Akyarlar holidays

Akyarlar holidays keep things small-scale, except when it comes to the village's namesake sand-swathed beach.

Pocket-sized place

Green hill-backed Akyarlar serves up holidays with a touch of tradition. This little place started out as a fishing village, and it hasn’t had a huge growth spurt since. It’s got plenty to offer, though. The village centre’s dappled with a range of restaurants, dishing up straight-from-the-source seafood. Plus, every Thursday, there’s a pocket-sized market, ideal for souvenir shopping.

Namesake beach

Akyarlar’s beach really takes the biscuit. This super-soft sandy number swoops around in a semicircle, and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. As well as being fab for sun-worshippers, it’s known as a bit of a windsurfing destination. Hit the sands in the evening, and you’ll get stellar views of the sun setting over nearby Kos. Akyarlar Beach isn’t your only sandy spot, either. You can board a boat and spend a day exploring lots of secluded coves along the coast.

Nearby daytrips

Fancy a bonus Greek getaway? Akyarlar’s set on the Bodrum Peninsula’s closest point to Kos – the ferry bobs across to the other side of the Aegean in 40 minutes. You’ll drop anchor in Kos Town, where sights like the waterfront 16th-century Castle of the Knights, and a crop of Roman ruins await. Harbourside restaurants serve up Greek treats, too. Back on Turkish soil, Bodrum’s 30 minutes from Akyarlar by car, and it’s got an ancient castle of its own – complete with spooky dungeons. There's an old town and a modern marina to explore, as well.