Bodrum, Turkey

Home to one of the Seven Wonders of
the ancient world

As the site of the ancient city of Halikarnassus (and its famous Mausoleum of Halikarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, destroyed in the Middle Ages), Bodrum’s ties to the past are everywhere.

There’s the Bodrum Amphitheater that dates back to 4th century BC and Myndos Gate, where Alexander the Great staged one of his greatest battles during his siege of the city. And there’s even the Castle of St. Peter, one of the best-preserved medieval monuments in the world and home to the outstanding Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

But Bodrum is also a place where you really can leave the past behind, especially with modern-day pleasures like sailing, windsurfing, and diving in the bay, as well as beachfront bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Fair warning, though: “The Saint-Tropez of Turkey” is considered the country’s second biggest party capital, so you may want to pace yourself earlier or have a few cups of strong Turkish coffee to get you through the day. And night.