’s one among the world’s best preserved monuments dating back to medieval times. The supervision of the development of the castle was assigned to the German architect Heinrich Schlegelholt, in order that the most recent developments in castle style were included. The castle is sort of pretty and therefore the views are spectacular.

 

• The Bodrum Amphitheatre www.bodrumturkeytravel.com/history-culture/bodrum-amphitheatre is another ancient structure accredited to the reign of King Mausolus, though it wasn’t completed till the Roman era. The theatre is another witness to the good past of Bodrum, and it’s one among the simplest preserved structures of ancient Halikarnassus. you’ll be able to realize this web site on the road to Gumbet

 

• Windmills in Bodrum www.bodrumturkeytravel.com/history-culture/bodrum-windmills – one in all the various sights within the Bodrum peninsula are the white windmills, that were made from stone and lined with picket planks. These windmills were used from the mid eighteenth century till the 70s as a method to grind flour. Seven windmills are often found on a hill between Bodrum and Gumbet, at the road to Turgutreis and plenty of windmills are often found round the former fishing port Yalikavak. These historical mills on the Bodrum Peninsula are currently being restored to draw in native and foreign tourists. (12/2008)

 

• Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM (off-season, seemingly open until evening in summer). simply a brief walk uphill from the marina, the foundations of the Mausoleum (see above) are often seen. 8 TL.

 

• Myndos Gate – The recent town gates, engineered underneath the reign of King Mausolus. it had been the scene for one in all the best bloodiest battles throughout the siege of town by Alexander the good.

 

Museums and Galleries

 

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, inside Bodrum Castle, tel +90 252 316 25 16begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +90 252 316 25 16 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, fax +90 252 313 76 46, www.bodrum-museum.com. Tu-Su 9AM-12PM, 2PM-7PM, closed Mondays. established in 1961, this great museum has won numerous awards, and displays amazing finds from underwater excavations along the Turkish coast. Includes the famous Uluburun Shipwreck, one of the earliest and richest wrecks yet discovered. Not to be missed.

 

Bodrum Activities

 

During the height season, the beach that stretches between the castle and Halikarnas is extremely sensible for swimming; The water is roped off to stop boats coming back in, and also the beach and water is cleaned daily by the restaurants and by the town authorities. Sunbeds and beanbags on the beach are freed from charge, though the restaurants that own them can bring you menus or give you drinks each [*fr1] hour. another choice is to travel to the nearby beaches of Gumbet or Bitez: Grab a Taxi (15/25 Lira) or move to the bus station and hop on a Dolmus (2/3 Lira). These beaches are rather more fitted to sunbathing and have actual sand (Bodrum’s beach is usually pebbles, whereas the water at Gumbet & Bitez is extremely shallow), sunbeds are freed from charge and loud music is additionally there to entertain you. There are many pools with bars that don’t charge an entrance fee even though you’re not ordering something. a range of water sports is obtainable.

 

You can additionally rent a non-public boat for your own trip round the bay. make certain all passengers have and wear lifejackets which there’s an emergency oar and kit on board. Taking a movable in a very plastic bag is advisable. attempt snorkeling (go for sensible quality glass primarily based goggles and kit obtainable in most outlets at around twenty Lira).

 

• Hamam — Bodrum includes a fine hamam, additionally called a Turkish bathtub, located many blocks inland from the harbour. Facilities are separated by gender with each sexes enjoying constant hours of operation.


• any afield there are the mud baths to go to. You go down the river on a rickety of chug-chug jump in bit baths of mud and roll around (The fun bit) and then clean off and go home. It’s additionally straightforward to travel across to Kos or Rhodes for daily or 2. When arriving there get a scooter (very dangerous however the simplest and simplest way to induce around). there’s in fact various recent design to go to around if you prefer that sort of factor.


• Windsurfing — There are some sensible prospects for windsurfing at nearby Vass. it’s somewhat of a hippy air to it with millions of rent stands for boards and sails. Some could notice there are simply tooooo many of us around in high season for it to be abundant fun, particularly when there are competitions running.

