About
Bodrum, a seaside town located on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, is famous for its mix of history, natural beauty, and bustling bazaars. My husband and I went on our first cruise in August 2025 and this was one of our stops, and our introduction to Turkey.
Tick-Tock, Bodrum O’Clock
We hopped off the ship ready to conquer Bodrum in one day – because who needs rest when there are ruins to see? Our tour guide kept us entertained, proudly explaining that Turkey makes everything: Gucci handbags, Nikes, Rolexes … all “Authentic Fakes” and all, apparently, a bargain.
This, of course, caught my husband’s attention. He’s been secretly researching Rolexes for months (turns out turning 60 makes you want to measure time in style). I thought he was just window shopping online – little did I know we were about to star in Pawn Stars: Bodrum Edition.
We strolled into the shop, ready to “just look,” and within 30 seconds the shopkeeper had my husband wrist-deep in Rolexes. It was like watching a magician pull scarves out of a hat — except the scarves cost hundreds of dollars.
We did manage to barter, shaving about 30% off the price, but let’s be honest — we started in a hole and dug slowly. As we left, I reminded my husband of our new travel rule: never let anyone put something shiny on you, and never look that interested — unless you want to come home with it.
Bodrum Amphitheater – History Before It Got Too Hot
Our first stop was the Bodrum Amphitheater, built in the 4th century BC during the reign of King Mausolus (yes, that Mausolus — as in the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). This place once held about 13,000 spectators who came for plays, concerts, and even gladiator fights.
Thankfully, we hit it early before the real heat kicked in, because there is zero shade up there — just stone seats baking in the sun. We climbed around, admired the harbor views, and imagined ancient Bodrum locals sitting exactly where we were, only without the luxury of SPF 50.
Bodrum Castle – Where We Learned to Love Our Neck Fans
By the time we made it to Bodrum Castle, the heat was in full swing — 95 degrees with humidity that made us feel like we’d been steamed. This 15th-century fortress, built by the Knights of St. John, is massive and surprisingly well-preserved. Inside are winding corridors, stone towers, and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with shipwreck treasures that look straight out of a pirate movie.
Our guide was a hero, always steering us into shady courtyards or breezy corners to explain what we were seeing. And I have to say, our cheesy neck fans (the kind that looks like headphones) and sweat towels saved the day. They might not have been glamorous, but they kept us just cool enough to enjoy the history without looking like a melted tourist puddle.
Fine Dining, Bodrum Style
One thing I’ve learned from traveling: if you only have one day in a place, it pays to research restaurants and make a reservation in advance. After our whirlwind tour of Bodrum, we were dropped off at the port and strolled along the harbor until we found Orfoz, our chosen restaurant for the night. We were a little early (rare for us!), but the owner welcomed us warmly and made sure we’d be done in time to get back to the ship.
Orfoz is Michelin-starred and known for its focus on fresh, local ingredients — seafood straight from the Aegean, vegetables from nearby farms, and a tasting menu that changes with the day’s catch. We went for the full tasting menu (how could we not?) and paired it with local wines.
The experience felt like a love letter to Bodrum’s sea and soil. We started with a series of amuse-bouche — goat cheese with regional herbs, smoked eel, bottarga (salted, cured fish roe), and even local sea snails (yes, we were brave — and yes, they were delicious).
From there, we moved through a garden course with a seasonal salad and oven-baked aubergine, followed by the seafood courses: rich grouper soup, delicate bluefin tuna tartare, oysters baked with Parmesan, uni, fresh mussels, and a perfectly seasoned seafood rice.
Dessert was simple but perfect — “Mother’s dessert,” a surprise sweet that felt homey, plus yogurt with seasonal fruit and a silky crème caramel.
What made it extra special was the care the staff took to pace everything just right so we could enjoy each course without rushing — and still make it back to the ship with time to spare. It was a highlight of our day and a reminder that sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t things you bring home, but meals you’ll never forget.
Click, Wander & Savor 