Akyaka is a small, tidy village at the head of the Gökova Gulf, known for its architecture, its river and its wind. The architecture is unusual for Turkey: wooden and stone houses with sloping roofs, balconies and carved eaves that owe something to Scandinavian design, a style the local architect Nail Çakırhan developed here and that won international recognition. Through the village runs the Azmak, a short river fed by cold springs that bubbles up in the reed beds, so the water stays clear and cool even in midsummer. Riverside restaurants serve trout and other fish on terraces right over the water. The day tour we link combines Akyaka with the Yuvarlakçay valley, a quiet area of streams, pools and forest, and includes lunch. It is a gentle, scenic day and a welcome change from sun and sand.
Akyaka is a place for sitting, strolling and eating rather than for ticking off sights. The riverside walk is shaded and pretty, small boats sail along the Azmak, and the beach on the bay is known as one of the best places for kitesurfing in the region because of the afternoon wind. If you do not kitesurf, you can watch the colourful kites from the beach cafes. The village is also a starting point for walks into the mountains, and for visiting a few small historic sites in the hinterland.
The Yuvarlakçay valley, reached by a winding road through pine forest, has natural pools and shaded riverbanks, and is a favourite cool spot for local families. Some programs include a short jeep ride or a stop at an olive grove. Check the itinerary for your date, because stops vary. The drive from Marmaris is about an hour and a half each way, so the tour is a modest full day with free time for lunch.
The tour suits couples, families and older travellers, and is easy for people who dislike boats, long walks or crowds. Spring is lovely for green landscapes and cooler water; autumn is quiet and mellow; summer is hot, so the river is a relief. Bring a swimsuit and a towel for the river and pools, and a light jacket for evening drives. The trout restaurants can be busy at weekends, so a booked tour that includes lunch avoids the wait.
Two small pieces of local colour are worth knowing. Akyaka keeps a low-rise, tree-lined character, and the afternoon breeze from the gulf is reliable enough that kitesurfers plan their days around it. Allow time for an unhurried lunch, because the best tables on the water fill quickly. A light scarf or jacket is useful in the evening, when the valley air cools quickly even in summer. Cyclists and walkers can use the quiet lanes around the village, and those who stay overnight can watch the kites at the beach at sunset.
A day trip gives a taste, but an overnight stay lets you enjoy the village after the tour groups leave. The village also has a small number of galleries and craft shops worth a browse after lunch. Allow a little time to stroll the riverside paths and watch the small boats drift past before the drive back.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day tour with lunch to Akyaka, the Azmak river and the Yuvarlakçay valley.
Best time
Spring and autumn; summer for a cool river.
How long
Eight to nine hours.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, a towel and a light layer, and ask which stops are included on your date.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a gentle day of scenery and a long lunch.
- Families
- Easy for children; the river and pools are a hit in summer.
- Couples
- A riverside trout lunch is the highlight.
- Pair with
- Cleopatra Island across the bay, or the Dalyan delta.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is the Azmak?+
A short river in Akyaka fed by cold springs, with clear water and riverside restaurants.
Why does Akyaka look different?+
Its wooden and stone houses with sloping roofs and carved eaves reflect an architectural style developed locally by Nail Çakırhan.
Is lunch included?+
The product we link includes lunch. Check drinks and extras.
How far is it?+
About an hour and a half each way from Marmaris.
Can I kitesurf there?+
Akyaka is known for kitesurfing in the afternoon wind; lessons are offered by local schools, separate from this tour.