Built on the ruins of ancient Halicarnassus, Bodrum still carries the traces of the civilisations that came before it. The city where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus — once stood is today one of Türkiye’s most important resort regions.
Flight tickets to Bodrum are really all you need in order to discover it properly. The particular magic of the place, where the very old and the very new sit side by side, makes the trip all the more rewarding. Bodrum pairs sightseeing with some of the liveliest entertainment on the Aegean coast.
The amphitheatre, built in the fourth century BC, seats 13,000 people and is still used for concerts and festivals — one of Bodrum‘s best-known landmarks.
Here you can also see the remains of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, whose grandeur is said to have impressed even Alexander the Great.
The city’s most spectacular sight is the fortress built in the 15th century. The castle, regarded as the symbol of Bodrum, now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you will find ancient glassware, sunken ships and statues, Turkish baths and Greek and Roman amphorae.
The windmills belong on any list of local landmarks too. Seven whitewashed mills stand on the hilltop, and from up there the whole of Bodrum lies in front of you.
For unwinding, the shores of the Aegean are hard to beat. The clear, transparent water is reserved for swimming — boats are not allowed in — which makes it a considerably safer place for holidaymakers.
Bodrum is a remarkable spot for divers, beginners and professionals alike. Visibility stays good even at a depth of 40 metres, and divers regularly come across octopuses, seahorses and other underwater creatures.
Nor does Bodrum disappoint anyone who enjoys going out: the town’s cafés, bars and restaurants are open to visitors around the clock.
Kocadon restaurant sits well away from the noise of the centre. Among banana and palm trees, by candlelight and at wooden tables, you can settle in for a romantic dinner and try the chocolate sorbet.
Vira’s Restaurant, meanwhile, is an excellent place to taste Turkish cuisine, though pasta, seafood, steak and pizza are on the menu as well.
Bodrum is also home to Halikarnas, one of the largest open-air nightclubs anywhere — worth noting if nightlife and a good drink are your thing.
The city adapts to just about every taste. Bodrum has everything that turns a holiday into an adventure worth remembering: sights, activities, entertainment, sun, sea and shoreline. All that is missing is some free time and flight tickets to Bodrum, the loveliest city on the Aegean.
How to reach Bodrum from Georgia
Bodrum is served by Milas–Bodrum International Airport (code BJV), roughly 36 kilometres north-east of the town. There are several ways to cover the last stretch:
- Airport shuttle (Havaş, Muttaş) — the buses are timed to flight arrivals and reach the centre of Bodrum in about 45 minutes; tickets are sold at the desk in the arrivals hall or directly from the driver.
- Taxi or a pre-booked transfer — the most convenient option for late-evening and night arrivals, when shuttle departures thin out.
- Rental car — worth considering if you plan to explore the other resorts on the peninsula.
Direct services between Georgia and Bodrum are seasonal and change from year to year, so check the current schedule before you book. The most reliable route is a connection in Istanbul: both Istanbul airports — IST and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) — have several flights a day to Bodrum, and the flight itself takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
When is the best time to fly to Bodrum
Bodrum has a classic Mediterranean climate: long, dry, hot summers and mild, rainy winters. The swimming season normally runs from May to October.
- July–August — the hottest and busiest stretch of the year; nightlife and festivals are in full swing, but airfares and hotel rates are at their peak.
- May–June and September to early October — the shoulder season: gentler weather, a sea that is still warm, and noticeably lower prices.
- November–April — part of the resort infrastructure is closed, but the period suits sightseeing and anyone looking for quiet.
Practical information for travellers
- Visa: Georgian citizens can enter Türkiye without a visa and may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Currency: the Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted, though cash is still useful in smaller cafés and at the markets.
- Time difference: Türkiye is one hour behind Georgia.
- Resorts on the peninsula: Gümbet, Bitez, Ortakent, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak — each with its own character, from busy beaches to quiet family bays.
- A day trip to Kos: the ferry from Bodrum harbour to the Greek island of Kos takes around half an hour, with several crossings a day in season. Bear in mind that Kos is in the Schengen area and you will need a visa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the journey to Bodrum take?
The flight from Tbilisi to Istanbul takes roughly two hours, and Istanbul to Bodrum about 1 hour 20 minutes. Allowing for the connection, the whole trip usually fits into 5–7 hours.
Which airport is closest to Bodrum?
Milas–Bodrum International Airport (BJV). It is the only civil airport on the peninsula and, over the summer season, it is linked directly with dozens of European cities.
When should I book my ticket?
Seats to Bodrum sell early at the height of summer, so booking two to three months ahead is usually the better deal. In the shoulder months — May, September and October — fares are far more flexible.
Do I need to rent a car?
Not in Bodrum itself: the centre, the castle, the harbour and the main beaches are all within walking distance. To reach the other settlements on the peninsula, though, a car or the local minibus — the dolmuş — will come in handy.
How much does a holiday in Bodrum cost?
The price depends directly on the season: in July and August both flights and hotels become considerably more expensive, while in May and from September to October the same holiday costs far less. Current fares to Bodrum, month by month, are shown in the table below.
Tbilisi Bodrum
| გამგზავრება | დაბრუნება | გაჩერება | ავიაკომპანია | ბილეთების პოვნა |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 სექტემბერი 2026 | 27 სექტემბერი 2026 | 1 Გაჩერება |  | ავიაბილეთები 744 -დან |
| 5 ოქტომბერი 2026 | 11 ოქტომბერი 2026 | 1 Გაჩერება |  | ავიაბილეთები 558 -დან |
| 3 ნოემბერი 2026 | 15 ნოემბერი 2026 | 1 Გაჩერება | | ავიაბილეთები 603 -დან |
| 28 დეკემბერი 2026 | 7 იანვარი 2027 | 1 Გაჩერება | | ავიაბილეთები 705 -დან |
| 25 თებერვალი 2027 | 2 მარტი 2027 | 1 Გაჩერება | | ავიაბილეთები 660 -დან |
| 25 მაისი 2027 | 1 ივნისი 2027 | 1 Გაჩერება | | ავიაბილეთები 877 -დან |
| 7 ივნისი 2027 | 13 ივნისი 2027 | 1 Გაჩერება | | ავიაბილეთები 1 223 -დან |
| 20 აგვისტო 2027 | 31 აგვისტო 2027 | 1 Გაჩერება | | ავიაბილეთები 1 051 -დან |