 

Pure Windsurfing Centre puretourism.co.uk/windsurfing is another choice within the peninsula. there’s a good vary of windsurfing boards and sails for rent. The bay is good, quite and safe, therefore you do not got to worry regarding an overcrowded location. The bay has cross shore conditions and you’ll be able to be designing straight from the beach. good for beginners within the mornings and within the afternoons for the gone through windsurfer.

 

• Diving – There are several diving clubs doing daily scuba diving tours all round the region, fees sometimes embrace lunch and snacks ready on boat. Bodrum dive sites


• Boat Tours – Public boat tours are organized from most the beaches. Alternatively, you’ll be able to create early reservation with the tour operator of your selection, several tour operators are located within the Bodrum Marina. Boat tours are a decent thanks to explore varied beaches surrounding Bodrum, in addition as some should see island strands you cannot reach by road.


• Yacht charter within the Aegean ocean www.windward-islands.net Windward Islands, one among the worlds largest yacht charter corporations, will watch out of all charter needs, from bareboat to luxury yacht within the Aegean ocean. Operating from completely different offices worldwide (USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Honk Kong and Dubai).


• Rent a automobile and explore the wonder of Bodrum www.bodrumrentacar.com


• Take a dolmus from the central bus station(otogar) to the Tropical Camel Beach. It takes approx. 30min. from the bus station to the Camel Beach. you’ll be able to ride a camel at the camel beach for ten TL. the ocean and also the beach is one among the best within the Bodrum Peninsula.


• Tour within the marina and Bodrum Castle, photos with maps www.trekinu.com/viewtrek.aspx?trkid=on25i9bs77ti30y.


• Flaka Cruising, Bodrum, www.flaka.nl. Bodrum is understand for its recent ancient picket sailing boats, therefore referred to as gulets. Mainly, there’s sailed within the gulf of Gokova and Hirasonu, the Blue Cruise or Blue Voyage because the trip is referd to, is finished by motor/engine but there are many charter corporations who sail by windpower, one among them is Flaka Cruising and will supply this service by sailing by wind. Gulets may be charterd for your family gathering or by cabin. within the last case you share the gulet with alternative guests type round the world.

 

Bodrum Photo Gallery

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Turkey’s Cappadocia region is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country. The region known as Cappadocia or Kapadokya in the native Turkish, is situated in Central Anatolia and is known the world around for its moon-like landscape and its mysterious underground cities, churches and houses carved into rocks.

The wonderfully weird and unusual rock formations called fairy chimneys were created over the span of millions of years of rains and winds and due to the interesting characteristics of the region the human culture that has inhabited Cappadocia ever since prehistoric times has been likewise interesting and unique.

Besides the visiting of the underground cities – some of which are eight levels deep – one can get around to doing quite a few things while in the Cappadocia region, for instance hiking is a very popular activity in the area.



Thanks to its many valleys hiking is one amazing and free option to exploring the region if you are so inclined to, make sure that you get a map either from your hotel or from a tourist office with the primary walks and trails. One such popular valley is Pigeon Valley or Guvercinlik Valley, it features a four kilometer trail which connects Goreme to Uchisar.

Another very popular activity when visiting the area is going on a hot air balloon tour in Goreme. These will usually lift off at sunrise and float to wherever the wind takes them for about an hour or so. These balloons are piloted much like a boat would be, riding the various air currents and they offer a fantastic view when the float down the valleys and below the ridge line. This is indeed an extremely popular activity in the region as there are fifteen balloon companies operating so you’ll have where to choose from.



Considering the underlying theme of the region it should come as no surprise that accommodations would be available in cave hotels. It makes total sense that if you are going to visit this region you should experience it to its fullness and this extend to trying the local cuisine as well as the local wines which are world famous as well.

 

Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar)

Istanbul is worth seeing for the shopping alone. And the Kapali Carsi or "Abgedeckt Bazaar", in the old town is the logical starting point. This labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4,000 shops. The names recall the days when each trade had its own quarter "goldsmiths' street", "carpet sellers Street", "The street of the skull cap of makers". You sit down for tea with some of the seller and let them enchant you to buy a few souvenirs that you never realized you wanted.

