Akyaka and the Azmak: an ice-cold river, a slow town and the Gökova wind
A crystal-clear river that reaches the sea a few kilometres from its source, a Cittaslow town and a wind that picks up every afternoon. Akyaka and the Gökova coast for nature lovers.
Teknovan Editorial Team ·
Sit on the bank of the Azmak in Akyaka and put your feet in the water. You'll last a few seconds, maybe. The river springs out of the mountain and has no time to warm up before it reaches the sea. The water is so clear you can count the fish swimming among the weeds on the bottom.
Akyaka is a small town at the eastern tip of the Gulf of Gökova, the first place you reach after coming down the Sakar Pass. It's about 30 km from Marmaris and roughly an hour and a half from Dalaman or Bodrum airport. Since 2011 it has been part of the international Cittaslow ("slow city") network. Its houses are built in the Ula style started by the architect Nail Çakırhan: timber and whitewash.
The Azmak: a boat trip on the river
The Kadın Azmağı (locally just the Azmak), which flows through the town, is the symbol of the area. Small boats leave along the river, take you up towards the source and bring you back. In recent years all of them have been switched to electric boats. No engine noise, just water and birds.
In drought years the river level drops and some stretches may be closed to visitors. When walking along the Azmak, take care not to tread on water plants or fish nests. This is a first-degree protected natural site.
The Gökova wind
In the afternoons Akyaka fills up with something else: wind. The thermal wind that blows steadily off the gulf has made the town one of Türkiye's best-known kitesurfing spots. Schools on the beach give lessons and rent gear. If you don't fancy trying, sitting on the beach watching the coloured kites is a show in itself.
Mornings are calm. The best time to swim is before midday.
Forest camping and the surroundings
There's a forest campsite in the pine woods on the edge of Akyaka and other campsites by the river. Most are within walking distance of the Azmak and the beach.
| Campsite | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Akyaka Orman Kampı | Akyaka | Pine forest, close to the sea |
| Azmakbaşı Camping | Akyaka | Near the source of the river |
Things to do in the day: walk from Akyaka to Çınar beach, take a boat trip to the Gökova bays, and in the evening sit facing the Azmak at one of the fish restaurants in town.
When to go
- May and June: The town is quiet and the sea is starting to warm up.
- July and August: Both the wind and the crowds peak. Kitesurfing season.
- September and October: Warm sea, and the town is left to the locals. The best time for camping.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Azmak? The water is very cold and the river is protected. Follow the signs on the bank and swim at Akyaka beach or Çınar beach instead.
Can you get to Akyaka in a campervan? Yes. The Sakar Pass is winding but wide. The streets in town are narrow, so leave the van at the campsite and walk.
Is Akyaka busy? On July and August weekends, yes. Weekdays and the start and end of the season are quiet.
For the rest of Gökova and Marmaris, see our Gökova, Akyaka and Marmaris camping guide.
Sources
- Akyaka, Ula, Wikipedia
- Electric boats on the Kadın Azmağı, Posta (Turkish)
- Drought hits the Kadın Azmağı, CNN Türk (Turkish)
Image credits
Photos illustrate the region; they are not photos of the campsites themselves.
- Akyaka, Gökova Körfezi: Iemizrak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
