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Altinkum © Altinkum Didim Akbuk Property |
Overview Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbours on Turkey's south
Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday
package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum
is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young
children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach holiday. The
resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches,
that stretch from the small harbour at one end of a gently shelving
bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name
Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure
and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some
watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent
trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving
up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those
with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to
visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and
the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Shopping Holidaymakers should brush up on their haggling skills as
shopping opportunities abound along the pedestrianised seafront of
Altinkum, which is packed with souvenir shops, jewellery stores and
boutiques selling copies of designer clothing. The main centre is
Dolphin Square, and there is a modern shopping complex called the
Didyma Shopping Mall not far away. Self-caterers will find all the
provisions they need at the two main supermarkets, Gima and Migros,
between the seafront and town centre.
Restaurants Altinkum is bursting with good restaurants serving most forms of
international cuisine, although Turkish and traditional English
predominates to cater to the demand of holidaymakers. With such a
feast of eateries it is difficult to single out any particular
establishment, but for the best of British it is hard to beat Ali
Baba's for friendliness, price and quality. The Mercury Restaurant
serves top-notch English breakfasts, while Barney's Restaurant
prides itself in introducing visitors to the delights of Turkish
cuisine. For a family group or party of varied tastes opt for The
Grand Restaurant in Dolphin Square, where the menu consists of
Turkish, Indian, Chinese and English dishes, all of high
standard.
- Cafemore in Ataturk Boulevard great food and very friendly. Run by family and none of the messing you get from the beacg front : Paul D...See More Tips | Add Tip
- Okabase BBQ restaurant is great. Been there twice now, and reckon this is the best for Turkish food. Graham Ferns
- Try Okabase BBQ restaurant opposite Carrefour in Atark Boulevard, and Didim Sehir Lokantasi in Didim. It's where the Turks go for a good meal! Warren
- Try the Testi kebab. We ate there several times. Just round the corner from dolphin square. Free transport from hotel and back. Pat
- Try the Moonlight Restaurant in Altinkum - fab food!!! aisling
- Eat out in Turkish restaurants as it is better food than down the front and at the airport. The food and drink is very dear. Take water, cold drinks and rolls as it will save you a lot of money, beer is about 4 pound a pint. THE CLAMPITS
Nightlife While it is not as rowdy as the major Turkish holiday resorts,
those who wish to indulge will find plenty of after-dark
entertainment and fun in Altinkum, where nightlife is centred
mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front
promenade. Everything from disco dancing, karaoke and belly-dancing
to bingo and pool is on offer, the entertainment fuelled by cheap
drinks and cocktails. Clubbers are catered for during the height of
the summer season at Medusa, an open-air night club that is
regarded as Altinkum's most hectic party point. Another hot
favourite for young people is the Dolphin Bar.
- been going for past 7 years, best places i think are galaxy, roof top, seal bar, palm beach :), i would say big nose is good for familys : Lisa...See More Tips | Add Tip
- galaxy bar is amazing! really nice people that work there cb
- The shops are pretty much 24/7 they don't shut, or pretty much the same story with all bars/clubs. Justin Reid
- Bignose bar. Brilliant entertainment every night for all ages. Really friendly staff. Pat
- Brilliant but more needs to happen clair okroake
- Nightlife so good, sexy men, lots of drink, lush men dancing, good entertainment and breakdancing xx becky steph tina clint zoe sue
Activities There are sunbeds and umbrellas aplenty for holidaymakers to
rent on Altinkum's lovely beaches, where the turquoise waters
shelve gently allowing for safe bathing. Those who are more
energetic can try their hand at windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedaloes,
a banana boat ride or perhaps a scuba diving lesson: all these
activities and more are available on the beaches. A variety of
tours, boat trips and excursions to surrounding resorts, islands,
towns and historic sites are available, or visitors can hop on a
dolmus (mini-bus) and explore on their own places like the Roman
ruins at Ephesus, the Pamukkale spas and calcium deposits, or the
lively resorts of Kusadasi and Bodrum. For a peaceful yet active
afternoon, take a stroll around the scenic Bafa Lake.
- Anil 1998 (something like that) is a good boat trip, loads of ones to go on tho, also water park is good : Lisa...See More Tips | Add Tip
- Waterpark at Didim is lovely for kids - don't take food or drink with you because they do a bag search and will take it away...
Before you go, if you intend to go shopping, pop into Carrefour supermarket first because quite often in the summer, they will give you a voucher for the water park.. 5 lira off per person when you shop at Carrefour. AltinkumLover
- Lots of things to do - boat trips, water parks - lots! becky steph tina clint zoe sue
- You've got to go on a boat trip. Taffys is the best. claire
- Go to Zazar Tours! Semo and his staff are great and the value for trips is fantastic! Well worth a trip to Ephesus and Pamukale. Also visit Bodrum and take a trip into Gumbet. Really good. lilli
Negatives During the local Turkish summer break in August, Altinkum is a
favourite destination and can become rather overcrowded. Visitors
should also be aware that temperatures can be extremely high in the
height of summer.