Eagle Heights is located in Akyaka, a small rural town in southwest Turkey. The villa is nestled into the hillside, is surrounded by trees and overlooks the coast. This is an area favoured by beekeepers as there's little polution, you will see the blue beehives scattered around the countryside. Although it feels like you’re a world away from civilisation, it’s still within a short drive of local restaurants, markets and the beach, and is only an hour-dive from vibrant Dalyan, if you’d like to explore more of this beautiful area.
Akyaka itself is best known for its natural surrounds. There’s a wetland conservation area where you can try your hand at spotting fish, otter and herons, alongside plenty of walking trails that take you through the pine tree-lined forest and along the Kadin Azmak River where local fisherman are reeling in their catch. For lunch, you can stop off at one of the fresh seafood restaurants along the river, follow the river to the harbour and sandy Akyaka Beach.
Akyaka Beach is popular because of its calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect snorkelling and swimming. In the town, there’s a small market where you can pick up fresh produce, alongside a butcher, baker and coffee houses. You can wander the streets lined with classic Turkish Ottoman Ula Houses or head to a boutique shop for handmade items like rugs, shoes and clothes.
Just outside of Akyaka, you’ll find Cinar Beach – a secluded cove surrounded by forested mountains, with a small creek and a beach bar. For family-friendly day trips, you could jump on a boat from Akyaka to Cleopatra's Beach, Sedir island. You can swim there and also explore the Hellenic and Roman ruins, including an amphitheatre, where olive trees have grown through the stones.
From Akyaka you can take the dolmus (public bus) to Marmaris or Mugla, which has the largest market in the region (every Thursday) for a day trip drive to the ruined city of Ephesus, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale or the quaint village of Sirince.
The Region
Turkey is an eclectic mix of dramatic scenery, amazing food and a deep history. A visit to Turkey almost always inspires comment about the hospitality, maybe because the Turkish people believe a visitor is a gift from God. A trip to Turkey will almost definitely inspire you to return. You’ll be following in the footsteps of many a famous person from ancient history.
The South West coast of Turkey offers the perfect climate for your holiday, boasting over 280 dry days a year and an average June temperature of 28C in Akyaka, with sea temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius.
Akyaka sits where the Kadın Azmak river joins the sea. Enjoying a Turkish breakfast or fish lunch at one of the many restaurants it is difficult to imagine anything disturbing the peace. Ducks and geese jostle for bread, fish swim past and bright green reeds wave in the slow-moving water, fed by cooler waters from the mountains above. Favoured by local day trippers from nearby Bodrum and Denizli, who gather on Akyaka’s wide sandy beach with shallow water meaning you can go a way out and the water is only up to your waist.
In recent years, Akyaka has become Turkey’s centre for kitesurfing and you’ll see all the kites in the sky, above the beach on the head of the gulf. There are several schools so if you fancy a go. Contact them beforehand, so you can get booked in as it is particularly popular during the holidays and weekends.
Akyaka is a member of the cultural Cittaslow organisation, recognising its connection with tradition. The local architecture of wooden balconies and white walled houses with terracotta roof tiles, bow thanks to 70’s architect Nail Çakırhan. The coast up from here has lots of small bays where you can swim and sunbathe, just drive through the forest and along the coast road to find them. Akyaka has a local market on Wednesday, or visit the huge very Turkish market in Mugla, which is the administrative centre of the area. In recent years Mugla has expanded as it’s university has gained popularity, but the centre still shows architectural signs of its Italian occupation last century.
For Turks, breakfast is a key meal, and you see family groups enjoying a feast late morning. Other than the riverside restaurants who serve a hearty feast, go to Sakartepe, at the top the mountain has the most amazing panoramic views.
