Information about Gokova and Akyaka, Turkey
Akyaka, with its delightful position at the end of the Gokova gulf, bordered in the north by the almost 1000m high Sakartepe mountain, and to the south by the wetlands of the Gokova plain and surrounding acres of pine forests, crystal clear freshwater river and streams, abundant flower filled gardens and exquisite Ottoman style architecture remains one of the favorite unspoiled destinations on the Turkish coast and is just a fifty minute drive from Dalaman airport or may be reached by overnight coach from Istanbul.

In spite of its recent growth to a small town, Akyaka remains both scenically stunning and relatively unspoiled, perhaps one of its advantages is that this is not a summer resort shutting down as soon as the last visitors depart, but a real working village where fishing and farming exist alongside tourism, where the camels are not available to ride as they are too busy carrying the crops from the fields, where the shops and restaurants stay open 12 months of the year to satisfy the demands of the locals and where the character of the village is very firmly imprinted.

The village has numerous food shops and a village bakery, which bakes not only delicious bread but also sizzling "pide" bread topped with meat and cheese. A permanent fruit and vegetable market ensures you have the best choice of locally grown fruit. There is an excellent choice of restaurants ranging from specialist kebab makers and family-run restaurants to the slightly more sophisticated riverside restaurants where fresh water trout is offered alongside a selection of delicious bream, bass and mullet.

Akyaka is also well known for the authentic architecture of Mugla area where Nail Cakirhan, the Turkish architect has his prize-winning house. It is open to public as a cultural center during the high season. Many city dwelling Turks have chosen Akyaka for their summer houses and great conservation efforts have been made to ensure that all these buildings are constructed in the traditional style with tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden ceilings and verandas, an interesting contrast to the usual Mediterranean style of architecture.

The wide sandy beach with its constant cooling breeze and within walking distance of all our accommodation is ideal for children as it is shallow for some way out, beach side restaurants provide the ideal lunch venue and beds and sun umbrellas are plentiful. Alternatively cross over the rickety wooden bridge to the plain and you have yet another beach. Snorkeling enthusiasts will enjoy the rocky coastline bordering the forest whilst the sunbathers can relax on the small platforms cut into the rock face.

The shingle beach at Cinar is just a five minute taxi ride away, surrounded by pine trees, pink oleander and with afresh water stream cutting the beach in half there are few places so naturally beautiful.

Boat rides of the area feature spectacular scenery, stunning beaches and secluded coves. There are opportunities for snorkeling, water skiing and more. You may visit Sedir Island and it is possible to see dolphins or loggerhead turtles. A Blue voyage in a wooden hulled gulet may be arranged from the Gokova area.

You can stay either in one of the small, family-run cozy apart hotels or in one of the more exclusive hotels.

You can easily enjoy drives or hikes to the nearby picturesque mountains or beach villages from Akyaka. Sakar and Sandras mountains are only half an hour away from Akyaka.