Holiday in Didim

What makes Didim special as a destination?

Didim on the Turkish Aegean coast is a hidden gem that is no longer a secret among German and British expatriates. The small town combines one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Turkey – the golden Altınkum Beach – with one of the most significant ancient sites in Asia Minor, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. This unique blend of beach holiday and ancient cultural heritage makes Didim one of the most versatile travel destinations on the Aegean. Altınkum Beach, whose name translates to "Golden Sand," consists of three adjacent bays with fine, light golden sand and shallow, warm water. In contrast to the often crowded beaches of the Turkish southern coast, it is much more relaxed here. The promenade behind the beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and cafés offering fresh fish and Turkish meze at moderate prices. A large international expat community, including many Germans, has settled in Didim and shapes the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the place. The Temple of Apollo at Didyma, just three kilometers from the beach, was one of the most important oracle sites of the Greek world in antiquity – comparable to Delphi. The massive remains of the columns and the still remarkably well-preserved temple core with its walls over 20 meters high continue to impress today. From Didim, other ancient sites such as Miletus and Priene can be reached on day trips, together forming the famous "Ancient Triangle." Bodrum-Milas Airport is about 90 kilometers away, or alternatively, Izmir Adnan Menderes can be used. The cost of living is significantly lower than on the Turkish southern coast.