Altinkum

Altinkum is set on the western Aegean coast of Turkey approximately halfway between the more widely known cosmopolitan resorts of Bodrum and Kusadasi, and with Bodrum airport just one hour away, it is very conveniently located for ease of travelling. Set on a wide sandy bay, Altinkum is a purpose-built resort with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It is the perfect place for those wanting a lazy beach holiday as there are no fewer than three within easy reach.

Altinkum’s main beach is famous for its long stretch of golden sands (in fact Altinkum translates literally to Golden Sands) There you can bask in the glorious sunshine, potter in a pedalo or try out a range of water sports. A short walk away, beyond the harbour, is the ever popular Third Beach which offers a quieter environment with its clear and sparkling waters and stretch of soft sand. Another walk in the opposite direction brings you to the lively Second Beach area, again a long stretch of golden soft sand with clear blue waters, and surrounded by bars, shops and restaurants.

If you want more than just lazing on the beach, Altinkum’s shops offer an interesting range of value-for-money goods and souvenirs. Well worth looking out for are leather goods, designer clothing and Turkish carpets. There are numerous jewellers and small outlets selling a wide range of traditional goods .The huge weekly market just a short dolmus ride away, sells everything from spices to clothes, there you will have the opportunity to haggle and have a good fun day out whilst capturing a few bargains.

Altinkum is surrounded by famous historical sites, just 3 km away is the impressive Temple of Apollo whose three columns still stand to their full height measuring almost 20 metres. This 2000 year old site is steeped in history and well worth a visit. A mass of marble stumps gives an idea of the colossal size of the original structure. Other sites worth visiting include the classical Greek city of Prienne and the ancient port of Miletus, both just a short journey away.

Didim

Didim is the home of the impressive Apollo temple and other nearby historical sites such as Miletos and Priene.

In ancient times Didim, then known as Didyma was once the fortune telling centre of the world, The Apollo Temple, then considered a holy place, attracted people from all over Europe and Asia to seek the advice of the oracle and learn about their future. Kings, about to engage in war would first come to Didyma to obtain advice before planning their battle strategy.

Today’s Didim still attracts many visitors each year but for very different reasons. As well as Altinkum, there is Akbuk, an increasingly popular destination for foreigners because of its relaxed atmosphere, quiet beaches and stunning backdrop of mountain forests.

Yenihisar, meaning Newcastle, is the “old town” commercial quarter and is located halfway between Altinkum and The Apollo Temple; this is where you will find the weekly market and shops selling everything from meat to furniture as well as a great choice of traditional Turkish lokantas and cafes. Mavisehir, meaning “Blue Town” is just beyond the Apollo Temple. It boasts numerous sandy beaches and tiny secluded inlets and is primarily a residential centre for Turkish holidaymakers. Here you will find exquisite restaurants specialising in locally caught fish and traditional Turkish cuisine. Didims newest tourist attraction, Didim Aqua Park is also to be found here.

Yesilkent, meaning Green City, is just around the coast from Altinkum, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with sympathetic architecture and unspoilt scenery, it is considered to be the Elite area of Didim and is consequently an increasingly sought after area for residents and holiday makers alike.

A little exploration further afield will take you to famous and important historical sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus and the remains of the Artemis temple, or the glorious and natural beauty of Bafa Lake, with its many traditional hidden villages and out of the way restaurants, or the ruins of old Greek villages such as Eski Dogan Bey, uninhabited since the Independence of Turkey in 1923 but in recent times being restored as holiday homes for affluent Turkish families

Akbuk

Akbuk is a charming place overlooked by majestic green mountains and facing the calm and blue waters of the Aegean Sea. It is an increasingly popular destination for foreigners because of its relaxed atmosphere, quiet beaches and stunning backdrop of mountain forests.

Many years ago Akbük was a small town where all the local fishermen caught delicious Aegean seabass, but now has its growing tourism, with holiday complexes as well as summer houses, villas, harbour, and hotels. Akbuk became a township in 1991 and is developing quite nicely just as planned. Most of the infrastructural work has been completed. Clean roads, beautiful and very calm beaches welcome you to Akbuk as it is an ideal resort for those who love to spend quiet and peaceful times. Many people who visit Akbük from the big cities often decide to stay here after their retirement.