Sightseeing in and around Altinkum

Altinkum is a perfect place to pick if you love to sunbathe, as it is renowned for having three fantastic beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do nearby, and even if you aren’t particularly interested in history, it would be a shame not to get out and about as the countryside is very beautiful.

Lake Bafa is nearby, and is wonderfully unspoiled as strict planning regulations have limited the amount of development that can take place. It is a great spot for keen bird watchers, but it’s also pleasant to take a stroll around the edge of the lake, or to take a picnic and just relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Pammukale is another natural phenomenon, and the hot springs of this spa resort are believed to have healing powers. It was once the centre of a pagan cult, and although this has changed, it is still an important textile centre.

Kusadasi is around an hour’s drive away, and is one of the most attractive cities in the Aegean. It is very close to several very important historical sites, including Ephesus, Priene and Miletus, but is also a great place for families as you’ll find the largest waterpark in Europe here.

Ephesus is one of the best preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, and gives an interesting insight into how life might have been in Roman times. Miletus theatre is capable of seating 25,000 people, and during Roman times was famous for being used for lion fighting. History is everywhere in this region, and you might be surprised to find out how interesting it can be when experienced first hand.

Things to do in and around Altinkum

Altinkum is a beautiful resort right on the Aegean coast, and is popular amongst families as it has three beautiful sandy beaches with waters that are relatively shallow for a long way out. Each of the beaches offers a good variety of watersports, and it's easy to spend all your days just sunbathing and relaxing, as there are plenty of bars and restaurants willing to serve drinks and snacks all day long.

But what happens if you get bored of spending all your time on the beach? This is when you'll be glad you chose Altinkum, as its perfectly located to explore this interesting area.

There are a number of great places to see nearby, including Pamakkule which is renowned for being one of the natural wonders of the world. This unique geological phenomenon was formed more than 14,000 years ago by carbonate mineral deposits, and the area is well known for its hot springs that are reputed to have therapeutic qualities.

Ephesus is a beautifully preserved ancient city which dates back to the 12th century BC. It used to be an important religious and trading centre, and St Paul is said to have lived here for two years. The Temple of Apollo is incredibly famous, and is very close to Altinkum. This ancient site is well worth seeing even if you aren't particularly keen on history.

Altinkum is a great place to have a Turkish bath, and the experience is extremely relaxing and cleansing. One of the nicest things about going on holiday is experiencing new cuisine, and there are a number of good restaurants in Altinkum that offer traditional Turkish food. Not surprisingly seafood is a speciality, and is always beautifully fresh.

Why visit Altinkum?

There are such a huge number of resorts in Turkey to choose from, so why pick Altinkum? In fact there are many valid reasons for picking this resort. Firstly it is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the world but is conveniently close to Bodrum and Izmir international airports both of which have numerous budget priced flights from the UK.

The weather in Altinkum is extremely pleasant and it’s renowned for its high oxygen content making it perfect for anyone with asthma or other respiratory disorders. If you translate its name then you'll find it actually means Golden Sand which is a clue to the superb beaches here.

The resort has three main beaches and they are perfect for families and children as the beach gently shelves into the water. The beaches are also ideal for anyone who just wants to relax and take it easy, and there are always plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available to rent for a reasonable price.

If you are easily bored by lying on a beach all day, then you'll also find a great selection of watersports which include banana boat rides, jet skis, windsurfing and the more sedate pedalos. It's one of those places where you can choose to do a lot or very little, so it's ideal for families or groups where everyone is looking for something different. There are plenty of bars and lively restaurants, but at the same time it's easy to find quieter spots where you can simply get away from it all and recharge your batteries.

Altinkum Is Enviably Located in One of the Nicest Parts of Turkey

Altinkum enjoys an enviable location in one of the nicest parts of Turkey, and it is also in one of the most interesting regions. It is 200 km south from Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, and just 110 km from Bodrum and 73 km from Kusadasi, both of which are important tourist resorts.

Even though it is relatively close to these major resorts, property prices are still very reasonable, especially considering the fact that it is a very family oriented resort with gently sloping golden beaches that are perfect for families. It's also just as good for anyone who just wants to unwind and soak up the sun for a few hours each day.

