Perched on Turkey's Aegean Coast, Didim is a laid-back beach resort that boasts a lively strip of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stalls. In addition to gorgeous beaches, Didim is strewn with ancient ruins.
Things to do in Didim
Thanks to long sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, Didim is one of Turkey's most coveted resort destinations. Altinkum Beach steals the spotlight with its golden sand, colourful beach umbrellas and Blue Flag status. You can relax on the beach or indulge in snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Didim was built on the ancient city of Didyma, which dates back to the Hellenistic period. Gaze up at the ruined Temple of Apollo, an imposing place of worship adorned with intricate carvings that took over 50 years to complete.
Set just out of town, Miletos is another historic gem. The ruins of the ancient city include a crumbling amphitheatre, spacious stadium and baths of Faustina. You can also wander around the Temple of Serapis, which is adorned with carvings of the Hellenistic god.
Drive 30 minutes inland and you'll find Lake Bafa Nature Park. It's laced with scenic hiking trails and is a fantastic place to stretch your legs after a few days of sun and sand. You can also explore the cluster of ruined hillside monasteries that date back to the Byzantine era.
Getting around Didim
Didim is easy to get around on foot, with the walk from the main strip to the beach taking a few minutes. Local minibuses make it easy to beach hop along the Aegean Coast, but if you want to explore inland attractions, hire a private driver or rental car.