Pamukkale

Chances are your first view of Pamukalle (translated "Cotton Castle") catch on a postcard. Calcium oxide water draw this Caldag hang white, creating terraces dripping a number of Gaudi-like. Try all of you this impressive geological formation early without thousands of people crawling, and turn dark view of the white surface with foot scum.

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Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

One of Istanbul's big draws, served as the Centre for the Ottoman Empire for four centuries this expensive 15th century estate and is difficult for most travelers to miss. The labyrinth of rooms courtyards, a throne room, circumcision see you space and a harem.

Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul

As the Ottomans from the Topkapi Palace in 1853, she moved on, decided to build on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. It does not look as beautiful from the outside, but is the opulence within even the most established Las Vegas lobby shame prepare. (Seine_auch_wo_Kemal_Ataturk_(erster_Praesident_der_Tuerkei) November 10, 1938-, died you want to know when to look up the watches that have been set on its exact time of death) 9.05 am).

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul

If you are looking for a mosque Smurf colored, forget it - it's the blue tiles on the inside, which gives this mosque its name. If you want to see hand-woven rugs to go barefoot on the countless during the serenity and architecture, you are known locally Mehmet AGA creation, from the seventeenth century as the "Sultanahmet Camii" disappointed.

Ephesus

Walk through the dry stack cut stone of Ephesus, is difficult to imagine that it once away sat on the Aegean coast, now 8kn. And even more difficult to imagine the Temple of Artemis in full glory, even as it was a wonder of the world. The site as a whole, is however impressively preserved.

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Take a Turkish bath

No scratching travel from the dirt much like a trip to a Hammam. Often with hot baths, showers, and cooling Chambers, see equipped this enormous marble steam baths, everywhere in Turkey. Let a scouring with one abrasiven Mitt masseuse and see chew gum0sized bundle of dead skin drums out of your body. Then, it becomes mush your muscles, crack pounds which your joints, and you will be feeling like a boned chicken in a good way, of course.

Explore sewer of Istanbul

Yerebatan Saray is translated literally, the "sunken Palace". It is Istanbul's largest underground Cistern, course air air-conditioned and renovated for public access. This nightmare has unique plumber until was polished atmosphere - the water dripping from the ceiling is now of pulsating lights and creepy music accompanied.

Sleeping in a cave

Cappadocia region and you will find the Swiss-cheese-like head a mind-boggling range of caves. Some of these Hitler's apartments (often called "fairy chimneys") in the humid hostels transformed, offering a nice respite from the heat. See also underground cities and Rock-Hewn Churches.

Are looking for an "evil eye"

Nazar Boncuk, or "Evil Eye" charming as they are commonly known, are cheap and come in many shapes and sizes: earrings, necklaces, Hatpins and so on. The small blue eye is an old superstition to ward off misfortune. Take one and like to get a smile from the locals. It is a nice way to let them know, that you engage more than pictures of old ladies make interested in carpets are. Enjoy something they like, while a tea set, already selling you.

Turkey is a great destination for summer vacations, preferred by many holiday lovers. Although five out of seven of Turkey`s climatic regions are quite hot and rainless in summers, it is cool in the inlands. Turkish summers lasts from mid-June to mid-September.

A summer vacation in Turkey is an opportunity to watch events and festivals that take place during this time of the year. You can watch the Marmaris Yacht Show in May; the Marmaris Festival in June; Aspendos Opera Festival in June; Butterfly Valley, from July to September; Antalya Film Festival in September.

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Turkey is a great place to go alone, or with your family for a vacation. It has something of interest for everyone. The locals are friendly and hospitable. Restaurants are open till late where you find whole families dining. The well known resorts have kid`s clubs to keep children entertained and happy. So, do not miss this wonderful opportunity of a summer vacation in Turkey.

Festivals are the Heart of Alanya’s Culture

Alanya’s culture is deeply rooted in the city’s location and tourism. Since it is close to the sea there are many annual festivals that make the city unique. These festivals include the Tourism and Art Festival. This one marks the open of the tourism season at the end of May or the beginning of June. The Alanya International Culture and Art Festival starts the last week of May. This is a festival known throughout Turkey. One of the other notable festivals includes Alanya Jazz Days. The city holds this one in September or October and it has been going strong since 2002. Kizil Kule (home of the municipal ethnographic museum) hosts Alanya Jazz Days. Visitors enjoy music from Turkish and international jazz musicians. The festival consists of five free concerts.

