Bodrum

A vibrant resort area with the buzzy town of Bodrum at its heart, and picturesque smaller resorts and villages strung out along the adjoining peninsula.

Crewed gulets ply Turkey’s beautiful Lycian coast, offering a deliciously barefoot experience with swimming, lazing on deck and fine local food.

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the mausoleum was originally built in 350 BC and reached 45 metres high. There’s little left of it now, but it’s worth visiting for those with an interest in archaeology.

This tangle of streets is shopping heaven, if you don’t mind the odd bit of pressure selling. Everything from kitchen utensils to kids’ clothes is on offer, along with fresh produce, ceramics, jewellery and the ubiquitous fake handbags and clothes. Barter hard.

A restored Roman amphitheatre that can seat up to 13,000, the site dates back to the 4th century BC. Some of the names of those who bought seats can still be seen carved into the stonework.

This open-air market is the largest on the Bodrum peninsula, held every Saturday, is packed with stalls selling local produce – olives, cheese, meze, seasonal fruits and vegetables – plus the usual fare of textiles and crafts.

Bodrum’s weekly market, held in the Pazar next to Dolmus station, takes place on Tuesday (for textiles) and Friday (fruits and vegetables). The textile market is famous throughout the region; alongside the beautiful cottons and linens, there are also kilims (carpets), clothing and kitchenware on sale.

Go for the full package – hamam, sauna, exfoliation, oil massage and water massage at this simple hammam opposite Bodrum’s bus station.

Interesting, small museums with exhibits including jewellery and artefacts from underwater necropolis and the skeletons of historic vessels. It’s housed in the Castle of St. Peter, a 15th-century fortress situated on a rocky peninsula between two sheltered bays.