Dear travelers,
We decided to swap Greek island life for something a little different, a quick hop across the sea to Turkey. Bodrum is so close that you can literally see it from Kos on a clear day, so of course we thought, “Why not? A two-country holiday in one trip sounds pretty good.”
Getting There: Agency vs. Ferry
There are two main ways to do the crossing:
Through a local agency: They organize your ferry ticket, port taxes, and even the transfer from the harbor in Bodrum to the city center. Prices start around €29–40 per person, which is honestly not bad considering the convenience.
Buying directly at the port: If you’re confident and like DIY travel, you can grab just the ferry ticket (usually around €20–25 one way). The catch? Once you arrive in Bodrum, you’ll need to figure out how to get to the center yourself.
We went with the agency option, and I don’t regret it. Having a bus waiting on the other side saved a lot of stress.
Border Crossing
Remember: Turkey is not part of the EU, so you’ll need your passport (and depending on where you’re from, maybe even a visa). Passport control took about 30 minutes each way, which wasn’t terrible, but it’s something to factor in if you’re tight on time.
First Impressions of Bodrum
Stepping off the ferry, the first thing that hits you is the heat. Compared to Kos, Bodrum felt warmer, busier, and a bit more chaotic. The harbor itself is beautiful, full of yachts and gulets lined up like a postcard, but once you get into the bazaar, it’s a different story.
The Bazaar – A Love It or Hate It Experience
If you’ve ever been to a big market in Istanbul or Marrakech, you’ll know the vibe: narrow streets packed with stalls selling everything from knock-off designer bags to spices and sweets. The shopkeepers are persistent, not in a rude way, but you’ll hear a lot of “my friend, best price for you” as you walk past.
We wandered for a while, tried some Turkish delight, and peeked at souvenirs. Honestly? It was fun for about an hour, but then the heat and the constant sales pitches started to feel overwhelming.
Would I go just for the bazaar? Probably not. But if you’ve never experienced one before, it’s worth seeing at least once.
Lunch in Bodrum
By midday, the only thing we wanted was shade and food. Bodrum’s waterfront is full of restaurants where you can sit right by the sea and watch the boats drift in while you eat. We decided to go classic: shish kebab straight off the grill, followed by künefe, that rich, cheesy dessert soaked in syrup. Sweet, crunchy, melty… honestly, worth the trip alone.
If you’re a foodie and curious about what else you should try in Turkey, I’ve written a separate post diving deeper into traditional Turkish dishes. Definitely check that one out if you’re planning more time in Turkey.
Honest Thoughts: Is the Trip Worth It?
Here’s the truth: a day trip to Bodrum from Kos is a fun novelty. You get to say you’ve visited another country, had Turkish food, wandered a bazaar, and maybe even picked up a bargain. But it’s also hot, crowded, and not exactly relaxing.
If you’re someone who loves shopping and wants a change of scenery, go for it. If you’re more into quiet beaches, history, or hiking, you might find your day better spent on Kos.
For us, it was a cool experience, but not one I’d rush to do again.
Tips for Visiting Bodrum from Kos
Bring your passport (double-check visa requirements before booking).
Choose an agency package if you want a stress-free day.
Wear light clothes and comfy shoes – it gets seriously hot.
Bring cash in Turkish lira (many shops take euros, but the exchange rate isn’t in your favor).
Don’t expect peace and quiet — this is a shopping and eating trip more than a cultural deep dive.
A day trip to Bodrum from Kos is one of those experiences you’ll remember not because it was the best day of your trip, but because it was different. One day you’re sipping frappes on a Greek island, the next you’re bargaining for baklava in a Turkish bazaar. And really, that’s the beauty of travel, sometimes it’s the contrasts that make the journey memorable.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
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