Musicians also perform during the Alanya International Culture and Art Festival. Members of the Antalya State Opera and Ballet, and Alanya Chamber Orchestra made its inaugural performance debut back in December of 2007. During November, The International Alanya Stone Sculpture Symposium meet. The Alanya Cinémathèque Society and the Association of Documentary Filmmakers in Turkey founded the Alanya Documentary Festival in 2001. When it comes to Turkish film Alanya is on the map. Onat Kutlar, the Turkish poet and writer was born in Alanya. He was the founder of the Istanbul International Film Festival.

Every February 18^th the locals celebrate Ataturk’s visit to Alanya. The party centers around Atatürk’s House and Museum. The Alanya Museum houses archaeology found around the city including ceramics, Roman limestone ossuaries, historic Qur’an copies and a large bronze statue of Hercules.

Boza in the Winter? Visit Luleburgaz!

Luleburgaz is located in the Marmara region of Turkey. The city borders Pinarhisar on the north, Terkirday on the south and east, and Babaeski on the west. Luleburgaz’s ancient name was Bergula. Emperor Theodosius I changed the city’s name to Arcadiopolis later in the city’s history.

In 970, the city endured the Battle of Arcadiopolis and the Battle of Lule-Burgas during the First Balkan War in 1912. Luleburgaz is the seat of the Roman Catholic titular arch-bishopric of Arcadiopolis in Europa. The Greeks captured the city in 1919 and remained in control until the Mudanya agreement of 1922.

The city is famous for its sixteenth-century mosque and bridge. Both of these architectural masterpieces were named after the Grand Vizier Sokullu Mehmet Paşa. They were also designed by the Ottoman’s chief architect Mimar Sinan. The ”Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Kulliye” was built in 1570. It’s mosque, hamam, caravansari, and theology school are a wonderful Ottoman piece of art.

When you visit the city make sure to do some shopping at the local bazaar and enjoy the town center’s parks. You can visit with the locals and enjoy a cool drink. You can also visit the numerous cafes and restaurants for local Turkish fare. For a taste of the locals make sure to try the dishes made with meat. The region is known for its meat.

During the winter you can try the popular local drink “Boza”. Boza is a fermented drink sold in Turkey and throughout Eastern Europe. This malt liquor has a thick consistency and slightly acidic but sweet flavor. You’ll find plenty of shops selling Boza in the town’s center.

A Brief History and Overview of Kirklareli, Turkey

Kirklareli is located in the Eastern Thrace. This is on the European part of Turkey. The city sits on the border with Edirne to its west, Tekirdag to its south, Istanbul to the south-east, the Black Sea to it’s east, and Bulgaria to the north.

It’s not known when exactly Kirklareli was founded but the city was once called the “Forty Churches” or Kirk Kilise. The name comes from 14^th century Greek Byzantines. The city was seriously damaged during the Greek War of Independence by Turks and Greeks while it was under Bulgarian control. During the Balkan Wars the Bulgarians occupied the city again.

The Greeks took over after World War I and Turks took over Kirk Kilise during the Turkish War for Independence on November 10, 1922. There was a population exchange agreement signed between Turkey and Greece in 1923. Greeks living in the city were exchanged for Turks and the name Kirk Kilise officially changed to Kirklareli on December 20, 1924.

There are numerous ways to get to Kirklareli. Istanbul connects to the city via highway and is only 209 km away. So, this makes visiting via car or bus very easy. In fact, there are numerous buses that travel frequently from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. If you would rather travel by sea there are private boats that travel on the coastal region. When you travel inside the city the best way to see the city is on foot. However, there are plenty of busses driving around the city.

If you do plan to walk the city just keep in mind that it is hot during the summer and cold during the winter. You’ll want to dress accordingly.

There is one very modern and very popular holiday dialysis center right in the middle of Kirklareli province, and on the main O-3 / E80 highway that runs through Kirklareli. Contact one of the Diaverum Holiday Travel Coordinators to make your appointments for your entire Turkish holiday.

