Akyaka Mugla is definitely a must-see place for its naturel beauty combining every possible tones of green-and blue.
Every few months, I pack my bags and head to Marmaris for a sailing holiday. I have always enjoyed travelling by bus, but the journey to Marmaris is especially lovely as it boasts one of the best views in Turkey.
Sunshine in Akyaka nine months of the year
Just after Mugla, the bus climbs a gentle slope to Sakar Peak with its stunning view of the Gulf of Gokova. At the bottom of the slope, a road to the right is labelled “Akyaka”. Akyaka stands at the meeting point of grassy meadows, snowy peaks and turquoise waters. This heaven-on-earth is the ideal place to escape the madding crowd and relax in the shade of pine trees to the sound of lapping waves.
Akyaka has the added bonus of guaranteed sunshine 9 months of the year. Even in winter, brief showers are quickly replaced by bright sunshine. A wind known as the “Deli (Crazy) Memed” sweeps through the town at least once every two weeks, ensuring that Akyaka stays relatively cool.
History of Akyaka: From the Romans to the Ottomans
Akyaka occupies the site of a Carian town called Idyma. No one knows for sure when the town was established. In 546 BC, the entire region was occupied by the Persians. From 484-405 BC the Delian League, under the leadership of Athens, took over the administration. Idyma left the league in 440 BC.
The city produced coins with the head of Pan on one side. In the third century BC, Idyma came under Rhodeian rule before becoming a Roman city at the end of first century AD. Not much is known about the city’s Byzantine history, but, at the end of 13th century AD, the area came under Turkish administration and the region became known as the Menteşe Principality. Today, evidence of Akyaka’s ancient past can be seen in its rock tombs, cisterns and walls dating back to 4th century BC. A medieval fortress in İnişdibi confirms that this was an importance settlement in Byzantine times. In 1922, Roman mosaics were found in the ruins of the fortress.
The architecture of Akyaka
Akyaka is also famous as the home of the Nail Çakırhan Residence. A native of Ula, Cakırhan built a home in Akyaka in the early 1980s in the traditional Ula architectural style. The richly ornamented two-story house won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983. In 1998, the residence-museum was turned into a centre for arts and culture. The centre is run by the Friends of Gokova-Akyaka, an association established in 1991. Under the chairmanship of German-born Heike Thol-Schmitz, they work to protect Akyaka’s natural beauty, history and architecture.
Delicious fish and beautiful coves
Sunbathers and swimmers can head to Akyaka’s local beach while the Azmak Stream is a great place to go canoeing or enjoy freshwater fish at one of its many restaurants. No trip to Gokova is complete without a boat trip to the nearby islands and coves. With its natural beauty, rich history, award-winning architecture and welcoming people, Akyaka offers a rare respite from the stresses of daily life.
How to get there
By air: The closest airport, Dalaman, is 67 km away. Take a minibus to the crossroads followed by a taxi to Akyaka. By car: 30 km down the Mugla-Marmaris D550 highway, turn right immediately after the Sakar Pass.
Where to stay
Yücelen Otel Gokova 4*: Air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor pools, private beach and restaurant. +90 252 243 51 08 www.yucelen.com.tr Club Cobantur: A boutique hotel set in a calm, beautiful cove. Enjoy mountain biking, canoeing and boat trips. Eski İskele Mevkii +90 252 243 45 50 www.cobantur.com Hotel Engin: A 15-room hotel by the sea. +90 252-243 56 09 www.enginhotel.com Sezgin Apart: A new hotel with 6 apartments. Ideal for longer stays. +90 252-243 40 12
Where to eat in Akyaka
Halil’in Yeri: Since 1966, this Azmak restaurant has been famous for its seafood and its village breakfast. 0252-243 51 73. Kordon Restaurant: Famous for its grilled octopus and Hoca Boregi phyllo pastry. 0252-243-52 51. Cennet Restaurant: Well known for its seafood. 0252-243 55 96.
Helpful hints for Akyaka:
| * Before travelling to Akyaka, make sure to visit www.akyaka.org. If you’re lucky, your trip may coincide with an event organised by the association. * If you travel to Akyaka in the spring, make sure to visit the nearby Ula Canyon, famous for its waterfalls. It is essential to go with an experienced guide. * If possible, try to travel to Akyaka during the week. The surrounding coves and beaches can get very crowded on the weekend. |
