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Altinkum
British tourists predominantly visit Altinkum and like neighbouring Kusadasi and Bodrum it is popular on package holidays, however unlike the other more lively resorts Altinkum is tranquil and quiet and offers a relaxing family holiday in Turkey to visitors to the resort. The resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbour at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. It is with little wonder that the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some water sports, are the order of the day, while nighttime is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Shopping in Turkey is part of the experience, with Turkish style haggling offering shoppers some fantastic bargains and the chance to try out their haggling skills. The seafront is packed with souvenir shops, jewellery stores and boutiques selling copies of designer clothing. The main centre is Dolphin Square, and there is a modern shopping complex called the Didyma Shopping Mall not far away. Self-caterers will find all the provisions they need at the two main supermarkets, Gima and Migros, between the seafront and town centre.
Dining on in Altinkum is of a high standard and is predominantly English or Turkish, but there is also a vast range of delicious cuisine and good international restaurants available to visitors on the resort. Most restaurant menus indicate prices in Sterling, and many are even willing to accept Pounds in payment. With such a feast of eateries it is difficult to single out any particular establishment, but for the best of British it is hard to beat Ali Babas for friendliness, price and quality. Barneys Restaurant prides itself in introducing visitors to the delights of Turkish cuisine. For a family group or party of varied tastes opt for The Grand Restaurant in Dolphin Square, where the menu consists of Turkish, Indian, Chinese and English dishes, all of high standard.
Nightlife in Altinkum is not as flamboyant as the larger Turkish resorts, however there is plenty of evening activity and after dark entertainment. For visitors who like to indulge in a party atmosphere, the nightlife is centred mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front promenade. Everything from disco dancing, karaoke and belly dancing to bingo and pool is on offer, the entertainment fuelled by cheap drinks and cocktails. Clubbers are catered for during the height of the summer season at Medusa, an open-air nightclub that is regarded as Altinkum's most hectic party point. Another hot favourite for young people is the Dolphin Bar.
Turquoise waters lap against the sandy shores of Altinkum's spectacular beaches and the coast is on a shelf offering shallow waters for safe bathing. Those who are more energetic can try their hand at windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedaloes, a banana boat ride or perhaps a scuba diving lesson: all these activities and more are available on the beaches. A variety of tours, boat trips and excursions to surrounding resorts, towns and historic sites are available, or visitors can hop on a dolmus (mini-bus) and explore on their own places like the Roman ruins at Ephesus, the Pamukkale spas and calcium deposits, or the lively resorts of Kusadasi and Bodrum.
Visitors should be aware that Altinkum is a popular destination in the heat of the summer break and should expect it to be more crowded during the summer months and also the temperatures can be extremely high in the height of summer.
Shopping in Turkey is part of the experience, with Turkish style haggling offering shoppers some fantastic bargains and the chance to try out their haggling skills. The seafront is packed with souvenir shops, jewellery stores and boutiques selling copies of designer clothing. The main centre is Dolphin Square, and there is a modern shopping complex called the Didyma Shopping Mall not far away. Self-caterers will find all the provisions they need at the two main supermarkets, Gima and Migros, between the seafront and town centre.
Dining on in Altinkum is of a high standard and is predominantly English or Turkish, but there is also a vast range of delicious cuisine and good international restaurants available to visitors on the resort. Most restaurant menus indicate prices in Sterling, and many are even willing to accept Pounds in payment. With such a feast of eateries it is difficult to single out any particular establishment, but for the best of British it is hard to beat Ali Babas for friendliness, price and quality. Barneys Restaurant prides itself in introducing visitors to the delights of Turkish cuisine. For a family group or party of varied tastes opt for The Grand Restaurant in Dolphin Square, where the menu consists of Turkish, Indian, Chinese and English dishes, all of high standard.
Nightlife in Altinkum is not as flamboyant as the larger Turkish resorts, however there is plenty of evening activity and after dark entertainment. For visitors who like to indulge in a party atmosphere, the nightlife is centred mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front promenade. Everything from disco dancing, karaoke and belly dancing to bingo and pool is on offer, the entertainment fuelled by cheap drinks and cocktails. Clubbers are catered for during the height of the summer season at Medusa, an open-air nightclub that is regarded as Altinkum's most hectic party point. Another hot favourite for young people is the Dolphin Bar.
Turquoise waters lap against the sandy shores of Altinkum's spectacular beaches and the coast is on a shelf offering shallow waters for safe bathing. Those who are more energetic can try their hand at windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedaloes, a banana boat ride or perhaps a scuba diving lesson: all these activities and more are available on the beaches. A variety of tours, boat trips and excursions to surrounding resorts, towns and historic sites are available, or visitors can hop on a dolmus (mini-bus) and explore on their own places like the Roman ruins at Ephesus, the Pamukkale spas and calcium deposits, or the lively resorts of Kusadasi and Bodrum.
Visitors should be aware that Altinkum is a popular destination in the heat of the summer break and should expect it to be more crowded during the summer months and also the temperatures can be extremely high in the height of summer.
