Sitting on the western Aegean coast of Turkey is Aydin province, and it is surrounded by Izmir, Denizli, and Mugla’s provinces. It contributes significantly to the tourism industry in Turkey by offering attractive beaches and many well-preserved historical ruins. Although it extends inland, Kusadasi and Didim, both popular holiday destinations, international ex-pat hubs, and destination options for foreigners. Property for sale in Aydin is a great location to buy a holiday home.
What is Aydin in Turkey like?
This part of western Turkey, consisting of 17 districts, is famous for olive production. Olive trees grow wherever you look, thanks to perfect weather and soil conditions. It is also used by many people travelling to Turkey as a base to enter the nearby tourist attractions, such as the ancient city of Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Hierapolis, which every year host millions of tourists. The province has plenty to give to individuals who think of exploring or even buying a home here.
Aydin is situated next to the province of Izmir, which is home to the third-largest city-centre of Turkey and nearby coastal villages such as Cesme. Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, is famous for its nightlife, clock tower, and westernised atmosphere, and is home to spectacular ruins, including Pergamon and some of the Seven Churches of Revelation, mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible.
Aydin is also part of the area of the Aegean, which boasts popular cities and destinations. It also hosts the largest number of international tourists in Turkey’s tourism industry, alongside Mugla.
How do you reach Aydin, Turkey?
While Aydin doesn’t have an international airport, thanks to Bodrum and Izmir Airports, it still hosts a healthy stream of tourists. World-class marinas also operate as official ports of entry as part of the Turkish Riviera. Most bus stations in cities link the area through cheap and frequent country-wide buses to other places in Turkey. Otherwise, investment in roads and highways means that car drivers will get here in next to no time.
What holiday resorts are in Aydin, Turkey?
Kusadasi
Cosmopolitan Kusadasi is the largest cruise ship port in the Aegean, hosting giant liners that carry in tourists from all over the world to see Ephesus, the temple of Artemis, and the house of Virgin-Mary in neighbouring Selcuk. A quick bus ride away is the lovely district of Ladies Beach, including the city centre. Adaland and Aqua Fantasy are other claims to fame, which count themselves as the best water parks in Turkey.
Didim
Also called Altinkum, translates into golden sands, quickly explaining its lure as a significant beach destination. The word Didim applies to the old town centre, while the beachside areas are Altinkum. There is an intense concentration of bars and restaurants, serving Didim’s large British ex-pat population.
Areas of natural beauty in Aydin
Bafa Lake
In Turkish towns, a weekend tradition is to go out for a village breakfast, and Bafa Lake is a popular place in Aydin. Restaurants on the banks of the lake serve organic and homemade Turkish breakfast foods, such as honey, butter, jams, tomatoes, and cucumbers. In the surrounding landscapes, a few archaeological ruins attract tourists and others who like the great outdoors.
Dilek Milli Park
This picturesque, protected conservation peninsula offers walking trails, wild boars, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. It’s located near to the cave of Zeus, which is a stop-off point for jeep safari tours from nearby Kusadasi, as a seaside destination. Summers are when Dilek comes alive, but it opens up to tourists year-round.
Historical sites in Aydin
Apollo Temple
Just a few minutes’ drive from Didim town centre, the Apollo Temple is the most extraordinary claim to fame. This old pagan centre of worship stands tall and proud, with columns and bases reflecting just how huge it was.
Miletus
The untouched Miletus Theatre, a short drive south, is simply unbelievable. People also walk through the halls under the seating areas. A mosque contains such landmarks. Miletus was a vital sea trading port during its prime of the Byzantine period but lost significance as the sea banks edged away.
