Altinkum guide | Altinkum attractions and things to do
Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbours on Turkey's south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is extremely popular with British holidaymakers. However, this is where the similarity ends, as unlike the aforementioned high-octane resorts, Altinkum is small and tranquil, making it ideal for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed beach holiday.
The closest international airport to Altinkum is Milas-Bodrum, which is around 70km south east of the resort and connects to several major cities across Europe.
The journey time between the airport and Altinkum is about 60 minutes by road, and there are several companies offering private transfers, including Felicia Travel. However, a cheaper option is to take a HAVAS bus into Bodrum (32km) and from Bodrum’s central bus station catch a bus direct to Altinkum.
If youwant to enjoy the freedom of having your own vehicle during your trip, there are also a number of car hire companies in and around Altinkum, including Car Inn Rental.
Altinkum enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures in the region of 30C in July and August. Showers are unlikely during the summer months, though rainfall can be fairly regular in winter.
Altinkum’s main attraction are its three long, sandy beaches, that stretch from a small harbour at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other. All of these beaches offer watersports, including windsurfing, jet skiing and banana boat rides.
Away from the beaches, Altinkum, runs a large weekly market which is held each Saturday. The local buses – called ‘dolmus’ – run regularly to the market throughout the day from several points around the town. The main resort shopping centre is Dolphin Square, and there are also a large number of shops on the seafront which stay open late at night when the area is at its liveliest.
Other attractions in and around Altinkum include the Apollo Temple, which can be found in the ancient town of Didim, a 5 or 10 minute bus journey away. It is a very impressive site and definitely worth a visit.
The ancient site of Ephesus is also a magnificent day out for those who like their historical sight-seeing. This is the second largest ancient site in the world and allows visitors to soak in the atmosphere of Roman times.
Another impressive site is the unique Pamukkale, which captivates visitors with its frozen waterfalls. The thermal waters here have been used for therapeutic treatments since the Roman period.
For a more active sight-seeing tour, you can embark on a jeep safari, which takes you through traditional Turkish villages, as well as olive groves and hillsides and finally to turquoise bays where you can swim.
Family fun is available at two excellent aqua parks. Adaland Aqua Park, located in the town of Kusadasi, is a 50 minute drive from Altinkum and is Europe's largest water park. If you’d rather not venture that far from the resort, there is also Altinkum Aqua Park, located just outside the town centre, a 15-minute bus ride away.
Whether you are a beginner or a certified diver, the crystal clear waters in Altinkum offers a variety of diving. You can expect to see various marine life ranging from moray eels, octopus, barracudas and lobster to dolphins. Altinkum's scuba diving centre, Oskenos, offer courses for all abilities.
While not as raucous as other major Turkish resorts, it won't take long to find after-dark entertainment in Altinkum. Nightlife is centred mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front promenade, where everything from disco dancing, karaoke and belly-dancing to bingo and pool is on offer. Clubbers are catered for during the height of the summer season at Medusa, an open-air night club, while another favourite is the Dolphin Bar.
