Bodrum
Chic Aegean getaway
Bodrum is Turkiye's most glamorous coastal town. With its whitewashed houses, ancient castle, buzzing marina, and crystal-clear Aegean waters, it attracts a sophisticated international crowd. Top-quality clinics here cater to discerning patients who want luxury alongside their treatment.
Bodrum is the glamorous star of Turkiye's Aegean coast — a stunning peninsula of whitewashed houses, ancient ruins, turquoise bays, and a social scene that attracts the international jet set. Often compared to the French Riviera or the Greek islands, Bodrum has a sophistication and style that sets it apart from other Turkish resort towns. At its heart is the ancient Halicarnassus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Today, the town is dominated by the magnificent Castle of St. Peter, a 15th-century crusader fortress that houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The Bodrum peninsula extends in a series of charming bays and villages, each with its own character — from the upscale marina village of Yalikavak to the peaceful fishing hamlet of Gumusluk, from the windswept headlands of Turgutreis to the sheltered coves of Bitez and Ortakent. For medical tourists, Bodrum offers luxury, beauty, and world-class medical care in a setting that feels more like a European holiday destination than a clinic visit.
Places to explore in Bodrum
Discover the landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems that make Bodrum an unforgettable destination.
Bodrum Castle & Museum
The Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum Kalesi) is the defining landmark of Bodrum and one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in the Mediterranean. Built between 1402 and 1522 by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John), the castle was constructed using stones from the nearby Mausoleum at Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The castle's towers are named after the different nationalities of the knights who built and defended them — the English Tower, French Tower, German Tower, Italian Tower, and Spanish Tower. Inside the castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology is one of the finest of its kind in the world, housing the remains of ancient shipwrecks, amphorae, glass, coins, and jewellery recovered from the Aegean seabed. The Uluburun shipwreck exhibit, featuring artefacts from a 14th-century BC Bronze Age ship, is particularly remarkable. The castle's ramparts offer stunning panoramic views over Bodrum harbour, the town's whitewashed houses, and the Aegean Sea.
Gumusluk Village
Gumusluk is a charming fishing village on the western tip of the Bodrum peninsula, built over the ruins of the ancient city of Mindos. It is the antithesis of Bodrum town's glitz and glamour — a peaceful, bohemian settlement where artists, musicians, and those seeking a simpler life have gathered for decades. The village is famous for its waterfront fish restaurants, where tables are set right at the water's edge and the evening meal becomes a ritual of watching the sun set over the Aegean while enjoying impeccably fresh seafood and cold rakı. At low tide, you can walk across a submerged stone causeway to Rabbit Island, a small islet just offshore, passing over the submerged ruins of ancient Mindos beneath your feet. Gumusluk's weekly Sunday market is a wonderful collection of local produce, handmade crafts, and vintage finds. The village also hosts a popular jazz festival in summer. For medical tourists in recovery, Gumusluk's peaceful atmosphere, gentle seaside walks, and excellent but relaxed dining make it an ideal destination.
Bodrum Beaches & Bays
The Bodrum peninsula is blessed with dozens of beautiful bays and beaches, each with its own character and charm. Bitez Bay, just west of the town centre, is a long, sheltered beach backed by mandarin orchards, popular with windsurfers and families. Ortakent-Yahsi has one of the longest sandy beaches on the peninsula, with shallow, calm waters ideal for swimming. Camel Beach (Deve Plaji), between Ortakent and Turgutreis, is a beautiful sandy beach named after the rock formations that resemble camels. Turkbuku, on the northern coast, is the peninsula's most exclusive beach destination, with upscale beach clubs and celebrity sightings. For a more secluded experience, the small coves accessible only by boat along the southern coast offer crystal-clear water and complete tranquility. Many visitors explore the coastline by hiring a gulet (traditional wooden sailing boat) for a day cruise — stopping at hidden bays for swimming, snorkelling, and a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board. The combination of warm, clean Aegean water, beautiful scenery, and the gentle rocking of a boat is the perfect recipe for relaxation and recovery.
