ALTINKUM
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow...

Altinkum was once a thriving fishing village with little tourist traffic. If you are at the harbour early enough in the mornings you can still see the boats unloading the days catch.

   Some 15-20 years ago, only people who knew about the Aegeans ‘best kept secret’ headed for Didim, now with its growing popularity Altinkum stands proud as a jewel in the crown of Turkey’s beach resorts.

   Didim has a lot to offer, miles and miles of Golden Sand – where the resort area of Altinkum takes its name - beaches to rival all others in Turkey, some with the acclaimed ‘Blue Flag’ status. Altinkum boast three main beaches. ‘Dolunay Beach’ (2nd Beach) near the famed Medusa Disco has changed memorably over the years though there are still some bars and restaurants with their own ‘patch’ of beachfront and are on hand to provide their customers with the personal touch.

   The ‘Main Beach’ now has a beautiful promenade, and is almost completely closed to through traffic. There are a variety of bars and restaurants along the sea-front more than happy to provide you with ‘beach’ service.

   Third Beach is about 10 minutes from the main resort; most of the restaurants do offer a FREE door to door, pick-up drop-off service – though they expect you to have a meal or a drink with them. If you are looking for a less crowded place (peak season) to spend your days sunbathing, then there are secluded coves you can take pleasure in discovering for yourself.

   Altinkums popularity has grown not only because of its miles of golden beaches but also due to its easy access to places of interest (you will find these places marked with brown signposts) - like Miletos with its ancient theatre, Priene, once a major port, flanked at the entrance by two huge stone lions, both of which have stood the test of time and the elements, and can still be seen if you look close enough. The historical Ephesus – a wonder of the ancient world – where you will find ‘Celsius Library, and the house of the ‘Virgin Mary’ (Merymana), as well as the beautiful old village of Doganbey nestling gently in the hills above the Menderes Delta to name but a few. The local tour companies run organised trips to most of these places during the season.

   Then, there is Didim’s own Apollon Temple this can be reached by local mini-bus (dolmus) which run every 15 minutes from the resort. If you prefer you can walk from Altinkum to the temple, though morning or early evening is recommended in high summer.

   The future of Didim looks to be a prosperous one with work on the long awaited 400 berth yacht Marina having recently been approved and plans for a Golf Course in the pipeline. This will provide job opportunities for local people, and increase the appeal of Didim in general.

Altinkum is a whole family resort– whether you want long, lazy, days on the beach basking in glorious sunshine with no need to move until the sun goes down, or mess about on the water for the more energetic amongst us, with Pedlo, and Banana rides just a few of the water sports. There is also a fully qualified diving school for those who wish to explore the Aegean from a different angle. The Aqua Park just outside Mavisehir, ‘Lunapark’ funfair, and even crazy golf!

   Altinkums restaurants offer a wide variety of International Cuisine, your hardest choice will be deciding where to eat. Traditional ‘Lokantasi’ offer Turkish Cuisine, mezes, kebabs, Turkish Pide (Turkish Pizza) Lahmacun ( has to be tried at least once!) and köfte (meatballs) as well their speciality ‘soups’.The bakeries in Altinkum are well worth a visit, try the freshly baked breads, pastries or cakes. And for those with a really sweet tooth the honey drenched Baklava is a must!.

    Most restaurants offer British favourites, from Sunday Roast to fish ’N’ chips, as well as a few that specialise in traditional British fayre, such as ‘home-made’ pies and pasties.Almost all the restaurants offer children’s menus with popular dishes such as chicken nuggets, pizzas, sausage ‘n’ chips as well as child size portions of their main menus, there is something to suit all tastes and appetites.

   Altinkum comes to life as the sun goes down - theres a vast array of bars – as noisy or as quiet as you like. Karaoke bars for the would be ‘entertainer’ – clubs to dance the night away - from Football to Formula 1, the sports fan doesn’t need to miss out on anything – or just a chance to relax after a hard days sun-bathing – theres something for everyone.