Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 7 places to visit in the Didim district of Aydın: Temple of Apollo (Didyma), Altınkum Beach and Didyma Ancient City. Plan your trip to Didim with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Didim, also known by its former name Yenihisar, is a touristic district of Aydın. The district covers an area of 424 km² and has an average elevation of 34 metres above sea level. It is shaped like a peninsula, bounded by the Muğla provincial border to the east, the Aegean Sea to the south, and Lake Bafa and the Büyük Menderes to the north.
The earliest traces of settlement in Didim date back to the Neolithic period (8000 BC). On 23 March 1924, under the Treaty of Lausanne, migrants from the Pravuşta region and villages of Thessaloniki became the first inhabitants of Didim.
The district’s economy is based primarily on tourism and, secondarily, on agriculture. Altınkum Beach and the Temple of Apollo are very popular with visiting tourists.
The VegFest vegan festival has been celebrated in Didim since 2018. Didim became a district in May 1990. Traces of Didim’s first settlement date back to 8000 BC. The name Yenihisar was changed to Didim in 1997. The ancient city of Miletus was founded in the 2nd millennium BC by migrants from Crete.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The Temple of Apollo, whose construction began in the 6th century BC, is the third largest temple of the ancient world. With 112 Ionic-style columns and a sacred courtyard 17.5 metres high, it is one of the masterpieces of Hellenistic architecture. In 2024 it welcomed more than 132,000 visitors.
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Photo: Bubenimfikrimzaten (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Altınkum Beach, named after its golden-coloured fine sand, is one of the most popular beaches on the Aegean coast. Its shallow, calm waters make it an ideal swimming area for families.
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Photo: Dagmar Hollmann (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The ancient city of Didyma, around the Temple of Apollo, was an important oracle centre in the ancient world. The remains along the Sacred Way that led from Miletus to Didyma can still be seen.
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Photo: Vikimach (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The southern shores of Lake Bafa, north of Didim district, are an ideal area for birdwatching and nature walks. Remains of the ancient city of Herakleia are found around the lake.
View on mapA site within the territory of Balat village, attached to Didim, at the point where the Büyük Menderes River flows into the sea.
View on mapWhile you are in Didim, you can also see the highlights of Aydın province. These places are in other districts.
The Aegean meze spread, made of olive oil-based herbs, sea beet, spicy ezme and various olive oil dishes, is indispensable at Didim's seaside restaurants.
Fresh octopus caught in the Aegean Sea is grilled and served with olive oil and lemon. It is one of the most popular flavours at Didim's fish restaurants.
Prepared by filling courgette flowers with a rice filling and cooking them in olive oil. It is one of the elegant summer flavours of Aegean cuisine.
Didyma was the most important oracle centre in the ancient world after Delphi. The priests of the Temple of Apollo gave oracles to visitors from across the Mediterranean world.
Didim is a holiday resort especially popular with British and Northern European tourists. This international character has contributed to the cultural diversity of the district.
The economy of Didim rests on tourism, agriculture and fishing. The Temple of Apollo and Altınkum Beach attract hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. Olives, mandarins and citrus fruits form the basis of agricultural income. Fishing and aquatic products are also important livelihoods.
Didim is reached by road, 123 km from Aydın city centre and 180 km from İzmir. The nearest airport is Milas-Bodrum Airport (90 km). There are regular minibus services via Söke.
The highlights of Didim are 7 sites: Temple of Apollo (Didyma), Altınkum Beach, Didyma Ancient City, Lake Bafa (Didim Shore), Miletus Archaeological Site, Miletus Museum and Temple of Apollo.
Aegean Meze Spread, Ahtapot Izgara and Kabak Çiçeği Dolması are the standout flavours on Didim tables.
Didim is known for olive oil and the Ancient Oracle Tradition. Olive oil obtained from olives grown in Didim's Aegean climate is known for its low acidity and fruity aroma. Olive and olive oil production is an important livelihood in the area.
Didim is reached by road, 123 km from Aydın city centre and 180 km from İzmir. The nearest airport is Milas-Bodrum Airport (90 km). There are regular minibus services via Söke.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: spring and summer months (April-October).