Day Trips and Tours from Bodrum

A seaside oasis that matches sun-kissed beaches with a rich, dynamic history, Turkey's southwestern port city of Bodrum beckons tourists with its gorgeous Mediterranean views, buzzing nightlife and ancient Greek influence.

And while there is certainly no shortage of activities to keep you occupied in Bodrum itself — from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus to the Bordum Castle or Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, to name a few — part of the benefit of visiting this coastal town is its proximity to a slew of other noteworthy destinations.

From sailing around the surrounding Aegean Sea and coastal towns, to exploring UNESCO-listed ruins like Ephesus, relaxing at peaceful retreats like Kos Island, or experiencing the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, you've got plenty of day trips from Bodrum to choose from.

Kos Island

A Greek island sitting just off the coast of Bodrum in the Aegean Sea, Kos Island is a great getaway for those looking to kick back and relax. With its crystal-clear waters, delicious food and handful of historical sites (Casa Romano, The Altar of Dionysus), Kos offers a little bit of everything, depending on what you're looking for.

Most day trips to Kos from Bodrum include round-trip transfers but no guide, allowing you to explore the island independently.

Orak Island

A Turkish island in the Gökova Gulf that can only be accessed by boat, Orak is renowned for its diving and snorkeling spots, as well as its olive groves and turquoise bays.

The island has only a few permanent residents, which means that it’s the perfect spot for an escape from hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Depending on which Orak Island day tour from Bodrum you choose, you might also get to visit the Black Island Coves or the Pabuçburnu peninsula.

Most boat tours include lunch on board, as well as an English-speaking tour guide to share all sorts of insights about the region and its history.

Pamukkale

Another popular destination for Bodrum day trips, Pamukkale (Turkish for "Cotton Castle") is a beautiful and rare collection of natural mineral pools in the southwestern Denizli province.

Known for its surreal white terraces made from calcium deposits, the area has been used as a natural spa since ancient times and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pamukkale sits about about 180 kilometers from Bodrum. Due to the distance, most Bodrum to Pamukkale tours will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis — where you'll find a theater and an impressive necropolis — and the neighboring town of Karahayit, where the red water natural hot springs await.

Roundtrip transfers from your hotel as well as a lunch, snack, entrance fees and an English-speaking guide are typically included.

Ephesus

One of the most popular destinations for day trips from Bodrum, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just west of the city of Izmir – about a 2.5-hour drive north.

A well-preserved ancient Greek city and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus was once considered the most important Greek city in the Mediterranean region.

Today, the ruins are a window into a bygone era, with its well-preserved temples, bathhouses and amphitheater attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Most Bodrum to Ephesus tours include an English-speaking guide, round-trip transfers from your hotel, and a stop at the famous House of the Virgin Mary.

Dalyan

Home to mud baths, turtle beaches, ancient tombs and towering limestone cliffs that jut into the sky, Dalyan is a particularly picturesque day trip destination, located about an hour and a half’s drive (180 kilometers) from Bodrum.

To reach Daylan, you'll be escorted through the Taurus Mountains, eventually arriving at the tranquil river town.

Activities during Dalyan tours usually include visits to the historical site of Kaunos where you’ll see the famous Tombs of the Kings and a boat ride along the distinctively blue river that provides an unobstructed view of the Lycian rock tombs carved into the mountain.

Depending on your tour, you might have some time to swim at Iztuzu Beach or take a mud bath in one of the area's thermal spas.

Bodrum Peninsula

Known for its varied landscapes and endless stretches of coastline, the Bodrum Peninsula is a stunning destination, and ideal for travelers who want to leave the eponymous tourist town behind for a day to soak up some nature.

You can choose from boat trips of jeep tours. On boat trips of the peninsula — both private and small group options are available — you'll be able to take in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and its rocky islands. Plus, on some trips, you'll stop at Kara Ada Island (Black Island), known for its mineral-rich waters.

On a more adventurous Jeep tour of the peninsula, you'll be able to explore hidden villages like Camlik, and climb dirt roads through pine forests, arriving at breathtaking lookout points.

Regardless of which type of tour you choose, a Bodrum Peninsula day trip from Bodrum City usually lasts around 8-9 hours.

Iztuzu Beach

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean, Iztuzu Beach (aka Turtle Beach) gets its name from the colony of loggerhead turtles that take refuge on its shoreline.

Located just 15 minutes from the traditional Turkish village of Dalyan, this beach boasts powdery golden sand and warm, crystal-clear sea waters.

The majority of Iztuzu Beach day trips will also visit the Daylan Mud Baths – and some will include a river cruise as well.

Istanbul

The high-energy city of Istanbul is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and there are lots of ways to experience it on a day trip from Bodrum.

Since the cities are almost 8 hours away from one another, the only way to visit Istanbul in the span of a day is by booking a tour that includes domestic flights.

Once you arrive in the morning, accompanied by a local guide, you can expect to visit all the highlights of Istanbul – like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Egyptian Bazaar, Sultanahmet Square, and the winding streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

After a day full of sightseeing – and an optional Bosphorus river cruise – you'll fly back to Bodrum where a driver will pick you up from the airport and escort you back to your hotel, roughly 12 hours after you set off.