Bus Travel in Turkey

There are plenty of low-cost airlines flying into Turkey and just as many connecting the Turkish cities, so it’s fast and quite affordable to travel to/from Turkey as well as within the country by plane.

However, if you are on a tight budget, bus travel makes an excellent alternative. There are plenty of buses and dolmus offers connections even to the off the places which are located off the beaten bath.

The bus network in Turkey is excellent, with long haul buses equipped with air conditioning. However, don’t expect to find too many luxury buses, as most are economy-type but the services are good. The motorways are well maintained, but the further you get from them, the worse the roads tend to be.

Getting to/from Turkey by Bus – From Another Country

The cheapest way to get to/from Turkey and another country is by bus. It’s cheaper and faster than trains.

Romania, Bulgaria and Greece

There are direct buses to Turkey from Bucharest and Constanta every day. Romania also offers the possibility to travel further west , offering the link to Central and Western Europe. There are also direct connections from Sofia (Bulgaria) and Athens (Greece) via Thessaloniki. Smaller bus carriers offer links to other cities in the Balkans, as well.

Iran

There are direct buses from Teheran to both Ankara and Istanbul. The travel time is about 48 h.

Syria

There are buses from Aleppo to Antakya and the travel time is only 3 h. If you need to get to Istanbul, there are direct flights from Damascus.

Getting around Turkey by Bus – from one city to another

Buses are excellent choices to get around Turkey. There is an extensive network covering the Turkish cities. The service is generally good and you need to reserve the seat. Buses are often crowded.

As a rule of thumb, the further east you travel, the less frequent the bus service will be. But even if you travel very far from Istanbul or Izmir, you’ll still be able to find a connection.

Generally, if you can choose from more operators, a bus capable of carry more passengers will offer more leg room. There are also the dolmus, which are minibuses, and they are definitely not as comfortable as the buses. However, the dolmus typically cover small distances (such as from the periphery of a major city to the centre or within a city).

Don’t be surprised to see that you are dropped off somewhere on the ring road. Sometimes, the bus companies also offer a bus to take you to the city center, but in other cases you’ll have to use the public transport to get where you need to.

Getting around Turkey by Bus – within a city

In Ankara, there is an extensive bus network service (350 different lines). In Antalya, the buses also connect all parts of the city. The fares are low and there is even AC in the buses. The city of Izmir also has an extensive bus network. In Bodrum, the dolmus is the best way to get around the city.

In the capital of Istanbul, there are both public and private buses. They run from 6 a.m. until midnight, with limited service after 10 p.m. There are also 24 hours lines which connect the city to the airports. Some areas of the city aren’t covered by buses, so you’ll use the tram or metro if you need to get to Sultanahmet and Taksim areas.

Kemer Travel Guide, Turkey

Kemer is located about 43 kilometres from Antalya. It is really very attractive village at the outskirts of the Taurus Mountains. Kemer has nine pretty villages. The population of Kemer is roughly around 10.000 and it has a coast of 52 kms. In Kemer the forest, the sea and the mountains blend with each other and it offers an ideal environment for a wonderful holiday.



Many developments had been in Kemer recently. The investments made for the development of Tourism Industry, has a big important role in Kemer's economy. This town is an actual sample of the urbanization. Kemer is a quite and comfortable holiday district, with ; easy and organized transportation, completed infrastructure, , all utilities of communication and well working Municipality. Today, Kemer is well known place and has important touristic town in tourism. Kemer marina is fully equipped and it has facilities for all activities so that yachtsmen can enjoy the beaches and bays south of the town. Shopping lovers will delight in the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs for sale. Kemer's setting, however, is incredibly fascinating and beautiful, and it supposedly had its origins as a Lycian settlement. Many hotels in Kemer offer their own activities and entertainments for guests, and several have private beach access.



On the 16 km west of the touristic town of Kemer there is an ancient Lycian city Phaselis. Modern resort town Kemer has a vibrant club and disco culture. With many restaurants, bars, blue flag beaches and a 180-capacity yacht marina. Popular coastal villages such as Beldibi, Göynük, Kiris, Çamyuva, Çayova, Aslanbucak, Kuzdere, Beycik and Çirali also provide many exciting nightlife options.