Geographical Location of Bodrum

Bodrum is the most populous district of Muğla Province, located in the Aegean Region within the TR32 subregion of Turkey.

It is bordered by Milas to the east and northeast, and by the Aegean Sea to the northwest, west, and south. The district lies on a peninsula between Güllük Bay in the north and the Gulf of Gökova in the south. The terrain of the district is generally hilly, with plains in the interior and deeply indented coastlines. The soil structure contains a high proportion of limestone. The Yaran and Pazar Mountains form the district’s main elevations. Yaran Mountain (879 m), stretching in a northeast-southwest direction, lies in the eastern and central parts of the district, descending westward to form Pazar Mountain (690 m).

Along the coast, there are subsidence zones that open directly to the sea, and in the interior, small basins and valleys created by these depressions. In these areas, alluvial plains formed by streams can be found, the main ones being Bitez Plain, Akçaalan Plain, and Karaova. The southern coastline of the district is relatively smooth, while the southwestern, western, and northern shores are deeply indented. Within the district boundaries, there are several islands, including Çakal Island and Karaada. There are no significant rivers in the district. The irrigation pond located in Mumcular Town is used for both irrigation and drinking water purposes.

Flora and Fauna

The Bodrum Peninsula, located in the Aegean Region under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, features the typical vegetation of Mediterranean ecosystems — mainly maquis and scrublands. The eastern side of the Bodrum–Milas highway is covered with pine, oak, holm oak, wild strawberry, myrtle, and arbutus trees. Approximately 61.3% of the district’s surface area is covered with forests.

The fauna of the region includes terrestrial species (such as wild boars and foxes), semi-terrestrial species (such as pygmy cormorants, Dalmatian pelicans, and kestrels), and various marine species (fish and sea creatures). The area also provides a habitat for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal, which is protected internationally. The sensitive ecosystem covering 37,500 hectares along the northern and western coasts of the Bodrum Peninsula, including its islands, is an important habitat for water birds and marine life.

Bodrum’s climate combines the characteristics of both the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, forming a unique microclimate due to its peninsular geography. The humidity level is relatively low during winter months. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Bodrum enjoys sunshine for about eleven months of the year.