Dramatic mountains rising steeply behind, a gulf of turquoise blue waters stretching out within Gokova Bay and nestled between the characteristic red-roofed, white-washed houses with ornate pine-timbered eaves and balconies strewn with brilliant pink bougainvillea this is Akyaka.

View of Akyaka from the sea

This palm tree lined area has a sandy beach that 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.

Although Akyaka has grown in recent years, it remains a picturesque village. There are no high-rise hotels - any construction has adhered strictly to the traditional architectural style of the region. There are two shopping areas in Akyaka. In the streets behind the beach there are several small shops ranging from mini-markets to souvenir shops. In the old village, set further back from the sea, there are the shops which were originally meant to service the needs of the villagers themselves, the post office  along with the Belediye offices, Jandarms and schools etc.

The "conservation" beach is divided from the village by the Kadın Azmak [woman river] and borders a recognised conservation area. It is not unusual to see otters in the river and the conservation area itself has deer, tortoise, kingfishers, rollers and many other forms of wildlife.

“Kadin Azmak” - Woman River

On the Beach

Akyaka a picturesque village

If you like shopping, you will no doubt have learned about how Turkish goods are extremely good value for money - and this does not mean cheap and cheerful, in fact you will receive quality at very cheap prices, if you are prepared to haggle a bit.
The places to visit are Mugla town, Marmaris Friday Market.
No matter what you do or buy you will find that your money will go a very long way here - which will help you enjoy your holiday even more.

If you only go on one excursion make sure you visit EPHESUS which is the best preserved ancient city in the world!
 

Local comany's offer daily boat trips to the many beautiful bays, islands and sheltered pools of Gokova Gulf. Their famous Blue Voyages are very popular with Turks and tourists from all over Southern Turkey. Visit Akbuk Bay and practice your water skiing, have fun on a banana boat or swim in the 'wine dark sea'.Visit Sedir Island with its famous Cleopatra's Beach and the ancient island city of Kedreai with its attractive amphitheatre. English harbour is another of the destinations offered and if the wind is right you will have the opportunity to 'sail' back on Captain Bir accompanied by a school of dolphins. Go snorkelling in the 50m deep Dark Blue Bay and who knows you might see some Loggerhead Turtles as well as the teaming masses of fish.