9 Insta-Worthy Locations In Bodrum, Turkey

17 Jun 9 Insta-Worthy Locations In Bodrum, Turkey

If we had to sum up our first impression of Bodrum (the elegant seaside getaway in south-west Turkey) we would have to say: it’s been a really, really, really, really, REALLY pleasant surprise. Our knowledge of Turkey is fairly limited – we visited back in 2015 with some friends, but stuck to the bars and mosques of Istanbul, and only stayed for 4 days. This time, we headed south, to where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, to one of the most picturesque towns we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.

 

 

The first thing you notice, is the vast number of luxury resorts positioned along the cliffs and hills. If you’re like us, you will check in to the European resort that won the Reader’s Choice award in 2016 and 2017 – the Caresse Resort and Spa (one of our favourites from The Luxury Collection). You’ll spend your first evening enjoying the infinity pool (which will trick you into thinking that you’re swimming in the ocean) and you’ll most probably sip on the homemade lemonade, while you watch the sun go down. Ah, bliss.

 

 

But as photographers and filmmakers, we arrived with a mission – to find the most photogenic locations in this Turkish paradise. After consulting with the Caresse Resort’s concierge (and doing some of our own Google digging), we found a few gems, and what follows is our own you-must-photograph-when-visiting list for Bodrum. Enjoy!

 

9 Insta-Worthy Locations In Bodrum

 

Bodrum Castle

It’s probably the most photographed piece of architecture in Bodrum (and for all the right reasons). The history of this monument goes all the way back to when the town was named Halicarnassus, circa 4th Century B.C., and was partly built with stones from the Mausoleum – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

The Windmills in Gumbet (at sunset)

There’s a reason so many people come here every single day to watch the sun go down. The views offered on both sides of the hill are mesmerising, and seeing these ancient structures from up close, will go down as one of the most memorable experiences during your trip.

 

Bitez Bay (at sunrise)

Only a two minute drive from the Caresse Resort and Spa, is the Bitez Marina – the start of your nature walk. You will be guided along the coastline to the tranquil Aquarium Bay, on the other side. Set aside around 45 minutes for the walk (each way) as you’ll be stopping every so often to snap a pic of the views, the biodiversity, and the crystal clear waters.

 

The Red Lighthouse in Turgutreis (at sunset)

It glows red, it’s positioned on it’s own strip of land, it stands proud between the most spectacular peaks in the distance…and it has to be one of the best views for sunset, we’ve ever seen. Probably our favourite spot in Bodrum, so make the 45-min drive out from Bodrum Centre.

 

Aquarium Bay

Reached by foot from Bitez Marina (at the end of the nature walk mentioned above), or by boat from anywhere, the waters here can only be described as paradise, and with a white water tank resembling a dome you’d find on the set of a Star Wars film, you certainly won’t struggle to find an angle for a shot.

 

The Bodrum Bazaar

There’s plenty of local trinkets and delicacies available at the bazaar, all just waiting to be discovered. We spent a lot of time at one of the many Turkish Delight stalls (naturally), and although the lighting conditions are tough inside the bazaar, we believe photographers need to eat, so make this your snack spot (in between all the shooting) too. We recommend the Blanca restaurant – great views of the waters (and they serve a delicious Anfora Kebap – which in itself is a great spectacle to photograph).

 

The Bodrum Marina

With enough yachts and sail boats to make any navy lover go gaga, we couldn’t help but spend hours admiring the multitude of vessels, with tall masts against the perfect skies, and diamond-esque reflections on the water. Simply beautiful, and a must-see during your trip.

 

The Ancient Theatre

Before arriving, check ahead to make sure the entrance is open, as sadly we weren’t able to go inside when we stopped past at 5pm, but the theatre itself is yet another teleportation to an ancient time, when gladiators performed and kings ruled with vigor. We luckily managed to grab a couple pics through the fence, to give you a great idea of what to expect, but we highly recommend going during opening hours.

 

Pamukkale terraces

Ok, technically not in Bodrum, but being Turkey’s most visited spot, it’s certainly worth the 4hr drive from the city centre. We recommend leaving at 5am or earlier (if you are planning on coming back the same day) or better yet, plan ahead and spend a night near the travertine terraces, so that you can arrive early and avoid the crowds. However, if you are limited for time (like we were), you can totally make it there and back, with enough time to shoot the terraces, take a dip in the Ancient pool, and grab a Turkish ice cream on your way out (if you’re curious to try this local delicacy made from goat’s milk). Expect crowds, expect to walk around barefoot, but don’t miss the opportunity to see this natural cascading phenomenon for yourself.

 

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