Summary of Activities in Didim
Backed by cotton and wheat fields, this mid-sized tourist resort on Turkey’s Aegean Coast takes its name from Didyma, an Ancient Greek sanctuary.
Didyma houses a 2,300-year-old Temple of Apollo in exceptional condition, linked to the ancient city of Miletus, located a few miles north, via a “Sacred Way.” You do not need to be a classicist to appreciate the grandeur of the temple and the ruins of other ancient cities that once bordered a gulf, now lost to history as the Meander River Delta experienced significant siltation over centuries.
In addition to its rich historical backdrop, contemporary Didim excels with its picturesque beaches, which feature sandy bays and small rocky coves, all boasting crystal-clear waters.
1. Didyma
The expansive archaeological site on the northwest side of modern Didim served as venerated ground for Ancient Greeks.
Didyma functioned as a sanctuary, celebrated for its oracle of Apollo, alongside a temple revered throughout the ancient world.
The Temple of Apollo stands in remarkable preservation, warranting further exploration in the following section.
While this represents the apex of historical significance, Didyma offers a variety of other attractions including recent archaeological discoveries.
Visitors will encounter a Roman theatre, a stadium, and the substantial foundations of a temple dedicated to Artemis.
Excavations have revealed the Sacred Way, a pilgrimage route adorned with Roman baths that connects Didyma to the north city of Miletus.
2. Temple of Apollo
The centerpiece of Didyma, both historically and today, is one of the largest ancient temples ever constructed.
This Hellenistic edifice commenced construction in the 4th century BCE, built upon the foundations of two predecessor structures dating back an additional 400 years.
The platform (crepidoma) for this structure comprises seven steps and measures approximately 60 meters by 120 meters.
Surrounding the temple is a double row of Ionic columns, each reaching nearly 20 meters in height, of which two remain intact at their original elevation.
Atop the grand staircase lies a vestibule (pronaos) supported by three rows of four-columns; one is preserved in near-perfect condition.
Upon entering the sanctuary (sekos) contained within the walls, the impressive scale of the space becomes evident, with the walls towering several meters overhead.
The interior showcases capitals from pilasters, adorned with intricate reliefs, some featuring griffins.
3. Altinkum Plajı
Didim’s primary beach offers undeniable allure.
Situated along a scalloped bay approximately 500 meters in length, it features a wide crescent of soft, golden sand.
This location serves as the epicenter of tourism in Didim, with the adjacent Yalı Cd. bustling with apartment complexes, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and souvenir shops.
A paved promenade meanders along the beach, punctuated by benches and floral beds beneath swaying palm trees.
One admirable feature of Didim’s public beaches is the shallow, calm surf, ideal for families, even on windy days.
Beach clubs can be found every few steps, providing sun loungers for added comfort.
At the eastern end, a small harbor facilitates excursions as well as water activities such as banana boating and jet skiing in the bay.
4. Miletus
Historically, Didim resided on the southern side of a peninsula extending into the Aegean Sea.
Meanwhile, the ancient city of Miletus occupied the northern side, serving as a harbor at the entrance of the now-extinct Latmian Gulf.
Miletus possesses Neolithic origins that date back 5,000 years, flourishing until pre-Persian invasion in the 6th century BCE.
At that time, it ranked among the wealthiest and most influential settlements in Ionia.
This city was the birthplace of the mathematician and philosopher Thales, recognized as the first Greek to diverge from mythology and utilize scientific reasoning to elucidate the natural world and universe.
Miletus is steeped in history from the Bronze Age to Ottoman times, though much remains buried beneath the silt deposits of the Meander River.
Notable remnants include the harbor, the impressive Grand Theatre, baths, a nymphaeum, segments of the Sacred Way, various temples, a Byzantine basilica and episcopal palace, a Byzantine-Ottoman castle, and an Ottoman mosque.
5. Miletus Archaeological Museum
It comes as no surprise that Miletus has yielded numerous artifacts, many of which were transported to Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Miletus Archaeological Museum is essential for contextual understanding of the many epochs within the city’s rich history.
Exhibits are organized chronologically, commencing with the Minoan and Mycenaean eras, during which Miletus maintained strong connections with Crete and Ancient Greece.
The majority of displays originate from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, showcasing sphinxes from the Sacred Way, ceramic vessels, Hellenistic gold cups, plentiful jewelry, terracotta figurines, and an imposing statue of the river god Meander retrieved from the Baths of Faustina.
6. Manastır Koyu
To the southwest of Didim’s center, the coastline features a series of secluded coves, noticeably void of mass tourism amidst the rocky terrain and scrubland.
Among these is Manastır Koyu, named in reference to the site of a nearby monastery.
This location offers minimal amenities, which enhances its appeal.
A gentle, curving sandy beach greets visitors, encompassing a vast expanse of shimmering turquoise waters.
As with most Didim beaches, this area is exceptionally safe for children, akin to a paddling pool.
A makeshift cafe exists on the borders of the cove, alongside rows of sun loungers and parasols.
7. Lake Bafa
Located approximately 15 minutes inland from Didim, Lake Bafa, now a protected nature park, once marked the eastern curve of the Latmian Gulf, around which numerous ancient cities were established.
As time progressed, the coastline shifted westward due to sediment accumulation from the Büyük Menderes River delta.
For those with vehicles, the D525 road traverses high above the southern shore, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the rugged, unspoiled northern shores adorned with both wild and cultivated olive groves.
