Local Info

Altinkum is 200 km south from the Turkey's third largest city, Izmir; 73 km from Kusadasi and 110 km from Bodrum - the two important tourist resorts of the country.

The Beach

Altinkum translated means "Golden Sand" ("altin: gold" + "kum:sand") and relates to the superb beaches. The beaches slope gently and are safe for families with children or just to unwind and improve your tan. The beach wraps round the picturesque Altinkum Bay forming two beaches one at either end of the town. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and at very reasonable rates too. Go for a paddle or a swim in the calm sparkling blue waters where You will also find a large assortment of watersports both ends of the beach; Windsurfing Jet Skis, Banana Boat Ride, and for those less energetic, Pedalos.

History

According to myth, after God created man, he shook off the scrap clay from his hands and the pieces of clay fell on the Aegean Sea. This mythical sea surrounds the Altinkum beaches.

Come to Didim and visit the Temple of Apollo where you will see the columns erected by people who lived 7-8 centuries before Christ and who did not yet know how to mix sand, pebbles and cement to make plaster, have been standing almost for 3000 years. You are in the third greatest temple of the ancient world. That temple is the architectural twin of the Artemision, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Artemision is no more there to see, but the Temple of Apollo still exists with all its majesty. The temple was the oracles centre so the name of the city comes from this characteristic, as Didim means in antiquity, the place where oracles are told. There is also the snake-adored head of Medusa and delicate carvings which has been there for thousands of years.

The Didim local market is held on Saturdays can be visit by local transport between Altinkum - town centre, runs in every 5 minutes or take a walk for 25 minutes.

You can discover the beaches, natural coves and bays by boat trips better, organised daily from the harbour in summer season which starts beginning of May. water sports, diving courses, fishing tours also available.

Didim itself very close to ancient towns and natural wonders comparing to most of the holiday resorts of Turkey.