Bodrum's Whitewashed Stone Houses with Blue Doors and Windows

Mostly not exceeding two stories, the whitewashed stone houses with blue doors and windows are Bodrum's defining symbol. The white lime wash was chosen both for its economy and for its practical ability to reflect the sun, keeping interiors cool. The blue frames and woodwork, meanwhile, are said to carry protective and traditional significance—locals believe they ward off pests. Protected since the 1970s, this distinctive urban fabric is governed by strict building codes that prohibit structures taller than two stories, a regulation that has been instrumental in Bodrum's bid for UNESCO World Heritage status. You'll experience this charming architecture best while wandering through the central and hillside neighborhoods.