There are plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds for hire at reasonable daily rates, and you can either choose to just swim in the beautifully clear seas, or to try out one of the huge range of watersports available from the beach. This includes jet skis, banana boat rides, windsurfing and pedalos.

The locals in Altinkum are friendly, and most speak good English. It's nice to take an evening stroll along the promenade, although it does get pretty busy and noisy at times. There is an excellent choice of restaurants, and you can choose to eat cheaply or indulge in something a little more lavish.

The region has a considerable history, and one of the most important sites is the temple of Apollo in Didim. This amazing structure was created 700 years before Christ, and is considered to be one of the most important temples in the ancient world.

It is the architectural twin of the Artemision which was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Even if you don't normally like to spend your holiday traipsing round ancient sites, this one is well worth a look.

Buying Property in Didim Altinkum

Didim Altinkum is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Turkey, and it's easy to see why as it enjoys a mild climate all year round, it has excellent beaches and crystal clear waters, and enjoys a huge amount of sunshine, so it's no wonder the people here are so friendly and cheerful.

The area has excellent amenities and a number of important archaeological sites including the Temple of Apollo which isn't to be missed. There are a number of daily tours from the resort which include boat trips and sightseeing excursions. If you love snorkelling there are some great secluded bays which are only accessible by boat, and there are also some great spots for scuba divers to enjoy.

The international airport has good connections with all major European airports, and this has made it one of the most popular resorts in which to buy property during the last decade or so. There is a huge range to choose from here, which ranges from apartments to detached villas, and the prices can vary according to each resort.

Anyone thinking of buying property here is advised to take their time and explore all the options. It's also a good idea to talk to foreigners who live here for much of the year or even year-round, and to ask their opinion of the different areas. It's also worth checking to see how close a property is to local amenities and public transport, and something which is often neglected is to check which way the property faces to see how much sun it will receive.

Advantages of Holidaying in Hurghada

Hurghada is a relatively new resort but is fast becoming an international centre for aquatic sports. Obviously the most popular on-water activities here are snorkelling and diving, but it's also possible to do deep sea fishing, sailing and windsurfing. The warm waters here make it ideal for all kinds of watersports, and are extremely conducive for the large numbers of rare fish and coral reefs, which can also be observed from glass bottom boat if you really don't want to get your feet wet.

There is a huge choice of accommodation in Hurghada, which includes four and five star hotels, although a lot of people choose to rent self-catering accommodation as much of it is new, and is often quite luxurious.

Hurghada has a reputation as a party town, particularly amongst Europeans as there are many clubs here, but the resort is also popular with older Europeans who come here for family holidays as it is easy enough to find quieter parts of town.

The resort is still developing, and facilities will only get even better in the future, and there are various communities being developed just outside the main resort. These include El Gouna, a resort community constructed along 10 km of the beautiful beachfront to the north of Hurghada, and offering visitors a wide choice of activities.

It is an internationally certified diving centre, but also offers kite surfing, and it has the distinction of being the first professional centre in Egypt to do so. It also has an 18-hole US PGA golf course should you get too bored of lying on one of the gorgeous beaches. In short Hurghada has something for everyone and caters for all ages.

Just a few of the things I love about Altinkum

Altinkum is, in my opinion perfectly located as it is on a peninsula on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It is in an area called Didim, a very laid-back and friendly environment. You'll find the locals here extremely welcoming and willing to pass the time of day with you over a glass of apple tea. Many people return here year after year as it's such a great place to stay. The name Altinkum translates as golden sand, and when you see the beautiful beaches you'll understand how perfectly suited to this name is to this gorgeous little resort.

Until recently this town used to be quite a small and sleepy place, but around 15 years ago people from larger cities began to realise the attractions of living here and started to build holiday homes and second homes, and a lot of them have chosen to retire here. Obviously the beaches here are a huge lure, and there is a wide range of watersports available to those who wish for an active holiday. Those of us who prefer lying on the beach while pretending to read are well catered for as there are numerous sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent.

I might be giving the impression that this is a very sleepy little town, but there is still plenty to do and see, especially for those who are interested in ancient history as this area is certainly rich in ruins. You can discover the numerous beaches and coves by taking one of the organised daily boat trips from the harbour during the summer season, and there are also fishing trips available. I really believe this is the perfect location for a second home, or for anyone looking to buy a holiday property with the view to earning rental income.