The imposing crusader Castle of St Peter sits atop this Turkish city while yachts quietly hum in the ancient harbor below which spans not one but two crescent shaped bays. Bodrum has long been a tourist magnet for its heady mix of east and west. But there are still unspoilt parts of this Mediterranean jewel just waiting to be discovered.

The bay of Bodrum and its peninsula in the southwest Aegean region of Turkey is a windswept paradise harboring grand and glittering yachts and traditional sea faring vessels.

The bohemian city of Bodrum has tiny streets that wind down to the seafront with lots of boats for hire to nearby islands. Bodrum has long been a prime tourist destination with hundreds of superb restaurants, bars and shops amidst its sugar-cubed shaped whitewashed buildings that are famously adorned with the fragrant growth of bougainvillea.

Built in the 15th century by the Crusaders, the Castle of St Peter (also known as Bodrum Castle) perches over the harbor and the International Marina below. The castle's origins date back to the Knights of St. John, a group of British expatriates who were active during the Crusades. The Castle is an impressive landmark and worth visiting for it's rich history as much for its grounds (which play host to local cultural events).

The Castle is also home to the Museum of Underwater Archeology, a fascinating collection encompassing underwater discoveries in the local south west Aegean. Museum highlights include artifacts from the oldest discovered shipwreck on record and the Hall of the Carian Princess, whose tomb was found with all its stunning gold still intact in 1989 when workers were digging the foundations of a building.

Another main attraction nearby to the Museum of Underwater Archeology is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Mausoleum is crumbling and most of what you'll see are its foundations but it's still worth a look.

Part 2 coming soon...