Didim

Didim, home of the antique city of Didyma with its ruined Temple of Apollo, is a small town and district of Aydın Province on the Aegean coast of western Turkey, which is a transcontinental country, located mostly on Anatolia in Western Asia and on East Thrace in south-eastern Europe.

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Didyma are nearby. The original temple and home of an oracle was destroyed during the Persian Wars and the one we see today was rebuilt following the victory over the Persians of Alexander the Great.

Lake Bafa National Park covers 65 square kilometres and is home to 200+ birds such the Dalmatian pelican, fish eagle, pygmy cormorant and heron making it a paradise for birdwatchers. In the surrounding Latmos mountains, many animals such as boar, foxes, wildcats and badgers can all be found. The area also has ancient trails, ideal for hikers and many endemic plants and orchids.

The large archaeological site of Ephesus is within reach from this port of call.

Other popular sights include the ancient ruins of Priene and Miletus, with a well-preserved antique theatre, stadium, baths of Faustina and temple of Serapis.

The Greek island Kos is an hour's boat ride away and Samos, Rhodes and Kusadasi are also in reach.

Altinkum, or “golden sands”, is the beach and promenade area within the town of Didim (Altınkum and Didim were formerly two separate towns). There are three beaches within easy reach. The main (or First) beach is a long wide stretch of sand with sunbathing and water sports. Boat trips depart from the main harbour and many cafes, bars and restaurants can be found here. The Second beach lies to the east of the main beach, the Third to the west.

Didim Marina (just beyond the Third beach) features a yacht club, shopping mall, restaurants and visitor facilities.

Didim is a shopper's paradise, with bargaining an important part of it. Souvenirs include leather goods, carpets, jewellery, ceramics, copper, onyx and spices.

There is a wide range of dining options, from local dishes such meze (selection of food served as the appetizer course) and kebabs to British, Italian, Mediterranean and fresh fish and seafood.

Some traditional Turkish foods such as 'köfte' (meatball), 'döner' (generally lamb), 'kokoreç' (sheep intestines), 'börek' (dough stuffed with vegetables, meat or cheese) are now often served as fast food.

Didim cruise port is located in a sheltered bay, where cruse ships anchor. There is a new passenger terminal located here.

A regular fast-ferry connection runs during the summer months to the Greek islands of Kos, Patmos and Samos.

A golden sandy beach is within easy walking distance from the pier.

Taxis and dolmus minibuses are available, the latter departing when full and passengers are generally dropped off en-route at desired locations.