Villa Biberiye

A pretty hillside town overlooking Gökova Bay, Akyaka is a hidden gem. A mountainous backdrop adds a ruggedness to the charming beach area, where you are sure to spend plenty of time. Ideal for water sports and general chilling out, the beach also has some nice places to eat. Seafood and fresh fish is recommended, but there’s lots of choice both by the beach and in the upper village.

The town itself retains charm and distinctive character. Akyaka owes its architectural style to poet, journalist and architect, Nail Çakırhan, who built a house there in the 1980s. This style of this much-admired wooden house was copied many times and won a prestigious architecture award. The original house is now an attraction in itself.

A short, deep river passes its way through Akyaka – the River Azmak. It’s very pleasant to go walking along the banks, perhaps stopping at a restaurant along the way, and spotting the local wildlife. Boat trips are also popular – you can cruise along the river and look right down to the bottom as you go. While you may be tempted to jump off for a swim, be aware – the water is very cold.

Other possible activities include trips out to Cleopatra Island, where the ancient remains of the city of Kedrai are a big draw. You may also like to try kite-surfing on the beach at nearby Akçapınar. The Gulf of Gökova has developed a reputation as the place to be for this exhilarating sport, and you will see plenty of people doing it as the winds pick up.

History enthusiasts might like to take a look at the rock tombs which are found on the road from Akyaka to Gökova – remains of the ancient city of Idyma. There is also an acropolis at what is now Kozlukuyu, north of Akyaka.

Turkey is a big producer of honey and olive oil, and you will find the Akyaka Olive Farm not far from the town. Here. you can buy food and beauty products made using the farm’s olive oil and dine in a lovely riverside restaurant. In Marmaris, the Marmaris Honey House tells you all you need to know about honey and bees – this lively resort is only around 30 minutes away from Akyaka.

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.