Altinkum holidays

The vibrant beach resort of Altinkum is nestled in the Bodrum region of Turkey’s southwest coast. Altinkum is a modern resort with a new harbour and three Blue Flag beaches. The destination provides all the goods for a laid-back beach holiday without travelling anywhere once you arrive. Throw in the bonus of the region’s best attractions on its doorstep, and you’ve got yourself a memorable trip for the whole family.

 World-famous Ephesus is just a couple of hours’ drive from Altinkum. There’s plenty to do close to home too, including a local waterpark that kids will love. Or head into Didim, the neighbouring town, for many traditional restaurants and bars, the Temple of Apollo ruins, and an annual festival of friendship!

Things to do

A beach lover’s paradise, Altinkum has three beautiful golden shores to pick from, linked by a modern promenade and flanked by the chic, yacht-filled marina.

The beach closest to the marina is a top pick for water sports, where you can race on jet skis or snorkel in the crystal clear water. Take a stroll through the buzzing Dolphin Square markets and see what treasures you can find. Or nibble Kalamata olives and traditional stuffed vine leaves in a local restaurant, watching the world go by.

If you’re interested in taking a day trip, the whole family can enjoy the exciting water slides at Didim Aqualand. Ephesus’s ancient city is a must-see for keen historians, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Take a day trip

To discover what else this charming destination offers, you can take a day trip and have all kinds of exciting adventures. How about exploring the ancient ruins of Bafa Lake? This vast body of water is an ideal change of scenery, with a selection of cafés and restaurants overlooking the peaceful water.

Or head out to the Roman ruins of Ephesus for a day drenched in history and culture. A trip into Didim, the town next to Altinkum resort, is a must while you’re in the area. Didim is just a short drive from Altinkum and offers lots of things to see and do in a day.

For an exciting day out the whole family will love, visit Aqua Fantasy, the largest waterpark in Turkey just a short drive from Altinkum.

Beautiful beaches

If your idea of a holiday involves relaxing by the sea, Altinkum has plenty to offer. Have fun at one of three stunning beaches, whether you lounge around on the soft, sun-warmed sand or enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the calm waters. The beach closest to the harbour is best for children, with shallow, gentle surf that little ones will love to splash around in.

All of Altinkum’s beaches are served by various bars and restaurants, so you can enjoy a fruity cocktail or a bite to eat without heading back into the resort. If you like to enjoy the coast in a more adventurous way, you can find lots of water sports on offer at Altinkum beaches. Whether you want to try your hand at snorkelling, paddle boarding, or riding a jet ski, there are lots of ways to move your body when you visit Altinkum beaches.

Festivals

If you time your holiday right, you can visit the annual Didim Peace Festival hosted in the small town neighbouring Altinkum. The festival celebrates Turkey and Greece’s friendship and involves many fun traditions that visitors can enjoy. There’s a race from Apollo’s temple to Altinkum, as well as boat races and, of course, lots of dancing! The celebrations end with a music festival on the beach, known for pulling in vast crowds of revellers.

History

Didim, the town which neighbours the Altinkum resort, has been a sacred place for many centuries. It was one the centre of the Ancient Greek city Miletus, one of the largest and wealthiest before the Persian invasion in the 6th century. Ancient remnants are still scattered around today, making the town a must-visit for keen historians.

The area was associated with Zeus and Leto’s meeting place, where they had their children, the twins Artemis and Apollo. The Temple of Apollo sits just a few miles inland, making it a must-see if you’re interested in the history of your destination. The temple is mostly in ruins, but you can still get a good feel for its size and importance when you wander between the tattered columns.

Nightlife

Altinkum is a haven for tourists, so it should come as no surprise that many buzzy bars and clubs come to life when the sun goes down. If you want to sip cool drinks and dance long into the night, you won’t be disappointed. Flit between clubs that suit your musical taste or head into more chilled-out bars and enjoy a chat with your friends or family.

Nightlife in Altinkum is based around two main squares, but plenty is going on down at the beach, too! The beachfront boasts bars with live entertainment, karaoke, and dancing. Many of these spots stay open late, so there’s no need to hit the clubs if you prefer something a little more laid back.

If you’re travelling with family or in a couple and prefer something a little quieter, the nightlife in Didim could be for you. A stone’s throw from the main resort of Altinkum, Didim offers many cosy restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a drink and some traditional Turkish atmosphere.