Didim: All You Need to Know Before Coming

Didim is an excellent holiday destination whether you are coming with your loved ones or solo.

If you are thinking of traveling to Didim, you may want to ensure you have and learn everything you need. 

But look no further as a Turkish local, I will share all of the details with you here today so you can be more than ready. 

Where is Didim? 

You will find Didim on a south-facing coastal bay on the southern edge of the Aydin province of Turkey.

Didim is situated in the middle of many historical sites and is the end of the sacred way, which leads to Didyma, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, and more. 

Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince, and Guzelcamli are other excellent nearby towns to visit.

You can reach Didim, from Izmir airport, the distance is 160 km (100 miles), and from Bodrum airport, it’s 83 km (51 miles).

The region in which Didim is located is very rich in history and historically called Asia Minor.

Where is Didim Located on a Map?

You can see Didim’s location on the map below.

Didim is located Western part of Turkey (also called the Aegean Region). This region includes the cities of Mugla, Denizli, Aydın, Izmir, Manisa, and Balikesir.

Facts on Didim

Is Didim worth visiting?

Didim is definitely worth visiting and the town is growing in popularity each year with tourists from across the globe. 

Didim is not just a summer destination, many British people also made Didim their second home due to its pleasurable climate.

Didim has a more laid-back, slower pace than the larger tourist destinations, and that is what makes it so wonderful.

With the Marina now in Didim and the exclusive Kaplankaya marina a short distance from Didim, high-wealth tourists have been visiting Didim and the surrounding Beaches.

Prince Harry and Megan visited a few years ago, and at the time of writing this post, Bill Gates’ megayacht was parked just off the Didim Coastline.

What to do on your trip to Didim?

I highly recommend hiring a car on your trip to have access to all of the surrounding activities, without the hassle of taxis and buses.

You will find countless beaches to enjoy all around Didim, but you can visit the historical sites situated around the county or head out to the waterpark for a day of fun.

Immerse yourself in the culture and have a traditional Turkish meal, such as a village breakfast on the coastline of Lake Bafa. 

Or find your sea legs on a boat trip which will cruise around the Didim shoreline and stop at multiple bays for you to take a dip in. 

If you want more ideas on spending your time in Didim, check out my Guide on Things to do in Didim.

What is the best time to visit Didim?

When you visit Didim should depend on what you want from your Trip and also your preference for temperatures.

If you wish to visit the local historical sites, go hiking, or do other outdoor activities, the best times of year would be early summer, such as May or late summer in September. 

During these months, it is not too hot to be outside for long periods and take comfort in knowing that most stormy weather has passed.

If you want to lay on a beach, then any time during the summer months will be fine; just ensure you are aware that it gets very hot in July and August, so precautions or needed. 

As Didim is a town with a large local population, Didim is active year-round, so you will be welcomed at any point in the year.

Nearest Airports to Didim and How to Get to Didim

Situated between two major airports, Izmir and Bodrum, you don’t need to worry about long travel times once you land. Both airports are open year-round, so traveling dates are up to you!

The closest airport to Didim is Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV). Yet, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is bigger and has more flight options.

The nearest airports to Didim are

• Izmir Adnan Menderes ( 160 km – 100 mi)
• Milas Bodrum Airport (83 km – 51 mi)

At Izmir airport, you can reach Selcuk via the Izmir subway, then use the bus network to reach Didim. In Bodrum, there are also options to reach Didim. In any case, if you need a direct transfer to your hotel in a more comfortable way and you can use private airport transfers to Didim, here is the site I use for airport transfers.

There are many domestic and international airlines with flights to both airports. For this reason, it is better to compare different airline companies’ prices. You can click here to find plane tickets and compare their prices.

Where to Stay in Didim?

TThe best place for first-timers is Didim Old and the Altinkum Beach area. Yet, Didim has a lot of places to discover.

If you wish to know more about the areas suitable for you, check my guide on Where to Stay in Didim to learn more about Didim’s Districts and Didim Hotels.

Is Didim Safe? 

Didim is a safe destination for all travelers, whether you are a solo family or traveling with your family.  Yet, you may need some travel tips.

Didim is very safe for all travelers, with a community feel to the town; you can rest assured that you do not need to worry about your well-being when you’re having fun outside in Didim.

While you still need to ensure that you keep your valuables in a safe place as you would anywhere else in the world. 

Just a slight note, even some tourists are police in Didim, because the Turkish police force has its own training and holiday resort in Didim.

Please check my post “Is Didim safe?” if you want to know more about travel safety in Didim.

What is Didim Famous for? 

Didim is best known for the historical site of Apollon Temple which is considered to be one of the best-preserved temples of ancient times. 

The temple, which was unearthed in the light of the scientific excavations carried out between 1906-1913, was partially rebuilt again.

Although the rest of ancient Didim (Dydma) continues to be buried under the town center. Priene and Miletus are huge ancient cities to discover just a few kilometers outside the city center.

Yet, most returning visitors come for the beautiful beaches that surround the town. Many Turkish and foreign travelers have holiday homes in Didim and surrounding areas and return each year for the summer season.

Transportation in Didim

While Didim is a small place, there is still a need for transportation.

The best mode of transport is by car, so if you wish to visit many places, renting a scooter or car would be the best option for you. 

Multiple companies across Didim offer a rental service, with various vehicle options available. Bikes, such as scooters and quad bikes, are a popular option for couples who visit the town, but caution is needed when in heavy traffic.

But you can always use public transport if you would prefer, with multiple small bus services running all across Didim, you will be able to get to where you want to go without issue. 

There are also plenty of taxi ranks across town to get you where you wish to go. 

Many restaurants have their own shuttle service; ask them if it would be possible to have transportation to and from their venue when booking. 

Distances to other places from Didim