About Didim
Didim is the most popular tourist destination in the Aegean with its history, nature and unique beaches. It is visited by local and foreign tourists every year. The number of people who admired the beauties of Didim and settled in this charming district is not small. Didim is perfect for an unforgettable holiday with its deep-rooted history, award-winning beaches and places to visit for every budget. You can join this journey by purchasing
a Didim ferry ticket .
Where is Didim?
Didim, a district of Aydın, is popular with its proximity to many tourist destinations. It was formerly known as Yenihisar. It is surrounded by Muğla, Akbük Bay and Güllük Bay in the east, the Aegean Sea in the west and south, and the Menderes River and Lake Bafa in the north. The distance to the city center is approximately 101 km. Didim is a favorite among holidaymakers with its award-winning beaches, deep-rooted history and deep blue sea.
Geographical Structure
The land of Didim, called Miletos in ancient times, is covered with Mediterranean maquis vegetation. Some parts are sloped, some parts are flat, and the soil structure is clayey. It has 60 km of coastline and 13 km of beaches. Surrounded by countless bays of all sizes, Didim is a world-famous holiday destination with its golden and fine sands and clear sea.
Its population
The population of Didim, whose surface area is around 402 km², increased to 85,055 people in 2018. It is one of the districts with the highest population growth rate and the population of the district is increasing every year.
Places to visit
There are many beautiful places to visit in Didim, which fascinates with its historical and natural beauties. The population of Didim, which attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists, quadruples in the summer season. Those who want to be alone with the sea and nature prefer Didim. In the district, which is famous for its ancient cities, the Temple of Apollo, Didyma Ancient City, Millet Theatre, Millet Museum, Priene Ancient City, Altınkum, Akbük and many other places to visit are flooded with tourists every year.
Apollon temple
The Temple of Apollo, located in the Ancient City of Didyma, is the most beautiful example of the Ancient Greek and Roman periods. B.C. The temple, known to be built in the 8th century, is one of the most visited places. The Temple of Apollo, a 2,000-year-old historical heritage, takes its name from Apollo, the son of Zeus. It is known as the third largest temple in the world. It can be visited between 08:30 and 19:00 between 15 April and 2 October, and between 08:30 and 17:00 between 3 October and 14 April.
Miletus Theater
The 150-meter-long Miletus Theater was built by the Roman emperor Marcus Avrelius in the 4th century. It is a historical monument that can accommodate more than 19 thousand visitors at the same time. In addition to its acoustic feature, it attracts attention with its galleries and walking paths between floors. The theater opens to visitors at 8.30 and can be visited until 19:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter.
Pyrenean Ancient City
The Pyrenean Ancient City, which dates back to the Neolithic Age, is a place that comes first when it comes to ancient city planning. While it was one of the most popular port cities of the time, today it is 10 kilometers inland from the sea. The Pyrenean Ancient City, built with the grid system, is the work of the Miletus architect Hippodamus. Stairs were built because the side streets are sloping. The Pyrenean Ancient City includes the Temple of Athena, Agora, Temple of Zeus, Alexander the Great's house and Gymnasion.
Altinkum Beach
Altinkum Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, is a unique beach that takes its name from its golden sand. Altınkum Beach, located in the hotel area, is often crowded. The season starts in May and continues until November. You can swim free of charge in Altınkum, with its extremely shallow and clear sea. The public beach, which is only 2 kilometers away from the center, is a blue flag beach and sun loungers and umbrellas are also available for rent. It is one of the most preferred beaches by families with children. Those who cannot find a place to swim in Altınkum can swim in small bays along the coast called 1st beach, 2nd beach and 3rd beach.
Accommodation Opportunities
When it comes to holiday, one of the first things that comes to mind is accommodation. Those planning a holiday in Didim prefer Altınkum as accommodation. It is possible to find different hotels according to the number of stars in Didim, which is one of the most preferred holiday destinations for those who want to relax. Generally, all hotels meet expectations. Those looking for a quieter accommodation prefer Akbük. Akbük hosts tourists as a secluded and quiet place.
Tuntaş Beach Hotel Altınkum, D-Marin Didim Marina Yacht Club, Mood Beach Hotel, Ramada Resort Akbük and Aurum Moon Resort 5* are among the most recommended hotels.
Didim Festivals and Events
Those who want to taste local flavors and get to know the local people closely attend festivals and events in Didim. Didim festivals and festivities are as follows:
Altinkum Beach Festival
Altınkum Beach Festival, held every year in August, offers enjoyable moments to the participants with entertaining competitions and shows. Famous artists participating in the festival ensure that the participants have a time full of music and entertainment with the concerts they give. The festival, organized by Aydın Municipality, is held at the end of August and lasts 3 days.
Altinkum Writers Festival
Readers and writers come together for 15 days at the festival, where famous writers participate. Participating authors from all over the country not only promote their books at the stands, but also sell them. The festival, which offers signed books and the opportunity to reach famous authors, was held for the 15th time this year.
Didim Peace Festival
Didim Peace Festival, held every year on September 1, starts with a march and continues with folk dances and shows. A different artist is invited to the festival, which is held for the 24th time this year.
International Olive Festival
The International Olive Festival, held in November, is a festival where olives, the most important source of income of the Aegean, are promoted.
Apollo Motofest
Apollon Motofest motorcycle clubs participate in the festival held every September.
Vegan Festival
Vegan Festival, also known as Didim Vegafest, attracts attention as a festival where information about veganism and its dishes is provided.
Food culture
Didim, a historical and touristic town, fascinates tourists with its local dishes. When it comes to meat, fish, stew and roast, it offers an unforgettable holiday with its delicious dishes.
Kaşopita, which is the symbol of Didim, is very popular as a practical and satisfying dish. Lob fig, colloquially known as nut, is one of the most popular fruits of Didim. Fig wine is also made alongside fig jam. Tarhana, one of the traditional soups, is served in every restaurant with its special taste in Didim.
Fresh black-eyed peas with olive oil, stuffed zucchini flowers, Şevketi Bostan, purslane salad, radish herb salad, stuffed grape leaves with olive oil, fresh fish, chickpea stew with meat, spicy casserole, sautéed liver and roasted mallow are known as delicacies that tourists do not leave without trying.
Shopping in Didim
Those who vacation in Didim return by purchasing local products. Tarhana, tarhana grass, fig jam, fig lobes, grapes, village wine, tomato paste, village bread and dried herbs are highly preferred as local products. In addition to jewelry and accessories, magnets, handcrafted products and trinkets also attract attention as the most preferred products in shopping. Didyma shopping center is one of the addresses that is open until midnight and offers the pleasure of shopping in the evening.
Transportation Alternatives
To reach Didim, you can choose between land, sea and air.
How to Reach Didim by Road?
Those who want to reach Didim by road follow the direction of Izmir and from there to Söke. The distance between Didim and Istanbul is 614 kilometers. Those who come with a private vehicle reach Didim in an average of 8 hours. The distance between Aydın and Didim is 160 kilometers and it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Didim.
Transportation to Didim by Air
The closest airports are Adnan Menderes Airport and Bodrum Milas Airport and are the choice of those who want to reach Didim by air. Dalaman Airport is 120 kilometers away from Didim, and Adnan Menderes Airport is 150 kilometers away.
Transportation to Didim by Sea
Ferry services are organized from Didim to the Greek Kos islands. You can reach the Kos islands from Didim with a sea journey that takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Didim - Kos ferry ticket prices vary depending on round trip and number of passenger vehicles. In addition to purchasing a Didim-Kos Islands ferry ticket online, you must apply for a gate visa at least 3 days in advance.
