Türkiye’s Coastal Secret for Slow Living
Located where the Gulf of Gökova meets the Sakar Mountains’ pine-carpeted slopes, Akyaka is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly. This picturesque village in the Ula district of Muğla Province is a proud member of the international Cittaslow network. Here, nothing is rushed —except the wind.
Akyaka is where river, forest, sea, and mountains create perfect harmony. The gentle Kadın Azmağı River, fed by high mountain springs, winds through the village, creating a small but rich ecosystem. Its banks are shaded by reeds, home to kingfishers and wild turtles, while small electric boats glide silently through its glassy waters. A short stroll from the river’s edge brings you to the sea: calm, shallow, and embraced by wide stretches of sandy beach. And yet, come afternoon, the wind picks up, transforming this quiet enclave into one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations. The thermal winds and shallow bays of Gökova attract an international community of surfers, making Akyaka a global meeting point for wind chasers and barefoot bohemians.
But Akyaka isn’t just about adrenaline. It’s also about architectural wisdom through its traditional Ula-style homes with Ottoman and Aegean influences. Think whitewashed walls, dark-timbered balconies, overhanging eaves, and terracotta rooftops —all harmonizing with the landscape.
History also lingers in the hills just above, where the ruins of Idyma —a Carian settlement dating back to the 4th century BCE— watch over the village. Rock tombs and crumbling stone walls serve as silent reminders of a deep and layered past.
Akyaka is a community protective of its natural and cultural heritage. As a Cittaslow town since 2011, it has taken concrete steps to support sustainable tourism: car traffic is limited, noise pollution is curbed, and local crafts and cuisine are prioritized. Akyaka’s culinary scene stands out with its abundance of seafood and mezze varieties, but it’s the olive oil-based dishes that often steal the hearts of visitors. Among the most beloved local specialties are blue crab, shrimp mücver (egg and zucchini fritters), stuffed calamari, Girit ezmesi (Cheese spread with herbs and spices), fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed artichokes, samphire salad, and octopus salad. Don’t miss a hearty breakfast where organic eggs, homemade jams, and cheese from nearby farms arrive in abundance. Whether you’re dining by the Kadın Azmağı River or at a small family-run restaurant, Akyaka’s cuisine offers a delicious reflection of its coastal riches and seasonal ingredients.
For those looking to step off the grid without giving up on taste, texture, or soul, Akyaka is not just a stop —it’s a state of mind. Whether you’re drawn by the wind, the water, or the quiet call of tradition, this small village will reward you with time well spent.
