Visitors often have similar questions, and the answers are not always easy to find. We have put together a short list of the questions tourists ask us most often.
When is the tourist season in Akyaka?
The season lasts from late April to late October. The high season is July-August: hot and crowded. The most comfortable months are May-June and September-October: warm sea, fewer people, lower accommodation prices.
What is Azmak?
Azmak is a short but very photogenic river with icy crystal clear water, the main natural attraction of Akyaka. Short boat tours run along the river, and fish restaurants operate on the shore. A large flock of geese, favorites of both locals and visitors, also lives here.
What are the conditions for kitesurfing?
At the
kite beach of Akyaka, from May to October, a stable thermal wind of 14-20 knots blows. The shallow water with a sandy bottom, without waves, tides, and currents — the spot is ideal for both beginners and progress.
What does 'slow city' mean?
Akyaka has been part of the international
Cittaslow network since 2011. This means a ban on high-rise buildings, a unified architectural style, the absence of chain restaurants and large all-inclusive hotels, and support for local businesses, cuisine, and crafts.
Are the beaches paid?
The city beach and most of the coastline in the center are free; you can come with your own towel. There is a paid entrance to the equipped kite beach. Some hotels and restaurants on the shore have their own beach areas with paid sunbeds, but this is not mandatory.
Are there large stores in the city?
There are no large chain supermarkets within Akyaka — this is part of the Cittaslow policy. However, there are small stores from the Migros, BİM, A101, and Şok chains, as well as private shops, mini-markets, and a farmers' market on Wednesdays.
What time can you buy alcohol?
In Turkey, since 2013, the sale of alcohol in shops and supermarkets is allowed only from 06:00 to 22:00. After 22:00, alcohol can be ordered in restaurants and bars. There may be specific restrictions on election days and some religious holidays.
Where to buy a SIM card?
The tourist SIM from Turkcell, Vodafone TR, or Türk Telekom is easiest to buy right at the airport (Dalaman or Bodrum-Milas). There are no official offices of major operators in Akyaka, but you can buy a SIM at small sales points. A passport is required for registration. We also recommend using online services for purchasing esim, such as
Airalo.
How to rent a car or scooter?
It is most convenient to book a car online in advance and pick it up at Dalaman or Bodrum-Milas airport (Sixt, Enterprise, Europcar, etc.) or in Muğla/Marmaris. There are also a few small rentals in Akyaka through hotels and local agencies, but during the high season, cars may be in short supply. For scooters, there are rentals right in the village; a driver's license and a deposit will be required.
Where to exchange money?
There are no exchange offices (Döviz) in Akyaka itself — the only opportunity to exchange currency on-site is at the PTT post office. Shops and cafes either do not accept dollars and euros at all or accept them at an unfavorable rate. The most practical option is to withdraw cash lira from an international card at an ATM or exchange currency in advance at the airport.
Can you live in Akyaka in a tent or camper?
Yes, there are equipped campgrounds in the vicinity — primarily the
Forest Camp in the natural area of the Gökova Bay, which accepts both tents and caravans. Wild camping in the protected area is officially not allowed.
Are there ATMs in Akyaka?
Yes, there are several ATMs of major Turkish banks (Garanti BBVA, Ziraat, İş Bankası, and others) in the center of the village. International cards are accepted, but with a fee. During the high season, ATMs sometimes run out of cash — it is better to withdraw with a reserve and in advance.
Is there parking?
Free municipal parking is scattered throughout the village. There is a paid zone near the city beach in summer. There is a large parking lot at the entrance to the kite beach. It can be difficult to find a spot on the central streets during the high season — pedestrian distances in Akyaka are short, so it is more convenient to leave the car a little aside.
What public transport is available?
City buses from
Muğla run approximately every 30 minutes, with the final stop being Akyaka. Intercity buses run along the Marmaris-Muğla highway, stopping at the entrance (Dört Yol stop). There are buses to neighboring villages. In summer, dolmuşes operate additionally in
Marmaris. There is no public transport within Akyaka itself — the village is small, everything is nearby.
