This is one of the best and purest maritime museums anywhere. Set in a thirteenth century Crusader castle built on the site of the ancient Halicarnassus, the museum building itself oozes history.

Bodrum has been described as the Turkish San Tropez. It is a bit like that but is really more attractive for being significantly less expensive and rather warmer. The museum is located in the centre of that lovely old town.

The display includes some amazing artefacts. There are the usual amphorae but also gold jewellery and copper ingots, weapons, glass and much more. It clearly shows the development of maritime trade in the eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea and beyond. This area is not just the “Cradle of Civilisation” but, quite clearly, the “Cradle of Maritime Trade” as well.

As well as seeing the first rate displays, it is very enjoyable to simply explore the castle that houses them. The views from the Castle walls over the port and town of Bodrum make a visit to the museum well worthwhile on their own.

The bustling tourist port of Bodrum lies right outside the Museum Castle walls. There are hundreds of gleaming gulets and yachts berthed all round. The nautical atmospherics are strong.

Even better, the Castle is surrounded by a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. You won’t go hungry or thirsty there!

For a comfortable, enjoyable and well victualled lesson in ancient maritime history, there is no more interesting place than Bodrum.

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