The moment you arrive in Bodrum during your yacht charter in Turkey, you will understand why this nickname is more than fitting, the port itself is already mesmerizing! In the morning, take a slow and scenic stroll along the waterfront promenade of the marina. Set between two sheltered bays on the Aegean coast, what is now Bodrum was the Greek city of Halicarnassus. Have an espresso at one of the excellent outdoor cafés or restaurants of the beautiful promenade while enjoying the view of the bobbing fishing boats, cruise ships and of course your yacht. While listening to the waves lapping against the vessels you will witness the harbor waking up, the vendors putting up their market stalls and the restaurants setting up their tables for another gorgeous day. Take advantage of the cool morning hours to go shopping at Bodrum’s winding streets and bazaars! The local markets, indoor and outdoor bazaars and small shops are filled with handcrafted Turkish and Greek treasures like blown glass, cotton hammam towels, handwoven pillows and olive oil soap. If you are looking for something truly unique to the town, why not buy a pair of handmade Bodrum leather sandals?
The windmills of Bodrum
One of the major landmarks you will instantly notice is located on a hilltop overlooking Bodrum and the Gumbet Bay. Here you will find a collection of the 18th-century stone windmills that are so characteristic to this area., The windmills were actual in use until the 1970s and face northwest to catch the breezy coastal winds. There are seven windmills in total and they are worth a visit if only to enjoy the unmatched panoramic views of the peninsula and of the Greek island of Kos. An unmatched spot for a family picture!
Visit the olive orchards
Are you ready to sample Turkish olive oil straight from its source? Your private driver will bring you to the inland of Bodrum’ peninsula, where you will find a timeless landscape dotted with olive trees and unique white-domed water cisterns used for collecting rainwater. As in many Mediterranean communities, olive growing and harvesting is a way of life around Bodrum. Life goes around looking after the olive trees, harvesting them and finally getting the “liquid gold” after the year’s hard work.
The olive orchards stretch out all over the mountains. With no fences, only the owners know where one olive orchard ends and another starts! Traditionally, everybody works together in the village, picking olives from their own trees one day and helping out their neighbors the next day. Harvesting the olives is a social event, with good food to make it even more festive.
Sample some extra-virgin olive oil at the family owned Bekiroğlu Olive Oil Factory. They have been producing olive oil for four generations and will tell you everything about the history and culture of their journey. If you are visiting Bodrum in November, you can even join them for the harvest!
Cook with chef Asli Mutluat
Turkish cuisine is a unique melting pot of different traditions and cultures, which makes Turkey one of the world’s greatest culinary destinations. If you are a foodie looking for a fully immersive Turkish experience then you should definitely spend some time with Chef Asli Mutluat at Cooking Classes Bodrum. His kitchen specializes in Aegean Turkish cuisine and consists therefor primarily of olive oil dishes, fresh vegetables and herbs from his own garden. Are you ready to master a unique eggplant dish? Turkish cuisine is one of the best and healthiest cuisines in the world. At Cooking Classes Bodrum, chef Asli is waiting to share his secrets with you. The idyllic garden overlooking the ancient Bargilya lagoon is so inviting that even the birds choose to rest here on their journey south and accompany you! Turkish cuisine is a melting pot of traditions and cultures, offering endless varieties of recipes, with each region, town, and neighborhood having their own unique food traditions. Your chief stewardess has set up a private session for you and your loved ones, tailormade to your dietary restrictions and wishes. In order to get going, you will accompany chef Asli’s team to the farmers’ market to shop for the ingredients of your lunch. At the market you will encounter local food vendors who offer all manner of self-harvested olives, wild seasonal greens, fresh vegetables, as well as home-made noodles, jams, pickles, breads and a delicious array of cheeses.
Back at the garden, chef Asli and his team will guide you through the delicious secrets of regional Aegean dishes. You will be invited to watch the cooking session while sipping a glass of local wine, or join in for a hands-on experience if you would like to! Either way, you will have an unforgettable time in an enchanting environment. Of course, you will be able to bring the written recipes of all these magnificent dishes back home to recreate the feast and impress your friends! Lunch will be served family style and you will be able to try all the wonderful dishes you have cooked together with your hosts, while listening to their stories and sampling the local wines. It is true, if you like to learn more about a country and its people, the best place to do so is seated at a table, sharing food and wine with the locals. After dessert made in heaven it is time to say goodbye to your new friends and head back to your yacht. Don’t forget your recipes and the goodies you picked up at the market! As you are heading back to the port, Bodrum offers spectacular views of the pink sunset, the illuminated stone walls of Bodrum Castle and your own yacht, waiting for you!
