Akyaka and the Surrounding Area

As you start your descent from the main road and catch your first glimpse of Akyaka and the surrounding countryside you are overwhelmed by the sheer beauty. Surrounded by pine forests and Eucalyptus trees, overlooked by the Sakar Tepe Mountains, to the south the Gökova plain "Heavens plain" with its maltitude of animals, particularly water birds and the deep blue of the sea and the long sandy beach, the visitor will be overwhelmed by the stunning scenery of the area.

Akyaka is situated in the province of Mugla, in the southwest of Turkey, at the eastern end of the Gökova gulf, between Marmaris, Muğla and Bodrum, on the Aegean sea. It has a population of two thousand residents who generally work in the fishing and farming industry which exists alongside tourism. There are strict conservation rules within the village which preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensure that all the buildings are constructed in the traditional Muğla style with pan tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden ceilings and verandas, an interesting contrast to the usual Mediterranean style of architecture.

At the end of the by the crystal clear river Azmak meanders through the countryside, take a boat trip along the river and see the terrapins basking in the sunshine and the wild fowl dating in and out of the bamboo shoots. Sightings have been made in this area of the almost extinct European Fishotter as well as herons, flamingos and migrating Pelicans. As you look into the water you can clearly see fish and beatiful swaying water plants. There are several excellent fish restaurants along the banks of the river which are acclaimed throughout Turkey where fresh water trout is offered alongside a selection of bream, bass and mullet.

As the river nears the village you can take stroll along the jetty and watch the local fisherman preparing their nets ready to leave in the early evening and return with their catch the following morning. Crossing the wooden bridge over the river leads you to a long beach not as yet developed but plans are being made by the local municipal to build toilets and a cafe creating a stunning second beach for the village.

Further along the jetty you will come to the main sandy beach, with a pleasant cooling breeze, plentiful sun-beds and umbrellas and with the sea being shallow for someway out this beach is sae and the perfect place to relax. Along the promenade behind the beach are a number of excellent Turkish restaurants, cafes and bars.. At the far end of the promenade is the 360,000 m² recreational park ad forest which is very popular for walking tours, there is a guide book available from local shops which details all the walking trips within the area.

The village has numerous restaurants, serving authentic Turkish cuisine and European dishes. For those wishing to cook at home the village boasts a number of food shops and a village bakery which bakes not only delicious bread but also sizzling pide bread topped with meat and cheese. At the top of the village is a weekly market where you can buy goods ranging from a pair of flip flops to the most delicious locally grown fruit and vegetables. Also within the village you will find two well stocked English speaking chemists were you can obtain most drugs over the counter. The local doctor is located in the village along with an internet cafe, a laundrette and hairdressers and for the men there is the not to be missed experience of a shave at the traditional barbers shop.

Akyaka is ideally located for visiting the nearby towns and cities and organising sightseeing trips to nearby areas of interest such as Idyma Tomb and to placs further afield such as Ephesus and Pamukkale. There are many boat trips that can be taken from the quay in the village, one of the most popular is a trip to Cleopatra's Island. With its sandy beach, archeological site and turqoise sea, Cleopatra's island is not to be missed.

Within walking distance from Akyaka is Çınar beach which is idyllic, quiet area with a mountain stream running into the sea. Çınar beach is heavenly spot to have a picnic amongst the pine trees.

Approximately forty minutes by car from Akyaka is the much larger resort of Marmaris. This city is seen as a shoppers paradise where leather goods and jewellery are amongst the numerous bargains that can be found in the shops that line the bazaar.

Thirty minutes from Akyaka is lake Köyceğiz. Here you can sample the Sultaniye thermal springs on the southern side of the lake where ou can have a natural beauty and healing treatment in the mud baths which have a high mineral content. Smother yourself in the mud, look ten years younger and lose all your aches and pains! You can also take a boat trip from here to Dalyan you'll pass ancient rock tombs on the way before arriving at the beautiful golden Iztuzu beach which is a conservation area to protect the loggerhead turtles which come on to the beach.

The nearest city to Akyaka is Muğla. Home to a population of 70,000 Muğla is vibrant, modern university city especially popular on a Thursday when there is a large market. The nearest hospital is located within Muğla, this hospital is very modern, well equipped and has consultants in all specialities. Muğla also boasts one of the oldest Turkish baths dating from 1258.

This are of Turkey with its fantastic climate, stunning lanscape and accesibility to many cities, beautiful sites and an international airport is proving to be a magnet for second home buyers from the UK and there as never been a better time to buy a home of your own in this beautiful village.

"With prices like those in Spain 20 years ago, many of us are talking Turkey" Mail on Sunday

"Turkey could well be the next hotspot for those who want a bargain home in the sun" The Times

"No Mediteranean country has a more beatiful coastline, and none offer better value" Daily Telegraph