SAMPLES of sea water off the shores of Didim have revealed that they are clean and pure.

The Aydin Provincial Directorate of Public Health took a total of 166 samples from the Aegean Sea off the coasts of Kusadasi and Didim.

Of the 54 samples taken from Didim, all came back clear and clean of any E. coli traces.

Of the 112 samples taken from Kusadasi, 108 were clear, with only doubt over four. 

All the samples that passed were categorized as ‘good’.

The Directorate said it would continue monitoring sea samples throughout the summer season given the huge number of tourists set to arrive in August.

In recent weeks, Didim has been assignedten Blue Flag awards for its beaches.

In Turkey there are 379 beaches and 21 marinas that have been awarded the Blue Flag award by Turkey Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV).

In Aydin province there are a total of 25 beaches and two marinas – shared between Kusadasi and Didim – that have the quality mark.

In Didim, there are Blue Flag beaches at Third Beach, Altinkum Main Beach, Büyük Anadolu Didim Resort Hotel, D-Marin Didim Marina, Caprice Thermal Resort Hotel, as well as Majesty Club Tarhan Hotel, Oteler Onu (Dolunay) Public Beach, Palm Wings Hotel, Patio Beach Club and Venosa Beach Resort.

The criteria surrounds cleanliness , safety, environmental and sustainability aspects within the beach zones.

For more details on Blue Flag beaches in Aydin go to www.blueflag.org/menu/awarded-sites/2014/northern-hemisphere/turkey/aydin