Altinkum

Altinkum, also known as Didim, on the Aegean coast of Turkey is a small town with fishing village roots. 

As one of the cheapest, urbanized places to buy property in Turkey, it has attracted a large expat community. 

As of 2012, the registered population was just under 60,000 people but this is growing all the time because of the large amount of unused land available for building and the area is popular with Turks seeking holiday homes.  

The two names came about when the small village of Altinkum grew to merge with the small town centre of Didim and became one district. 

However, Altinkum traditionally refers to the beachside areas while Didim is further inland. 

The name Altinkum translates into golden sands and this typically reflects it status on the tourism scene as a beachside destination, with many foreign holidaymakers, expats, and Turks spending summer in the area.

The Apollo Temple is the most notable landmark. 

Dating from its time as a pagan worshipping centre, it marks the end of the famous sacred way that was a pilgrimage route from the ancient city of Miletus. 

As a renowned oracle of the Hellenistic world, it comes a close second to the oracle of Delhi in Greece and had building work continued, it would have been bigger. 

Dedicated to the Greek gods of Apollo and Artemis, it is the most popular tourist attraction in the region