Senol Ev

Senol Evi is in the beautiful Mugla Province of Turkey, a 1-hour drive from Dalyan on the outskirts of Akyaka on the southwest coast. It’s a bohemian town known for its striking natural scenery and peaceful, calming atmosphere. Close to familiar Turkish resorts, but nestled between the trees in a secluded spot, you’ll find like you’re a world away from any hustle and bustle.

Akyaka is renowned for its idyllic rural surrounds where there’s a multitude of wildlife, including fish otter and herons in the wetland conservation area. For outdoor lovers, there is a myriad of walking routes that take you through the pine tree-lined forest and along the Kadin Azmak River, where local fisherman catch fresh fish daily, and there are plenty of fish restaurants for you try. Walking along the banks of the river, you’ll reach the harbour and sandy Akyaka Beach for swimming. A separate beach is very popular for kitesurfing, and there are several kitesurf schools on the beach.

Upper Akyaka is the working part of town, with a small market, fishmonger, butcher and baker and coffee houses. You can wander the streets with traditional 'Ula- Mugla' style Houses in the town or try your hand at haggling for fresh produce or handmade rugs. There is a local market in Akyaka every Wednesday and another on Saturday at nearby Gokova. Aside the Akyaka market place they prepare amazing 'Gozleme', a type of pancake.

To adventure further, Cinar Beach is a short drive from the villa. It’s a secluded cove surrounded by forested mountains, with a small creek and a beach cafe. Further along the coast road is Akbuk, a popular beach with restaurants aside. A breakfast or lunch of toasted sandwich and fresh fruit juice at Akcapinar, along the eucalyptus lined road is a local treat as is the homemade ice cream from the shop at the 'dortyol' crossroads.

You could also take a boat trip from Akyaka to Cleopatra's Beach on nearby Sedir island, where it’s said that Mark Antony brought the sand from Egypt (it’s vibrantly golden in colour). Sedir island also has Hellenic and Roman ruins for you to explore, including a beautiful amphitheatre, where olive trees have grown through the stones.

From Akyaka you can take the dolmus (public bus) to Mugla, which has the largest market in the region (every Thursday), drive to the ruined city of Ephesus or the quaint village of Sirince. The ruins from a sculpture school at Aphrodisias are less known but no less impressive. The travertine pools of Pamukkale are also within a day's drive.

Read more about Akyaka

Turkey is an eclectic mix of dramatic scenery, amazing food and a deep history.  A visit to Turkey almost always inspires comment about the hospitality, maybe because the Turkish people believe a visitor is a gift from God. A trip to Turkey will almost definitely inspire you to return. You’ll be following in the footsteps of many a famous person from ancient history.

The South West coast of Turkey offers the perfect climate for your holiday, boasting over 280 dry days a year and an average June temperature of 28C in Akyaka, with sea temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius.  

Akyaka sits where the Kadın Azmak river joins the sea. Enjoying a Turkish breakfast or fish lunch at one of the many restaurants it is difficult to imagine anything disturbing the peace. Ducks and geese jostle for bread, fish swim past and bright green reeds wave in the slow-moving water, fed by cooler waters from the mountains above. Favoured by local day trippers from nearby Bodrum and Denizli, who gather on Akyaka’s wide sandy beach with shallow water meaning you can go a way out and the water is only up to your waist.

In recent years, Akyaka has become Turkey’s centre for kitesurfing and you’ll see all the kites in the sky, above the beach on the head of the gulf. There are several schools so if you fancy a go. Contact them beforehand, so you can get booked in as it is particularly popular during the holidays and weekends.
Akyaka is a member of the cultural Cittaslow organisation, recognising its connection with tradition. The local architecture of wooden balconies and white walled houses with terracotta roof tiles, bow thanks to 70’s architect Nail Çakırhan. The coast up from here has lots of small bays where you can swim and sunbathe, just drive through the forest and along the coast road to find them. Akyaka has a local market on Wednesday, or visit the huge very Turkish market in Mugla, which is the administrative centre of the area. In recent years Mugla has expanded as it’s university has gained popularity, but the centre still shows architectural signs of its Italian occupation last century.

For Turks, breakfast is a key meal, and you see family groups enjoying a feast late morning. Other than the riverside restaurants who serve a hearty feast, go to Sakartepe, at the top the mountain has the most amazing panoramic views.