Akbuk One of Turkey’s Secret Treasures

Turkey is in the overseas property headlines on an almost daily basis as it becomes one of the most popular places in the world to buy property. According to the Association of Real Estate Investment Companies (GYODER), sales to foreigners totalled $2.5 billion last year, a 40% increase on 2009 and almost as much as the $3 billion recorded in the 2 years ending 2008.

Akbuk, which is a little town on the coast near Altinkum (Didim) is one of Turkey’s undiscovered secrets. Altinkum is already one of Turkey’s top tourist towns, and Akbuk is a chance to get in early on what will ultimately become a hotspot in its own right.

French holidaymakers have long discovered Akbuk’s charms, and its popularity brought the addition of a growing number of 5 star hotels since 1995. The town is also close to Bodrum and Izmir, both of which have international airports serving an expanding number of international routes. For a small town Akbuk is one of the most activity-packed attractions in the region.

On top of its great beaches and harbour, Akbuk offers boat trips and many archeological sites including the Temple of Artemis -- one of the seven wonders of the world – and a 44,000 seat amphitheatre – one of the largest in the ancient world, as well as Pamukkale, a world Heritage site that has been created by mineral rich water creating some of the most elaborate calcium formations in the world.

As you’d expect for the area, the cost of living – and therefore holidaying – in Akbuk is very low, compared to the UK, but even compared to other parts of Turkey. It also benefits from a low crime rate, and wide use of the English language among its friendly population.