What comes to mind when you think of a summer holiday? Silky sands that don't burn your feet? A sea as calm as a sheet of glass where your children can play safely? Or perhaps enjoying the sun during the day and having fun at lively beach bars at night? If all these dreams sound familiar, then we invite you to the heart of Didim, the pearl of the Aegean, to Altınkum, which takes its name from its legendary sands. This is not just a beach; it's a lifestyle. In this article, we won't just tell you to "go for a swim"; we will describe the soul of Altınkum, the hidden pleasures in every corner, and all the details that will make your holiday unforgettable. Here is our specially prepared guide on things to do in Altınkum Beach!

Walk on the fine, golden-yellow sandy beach that gives Didim its name

The moment you step onto Altınkum, you'll immediately understand why it was given this name ("Golden Sand"). The sand here is legendary, not just for its color but for its texture. With its fine, silky soft structure that never pricks your feet, you'll want to walk along the coast for hours. With a length of about 750 meters and a width of 15 meters , it offers a spacious area where you can find your own corner even on the busiest summer days.   

This natural beauty is not just a visual feast but also has certified quality. Altınkum Beach has consistently received the Blue Flag award for years, proving the cleanliness of its water, its safety, and its commitment to environmental standards. So you can be sure that you are not only swimming in a beautiful sea but one that is clean and safe by international standards.   

A walk on these golden sands, with your shoes off, as you start your day or as the famous orange hues of sunset paint the sky, will wash away the fatigue of the whole year. On one side, the turquoise waters of the Aegean, and on the other, the vibrant coastline... Don't forget to capture this moment!

Enjoy a pleasant time with your family on its shallow and calm sea

When vacationing with children, the biggest question on parents' minds is safety, isn't it? Well, Altınkum has a structure that completely puts your mind at ease in this regard. One of the most beloved features of the beach is that the water remains shallow even after walking for meters, deepening very gradually. This allows children to play freely and safely in the water, while you relax peacefully on your sunbed.   

The sea is generally calm and waveless, almost like a swimming pool, especially in the morning hours. This allows even the youngest children to safely build sandcastles by the water's edge. The clarity of the water is so impressive that if you're lucky, you might even see small fish swimming around you. The warm water temperature also ensures that children can enjoy the sea for hours without getting cold.   

Of course, comfort is also important. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach for a reasonable fee , and when you get hungry or want to cool down, you can easily meet all your needs from the cafes and markets lined up along the coast. After this peaceful day in Altınkum, we also recommend you take a look at our article where we describe other places you can explore with your family Places to Visit in Aydın.

Have fun at the cafes, bars, and clubs along the beach

Life in Altınkum doesn't end when the sun goes down; on the contrary, it restarts with a completely different energy. The coastline, which is calm and peaceful during the day, transforms into a vibrant entertainment center where the social heart of Didim beats in the evening hours. But the fun isn't just for the evenings; it awaits you during the day as well. For adrenaline junkies, there are options like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing at the water sports centers. If you prefer a calmer adventure, you can set out to discover Didim's untouched bays with daily boat trips departing from the harbor.   

As the sun slowly disappears over the horizon, the venues on Yalı Avenue begin to light up. It's possible to find an option for every taste and budget here. Whether it's a quiet cafe where you can sip your coffee against the sea, a stylish restaurant serving delicious Aegean dishes, or a bar where you can catch the rhythm of the night with live music... The choice is yours.

Venues like Medusa Club and Galaxy Bar , which are among the classics of Didim's nightlife, are frequent destinations for those who want to dance until morning. You will notice that some places are particularly popular among foreign guests, which gives Altınkum the atmosphere of an international holiday resort. In short, the fun never ends in Altınkum; the pleasure that starts with the sea and sun during the day continues with music and dance under the stars at night.   

While You're in Altınkum, Don't Miss These Places

As you can see, Altınkum is a paradise that embraces everyone with its golden sands, safe sea, and vibrant social life. But what Didim has to offer is not limited to these. Since you've come this far, you should definitely see these historical and natural beauties that you can reach with a short drive:

Temple of Apollo: Just a few kilometers from the beach, the magnificent Temple of Apollo, one of the most important oracle centers of the ancient world, awaits you. As you wander among its colossal columns and the Medusa relief that has become a symbol of Didim , you will feel as if you are thousands of years in the past.   

Miletus Ancient City: If you have a little more time, visit the Ancient City of Miletus, once the center of philosophy and science. The size and acoustics of its 15,000-seat ancient theater are truly breathtaking.   

Bafa Lake Nature Park: If you are looking for a bit of nature and tranquility, Bafa Lake, about 30 minutes from Didim, is perfect for you. This unique lake, home to hundreds of bird species, offers wonderful views, especially for photography and nature hiking enthusiasts.   

To learn more about Didim's rich history and plan your travel route, be sure to check out our article Didim Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an entrance fee for Altınkum Beach? What are the 2024 prices? No, since Altınkum is a public beach, entrance is completely free. You only need to pay for rentals if you don't bring your own umbrella and sunbed. A reasonable fee is usually charged for sunbeds and umbrellas operated by the municipality; these fees may show slight variations depending on the season.   

How can I get to Altınkum Beach? The beach is located just 2 km from Didim city center. You can easily reach it by minibuses (dolmuş) that depart regularly from the center or by public buses numbered 254, 273, and 405. If you are coming with your private car, there are parking areas around the beach. If you are traveling by plane, the nearest airport is Milas-Bodrum Airport, 80 km away.   

Does the beach get very crowded in July-August? Yes, as it is the most popular spot in Didim, it can be quite busy, especially in July and August. However, thanks to the beach's wide structure , there is usually no major problem finding a spot. For a quieter experience, we recommend going early in the morning or choosing the less crowded parts of the beach in front of the hotels.   

Source: The information in this article is consistent with the data from official institutions that support tourism activities in the region and promote Turkey. For more official information about Didim and other tourism paradises in Turkey, you can consult the following source.

Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) - https://tga.gov.tr/