Declared a slow city by Secretary General Cittaslow, Akyaka, part of Ulu in the Muğla district, attracts honeymooners and tourists with its beautiful sunsets. Akyaka has recently seen an increase in visitors due to its emergence as a new destination for tourists seeking sunset views over the Gulf of Gökova.
Akyaka Slow Town is located in the Aegean province of Muğla, approximately 60 minutes' drive from Dalyan. It was declared a slow town by the Citta Slow movement in 2011. A beautiful pine forest extends right down to the sandy beach. Akyaka is a true Aegean beauty with its red-roofed, traditional Ottoman wooden houses, ancient Lycian tombs, flower gardens, and motorized fishing boats. The charming Ula houses are one of Akyaka's most distinctive features.
Be sure to stroll around the city to see traditional Turkish houses from the Ottoman Empire. Ula houses are characterized by double staircases and ornate wooden balconies painted white or cream. Akyaka is a picturesque town with plenty of photo opportunities. The renowned Turkish architect Nail Çakıran moved to Akyaka in 1970. He built his own house in the traditional Ula style. It proved so popular that he received many contracts to build and renovate other houses in the city. In 1983, the architect received the Aga Khan Award for his work, primarily for his work in Akyaka. Following a 1984 decree, this historical style must be respected when renovating or constructing houses.
Tourists floating or staying on the Kadın Azmag Stream have the opportunity to be at one with nature in the river's labyrinths of reeds. In Akyaka, where the weather hasn't yet dropped below 20 degrees, local and foreign tourists, as well as day trippers, discover the region's beauty on organized tours. The region now welcomes visitors with sunset-themed autumn walks.
Photography enthusiasts and vacationers immortalize their moments on the Kadın Azmagı Stream and at the many beaches. Vacationers can swim in Akyaka, located 20 minutes from Muğla and known for its natural beauty and the Gulf of Gökova. In the evening, people can sit in beach cafes and watch the sunset. They can also photograph fishermen returning home in their boats with a beautiful sunset behind them. Many amateur fishermen also spend time on the beaches before sunset, admiring the enchanting scenery.
Muğla's Director of Culture and Tourism, Filiz Karaağaç, said Akyaka has become increasingly popular with visitors since it was awarded the title of Slow City. Local resident Şadi Durmaz, who organizes boat tours to Akyaka, said they offer tourists an exciting journey.
Durmaz explained that the Gulf of Gökova is one of the places in Turkey, where the autumn sunrise and sunset are considered the best. He said the stream, which flows into the Gulf of Gökova, is a place of natural beauty and home to dozens of animal species, from sea otters to turtles and various plants. Durmaz said they offer boat rides down the stream. Noting that the stream is a symbol of Akyaka, and the summer crowds continue into the fall and winter, he said, "Many local tourists from Muğla and nearby towns come here for day trips. Also, brides and grooms who want to immortalize their most special day take sunset photos here. The sunsets vary. Visitors really enjoy it!"
Durmaz emphasized that the water and surface of the stream are cleaned at certain times by sailors and environmental teams, adding that visitors really enjoy the tours, which typically last 40 minutes.
