Altinkum is a small resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It can be easily accessed via Bodrum airport within an hour or Izmir airport within an hour and a half. Some locals will refer to the area by its older name Didim, as Altinkum is just a small part of the resort. Didim belongs to the province of Aydin. The resort receives approximately 9 months of sunshine a year and is perfect for all year living or a holiday destination.
Beaches are what Altinkum is all about as the name Altinkum translated means golden sands and it is easy to see why it was named this. The names of the beaches however are not so original. 1st beach, 2nd beach and 3rd beach! 3rd beach has to be the most famous beach of the area due to the 55 million dollar marina that is being built close by. Altinkum marina will have a yacht club, heliport for the rich and famous to land helicopters direct on the site, shopping centre, supermarkets, yacht equipment shops, a fitness centre and sports facilities, banks, a petrol station, restaurants and a cultural centre. The marina will also have ferryboat services to the Greek islands of Kalimnos, Kos and Leros. Close by the Marina is the beach which hosts a wide range of water sports and a marina club.
Shopping is easy in Altinkum whether looking for that holiday souvenir or the weekly grocery shopping. There are three main supermarkets located on the main road, and a weekly Saturday market where fruit and veg can be bought for bargain prices. Small cheap supermarkets like Bim or Dia are also making appearances in more and more locations around resort. The choice is endless. If furnishing a property then a wide range of furniture stores around the resort will supply all items needed for a comfortable, modern apartment.
Banks provide easy access to your money with cash points located at various points around Dolphin square and on the main road. They do also provide mortgages for foreigners to purchase a property here in Turkey and give free advice upon request. A lot of ex pats living in the resort also take advantage of the attractive interest rates on the savings account or holiday makers will manage their savings accounts via online internet banking. Setting up a bank account is easy after obtaining a tax number which is issued within 5 minutes at the local tax office. If desired direct debits for electric and water bills can be set up for your property.
Restaurants on every corner will make sure that your taste buds are definitely catered for. English, Turkish, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, pizza and snack bars are endless. Prices vary according to the location in resort and some of the establishments also operate a pick up service from your apartment or hotel if eating in their restaurants. Home delivery and take away service is easily provided upon request.
Transport is easy and cheap. A car is not needed as there are various bus routes around resorts operating from as little as 1 Turkish lira. The buses are called Dolmus and translated means stuffed! A trip on one in the height of a summer season will prove this. Destinations are on the front of the bus and whilst there are bus stops around resorts, sticking your hand out when seeing one coming down the road is accepted. Pay your money, take a seat and when you wish to depart simply shout Stop. If you want to practice your Turkish then “müsait bir yerde” will work which means stop at a convenient place.
Nightlife caters for the family or the young at heart. Restaurants will entertain after main eating times and Dolphin square or the 2nd beach area has a variety of family bars. For the nightclubs then the place to head is the harbour where the English bars play the latest dance music. For those wanting to experience a traditional Turkish night then the Turkish bars all around the resort will often have a live band on.
Health services are excellent in Turkey and a number of doctors / dentists and chemists will speak English. As Turkey is not in the EU an insurance policy is needed by holiday makers and ex pats living in the resort. A lot of foreigners will also come to Turkey for their dental treatment as it is half the cost here than in their home country. Chemists vary their hours depending on winter or summer months however there will always be some emergency chemists open. These are displayed in the windows of all chemists.
Living in Turkey permanently is done by a lot of nationalities. Whilst some people will renew their tourist visa every three months by travelling on the ferries to the Greek islands, it is advised by the authorities to obtain a residency visa from Aydin. This process can be daunting the first time however we have staff to assist and translate for all our customers making the process easy. Turkish Citizenship can only be obtained after 5 years of permanent residence in the country.
Things to do whilst on holiday or living here permanently are endless. Visit the temple of Apollo which is a historical site dating back to the Romans. Around this area are traditional shops selling Turkish carpets, souvenirs and various works by local artists. The restaurants in this area are traditional and famous for their fish dinners. For thrill seekers visit the Aqua Park for the day which has a free pick up service around resort. A variety of shops in resort also sell excursions. Go on a jeep safari, visit a traditional Turkish village, or soak up the sun on a boat trip around the bays. Rent a car and visit one of the neighbouring resorts of Kusadasi, Soke, Akbuk or even the ancient ruins of the famous roman city of Ephesus. If living in the resort, take advantage of the numerous teachers around teaching the local lingo, join in with charity work being carried out by British and Turkish Organizations, or attend the weekly meet ups for various organizations such as hiking, ex-pats, women’s advice. The neighbouring resorts of Yesilkent, Yesiltepe, Akbuk and Mavisehir are also attractive for holidays or a property purchase. Feel free to contact us on info@turkishsweethomes.com for any enquiries regarding the resort or living in Turkey.
