The Explore feature series continues this a focus on the beautiful area of Akyaka
Akyaka is popular and beautiful, but still remains a restfulness. However, I recommend you visit during the week as crowds increase on weekends.
Akyaka is actually a small place, but if you include various activities, it is possible to do many enjoyable things here. I will describe the Azmak River, which is the most important haunt of Akyaka, by dividing it into Akyaka coast and Akçapınar coast.
These two places are 10 minutes from each other by car, and it is possible to enter the Azmak River from both places and do various activities.
Azmak, the symbol of Akyaka, is a river surrounded by lush green trees and covered with tall reeds. The water is always very cold and there is nothing like cooling off on summer days. If you are a person who gets cold quickly like me, just taking a boat tour here will be enough to forget the summer heat. Here’s a rundown of some of the activities and cafes/restaurants to be visited:
Akyaka Center and Akyaka Coast
Architecture
In Akyaka’s centre, the buildings are striking thanks to the unique architecture of their wooden facades. You will like the cute atmosphere here.
The mansion of Turkish journalist Nail Çakırhan is an important place. Built for his family and using materials of the region, Çakırhan won an architecture award. It is possible to visit the house now converted into an art gallery in Nail Çakırhan Sk.
Restaurants by the Coast
I recommend you sit at the restaurants on the Azmak River rather than in Akyaka centre. There are many options in terms of fish restaurants, but Orfoz Restaurant is among the most popular. Service and food here is very satisfactory.
On the same shore, there are Halil’in Yeri, Olta Restaurant and Kordon Restaurant, respectively, and scores of these places seem to be quite good. Whatever your choice, be sure to book a few days in advance to sit at the tables near the riverbank.
The fish species, which are not very common in Turkey, came to the Azmak River from the Red Sea after the Suez Canal was opened. These species differ according to the season, but Turkish and Mediterranean fish are available season round.
Cycling Tour in Nature
Akyaka is a place where greenery is preserved and if you like to enjoy it, cycling is a good option. In Akyaka centre, rent a bike from a bike shop called Delta Cycling Free Wheelies. You can travel according to your mind or in accordance with their route, which includes the Carian Way and is one of the most enjoyable. The address of Delta Cycling Free Wheelies is Akyaka, Karanfil Sk. 28/A, 48650 Ula/Muğla.
Boat Tour
Take a boat tour in Azmak from both the Akyaka coast and the Akçapınar coast. I will explain the differences between entering from both places. Whichever you choose, it is a nice experience.
As I said, there are restaurants on the Akyaka coast, and many people who want to cool off enter the river from this shore. There are no restaurants on the shore in Akçapınar. For this reason, taking a boat tour in Akçapınar can be a tour more intertwined with nature. However, if staying away from restaurants is your priority, your trip to the recommended places in Akyaka will also be enjoyable.
Akçapinar Coast
The Path of Love: This road leading to Akçapınar has dense trees on both sides and has a different beauty every season. Until 1938, Akçapınar was a swampy area and therefore there were many problems, especially with mosquitoes.
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus in Turkey and fond of the sea and nature, was in exile in Bodrum due to his writings on the same dates.
Kabaağaçlı learned about the problem in the region and brought eucalyptus saplings from Australia on his own initiative. Today, this beautiful tree-lined road on the Way of Love has formed thanks to the eucalyptus saplings planted that day. Every time I pass this road, I am impressed by this beauty and happy to remember the author.
Water Sports: This bank of the Azmak River is more preferred by tourists interested in water sports. Ringo and canoeing are among the most popular sports. If you haven’t tried canoeing before or if you want to make your Akyaka trip more colorful, you should give it a chance.
The tour takes about 2 hours and there is a team guiding you from the front. If you get tired, you can rest. You can safely give your belongings to the boat of the team that guides you. At the end, swim and cool off by entering the water at a place called Amazon. I recommend you to take a sun-protecting hat and sunglasses for both the boat tour and these water sports. The canoe rental company is near Akçapınar Tostçusu.
Akçapınar Toaster: This is one of the most frequented destinations where toasts were delicious. However, I can honestly say that they are not as tasty as they used to be. If you want to try it, you can taste it with sparkling buttermilk, but don’t have high expectations. Its address is Akçapınar Mahallesi, 48640 Ula.
Vento Mediterranean Cuisine: Eat delicious meals here, one of the most popular in the region where mainly Mediterranean cuisine is served. However, if you are here for a day, the best thing is to go to fish restaurants on the Akyaka coast. Vento’s address is Akçapınar, Akçapınar Sokak No: 72, 48640 Ula.
How to get there: Akyaka can be reached by private vehicle, and takes about 2 hours from Didim.