Numerous spots along the shoreline provide opportunities for visitors to appreciate the landscape and observe flamingos and a variety of other bird species inhabiting the area.
A few establishments along the water offer refreshments or meals, while on the eastern shore lie the ruins of Heracleia by Latmus, which we will discuss shortly.
8. Priene Ruins
Another significant city near the Latmian Gulf, Priene, now commands a view of the plain from the steep slopes of Mount Mycale, adjacent to Dilek National Park.
This medium-sized settlement is organized in a grid layout along terraces ascending to nearly 400 meters above sea level.
Priene relocated to this site in the 4th century BCE, designed as a model city entirely constructed from local marble, under the direction of Mausolus of Halicarnassus and Alexander the Great following his conquest of the region.
Prominent within this space is the Temple of Athena, dramatically perched against a cliff face, dedicated to Alexander the Great—though the inscribed dedication now resides at the British Museum.
Other notable sites include the agora, the Bouleuterion (government council chamber), the theatre, various temples, a gymnasium, Roman baths, and the interconnected system of streets, where water supply and drainage infrastructures are easily identified.
9. Tavşan Burnu Tabiat Parkı (Rabbit Nose Nature Park)
Merely ten minutes north of Didim is a compact nature park, covering a 16-hectare coastal area.
The park welcomes day visitors and features a campsite nestled in the pine forest, where tents can be rented for overnight stays.
This campsite includes a shop, showers, a restaurant, athletic facilities, electrical outlets, and picnic tables.
The coastline features a lengthy beach that consistently achieves Blue Flag status annually, with a narrow strip of sand leading to tranquil, shallow waters.
10. Saturday Market
Markets are held on specific days throughout Didim, but the most accessible for tourists is the lively and captivating market at Altinkum on Saturdays.
This experience is quintessential in any Turkish town and involves haggling as a core element of the culture.
You’ll find an array of items on display including spices, dried fruit, nuts, and various grains, alongside opportunities to acquire souvenirs such as leather bags, pashminas, brass ornaments, tea sets, embroidered slippers, and imitation designer goods.
In addition, an evening market operates from approximately 18:00, located a short ten-minute distance in Mavişehir, easily accessible via dolmuş (shared minivan taxi).
11. Heracleia by Latmus
This ancient city was situated at what was once the easternmost point of the Latmian Gulf, with remnants now resting in a picturesque locale along the eastern shore of Lake Bafa.
Heracleia, a Carian settlement, became part of the Delian League of Greek city-states, later enduring conquest in the 4th century BCE by Mausolus of Halicarnassus, who reconstructed and fortified the area significantly.
The robust defensive walls, alongside gates and towers, have withstood the test of time remarkably well.
Perched atop a hill are the ruins of a temple dedicated to Athena, while portions of the agora’s south wall, evidence of Roman baths, a theatre, and a Byzantine castle lay in view along the waterfront.
Outside the castle, sarcophagi hewn from rock can be observed, with some now submerged in the lake.
12. Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park
A noteworthy day trip features the 27,500-hectare national park encompassing the rugged Dilek Peninsula and the delta of the Büyük Menderes River.
Your activities upon arrival depend entirely on your interests: This biodiverse environment boasts more than 800 distinct plant species, while the delta teems with birdlife, including various aquatic species such as Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants, little egrets, and Kentish plovers.
Caracals, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and Eurasian lynxes are known to inhabit the dense forests of the peninsula.
Ancient civilization remnants are widespread, with significant sites such as the stunning sanctuary of Panionium and the ancient cities of Karina and Priene.
Options for exploration include trekking through the 18-kilometer Olukdere Canyon, touring the Ottoman Greek village of Doğanbey Village, and visiting the Cave of Zeus.
Conversely, you could simply revel in the tranquility at one of the peninsula’s four idyllic coves.
13. Cennetköy Plajı
Reaching east of Altinkum Beach, within a few hundred meters lies a stunning sandy cove.
Cennetköy Plajı (Paradise Beach), approximately 150 meters long, is somewhat secluded from the more bustling resort areas, with only sparse vacation residences behind it.
This location is not frequently visited, leading to limited facilities; however, it does include a shower/restroom and a cafe renting sun loungers.
The main allure of this cove is its crystal-clear sea, particularly splendid on calm days, making it safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
14. İmbat Koyu
The next cove along from Manastır Koyu presents a picturesque swimming destination, with similarly clear waters.
İmbat Koyu features a rockier shoreline, but once you enter the water, a bed of soft sand awaits.
It’s advisable to wade further out to enjoy swimming, which benefits families with young children.
However, caution is wise since sea urchins occasionally inhabit the surrounding rocks, making water shoes advisable.
This cove is shared with a luxury resort (Aquassis), which has constructed a wooden pier for sunbathers; nonetheless, facilities remain limited, suiting adventurous visitors.
15. Lunapark
A convenient and budget-friendly way to conclude a family day in Didim is by visiting this compact amusement park located on the cliffs adjacent to Altinkum Beach.
Lunapark features fairground rides, including spinners, bumper cars, a pirate ship, carousels, and a ferris wheel.
While a couple of adrenaline-pumping attractions appeal to teenagers, most are designed for children up to age 11.
Access is free; however, rides are charged separately.
As of spring 2020, the cost was 7.5 TL per ride (approximately $1.25).
