Places to See and Things to Do in Akyaka

What makes Akyaka special is that it is a whole with its nature and lifestyle. Here, the sound of the sea is loud, but the noise of crowds is almost non-existent. You start your day with the sound of birds singing, and the coolness of the Azmak River stays with you throughout the day. In the evenings, watching the sunset from the rustic fishermen's huts is a true Akyaka classic. When it comes to places to visit in Akyaka, the Azmak River is the first thing that comes to mind. Boat tours on the clear, quietly flowing water are refreshing and peaceful. Taking a tea break at one of the cafes on either side of the river or simply stretching your feet into the water is an activity in itself. Akyaka's unique Ula houses are also noteworthy. These whitewashed, wood-carved houses catch your eye as you walk through the neighborhood. Its architecture, in harmony with nature, permeates the entire atmosphere of the town. Akyaka is one of Turkey's important surfing centers. Weather conditions are favorable for windsurfing for most of the year. The shallow sea is particularly advantageous for beginners. Speaking of food, the dining experience in Akyaka is also quite satisfying. In cozy, unpretentious restaurants, fresh seafood, gözleme, herb-based appetizers, and local olive oil dishes await you. Plus, you can enjoy these delicacies without paying exorbitant prices. Even if your journey takes you to Marmaris or Fethiye, you may want to stop by Akyaka like many others and take a break for some gözleme.

Places to Visit in Akyaka

Azmak River

One of the most beautiful places in Akyaka is the Azmak River. It can also be referred to as Kadın Azmağı or Azmak Creek. Since all of the beautiful restaurants are located by the river, you will definitely find your way here. Of course, if you wish, you can settle by the river with your folding chairs and thermos and enjoy the view more economically.

Akyaka Public Beach

It offers a wonderful atmosphere with cafes and bars right behind it. Here, a fully protected beach is at your disposal, but crowds are inevitable during the high season months of July and August.

Cinar Beach

Another alternative 3 kilometers from the city center. This beach with clear water is deeper than the public beach. You can benefit from services such as sunbeds and umbrellas at reasonable prices throughout the day.

Sedir Island

Küfre Bay, Değirmenbükü and Akbük Bay are other quiet bays you can explore around Akyaka.

Sakar Pass and Gökova Gulf Viewpoint, which you will definitely pass during your journey, should definitely be noted as the viewpoints here. Akyaka offers delicious flavors to photography enthusiasts in terms of navigation due to altitude differences.

Azmak Rock Tombs

Just 15 minutes from Akyaka center, these ancient tombs quietly sit, carved directly into massive rocks during the 4th century BC by the Carian civilization. Their silent majesty draws you in, especially at sunset when the view turns into a picture-perfect scene worthy of a postcard. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and landscape lovers alike.

Akyaka Forest Camp

If you're craving a deep connection with nature, Akyaka Forest Camp offers just that. This seaside campsite is nestled among pine trees and has space for around 300 tents. Whether you're planning a few nights or just dropping by for the day, it’s hard not to sync with the rhythm of the wild here. All basic amenities are available—showers, toilets, food stands, laundry, even electricity. Start your day with coffee under the pines, then swim in the crystal-clear sea by afternoon.

Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island)

A gem of the Gulf of Gökova, Sedir Island is known not just for its golden sands and turquoise sea but also for its history. Home to the ancient city of Kedrai, the island offers forested walking trails, scenic coves, and a beach believed to have been a favorite of Cleopatra herself. It’s the perfect mix of romance, nature, and time travel.

Akbük Bay

One of the most untouched bays in the area. Surrounded by pistachio and pine trees, it's perfect for quiet nature walks or refreshing swims during summer. With well-equipped camping spots and diving opportunities, it remains a peaceful haven despite its growing popularity.

Gökova Lovers' Road (Aşıklar Yolu)

Originally planted with eucalyptus trees in 1938 to combat mosquitoes, this road has become one of the most romantic walking and cycling paths in the region. Dappled sunlight filters through the trees, offering serenity and charm, and it’s even been featured in many Turkish films.

Kadın Azmağı River

Kadın Azmağı is one of Akyaka’s most iconic natural spots. The water is so clear it mirrors everything. Otters, ducks, herons, and other water birds call this place home. You can join canoe tours, dine at nearby riverside restaurants, or simply enjoy the peaceful soundtrack of flowing water.

İncekum Beach

About 30 minutes from Akyaka’s center, İncekum Beach takes its name from its ultra-fine, powdery sand. The sea is shallow, making it ideal for families with young children. Bring your own beach gear or rent a sunbed and umbrella. Nearby garden cafés also offer hearty local breakfasts.

Değirmenbükü Bay (English Harbor)

Locals call it "English Harbor" because British warships once anchored here during World War I. With no buildings or facilities, this bay is completely untouched. You can get there on a guided boat tour, take a dip in the turquoise waters, or simply breathe in the pine-scented air and enjoy the silence.

Ula Lake

Located 18 km from Akyaka, Ula Lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by olive and pine trees. It’s ideal for picnics, quiet walks, or birdwatching. A perfect escape for anyone looking to slow down and unwind in nature.

