Article by: Altinkum Dream Homes info@altinkumdreamhomes.co.uk Published: 09/12/2007

Altinkum is a friendly family resort with many visitors returning year after year. The local people are friendly and love the English tourists. You will get to know them quickly and they enjoy nothing better than chatting over a glass of Turkey's famous 'apple tea'. Don’t be surprised if you return year after year to visit your new found friends! The holiday resort of Altinkum has also been recommended by World Health Council because of its lovely climate, low rate of humidity and lovely sand. Altinkum is also a good place to visit for those suffering from asthma.

Beaches

Altinkum means 'Golden Sands' and with its beautiful beaches which gently shelve into the inviting turquoise blue Aegean, you will know where it gets it name from. The beaches are ideal for children and non-swimmers as the waters are shallow and clear. There are plenty of water sports, pedalos, banana boat rides and donut rides all at a reasonable price. There are numerous boat trips you can take from the small harbour that runs along the beach front. You can even arrange diving courses and fishing tours. You don’t even have to leave your sun lounger to get refreshments, there are plenty of people who will serve you a soft cold drink, the famous apple tea or even a Nescafe and they will bring it to you. There is also fresh fruit for sale. The shops and bars are a minute away so you can even get hot food (jacket potatoes etc) cold beers and take them onto the beach. This beach is known as the 'Main Beach' and can be reached by a 5 – 10 minute walk from our beautiful apartment.

There is also a more quieter and secluded beach in the area known as 'Third Beach'. This can be reached by a 5 minute walk from the apartment. It is smaller than main beach and is very peaceful. There are lots of water sports, banana boats etc., there are three bars/restaurants who will bring your drinks etc., to your sun lounger so no need for you to move. They will even take you home at the end of the day as they all provide a free mini bus service. You can also arrange for them to pick you up the following morning to take you to the beach at no charge. Some say that this beach is one of the best in Altinkum.

Markets & Shopping

Altinkum (also known as Didim) runs a weekly market which is held on a Saturday. The local dolmus will take you there they come every 5 – 10 mins. It is a very large market and worth a visit. Here you can buy a huge variety of things, the fresh fruit and vegetables are especially good and extremely cheap The main resort shopping centre is Dolphin Square, near the centre of the resort front. There are also a large number of shops on the seafront. All the shops are open late at night when the area becomes its liveliest. This is your opportunity to pick up a real bargain, especially if you are good at haggling! If you fancy designer clothes but can't normally afford them then many good copy designer items are on sale. If you are looking for jewellery then you will find that the quality of the gold here is excellent with the prices much cheaper than at home.

When shopping for provisions, there are two main supermarkets -Carrefour, Migros and Tansas which caters for most people's tastes, having a wide variety of well-known food, toiletries and kitchen goods. Carrefour is located between the seafront and the town centre , Migros at the start of the town centre and Tansas is between Carrefour and Migros as well as by altinkum beach.

Night Life

Altinkum literally vibrates in summer as bars, pubs and clubs are lined in downtown Altinkum with different kinds of music and entertainment. It is not overbearing and there is something for everyone ranging from discos and lively bars to the more relaxed where you can have a quiet drink. Altinkum is as lively or as quiet as you like it. The harbour and Dolphin Square is lined with lively venues, you can also opt for one of the back street bars, which are much quieter. There are numerous restaurants and a wide range of different cuisines – ranging from English, Italian, Mexican, Turkish, Chinese to name but a few. There are plenty of Turkish speciality dishes which we recommend you try as they are delicious. If you order the Turkish dish which is cooked in a traditional clay pot you will have the full treatment of it being brought out with fire, dancing etc., something not to be missed. All are reasonably priced. You can even get the good old Sunday roast which is excellent value. There are many beachfront restaurants and cafes where you can dine under the clear moonlit skies overlooking the waters edge. The Medusa Nightclub is an open air club in Altinkum which has a laser show and the latest up-to-date music. The Medusa Nightclub can be found along Yali Street. Just walk along the main promenade walking away from the harbour and follow the road upwards and you cannot miss it.

We can highly recommend the 'FamliyDoor Restaurant' which is excellent.

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Article Link: http://www.property-partnership.com/overseas-property-guides/overseas-property-guide.cfm?id=95

Please contact the author at info@altinkumdreamhomes.co.uk for more information.