Part of the Didim district of Aydın, Altinkum takes its name from its fine golden sand and is one of the most popular resorts on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Because the offshore winds here are often stronger than the onshore ones, Altinkum is one of the rare beaches that cleans itself naturally.
Altinkum’s beaches
Altinkum has three main beaches running one after another through the resort. The water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it a safe place for families and for anyone learning to swim. Along the beach you will find sunbed and parasol hire, showers and beachfront cafés, and in the evenings the promenade fills with people out for a stroll.
The swimming season usually runs from late May to October, with July and August the busiest months. For a quieter beach holiday, June or September are the best choices. If you prefer a greener, wooded coastline, read about Akbük on the east side of Didim on our Things to Do page.
A cosmopolitan resort with authentic food
Altinkum is especially popular with Turkish and British holidaymakers, and this mix shows in its food and drink. Along the seafront you will find pubs catering to British tastes and restaurants serving international cuisine, alongside excellent traditional restaurants serving authentic Turkish food.
A hub for sailing: D-Marin Didim
Altinkum is famous not only for its beaches but also for one of the largest marinas on the Turkish coast. Built in two and a half years at a cost of around 75 million dollars, D-Marin Didim offers 580 sea and 600 dry berths, 70,000 m² of land, two travel lifts of 400 and 75 tonnes and two large hangars.
Besides its yacht club, technical services, harbour and environmental services, the marina is home to stylish cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, and adds a great deal to the area’s social life.
Getting there, exploring and winter breaks
Altinkum is easy to reach: by road it is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Bodrum-Milas Airport and about 1 hour 45 minutes from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. The Temple of Apollo (Didyma) is a 10-minute drive from the town centre, and the ancient sites of Miletus and Ephesus are within reach for day trips.
Altinkum has a different charm in winter, and in recent years the number of hotels open all year has grown quickly. Large hotels with central heating and air conditioning operate twelve months a year, and cosy boutique hotels welcome guests in every season.