Bodrum's islands share many of the same attractions, such as diving and yachting. Many boat trips stop at several of these islands, so you’re not limited to only one. And you’ll have to have your camera ready for the distinct memories – beautiful grottos and beaches for swimming are a given.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something specific, you'll want to investigate the unique offerings that each island off the coast of the Bodrum Peninsula has to offer. You can find areas with varied diving difficulties and spectacular underwater scenery. You’ll also enjoy hiking, sunbathing, and exquisite cuisine on these islands. Are you ready to island-hop off the coast of Bodrum? Check out our list, below.

  • 1

    Karaada

    Become cleansed in ancient mineral springs

    Karaada
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    Come to Karaada, an island off the southern coast of Bodrum that’s also known as Black Island, to relax in its warm, healing mineral springs. Do not be deceived by the initial sight, though. Wading inside one of its famous caves will reveal a vast expanse of springs. It’s said that even Cleopatra favoured the mineral-rich mud sourced from the cave to maintain the beauty of her skin.

    The island is also big, and it hides many secrets. With a boat or gulet, you can see an array of different coves around Karaada. You can also discover many hidden structures on the island itself. With so much to see on the island, checking into one of the hotels on the island wouldn't be a bad idea.

    Location: Karaada, 48440 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye

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  • 2

    Orak Island

    Take a dive for breathtaking underwater scenery

    Orak Island
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    Orak Island is a great diving spot for novices thanks to its calm waters, like many other islands off Bodrum. But this island holds a few things the others don't. For one, there's a massive vertical reef wall that reaches almost 80 metres down. If you dive from another angle, you’ll see an underwater cave covered in purple. This is the island to visit if you've ever wanted to feel like you were diving inside an aquarium.

    If gorgeous underwater landscapes don't interest you, the white-sand beach and clear waters should suffice. You've also got plenty of hiking opportunities among the olive trees that cover the island.

    Location: Orak Island, 48440 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye

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  • 3

    Kargi Island

    A tropical challenge for experienced divers

    Kargi Island
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    Kargı Island’s scuba diving is a little different from that of the other islands off the Bodrum coast. Since the currents are a bit stronger, the difficulty level for divers is medium. Similarly, the island takes its name from the intimidating spear-shaped rocks that cover it.

    You won't see a reef quite like the one at Kargi, nor are you likely to find rock formations like these. Barracuda, moray eels and groupers dart about above sponge-covered rocks and the ancient Roman amphora. It's quite the photogenic spot for an adventure on the Bodrum peninsula.

    Location: Kargi Island, 48440 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye

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  • 4

    Kizilada

    Stay the night in an old lighthouse

    Kizilada
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    Kizilada sets itself apart from the other islands off the Bodrum coast in one big way: the only thing on it is an old lighthouse converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant! Many Bodrum boat tours stop there in the afternoon to let swimmers and divers do their thing. But in the evening and morning, it's all you.

    While you're luxuriating on an island almost to yourself, make sure to look at the rocks during sunset. The island is named after its red stones, and they take on a beautiful glow around that time.

    Location: Kizilada, 48440 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye

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    photo by Николай Максимович (CC BY 3.0) modified

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    Salih Island

    A solitary spot off the Bodrum coast

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    Salih Island is situated off the far northern edge of the Bodrum peninsula, which finds you very much out of the way. While other islands around the coast promise established diving spots and the like, this island covered in pines and olive groves has very little in the way of tourism or even civilisation.

    Indeed, this island is meant for privacy. Book a summer villa on Salih Island and you're sure to have a beach to yourself, on which you can go boating or swimming. If you've ever been one to avoid crowded areas on your vacation, this is the island for you when you want to escape the town centre during your visit to Bodrum.

    Location: Salih, 48220 Milas, Muğla, Türkiye

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Benjamin Gorman | Contributing Writer