The Aegean coastal towns of Didim and Altinkum lie on the north shore of the Gulf of Gulluk, opposite Torba, Turkbuku and Yalikavak described in our BODRUM REGION GUIDE. Once two neighbouring towns, they have now blended into one but are still referred to with both names. They are  accessible from both Bodrum Milas and Izmir Airports (about a 90 minute transfer). Thriving summer holiday locations, they offer a varied range of affordable property options with remarkably cheap price tags from just £30,000.

Altinkum/Didim (ancient Didyma) is situated in Turkey’s Aydin province between Bodrum and Kusadasi. Best known as home to the Temple of Apollo. The towns population is over 37,000 including many resident Brits and Europeans. Although the area, like much of the coast, is heavily reliant on tourism, it also farms wheat, cotton and citrus fruits. Didim Region boasts long sandy beaches with clear blue waters ideal for water-sports or a quick dip to cool off during the long hot summer days.

Didim/Altinkum was originally a popular property location with Istanbul and Ankara city folk who fell in love with its charm, buying land and holiday homes. The past 15 years have seen a lot of development and property prices have risen. Foreigners now have a great choice of apartments and villa’s suiting most tastes and budgets starting from £30,000.

DIDIM/ALTINKUM

Since 2000 many Brits and Europeans have bought properties in Didim/Altinkum lured by the affordable price tags, superb beaches, entertainment options and laid back lifestyle

Didim town has a good mix of modern amenities, ex-pat bars, international restaurants and facilities sat alongside Turkish lokantas (restaurants), street kebab stalls and mini-markets. The area has developed a strong English community, so much so that household bills are now printed in English as well as Turkish. It’s very easy for a foreigner to live in Didim. But it’s not all Union Jacks and English breakfasts, Didim also homes the fabulous $50 million Didim D-Marin Marina, opened in 2009 with berths for all types of boats and yachts (8m-50m), dry docks, a shopping mall, fancy restaurants and a yacht club. This has attracted the sailors and yacht owners to buy properties in the region and pused tourism in the area considerably. Properties in Didim/Altinkum start at around £50,000.

AKBUK

Akbuk was until recently a sleepy little fishing village lying on the shores of the beautiful Aegean Sea. Still relatively unspoilt by tourism, it appeals to those wanting an affordable property in a beautiful beach side village within easy reach of busy resorts and amenities.

Akbuk is 20km from Didim/Altinkum and 60km from Kusadasi. Surrounded by olive groves and orchards, it lies at the end of a long sandy bay hiding a number of little inlets and coves. An nice mix of bars and restaurants can be found, and boat trips and water-sports are readily available from the beach ensuring plenty to do if you fancy a night out or being energetic. The resort is undergoing an increasing amount of development and there are now a number of large hotels and some sizable property complexes in the area offering apartments for sale from as little as £30,000.

TRANSPORT LINKS TO/FROM DIDIM/ALTINKUM

Airports – Bodrum Milas Airport is 70km, Izmir Airport 140km both reached in around 90 minutes from Didim.

Buses – Didim/Altinkum’s main bus station (otogar) offers regular first class coach services to most cities and towns throughout Turkey. Smaller, local buses run in resorts and around the city centre taking you to neighbouring villages, resorts and attractions.