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Article 4 - House Hunting Holiday in Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is a port town situated on the south coast of the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey. This area has become popular for those seeking a property that offers a year round escape from the cold of Northern Europe, as the average winter temperature in Bodrum is 19 Degrees Celsius. Summer temperatures can reach over 40 Degrees Celsius, and the peninsula is very sunny all year round. The ban on high rise development in Bodrum has maintained the historic beauty of this harbour town, which is now a major world centre for yachting and boating holidays.

History & attractions
The International Marina and harbour are overlooked by Bodrum Castle, built in the 15th Century by the Crusaders. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology is now housed within the castle, which also hosts several festivals every year.

Bodrum castle was built by the Knights Hospitaller as a stronghold from which to defend against the Seljuk Turks. The castle has since been occupied at various points in history by different military forces; the last of these being an Italian Garrison which withdrew in 1921. Since 1962 the Castle has been home to the largest Museum of its kind in the world; the Museum of Underwater Archaeology containing thousands of objects recovered from the ruins of ancient ships lying beneath the Aegean Sea.

The quiet fishing town of Bodrum began to transform from the 1950’s onwards as it began to attract artists and intellectuals, championed as it was by the educated elite of Turkey and the followers of the writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli. The high levels of sunshine were an obvious attraction for artists looking for excellent light by which to paint all year round, and Bodrum continues to attract artists, poets, singers and intellectuals.

In recent years, the population of Bodrum has swollen massively during the summer months thanks to its popularity with tourists and the yachting set, and the town has been allowed to expand to meet the demands of tourists and property developers without losing its charm, thanks to the ban on high rise development.

Access
The Milas (BJV) airport is closest to Bodrum; I found cheap flights from London to Milas (BJV) on Travelzoo. There are a wealth of hotels and apartments available to host you during your property hunting trip, and this abundance of accommodation means that your excursion can be arranged at the last minute if you wish. Try On the Beach for late late holidays to Bodrum.