Making the most of Didim
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
At present, the Didim Cruise Port pier accepts tenders only. Its passenger terminal is new, and the entire facility is ISPS compliant.
Tenders bring you to the town centre.
Didim, the ‘Gateway to the Land of Oracles’, gives guests access to the Temple of Apollo ruins at Didyma, the ancient Ionian cities of Miletus and Priene, and, within easy reach, the ancient metropolis of Ephesus and the nearby house of the Virgin Mary.
Bring a printable map.
This genuinely attractive, now very popular holiday coast combines long sandy beaches, clear blue sea, ancient ruins and a microclimate with hundreds of sunny days each year and warm winters. Residents can enjoy the famous beaches and watersports even in January. Smaller, quieter bays farther from the centre, such as Haydar on a dirt road around Akbük (white bay), may be the most appealing.
Altinkum’s golden sandy beach is only a few minutes’ walk from the pier.
Getting around
Didim is easy to explore on foot.
Taxis are cheap, regulated and readily found in town. On longer journeys drivers can charge more than the meter, so negotiate the price before setting off. Turkey’s most unusual transport is the Dolmus, used where buses do not go. The term means ‘To Fill’: a minibus, jeep or van leaves once full, usually quickly, and will set you down anywhere along its route.
Nearby places
Didim is a smaller port not far south of Kusadasi. If you have not already visited Ephesus from Kusadasi, it is the region’s ‘must see’ stop. Private tours and shore excursions from Didim often combine Didyma’s (ancient Didim) Temple of Apollo, Priene and Miletus, all important Greek or Roman cities but less ‘restored’ than Ephesus. The Temple of Apollo is particularly worthwhile when so nearby; try to see it even if you take another tour..
Food and shopping
A new shopping mall stands at the marina.
Money
Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira. Foreign currency is accepted at many shops and restaurants in coastal resorts and large cities; for other parts of the country, take Turkish Lira. Cash machines in cities, towns and resorts are conveniently located for local withdrawals with a credit or debit card.
Staying connected
A handful of Cafes offering customers free WiFi can be found in the town centre.
Emergency Ambulance is 112 (all over Turkey), while Police is 155 (all over Turkey).
Opening Hours and
In coastal and tourist areas, shops have flexible hours; during summer, many open late into the evening seven days a week, allowing visitors to browse at leisure in cooler parts of the day.