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ALTINKUM


Main Beach and Promenade - Follow Ataturk Boulevard to the bottom of the hill and you find Altinkum's Main Beach. A short walk leads you onto the Promenade, from this point you will see why the Turkish gave the name Altinkum (translated Altinkum means Golden Sands) to this part of Didim. The blue flag beach, with ample space for sun loungers, gently shelves into the inviting turquoise blue Aegean were water lovers are guarded by qualified life guards from their lookout towers.

Choose to turn right and after a short walk you reach Dolphin Square.

Dolphin Square - This area is where you will find a large selection of bars that cater for the tourist. You can eat simple bar meals, drink the local Efes beer or join in the show when the waiters break into their Turkish dancing that lasts well into the early hours. You can view English TV on the big screen and watch the Big Match live. Further down the Promenade you find shops, jewelers, restaurants with a more Turkish feel and most of the night clubs for the young at heart. At the end of the promenade you can take a boat trip around the many bays in the area or go further and visit a Greek Island - so don't forget your passport!

If you choose to turn left at the promenade you will come across an ample selection of bars and restaurants that cater for all taste including traditional Turkish cuisine, Chinese and Indian. A small selection of shops selling everything from novelty ashtrays and clothes to Turkish gold rings and necklaces can also be found - be prepared to haggle! You can even try a Turkish Bath! A variety of water sports can be experienced at the far left of the beach, including pedalos, banana boats and rubber rings.

At the end of Main Beach the path takes you up a slight slope to more restaurants and shops. The path opens up to a Turkish Street Bazaar. At night you can experience this part of Altinkum from a different perspective by taking a short camel ride! Altinkum's largest nightclub, Medusa can be found in this area nestled between Main Beach and Second Beach

Second Beach - A smaller beach surrounded by hotels. Hire a jet ski from here and explore the waters and the many tiny bays, have a traditional Turkish shave or simply relax and have a drink with a meal in one of a number of restaurants and bars overlooking Altinkum's second Blue Flag beach.

Third Beach - The smallest of Altinkums beaches, located approximately one kilometer from the Main Beach. This is the latest beach in Altinkum to be awarded the Blue Flag, a prestigious, international award scheme which acts as a guarantee to tourists that a beach or marina they are visiting is one of the best in the world. It is awarded to coastal destinations which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management. There are two restaurants at this beach that offer a free bus service and there is also a local bus service (called a dolmus) from the resort centre. This was known as the quietest of the 3 beaches until recently but things are changing.

New Marina - This area is the focus of the Turkish Government which is investing $50 million in
70 acres of land to create a new Marina with a capacity for 623 berthed yachts and 600 yachts in dry dock, a yacht lift, shopping centre, supermarkets, yacht equipment shops, a fitness centre and sports facilities, swimming pool, bars, a petrol station, restaurants and a cultural centre. The Marina, due to open in the summer of 2009 is seen to many as the future of Altinkum. Complementing the Marina are three 5 star all-inclusive hotels that have been popular with the British for a number of years.

To accommodate the extra traffic that the Marina will bring, a new road is being built.

Marina Road - The new road starts from the edge of Didim and will divert the majority of traffic towards the Marina. The road which is still under construction is going to be lined with restaurants, shops and bars. A new community is being formed around Marina Road with new apartments and villas being built to accommodate the growing number of property investors who fall in love with Altinkum. This stretch of road is going to shift the focus of attention away from the current main road Ataturk Boulevard.

Ataturk Boulevard - This road runs down the centre of Didim and for centuries has been used as the main thoroughfare for travellers and locals visiting the region. On both sides of the road shops, banks, restaurants and large supermarkets line the road. This road, which cuts through the heart of the ancient Apollo Temple is not suitable to take today's modern vehicles, causing unknown damage to the sacred historic site.

Apollo Temple - Dated back to the 8th century B.C. According to legend Zeus' sons Artemis and Apollo were both born here. Set on a seven-stepped platform with 122 enormous columns. Although never completed modern experts believe the magnificent temple would have been one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Even incomplete, the temple is enormous and impressive; it is the third largest in the ancient world. Sadly only 3 columns remain after an earthquake in 1493 A.D.

Continued Investment - With Altinkum being one of Turkey's 5 "Tourism Development Regions", the region continues to grow and develop. Didim Aqua Park opened its doors to visitors a couple of years ago, with a great selection of slides and rides for all ages.

2008 - Saw the completion of the new Saturday market. With the spacious stalls set out under large decorative covers and ample car parking space. The market is close to the Hospital and Bus terminal which have both been opened in recent years.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR ALTINKUM