Akyaka, a small beach town on Turkey's southern coast, retains its ramshackle charm despite being transformed into a major kitesurfing destination. Thirty years ago, I visited Akyaka as part of my job as a holiday rep, and it was already unapologetically old-fashioned – a refreshing respite from the more polished tourist resorts that were starting to dominate Turkey's summer scene.
The town still exudes its original charm, with narrow streets lined with beautifully crafted Ottoman-style houses and a relaxed atmosphere that's far removed from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. As I sat on the beach, watching Turkish women knit by the sea while their toes dangled in the sand, it struck me that this is exactly why I want to visit Turkey – not just for its rich history or vibrant culture, but also for its laid-back, slow-paced way of life.
Akyaka's "slow town" status means it's managed to preserve many local traditions and customs, setting a high standard for authentic Turkish experiences. The town has a unique architectural style, with elegant houses that blend traditional Ottoman design with locally sourced materials. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this enchanting place.
Beyond its quaint streets and beautiful architecture, Akyaka offers plenty to see and do. The nearby Akçapinar Beach is renowned for its kitesurfing, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to take advantage of the consistent winds that blow across the Gulf of Gökova. Meanwhile, Göcek and Lake Köyceğiz offer further opportunities to explore Turkey's natural beauty.
One of my favorite places to eat in Akyaka is Azmak Çorba Salonu, where a delicious breakfast consists of fresh-baked pide (Turkish pizza), grilled chicken, and tangy parsley salad – all for around £30 for two. With prices that are still relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations, Akyaka is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Turkish experience without breaking the bank.
For those looking for a relaxing break with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local culture, Akyaka is an ideal destination. Its unpolished charm and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place to unwind, take in the stunning scenery, and soak up the warm hospitality that's characteristic of Turkish hospitality. With its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and authentic restaurants serving delicious local cuisine – Akyaka has won me over for good.
The town still exudes its original charm, with narrow streets lined with beautifully crafted Ottoman-style houses and a relaxed atmosphere that's far removed from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. As I sat on the beach, watching Turkish women knit by the sea while their toes dangled in the sand, it struck me that this is exactly why I want to visit Turkey – not just for its rich history or vibrant culture, but also for its laid-back, slow-paced way of life.
Akyaka's "slow town" status means it's managed to preserve many local traditions and customs, setting a high standard for authentic Turkish experiences. The town has a unique architectural style, with elegant houses that blend traditional Ottoman design with locally sourced materials. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this enchanting place.
Beyond its quaint streets and beautiful architecture, Akyaka offers plenty to see and do. The nearby Akçapinar Beach is renowned for its kitesurfing, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to take advantage of the consistent winds that blow across the Gulf of Gökova. Meanwhile, Göcek and Lake Köyceğiz offer further opportunities to explore Turkey's natural beauty.
One of my favorite places to eat in Akyaka is Azmak Çorba Salonu, where a delicious breakfast consists of fresh-baked pide (Turkish pizza), grilled chicken, and tangy parsley salad – all for around £30 for two. With prices that are still relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations, Akyaka is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Turkish experience without breaking the bank.
For those looking for a relaxing break with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local culture, Akyaka is an ideal destination. Its unpolished charm and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place to unwind, take in the stunning scenery, and soak up the warm hospitality that's characteristic of Turkish hospitality. With its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and authentic restaurants serving delicious local cuisine – Akyaka has won me over for good.
! Like, who needs all that touristy fuss when you can just chill in a beautiful spot like Akyaka? The fact that they're preserving local traditions and customs is a total win in my book 
. And have you seen those Ottoman-style houses? 
They're straight fire! But what really gets me is the price point – £30 for breakfast? That's like, a steal 
. I'd totally be down to visit Akyaka ASAP and soak up that laid-back Turkish atmosphere 
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. I mean, who needs modern amenities when you can just pretend to be a traditional Ottoman-style house and call it a day? 
And don't even get me started on the prices at Azmak Çorba Salonu - £30 for breakfast? That's like, totally reasonable... said no one ever 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to visit a place where you can still find old-fashioned charm and Ottoman-style houses lining the streets? It's like stepping back in time, but with all the amenities of modern touristy stuff. The fact that it's managed to preserve local traditions and customs is totally on point - that's what I'm talking about when it comes to authentic experiences 
. If you're looking for a relaxed vibe with plenty of opportunities to soak up the local culture, Akyaka is definitely the place to be 
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Also, I'm all about those "slow towns" – where people actually have time to enjoy life and appreciate the little things. Akyaka seems like the perfect place to do just that 
Like, have you seen those cute little Ottoman-style houses? They need to be plastered with colorful street art and trendy cafes serving up Turkish delights. It's all about creating an immersive experience for visitors, right? And let's be real, who wants to just sit on the beach and watch Turkish women knit when you can snap some pics with a plate of delicious pide?! 
. And have you seen the prices in Azmak Çorba Salonu? £30 for two is actually pretty reasonable 
. And yay for affordable food options too, Azmak Çorba Salonu sounds amazing 
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. Turkey's gotta be proud of its old-school charm, instead of trying to fit into some fancy tourist mold 
. It's the perfect reminder that sometimes less is more, and slowing down can be a total game-changer 
. When we let go of the need for perfection, we start to appreciate the little things – like those beautifully crafted Ottoman houses or the sound of Turkish women knitting by the sea 
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also £30 for breakfast sounds like a total steal to me we need to add Akyaka to our bucket list ASAP 
It's like Akyaka is the ultimate antidote to our fast-paced lives 
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. If you're looking for a relaxing break with some authentic culture, Akyaka is like the ultimate destination 
i mean azmak çorba salonu sounds soooo good right now i wanna go there ASAP and try all the Turkish pizza and grilled chicken 
anyway, back to Turkey... have you guys tried those new Korean-style cafes that are popping up everywhere? 
. And Azmak Çorba Salonu sounds amazing btw, £30 for breakfast? That's like a steal! 
I'm not sure why everyone's always hating on Turkey for being "old-fashioned". Like, what's wrong with that? Akyaka sounds like the perfect place to escape all the hustle and bustle of modern life. I love how they're still preserving traditional Ottoman-style houses and local customs. And £30 for a delicious breakfast is totally reasonable! 
also, it's great to see them preserving all these local traditions and customs, like those women knitting by the sea