BambooCreatives

Bustling, bold and rustic. Bodrum Harbour is shiny and modern by harbour standards but the imposing Underwater Archaeology Museum, located in Bodrum Castle, reminds you of the innate history in this beautiful area.

Sitting just moments away from one of the ancient seven wonders of the world – Halicarnassus, we come across the seemingly impromptu Fish Market. Where clams, crabs and mussels clamour for your attention. A bombardment of squid and octopus turns heads, whilst shrimp and langoustine glow at the thought of being immersed in a white wine and garlic brothy chowder, of nose attracting proportions.

*Hot property here at Bodrum Fish Market*

Further down the market an abundance of locally caught Sea Bream and Bass can't help but catch the eye. Especially the unmistakable roundness of Bream. You can smell the ocean instantly, not one of these fish have been hanging around and they're being snapped up within minutes. From stacked ice crates to slim picking inside thirty minutes. Strike while the iron is hot could not be any truer here. These fish were hot property, and didn't the local buyers just know it!

Turkish Lira exchanged faster than you can say 'Wall Street'. I love the hustle and bustle of most markets but here in Bodrum, the honesty, iconic bartering and rustic charm fitted perfectly within the framed backdrop of Bodrum Castle and Harbour. As a non local, you were encouraged by the fishmongers to price them down. Can you imagine that in many other places?! Requests of “No no, too much. Make me an offer.” amongst naturally many native conversations that I couldn't fully decipher but the language being spoken was all the same. Name your price. A true market environment.

*Moments before a rush of locals and tourists arrived*

Another great feature at the market is the traditional link up with restaurants. At many of them, for around 50 tL you can have your fish cooked. This is an absolute steal as Turkish Lira works out to around 10:1 in $/€/£ (at the time of writing). A fiver to have your freshly caught produce cooked to your liking is incredible value and as many will know, nothing beats the succulent and rich taste of a fresh catch!

If you're looking for a great place to experience freshly caught seafood, head to Bodrum Fish Market. Not only is it located within stunning surroundings and opulence of the yachts resting in the Harbour, it retains a realness of more forgotten times. You will find warmth, local hospitality and of course Appel Tee but a value matched with quality unrivalled in many other places.

It really is worth a visit and definitely a seafood buyers paradise!

*One of the Quarts of the imposing Bodrum Castle which serves today as the impressive Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology*