Sightseeing & Activities

Altinkum isn't just about lazing in the sunshine, as there is plenty to do during both the day and evening. Even if history was never your thing at school you can't ignore the ancient world when you stay here as Altinkum is close to many fascinating ancient sites where you can almost feel the past. Nearby is the small resort of Didim with the Temple of Apollo where the famous snake-adorned head of Medusa stands, and the sheer size of the columns is truly amazing. For a longer day-out visit the inspiring ruins of Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Or for something completely different you could take a boat trip to the Greek island of Samos, or perhaps enjoy a walk around the nearby beautiful Bafa Lake with its magnificent mountain backdrop.

In and Around Altinkum

Temple of Apollo

The research concerning the origins of the names of Didyma and Didymaion has been a subject of discussion going on for years. Along with several other myths, it is believed that the name means "twin temples". However no hard evidence could be found so it remains a myth. At Didim you will find the temple of Apollo and just after you have entered the site, you will see this copy of a majestic lion that was found here during excavations.

Didim Aqua Park

The Didim Aqua Park is just outside of Altinkum, set on a hill on the way to Soke. The Aqua Park was built in 2004 and has proved to be ever-popular with English tourists.

Diving in Altinkum

Whether you are a beginner or a certified diver, the crystal clear waters in Altinkum offer a variety of diving. You can expect to see various types of marine such as moray eels, octopus, tuna, jacks, barracuda's, lobster and even dolphins. Altinkum's scuba diving centre Okenos, offers courses for all abilities. The Okenos Diving office is situated opposite the 'chill out' bar.

Horse Riding

Altinkum has its own Horse Riding Ranch, called Pegasus. They are situated near 3rd beach and have 10 stables. Pegasus offers horse safari trips along several paths in idyllic surroundings that end up by the sea, where you can cool off, swim & enjoy lunch. Safari's can be booked direct with Pegasus.

Further Afield

Bafa Lake

Bafa Lake is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Turkish and foreign tourists. However, strict building regulations mean that the area has remained unspoilt.

Samos

Samos lies at the north-eastern part of the Aegean sea in a distance of 174 nautical miles from Piraeus. It has an area of 475 sq. km., a coastline of 159 km and a population of 40.000 inhabitants. The essential beauty of the nature, the historical sites that are spread all over the island and the charming mountainous landscape of Samos create a unique atmosphere which enchants the visitors and carry them in another era. In an era of myths, heroes and philosophers.

The Theatre at Priene

Built in the 4th century BC this theatre is still in good condition. Like all ancient Greek theatres, the building consist of three main parts i.e. the Skene (stage building), the Orchestra (horseshoe shaped space in middle) and the Cavea (space where the spectators sat). Taking into consideration all the present day remains, it has been calculated that the cevea had 50 rows of seats and that it had the capacity to seat an audience of 5,000 people.

Byzantine Church at Priene

The church was built in the 6th century A.D, understood to be the church for the Archbishdopric and comprises of three wings. The middle nave is separated from the others by the rows of Doric columns on its sides. The apse has not completely been escavated. It is understood that the church originally had a flat roof, and that the dome was added later.

Temple of Athena

Dating back to 4th century BC, this temple, located on the culminating point of the city, rose over a wide terrace of rocks and the defence walls and it was the largest, oldest, most important and most magnificent building in Priene. It was oriented on an east-west axis in conformity with the city plan and faced east. The building was completely destroyed in an earthquake in ancient times and the pieces were scattered over a large area. Fortunately, the construction of the plan and the reconstruction of the building have been possible through the fragments found in the excavations. The building rests on a three-stepped platform, 37.2 meters long and 19.15 metres wide. Th columns of which the bases are built in the Ephesus type, have 24 flutes in their shaft.

Miletus Theatre

This theatre was first erected in the 4th century BC and it has taken its present form by later alterations undergone in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The theatre could seat 5,300 spectators in hte Hellenistic period but this grew to 25,00 spectators in the Roman period. This theatre was mainly used for lion fights

Ephesus

Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean, and perhaps the best place in the world to get the feeling for what life was like in Roman times. As a strategic coastal gateway to the Eastern World, this Ionian refuge grew to be the second largest city in the Roman Empire, the site of a Christian shrine, and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, circa 37-45 AD. Renaissance church historians mentioned the trip, and it is said that local Christians venerated a small house near Ephesus as Mary's. In 1967 Pope Paul VI. visited the site, where a chapel now stands, and confirmed the authenticity of the legend. Also the Basilica of St. John is located near Ephesus. St. John is said to have lived the last years of his life here and after his death, a shrine was located over his grave.

Pammukale

Pamukkale has always been a very popular settlement where the hot springs were believed to have healing powers, so the city became the center of a pagan cult in antiquity and a spa resort today. The city was on the borders of Caria, Lycia and Phrygia and had a mixed population. Citizens were usually involved in the wool industry and little has changed as it is still a textile center.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable visit. Situated on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed for one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Priene, Miletos-the principals of ancient times, and ideal for sightseers.

Bodrum

A visit to this busy resort is a wonderful day out. The Castle of St Peter with its amazing maritime museum is fascinating; alternatively stroll through the marina with its charming boutiques and elegant yachts. There is a fantastic selection of waterfront shops, and Bodrum's pedestrian shopping lanes will keep you busy during the day. All around the Bodrum peninsular there are wonderful opportunities for water sports. You can try your hand at water skiing, parasailing, dinghy sailing, and windsurfing or perhaps the more sedate pastimes of canoeing or pedaloes. Bodrum town is a famous resort place, both among Turkish and foreign travellers. The heart of Bodrum beats loudest in the narrow streets clustered around the bay where shops, restaurants, bars and discos via for attention. Strolling along the most popular of the streets, Cumhuriyet Caddesi (the locals call it Bar street), the visitor becomes immersed in a blend of native and cosmopolitan culture that is Bodrum today.