With a history spanning nearly 3,000 years, Didim is an ancient city that has only recently blossomed into a popular tourist destination. The resort town of Altınkum features a central beach ideal for families with small children, boasting a gentle slope into shallow, calm waters—perfect for safe and relaxing swimming.
Didim is surrounded by high mountains covered in lush coniferous forests and offers 55 km of sandy beaches, many proudly awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and safety. The region enjoys a mild climate without oppressive heat, making it comfortable year-round. Visitors will find a variety of amenities including restaurants, bars, clubs, discos, shops, an amusement park, and a water park.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Didim provides a peaceful retreat with all the infrastructure needed for a comfortable vacation. For those craving vibrant nightlife and energetic parties, Bodrum is nearby and easily accessible.
History of Didim
While the exact founding date of Didim remains uncertain, many historians believe that an ancient city once thrived here. The famous Temple of Apollo, home to a renowned oracle, was the spiritual heart of the area and a major center of prophecy in the ancient Hellenic world. The city is even mentioned in Homer’s “Hymn to Apollo,” highlighting its historical significance.
Over centuries, Didim was plundered and gradually transformed into a small village, retaining much of its unique character. Until the 1990s, Didim was relatively unknown, with locals focused primarily on agriculture.
Today, Didim proudly preserves its ancient heritage, especially the Temple of Apollo, a remarkable monument of Greek architecture and a must-see for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Interesting and Useful Facts
- The modern population of Didim is over 40,000 people.
- Altınkum is the main beach of the city and ranks among the longest on the Aegean coast, celebrated for its soft golden sands.
- Didim is bordered to the north by the Menderes River, historically known as the Meander River, famous for its winding path and inspiring the name of the "meander" motif in ancient Greek art.
- After a period of desertion, Didim began to be repopulated in the 18th century. Excavations of the area’s ancient monuments also started during this time.
- During the Byzantine era, Didim was known as Justinianopolis, named in honor of Emperor Justinian, and served as a bishop’s residence.
Climate
Didim is an ideal vacation spot with a classic Mediterranean climate. Warm weather lasts from May through October. During the hottest months—July, August, and September—air temperatures reach up to 32°C (90°F), and the sea warms up to around 25°C (77°F). May, June, and October offer perfect weather for sightseeing, with no oppressive heat and a pleasant sea breeze.
Ancient City of Didim
In ancient times, the site of the modern resort was occupied by the ancient city of Didyma, famous for the Temple of Apollo (8th century BC), which housed one of the four great oracles of Ancient Greece.
The name "Didim" means "twins", referring to Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. According to mythology, Didyma was believed to be the birthplace of the divine children of Zeus and the nymph Leto. Nearby Ephesus was home to the famous Temple of Artemis.
The oracle operated until the 4th century AD and was consulted not only by Greek kings but also Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors. Predictions were delivered in poetic verses. In ancient Didyma, only priests lived.
Artifacts from ancient Didyma are preserved in the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Attractions and Points of Interest in Didim and Surroundings
- Temple of Apollo — one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Greek architecture.
- Ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus — considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Sacred Road (6th century BC) — a marble road that connected the Temple of Apollo in Didim with the Temple of Apollo in Miletus.
- Ancient city of Miletus — called the "Jewel of Ionia" by Herodotus. According to Pliny the Elder, Miletus founded many colonies, including Theodosia and Panticapaeum (modern-day Kerch) in Crimea.
- Ancient city of Priene (11th century BC) — where the ruins of the main temple of Athena founded by Alexander the Great in the 6th century BC can be seen.
- House of the Virgin Mary on the slope of Bülbüldağı Mountain — a pilgrimage site visited by tourists worldwide. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary and the Apostle John lived here, and the tomb of the Holy Virgin is located here.
- Didim Port — a picturesque harbor whose architecture resembles that of the United Arab Emirates.
- Didim’s most popular nightclub, "Medusa" — located on the central promenade, named after Medusa the Gorgon, whose image was found on an ancient relief from the Temple of Apollo.
- Famous bars in Didim: Mask Club, "Bar-Garden", and "Ali-Bar".
