Bodrum is the major resort and most attractive town on Turkey's Aegean Coast. The centre has been heavily developed for European tourists since it was ‘discovered' in the 1970s, but despite this, and heavy summer crowds, it retains (at least for first-time visitors) an exotic Turkish atmosphere with plenty of visual interest and excitement. The splendid Crusader Castle of St Peter is the dominant landmark in this low-rise whitewashed Mediterranean scene while traditional wooden Turkish sailing boats (gulets) grace the busy harbour.

Bodrum is particularly popular with the British market, though an assortment of other western European nationalities, the occasional independent traveller moving through Turkey, young international revellers and Turks themselves on holiday, make for an interesting mix.

The weather in Bodrum is mild year round. The best time to visit is between the months of May and October when the average temperature is 25°C (77°F). In the months of July and August the temperature often exceeds 30°C (86°F).

Despite its seaside position, Bodrum is not a beach resort. A dolmuş (minibus) service goes to the nearby sand-and-shingle beaches at Gumbet, 3km (2 miles), and Bitez, 7km (4.5 miles) away, which are renowned for their windsurfing conditions.

Bodrum is the site of the Mausoleum (Turgutreis Caddesi), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only a few fragments now remain but curiosity alone leads many people here. More worthwhile is the Castle of St Peter (start of Dr Alim Bey Caddesi) with great sea views, an interesting Byzantine shipwreck hall and spooky dungeons.

Bodrum Amphitheatre (Kibris Sehitler Caddesi/Ring Road), which once held up to 13,000, is another structure accredited to the reign of King Mausolus. Situated on the hillside overlooking the resort, it offers the classic picture postcard views over the castle and harbour.

languages: english, german, french

open: all season

days: monday - saturday

shifts: morning, afternoon, evening

machines: 20 Fresenius 4008 S, HD, HDF

service: snacks and drinks, sat-TV, DVD

no re-use, Hep. B and C is possible.