Region

Akyaka is on the Mediterranean coast at the head of the beautiful blue Gulf of Gokova.

It is a beautiful, unspoilt working village that has won awards for its ‘Mugla’ style of Ottoman architecture. The bougainvillea clad walls, hand carved wooden balconies and terracotta pantiled roofs of the village houses all seem to jostle for position as they face towards the sparkling blue sea.  The upper part of Akyaka, where Villa Saffron is situated, is where the Turkish way of life carries on all year round. Here you will find the butcher, baker, tailor, barber and local food stores as well as the school, post office, ATM machine and weekly Wednesday market. All your day to day needs are provided for here. There are also a handful of good restaurants and friendly bars that cater for the holidaymaker.

 

A short walk downhill takes you to the seafront promenade with beachside bars, cafes and restaurants, all very informal but with very high standards. No sophisticated, exuberant nightlife here, just well priced, friendly establishments that will make you feel relaxed and contented. This is a predominantly Turkish resort, so don’t expect English pubs and fish and chip shops. The Turks love to come here at weekends to picnic on the beach and to escape from the town.

 

The beach has been awarded blue flag status and is very clean. Sunbeds and parasols are available to hire most of the year. A gentle breeze is nearly always present and the sea is clear and shallow, making it ideal for children. There are a few gift shops and a collection of craft / knick-knack stalls on the lanes leading to the sea. The harbour area is where you can catch the boat for a day out on Gokova Bay. It is also where the local fishing boats moor; you can buy the fish from their catch at the local fish cooperative on the harbour walkway.

 

More up-market restaurants can be found down by the nearby idyllic setting of the river Azmak. They nearly all have a menu that is dominated by fresh, locally caught fish. Here ducks, geese, turtles, eels and kingfishers can all be spotted from the comfort of your al-fresco dining table. Further along this road Akyaka boasts its own archaeological site. Rock tombs have recently been uncovered here. These relics from the Carian period, dating back to 330BC, are the only remains of the ancient city of Idyma.

 

To the left of the beach is a magnificent pine forest that covers many acres of land. There are many beautiful walks to be had in this area that is well equipped for picnicing. All in all, Akyaka has everything you could possibly wish for on a relaxing holiday. So chill out and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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