Bördübet Bay

Almost like a hidden tropical paradise, Bördübet got its name from British sailors enchanted by the area's bird population (“Bird the bed”). Accessible by land or sea, the bay is dotted with bungalows, eco-lodges, and camping sites. It's a favorite for those seeking calm and connection to nature.

Kedrai Ancient City

Located on Sedir Island, Kedrai dates back to the 6th century BC. Imagine wandering through a vast amphitheater, ancient temples, and stone-paved roads with the sea just steps away. It’s an unforgettable blend of history and scenery perfect for a day of exploring.

Things to do in Akyaka 

Since Akyaka is a coastal town, the first activities that come to mind are swimming and sunbathing. However, there are dozens of other ways to enjoy nature while you are in Akyaka. First of all, everything is within walking distance, allowing you to exercise and explore the town at the same time. If you wish, there are also places where you can go for a light jog. Cycling with views of the sea, river, and forest is another enjoyable activity. Since you will be taking lots of photos during your trip to Akyaka, make sure your phone battery is fully charged. If you use equipment such as a tripod and professional camera, bring them with you.
For those who want to get up close and personal with the Azmak River, there are two options: kite surfing and boat tours. Boat tours on small boats are fun for the whole family, while kite surfing is a challenging sport. Still, trying your luck in this windy place might not be a bad idea.
Camping in Akyaka is something that comes to mind the moment you see it. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, most of the visitors are young people, and they are all camping, so why not?
Traveling from Akyaka to other districts of Muğla can be considered another activity. The center of Muğla or Köyceğiz are the closest places, just 20 minutes away. If you want to go to Marmaris or Fethiye, you'll have to travel an extra 1-2 hours, but in the end, you'll discover more places.

Food and Drink in Akyaka

We can divide the food and drink options in Akyaka into two. One is the delicious pancakes and home-cooked meals with olive oil in the places run by locals; the other is, of course, the must-have seafood of the Aegean. Seafood such as squid, shrimp and octopus are cooked deliciously here. The appetizers accompanying the fish such as sea cowpeas, atom or haydari are equally good. Halil'in Yeri; one of the restaurants on the banks of the Azmak River; can be shown as an address for a nice visit. You also have the chance to start the day with a mixed breakfast. Orfoz Restaurant right next to it offers the same standards of service.

On the way to Akyaka, there are places like Ayşe Ana'nın Yeri or Yörük Ali Gözleme. These places also serve breakfast. If you're in Akyaka for a weekend vacation, you can enjoy a late breakfast and an early dinner and end the day with two meals. The prices are never as high as in resorts like Bodrum and Çeşme.

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University is very close to Akyaka and camping activities of students are quite common here. Therefore, grocery stores are in great demand. You can spend some of your meals with snacks and prepare your tea and coffee to sip by the river. There are also those who travel here from Izmir or Muğla for a day trip and prepare flavors between bread and a picnic basket.

Shopping in Akyaka

The center of Akyaka is full of small businesses. You can buy magnets or small household items to remind you of Akyaka and take them to your loved ones. If you come across the local stalls of the villagers, especially on the main road, you can buy many vegetables, fruits, jams and derivatives. Products such as okra and cowpeas grown by the locals are sold at the stalls according to the season.

Entertainment and Nightlife in Akyaka

Akyaka Beach becomes a nightlife destination towards the night hours. Although the nightlife in Akyaka means long tables of fish and seafood, those who want to listen to live music or dance will not return empty-handed. Special places like No 22 Riders are especially for kite surfers. Poison Pub and Deli Memet on Karanfil Street and Kum Kafe Bar&Bistro on İncir Street may be your choices.

Transportation to Akyaka

Akyaka is a place where bus companies continue their services all year round. The fact that the distance between Muğla city center and Akyaka is only 20 minutes strengthens your hand. Depending on where you depart from, you can choose to go to Muğla first and then go to Akyaka from the city center. For those who use a private car, it takes 240 kilometers and 2.5 hours from Izmir to Akyaka. From Istanbul to Akyaka is 850 kilometers and the journey time is over 8 hours.

If Dalaman Airport will be used for Akyaka transportation, the journey can be considered as 1 hour. The distance between the airport and the town center is 70 kilometers. The frequency of flights to Dalaman increases especially during the summer season. Apart from Turkish Airlines, Pegasus also has flights to Dalaman.

Accommodation Recommendations in Akyaka

Most of the accommodation options in Akyaka are small hotels. There are no five-star all-inclusive resorts here. Most hotels offer room and breakfast service. In addition to alternatives such as Hotel Lotus Spa & Sport, Akyaka, and Baga Hotel, where you can hear the sound of water under your feet, riverside hotels such as Kerme Ottoman Konak are also noteworthy. We can say that hotels in Akyaka are more focused on relaxation. Instead of a lively but inevitably tiring nightlife, here you'll find hammocks, giant swings, fireplaces, or rooms with jacuzzis. Therefore, it's unthinkable to come to Akyaka without packing a few books. In fact, Akyaka's geography is such that, rather than just reading books, your activity here might even be writing a book inspired by nature.