Available treatments
Best time to visit
May–October for swimming and sunshine
Airport
Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV)
Free cancellation before 15 days
Medical tourism in Bodrum
Bodrum has a growing number of high-quality medical clinics catering to international patients. Hair transplant, dental, and aesthetic clinics on the peninsula offer the same quality of treatment found in Istanbul, in a far more relaxed and luxurious setting. Many clinics have partnerships with Bodrum's upscale hotels and resorts, offering all-inclusive packages that combine treatment with a genuine Aegean holiday. The peninsula's proximity to Milas-Bodrum Airport, which receives direct flights from many European cities, makes it particularly convenient for international medical tourists.
Culture & history
Bodrum's cultural life is rich and varied. The Castle of St. Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century using stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Inside, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology houses one of the finest collections of ancient shipwrecks and underwater artefacts in the world. The ruins of the Mausoleum itself — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — can still be visited, along with the ancient theatre with its stunning views over the harbour. Bodrum is also famous as the home of Halicarnassus — the birthplace of Herodotus, the 'Father of History'. The town has a thriving contemporary arts scene, with galleries, music festivals, and the famous Bodrum Ballet Festival. The peninsula's villages each have their own weekly market days, where you can browse local produce, handmade goods, and vintage finds.
Food & cuisine
Bodrum's cuisine reflects its Aegean setting, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, olive oil, wild herbs, and seasonal vegetables. The peninsula's fish restaurants are legendary — try the grilled octopus, the stuffed calamari, or the fresh catch of the day at one of the harbourside restaurants in Bodrum town or Gumusluk. The meyhane (Turkish tavern) culture is strong here, with leisurely dinners of meze (small dishes), rakı (anise-flavoured spirit), and fresh fish that can last for hours. Local specialties include the Bodrum mandalina (a unique, flavourful local mandarin), olive oil produced from the peninsula's ancient groves, and wild herbs gathered from the hillsides. The village of Gumusluk, built over the ruins of ancient Mindos, is particularly famous for its waterfront fish restaurants where you can dine with your feet practically in the Aegean. Bodrum's restaurant scene also includes high-end dining, with several restaurants from well-known Turkish and international chefs.
Where to stay
Bodrum offers some of the finest accommodation in Turkiye. The peninsula is home to luxury boutique hotels, internationally branded resorts, charming stone-built guesthouses, and ultra-exclusive private villas. The Mandarin Oriental, the Six Senses, and the Amanruya are just a few of the world-class properties that have chosen Bodrum for their Turkish locations. For a more authentic experience, stone-built boutique hotels in the old town offer traditional Bodrum character — whitewashed walls, bougainvillea-draped courtyards, and sea views from rooftop terraces. Yalikavak, with its upscale marina and designer boutiques, is the most exclusive address on the peninsula. Gumusluk and Turkbuku offer a more bohemian, relaxed atmosphere.
Getting around
Bodrum peninsula is well-connected by dolmus (shared minibuses) that run frequent routes between the town centre and the surrounding villages and beaches. Taxis are available but can be expensive during peak season. Renting a car is the most flexible option for exploring the peninsula's many bays and villages. Boats and water taxis connect several of the coastal villages, offering a scenic alternative to road travel. Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) is located about 36 kilometres from the town centre, with regular bus and taxi services.
Recovery in Bodrum
Bodrum is the luxury recovery destination par excellence. The combination of beautiful Aegean scenery, excellent hotels, world-class dining, and gentle activities makes it the ideal place to heal in style and comfort. After your procedure, you can recover at a boutique hotel overlooking the sea, take gentle walks along the harbour promenade, browse the old town's galleries and boutiques, or simply sit at a waterfront cafe with a fresh juice and a good book. As you feel stronger, you can explore the peninsula's villages, take a boat trip to a secluded bay, or visit the castle and museum. The Bodrum lifestyle is inherently relaxed and pleasure-focused — long lunches, sunset drinks, gentle walks, and early nights — which is exactly the rhythm that post-treatment recovery demands.
Bodrum at a glance
Travel tip
Stay in Yalikavak for upscale vibes, Gumusluk for charm, or Bodrum centre for nightlife. A boat trip along the coast is a must.
Ready to visit Bodrum?
Book your treatment in Bodrum today. Hotel and transfers included. Free cancellation before 15 days.
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