Written by Missy Johnston
Bodrum, Turkey, an exotic yacht charter location, is an up and coming luxury hotspot to visit that has been compared to St. Tropez and Mykonos in its upscale offerings. In fact, quite a few billionaires have been spotted vacationing in Bodrum aboard their superyachts. We have always recommended including a stop in Bodrum on any luxury yacht charter itinerary in Turkey, as it has much to offer every yacht charterer.
While there are three marinas where your captain can anchor just outside of town, we suggest anchoring in town. Why? This is your chance to anchor in the lee of a medieval castle—an experience of a lifetime. The Bodrum castle is perched on a promontory guarding the entrance to Bodrum Harbor and was built by the Knights Hospitaller in 1402 to support their fortified stronghold in nearby Rhodes.
Over the course of history, the castle was used for other purposes, including a prison and a military base. Today, it serves as a museum, home to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the largest museum of underwater archaeology in existence. Visitors can see collections of artifacts from sunken ships from past millennia that sank while plying the ancient trading route along the southern Turkish coast. Sail along this same ancient trading route on your luxury yacht charter while fully exploring all this region has to offer.
After visiting the museum exhibits inside the castle and the castle itself (which even has a dungeon), spend some time in the Bazaar right next door. Stop into the many shops and then try one of the many tavernas tucked into the Bazaar that open onto the waterfront for some fresh seafood and spectacular water views. Or, have your private onboard chef prepare a meal to your specifications any time of day and enjoy a private dining experience as you soak in the sights from the top deck.
Bodrum is an excellent port of call that’s not to be missed on a private yacht charter vacation along the coast of Turkey. We’d be happy to help you plan your dream yacht charter trip that includes a stop in this gorgeous city filled with many seaside attractions.