Top things to do in Altinkum

In 1300 AD, the Turks battled Ionia. This ancient temple, the fourth-largest temple in the world, was a meeting point for great rulers and politicians such as Alexander the Great and Diocletian Roman Emperor, who travelled miles to the temples' oracle. Consisting of the remains of the Sanctuary of Apollo, it holds the most significant and well-preserved Greek temples seen in the Greek world. This archaeological site lies in the province of Fokida, between two towns of Arachova and Amfissa.

When in Altinkum, it’s hard to resist the temptation to visit Turkey’s largest water park, Aqua Fantasy Aquapark, situated in the Pamucak region in Izmir. At first glance, it resembles a water-themed amusement park, and with no shortage of excursions, there is no doubt you will capture memories to last a lifetime. Choose from turbo-sped waterslides named after fearsome snakes, relax on the infinite lazy river, race your family and friends down the proracer, and survive the cascading wave pool. There are plenty of child-designated areas plus sunbeds for the grown-ups to unwind and relax.

Altinkum offers beaches of vanilla-hued sands and calm waters, providing an ideal setting to sink your toes and relax in the balmy sunshine. The 750-metre-long stretch of shallow waters on Altinkum Beach features a magnificent collection of restaurants, amenities, and water sports, perfect for travellers with children and those seeking water-based adventures.

Aquarium Beach is a fantastic spot to truly connect with nature and observe the vibrant marine life of Turkey. The waters at Aquarium Beach boast gin-clear visibility and calm waters, the perfect conditions for legions of fish in their natural environment.

For a peaceful oasis and seclusion, visit Monastery Bay Beach surrounded by pine forests and emerald foliage.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Roman culture by visiting the ancient city ruins of Ephesus. Dating back centuries, Ephesus held a pivotal role as one of Turkey's most significant cities and served as the main trading hub for the Mediterranean. The excavated remains today bear witness to centuries of history, from the triumphs of the Roman Empire to the dawn of Christianity.

You can organise a variety of tours online before you go. Alternatively, once you're there, you can book a historical tour with one of the knowledgeable tour guides in Ephesus offering insights and highlights of the city remains. The tour may also include landmarks such as the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.

Saturdays bring joy to the locals in Altinkum with the bustling Didim Saturday market. This lively event is all about colourful food displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, tacky souvenirs, and designer dupes - all at bargain prices. Like any other Turkish market, the sellers love to haggle with a sense of humour, so feel free to negotiate. Euros, Turkish Lira, and even Sterling are all accepted in the market.