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About Didim |
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Didim is shaped as a peninsula surrounding Mugla on the east coast with a huge inlet of Akbuk town, the Aegean Sea on the west and east coast, Lake Bafa and the Menderes River on the northern coast. It is 106 km's to Aydin provenience, 53 km' to Söke town, 73 km's to Kusadasi, 110 km's to Bodrum. Covering 300 km2 of area.
People of Yenihisar used to go to Söke for their weekly shopping and Akköy used to be the biggest town of those days. But just after tourism, the place itself has turned into a rapidly growing holiday resort. The unfertile tobacco fields derived ancient Didyma (meaning twins you can see these at the temple of Apollo; Artemisia and Apollo twin sister and brothers) became very expensive and poor owners of those fields are now businessmen (most of them) owners of hotels, restaurants and bars, etc.. The name was changed into "Didim" which is the one and only in Turkey; it includes a large area in its borders with the towns and villages leading to it and therefore became the town centre.
Today's Didim as rapidly growing holiday resort completely different than what it used to be 10-15 years ago, welcoming a large population of tourists with its beautiful beaches, ancient towns, culture, and climate. But comparing to the big tourist resorts like Bodrum, Kusadasi it's not been spoiled we can say. Most of the infrastructure work has been done in last winter, now we expect no more flooding of rain water in Altinkum and better main roads have been finished including pedestrian walk paths by the beach.
Altinkum
Altinkum is a friendly and popular resort and you will find the locals 'laid back' and relaxed in their attitude towards tourists. You will get to know them quickly and they will enjoy nothing better than chatting over a glass of Turkey's famous apple tea or Raki. ALTINKUM means "golden sands" ("altin: gold" + "kum:sand") and with its beaches which gently shelve into the inviting turquoise blue Aegean, you will soon see how the resort got its name.
Altinkum has something for everyone. During the day you can relax on one of its three beaches. The main beach is the largest of its beaches and has a promenade of shops, bars, hotels, restaurants and night clubs. The Second beach is to the left of the main beach; this is much smaller but still has its own bars and restaurants. The third beach is a little quieter and close to Didim’s largest project; The Didim D Marina it is set to radically change the shape of that area of Didim’s coast, expecting to encourage greater international investment, further business opportunities and not to mention an influx of tourism.
Daily boat trips are also organised from the newly redesigned harbour during summer season, starting at the beginning of May and water sports, diving courses, fishing tours are also available. On Saturday you can visit the local market which is located in Yenihisar (the town center) just a 10 min bus ride from the sea front. Here you can buy just about everything and is a good place to experience the locals selling their wares.
Didim is very close to ancient towns and natural wonders comparing to most of the holiday resorts of Turkey. Altinkum is located on the crossroads of a superb holiday resort, history, art and the culture. You can discover the area itself by local travel agents who have organised tours to Lake Bafa, Akköy village, Didyma - Miletos - Priene, Söke Market, Kusadasi Market, Bodrum, Ephesus - Virgin Mary's house, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Dalyan, etc...
Yesilkent
Yesilkent is situated to the left of Altinkum. This is a little more developed than Akbuk but is still a very quiet and beautiful area with some of its own very nice beaches. The local bus service also runs out to Yesilkent from Altinkum.
Akbuk
Along the waters edge against a beautiful mountainous backdrop you will find the town of Akbuk. Here you can choose a spot along the water to sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery, the water is clear and the weather will be hot as you dine on the waters edge.
Akbuk used to be a small town where all fishermen catch delicious Aegean Sea bass, today it's a rapidly growing tourism resort with its holiday complexes as well as summer houses, villas, harbour, hotels...
Akbuk Made Township 1991 and developing as very well planned. Most of the infrastructural work has been done, clean roads, beautiful and very calm beaches, welcomes you to Akbuk is an ideal resort for the ones who loves silence and water sports. Many people who come from big cities decide to stay here after their retirement.
Most of the locals do have their fishing boats mainly used for boat and fishing trips along the coasts of Akbuk in the summer time. During your visit to Akbuk The Chapel situated on the coast line close to town centre, is very well preserved can be visited open to public visits.
There are big holiday complexes, 3 star hotels and also one 4 star hotel as well as a holiday complex for French tour operators. Aswell as small pensions, motels available during the summer season. Restaurants by the sea, serves delicious fish and local food can be found with the reasonable prices not to be missed.
Yenihisar
Many call Yenihisar, Didim town centre, but it’s most famously known for its Saturday open air market. Rummage through the stands and for sure you’ll be able to find a true bargain.
However like with all other town centres, you will find almost everything you need. Once you have bought your property, you’ll find your self coming here to do routine business, for example: paying your electric and water bills.
Mavisehir
Mavisehir is a very quaint area and has lots of character; there is a private beach area and its own Turkish market which is open every day in season for 5 o’clock till late. There are a few cafes and seating areas by the beach, in front the evening sunset you will find the Turkish socialising and playing the local games of backgammon and okey.
There are a few small shops which are open all year round and it now boasts its own super market. Mavisehir can be reached by the local bus service and is about ten minutes from the new Aqua Park.
Didim’s future
The future of Didim looks to be a prosperous one, with the Municipality of Didim continuing its efforts to introduce a more modern look in Didim by constantly updating main and side streets and encouraging environmental projects.
The Ministry of tourism released news that Didim has been ear-marked for 9 of the 36 plots allocated for Golf courses across the country, meaning great opportunities for national and international golfers as well as potential real estate owners. Although golfers will have to wait a little longer for Didim’s first golf club to open its doors, interest in the area is expected to increase dramatically.
Its not only golf bringing Didim to the ‘fore’, the long awaited Marina – due for completion 2009 - has already had a huge impact on property prices in Altinkum and its surrounding areas. Didim D Marina is planned to be three hundred thousand square metres, with a luxury yacht club, a serviced heliport, a ferry launch area connecting Turkey with the Greek islands of Kalimnos, Kos and Leros – which necessitates a passport control and customs area). Since the marina is not only geared towards the rich, there are facilities for everyone including restaurants, a supermarket, gym and fitness centre, cultural office, banks and an American style shopping centre, not to mention the swimming pool and children’s facilities. This will provide job opportunities for local people, and increase the appeal of Didim in general.
Also the first wind farm in the Aydin province and the largest on the Aegean coastline is currently being installed by Denmark firm Iyen Energy to generate electricity for Didim. A total of 15 wind turbines, each 78 metres high, will prevent power cuts that sometimes take place in the summer.
The Mayor of Didim ‘Mumin Kamacı’ envisages Didim becoming one of the most attractive tourism resorts in Europe – a vision the people are proud to share. Having once been the best kept secret of the Aegean, Didim can now take its rightful place as a jewel in the crown of Aegean resorts. |
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Bargain holiday homes estate agency, Altinkum mahallesi, Karakol Caddesi, No: 9 Didim, Aydin, Turkey. |
