Altinkum Holiday Guide

There are lots of great value charter flights to Bodrum, the nearest airport, and it's a 70-minute transfer to Altinkum from there. Izmir airport is two hours away.

One you're in the resort everything's conveniently located. If you want to get out and about you can sign up for day trips to local sights. You don't really need a car while on holiday here unless you're set on exploring further afield.

Altinkum means 'golden sands' in Turkish, and the beaches are just that, wide and golden, lapped by the sparkling waters of the Aegean.

The main beach stretches from the harbour to a rocky headland, and there are two other beaches at either end. With gentle, sloping sands and calm water, it's ideal for children and lifeguards watch the beach. Waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing and diving are some of the water sports on offer.

The holiday resort itself doesn't have any sights, but Didim, 5km north, was the site of a vast ancient temple to Apollo and a visit to the ruins is worthwhile. This area of Turkey is rich in historic sights, ideally visited on a day trip (see below).

To get a taste of the local area while on holiday here, take a jeep safari into the olive groves and surrounding hills, stopping at little Turkish villages on the way. Another great thing to do is head to a local Turkish bath – you'll be pummelled to perfection.

There are dozens of bars, restaurants and little cafés in Altinkum serving cuisine from around the world. Turkish fare is a delicious mix of grilled meat and fish, kebabs and salads. Traditional appetisers, or meze, include stuffed vine leaves, olives, hummus and Turkish pastries.
If you want a taste of home while on holiday in Turkey’s Altinkum, it's not difficult to find British food, from fish and chips to a breakfast fry-up.

Altinkum has a well-established nightlife with dozens of bars and discos – including a vast open-air nightclub. Most of the action is focused around the harbour and Dolphin Square, where you'll find everything from karaoke bars to live music venues.
If you're looking for something more sedate try some of the back street bars or family-style restaurants. While Altinkum can be lively after dark, there are still plenty of places to take it easy.

Along the beach and in the centre of town there are lots of shops geared up for tourists, selling everything from beachwear to handcrafted souvenirs. The modern Didyma Shopping Mall has all essentials, and browsing around Didim's Saturday market is fun.

Turkish apple tea or Turkish delight are the things to take home, but you'll also find beautiful carpets and jewellery. Remember to haggle.

Besides the family-friendly beaches there's plenty more for kids on holiday here. Adaland Aqua Park in Kusadasi, 50 minutes away, has some great, adrenaline-pumping rides. A new addition to the resort is Altinkum Aqua Park, just outside town. It's not as big but still fun.

There's a horse-riding centre in Altinkum too. Treks take you into the countryside and down to the coast, where you can go for a swim before lunch.

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world and you can get a real feel for life in Roman times. It's a fantastic, interesting day trip that's easily arranged from Altinkum. Excursions often stop at Pamukkale too – an area of hot springs in a landscape of dazzling, white crystallised cliffs. You can soak in the mineral-rich pools.

It's worth heading into Bodrum to take a look at the castle and museum. Built in the 15th century, the castle towers over the city. Today its home to the vast Museum of Underwater Archaeology with interesting displays including finds from local shipwrecks.

Boat trips around the Aegean coast are another popular pastime. Lunch is included and there's time for swimming or snorkelling too.