My wife and I have been spending holidays in Turkey for almost four years. We own a small apartment in Altinkum, Didim, roughly an hour’s drive north of Bodrum Airport. Each visit deepens my fondness for Turkey — its people, way of life, culture and traditions combine to create a genuinely memorable destination. Anyone who hasn’t been to Turkey is missing out.
Altinkum enjoys warm summer weather, a broad selection of restaurants serving international and local dishes, and a variety of activities. One of my favourite drives along the coastline takes us to a small Turkish village called Mavisehir.
Mavisehir Night Market
In summer the night market is the place to be. Stalls sell everything at affordable prices — clothing, spices, household items, shoes, tools and souvenirs. Tea shops fill up quickly; it’s common to see young vendors carrying silver trays stacked with small tea glasses from stall to stall. Food stands offer traditional Turkish favourites like kebabs, grilled sweetcorn and gozleme. If you enjoy bold street flavours, try kokoreç, a classic option made with seasoned lamb intestine.
Mavisehir View and Sunset
Beyond the market, about 300 yards further on, is the harbour — a relaxed spot with simple cafes and a laid-back atmosphere. There are several modest places to eat; they may look unassuming, but we’ve enjoyed some of our best holiday meals there. Staff may speak less English than in larger resorts, but they are friendly and welcoming.
When cafes are busy we often take a drink and sit on benches to soak up the surroundings. Flowering bushes line the waterfront, the gentle lap of water provides a soothing soundtrack, and small fishing boats bob alongside long jetties. From time to time a small cruise ship passes in the distance, heading for busier ports.
The highlight is the sunset. Deep reds and oranges spread across the sky as the sun sinks toward the horizon, and many locals from Altinkum will tell you that Mavisehir offers some of the best sunsets around. Reaching Mavisehir from Altinkum is simple — a short dolmuş ride that costs only a couple of lira and takes about 30 minutes. I always return whenever we’re in Turkey; the place encourages appreciation of quiet family moments and simple pleasures.
What makes Mavisehir especially appealing is how popular it is with both locals and visitors. I take that as a good sign of the quality and value of its restaurants and attractions. I prefer to immerse myself in local life rather than stay purely as a tourist; my Turkish is improving and chatting with local people, even with limited language overlap, enriches the experience. I haven’t found another spot in Turkey that feels as welcoming and homely as Mavisehir.
