Didim

The pier at Didim Cruise Port is currently only suitable for tenders. The passenger terminal is new and the whole facility is, of course, ISPS compliant.

You will be tendered to the center of town.

Didim is the “Gateway to the Land of Oracles”, where guests can visit famous sites such as the ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Didyma and the ancient Ionian cities of Miletus and Priene, not forgetting of course the ancient metropolis of Ephesus and nearby house of the Virgin Mary, also within easy reach.

Printable map to take along.

This coast has become a very popular holiday resort and is genuinely attractive with its long sandy beaches, clear blue sea, ancient ruins to visit, and its own microclimate, benefitting from hundreds of days of sun a year and warm winters, allowing residents to enjoy the famous beaches and watersports even in January. Perhaps the most attractive bays are the smaller quieter ones further from the center, such as Haydar, along a dirt road around the shore of Akbük (white bay).

Take advantage of the golden sandy beach of Altinkum, just a few minutes’ walk from the pier

Didim is very walkable

In town, a taxi is cheap, and the fares are regulated. They are easy to find. For long journeys, however, drivers can charge more than the meter reads. So negotiate the fare in advance. The most unusual transportation in Turkey is called Dolmus for routes that buses don't take. The word actually means "To Fill"; thus, the dolmus leaves when it is full! They are usually a minibus, a jeep, or a van so they fill quickly. A bonus is that they will drop you off along the route.

Didim is a smaller port that is not too far south of Kusadasi. If you've been to Kusadasi before, you've probably seen Ephesus -- if not, it is the region's "must see" stop. Also from Didim, a private tour or shore excursion would likely offer a combined tour of Didyma's (ancient Didim) Temple of Apollo, Priene, and Miletus -- all of which were important cities in Greek or Roman times but are not as "restored" as Ephesus. The Temple of Apollo is really worth seeing since you'll be so close. You should try to get there even if you end up going on another tour..

There is a new shopping mall at the marina.

Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira. Many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and big cities accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country, it is advisable to take some Turkish Lira. With a credit or debit card, you can withdraw local currency from cash machines which are found in convenient locations in cities, towns, and resorts.

A handful of Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are located in the center of town.

Emergency Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey) Police: 155 (all over Turkey)

In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening, seven days a week, leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.