Even if ancient ruins aren't your cup of tea, a trip to an archaeological site is worth the detour. The journey will take you through the quaint countryside, threading through small towns and villages that might otherwise escape your notice. Just a few kilometres from the holiday resort of Altinkum, in Yenihisar, you'll find Didyma — home to a grand temple dedicated to Apollo. Didyma was more than a religious site; its oracle rivalled the fame of Delphi's. While the original temple was destroyed by the Persians around 400 BC, the existing ruins hail from the Roman times. The remnants of 120 columns stand as testament to the temple's once monumental size.

Just a 6 km jaunt from Bodrum city centre, this 7 km stretch of coastline is beautifully framed by atmospheric mosques. Bitez Beach, with its sandy shores and shallow waters, is perfect for water sports or simply bathing. It's a bustling hub that pulses with life, making it an ideal gathering point.

Featuring one of the world's most important archaeological collections, The Museo Nazionale Romano, located across four different sites: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Therm di Diocleziano, and Crypta Balbi, displays exhibits from the pre- and early history of Rome, with a focus on archaeological findings from the period of ancient Rome.