Altinkum

Altinkum is a very popular and ewll established coastal resort where visitors often return again and again. You will soon get to know the locals and quickly find that they are some of the friendliest people you can meet. Their English is embarassingly good and they enjoy nothing better than chatting with you over a glass of Turkey's famous apple tea.

Besides being a great base for reaching most of the western Aegean coastline, Altinkum has many treasures of its own.

BeachesAltinkum, Turkey - First Beach

The name Altinkum literally translates to mean "golden sand" and  there are three beautiful wide sandy beaches that shelve gently into the clear blue, warm Aegean sea. First Beach is the largest and most popular and is fringed by a lively promenade and bustling restaurants and shops,

Second Beach is a one minute walk from the apartment and offers a quieter environment with lots of smaller cafes and bars just off the sand. Relax on the beach during the day and return to choose where to eat in the evening.


Harbour

Altinkum, Turkey - HarbourYou can discover the beaches, natural coves, bays and islands better by boat trips leaving daily from the harbour and there is also an excellent twice weekly ferry trip to Bodrum. Trips can be booked at the boats but you can also arrange transport to the harbour with your ticket (often at no extra cost) through the many local tour organisers.

 

Water sports and   diving courses are also available and there is excellent fishing in the local waters which can be enjoyed in trips or by chartering your own small boat.

 

 


Shopping

Altinkum, Turkey - Didim Market

Whilst there are many smaller shops along the sea front and main roads and some great shopping trips to Soke  and Bodrum , the main local market of Didim is excellent and is held a short bus ride from Altinkum centre on Saturdays. There is a huge choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish as well as textiles, towels and clothes.

 

All stall holders will accept Stirling, Euros or Turkish Lira but don't accept the first price. Haggling is expected and if you don’t do it you will be paying too much! The market is a great experience and is often quieter in the afternoon.

 

If you want brand name clothes at a 1/3 UK prices (or less), this is the place, but remember that Turkey is known for fake designer goods. The Turks are usually honest about the fact that they are fakes.  


Temple of Apollo

Altinkum, Turkey - Apollo Temple by NightJust 4km from Altinkum is the Temple of Apollo - one of the best preserved archaelogical sites in Turkey. Dating back to around 800BC the temple is now in ruins but some of the original 122 columns are still standing and much of the original structure remains.The interior of the Temple was a sacred place in the ancient times, as it was here that all 'oracles' were delivered by the priestess.   The so called oracle delivered by the priest were a few words that could be interpreted in a variety of ways.

Take a short (and inexpensive) bus ride to see the ruins by day or night - both are spectacular. There are bars and shops nearby but be careful how much you pay for souvenirs that are often available elsewhere.  


Didim Aquapark

Altinkum, Turkey - Didim AquaparkThere is a great waterpark at Didim which takes about 25 minutes on the bus from the apartment. There are many different pools and slides and whilst not all the rides are suitable for smaller children there is a special younger area. Everyone will enjoy the wave pool and the ‘foam bath’!

 

The entry fee is 25YTL for everyone over 4 years old but there are often promotions running with local tour organisers. You cannot take food or drink into the park but the prices inside are pretty reasonable.

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Find out more about what is happening in Altinkum at - Visit Altinkum

 

Is There Enough Time in One Holiday?

Altinkum provides a variety of cultural and historic experiences. In the nearby town of Didim (4 kilometers away, a short Dolmus ride) stands the Temple of Apollo, once home to a powerful oracle whose influence spread throughout the ancient Greek world. Go and see the impressive architectural colonnades and the exquisite marble 'snake-adorned' head of Medusa as you enter.

There are many day excursions that you can take from Altinkum including an unmisable visit to Ephesus, the largest and most complete ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean and the most visited attraction in Turkey. See the Temple of Artemis, which was once one of the seven wonders of the world, and take a seat in the renovated amphitheatre, which is the venue for the Ephesus Festival of Culture and Art each May. The Ephesus museum is located in nearby Selcuk which displays a wide range of roman finds including the statue of the goddess Artemis which is also worth admiring.

Inland, two excursions take you to Afrodisias, the ancient site of a Roman city which houses a stadium once used for Roman chariot racing and gladiator sports; and to Pamukkale, where a huge waterfall of mineral-rich freshwater has created a limestone valley and shallow pools that shimmer in the sunlight. A beautiful phenomenon well worth seeing.

South of Altinkum take a day excursion to the town of Bodrum, one of the prettiest resorts in Turkey with its impressive crusader castle, whitewashed stone buildings and busy marina. A cosmopolitan resort with chic waterfront bars and charming boutiques.

 
 
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