Akyaka
About Akyaka Gokova
Akyaka is situated in the province of Mugla, in the southwest of Turkey, at the eastern end of the Gökova gulf, between Marmaris, Mugla and Bodrum. Important sights like Ephesus, Pamukkale and Aspendos are reachable in a day trip.
Gokova from Sakar Hill
Akyaka is at the left end of the bay
One of the most dramatic and breathtaking views in western Turkey awaits the traveller who descends the 2,000 ft high Mugla plateau, along a road which weaves vertiginously down through thick forests of fragrant pine trees. Suddenly the glistening blue water of the Gulf of Gökova far below springs into view, backed by an extensive and astonishingly fertile valley, set against the backdrop of distant hills on the far side of the bay.
Although Akyaka has grown into a small resort in recent years, it remains a picturesque village. All construction has adhered strictly to the traditional architectural style of the region, known as Ula Mugla. Numerous wooden balconies, intricately arranged pan-tiled roofs and delicately carved fretwork shutters give the houses that tumble down the hillside towards the beach their distinctive appeal. The atmosphere, too, remains very Turkish, as most of the holidaymakers here come from Istanbul or Izmir. There are many grocery shops and 3 supermarkets, and a choice of restaurants.
The narrow sandy beach shelves very gently into the sea, making it ideal for young children. Akyaka is surrounded by forestry commission land on one side and by a conservation area on the other, thus offering superb opportunities for exploring. Akyaka’s meandering little river and its delta are wonderful habitats for flora and fauna, especially birds and freshwater turtles and humans can enjoy this natural environment too, dining in one of the pretty riverside restaurants..
In the year 1988 the region was declared as the first “Nature Protected Area” (SPA- special protected area) of Turkey. Akyaka is with its forest-covered mountains, the crystals-clear rivers, which look just like an aquarium, the sea, the Forest-camp site, with its innumerable springs, its history and its additional wood-using buildings, a much-visited “tourist paradise”. In short, Akyaka is a place to live.
Life in Akyaka
Akyaka has two centers. First one is the main center at the upper part up Akyaka which is always busy even in winter time. There are markets, restaurants and shops open all year long. You can find whatever you need. The second center is by the beach and busy between may and october. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, markets in this part. The cafes and bars by the beach are always busy even at night time. If you are a party person we advice you Marmaris (28 km). Akyaka is one of the best kitesurfing spot on the world.
For the ones who choosed self catering accommodations, local bazaar is on wednesdays and it is cheap. Do not forget to taste the delicious Aegean mezes at the fish restaurants by the creek.
Climate
Between May and October the wind from sea starts at 11 am and continues to blow till appr. 6 pm. Between 2 pm and 4 pm it is the strongest period of the wind. This constant wind specific to Akyaka cools down the hot summer of Aegean. Ofcourse a pair of shorts and t-shirts are enough between these months. December, January and February are the coldest months but it never snows but rains a lot in Akyaka and the avarage is about 10 C°. The rest of the year it is mostly suny. It is necessary to bring a raincoat and a fleece.
