The Colorful Local Markets of Bodrum

The local markets, large and small, set up in all of the peninsula's towns, particularly in the center of Bodrum, offer a spectacular riot of colors. We have compiled a list of markets where you can find local products that are popular among all Bodrum residents.

Three key features of Bodrum markets draw crowds. The first is the ability to buy relatively organic village products from the villagers, the second is their affordability, and the third is their authentic aura.

Not only locals in Bodrum, but also Greeks from nearby islands such as Kos and Kalymnos, are interested in these markets.

In the local markets of Bodrum, you can find handcrafted bed covers and curtains made of Milas local fabrics, batik fabrics and decorative weavings, cotton fabrics, towels, special hand-woven fabrics, comfortable clothes made of handwoven fabrics, sponges, and handcrafted ornaments.

The stalls' favorite products are herb pastries made by village women with their own hands, Milas' distinctive light brown scratched olives, and cheese made in the surrounding villages. Among the cheese types available are village cheese, various tulum cheeses, curd, salted-unsalted cottage cheese, several types of goat cheese, fresh and aged cheddar cheese, and feta cheese.

Oranges, tangerines, and lemons harvested from the groves that cover the majority of the peninsula are among the must-have items in Bodrum's local markets.

Garden tomatoes from Milas, fresh basil, rosemary, and fresh cowpea, as well as local herbs like kenger and radica... The fragrant citrus, tangerine, and orange jams, natural olive oil that we consider the elixir of life, and a thousand and one types of vegetables and Aegean herbs you've never heard of. These markets can be quite overwhelming with their abundance of fresh produce, so brace yourselves.

Best Bodrum Markets

Bodrum Market

For the past 20 years, a fabric market has been held in the center of Bodrum, directly behind the bus terminal. On Thursdays from afternoon to Friday evening, the Friday Market, the peninsula's largest market for vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, is set up in the same area.

The number of visitors to the market, which is spread across approximately 5 decares of land and where 350 shopkeepers and 50 villagers set up stalls, varies depending on the season. This number can reach three thousand in the summer.

Yalikavak Market

For 43 years, a market has been held on Thursdays in Yalikavak. This market sells vegetables and fruits, spices, and dried fruits grown in local gardens. The stalls sell fresh tomatoes, fragrant daffodils, lush green hibiscus, herbed pancakes, pastries, meters of colorful fabric, leather bags, silver jewelry, souvenirs, jugs, and tile casserole dishes.

Tourists from neighboring Greek islands are also drawn to this market, which attracts 1200 traders from all over the region, including Aydin and Denizli.

Turgutreis Market

It is one of the largest markets in Bodrum and its surroundings, and open on Saturdays. The entire market, which is set up along two streets to the right and left of the main street, may take you two or three hours to walk through. Colors from fabrics and plastic items flood the street where household goods and clothing are sold. Turgutreis market provides a wide range of high-quality bags and towels at competitive prices. If your home has an Aegean style, or if you want to remember your Bodrum vacation with small souvenirs, you can buy tablecloths, curtains, and pillowcases in all sizes and qualities from the market, whether handmade or ready-made lace, cross-stitch, or plain linen.

In the food market, you can find everything from nuts to fruits, spices to cheeses. Depending on the season, you may come across tomatoes, colorful peppers, and tiny, round zucchini that you have never seen before.

Bitez Market

Every Thursday, you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the small neighborhood market of Bitez. The Bitez market offers its customers not only fresh vegetables and fruits, but also clothing, household goods and fresh dairy products. The market is located on the left side of the road leading from the Bitez roundabout to the Bitez village, directly opposite the Health Center and the Municipality building.

Mumcular Market

Mumcular market is an Aegean market that is refreshing and authentic. Parking can be difficult to find in the marketplace, which opens at 7:30 a.m. It is customary to visit the market on Sundays; it is an essential habit among the locals, so it is best to arrive early. In the summer months, this market, where you can usually find local and natural products, also has beautiful Yatagan watermelons, fragrant pink and red tomatoes, and fresh and crisp cucumbers.

On Sunday, everyone in the surrounding villages attends this market. Furthermore, residents of summer houses in areas such as Guvercinlik, Tuzla, and Bargilya love to visit this market too. Buses from surrounding towns organize tours for foreign tourists. By the way, as you can see, many of the vendors speak fluent English.

Milas Market

It is very enjoyable to visit the Tuesday Market, which is set up in Milas on Tuesdays. You can see more local products and get closer to the authentic local lifestyle. You can buy the famous rugs and carpets of Milas here at a more affordable price.

Covers and curtains made with hand-woven Milas fabrics, and colorful striped towels are among the other favorites of the market. Eye beads, jewelry, ornaments, carpets, handkerchiefs, glassware, cloths, in other words, all kinds of local souvenirs are sold in this market.

Wishing you a wonderful shopping spree at the colorful local markets of Bodrum…