Altinkum Plaji Beach (Golden Sand beach)

Altinkum Plaji means “Golden Sand Beach”, and that is exactly what you will find here. This beautiful beach stretches for some distance and faces into the crystal clear water of the Agean Sea. Despite the hot summer temperatures the water here is always a little bit cool, which can be welcomely refreshing.

Located in Izmir’s popular resort town of Cesme, Altinkum beach is one of the most popular summer spots in Turkey. Cesme is where the Mediterranean and Aegean come together, and it has beautiful stretches of sand. The coast here is particularly pretty and is not over developed as much of the area is within a protected nature reserve. Altinkum is also one of the cleanest beaches in the area but it also has good facilities close at hand including a few places to buy inexpensive food.

The beach is backed by archetypal Turkish countryside with the sloping land home to citrus and olive groves. This area has been inhabited since ancient times, having been controlled by Ioanians, Lydians, Romans, Byzantines, and the Turks.

After a day at the beach it is well worth visiting the town where you can see Cesme Castle, the Cesme Museum, and the Thermal Springs. You may also want to take a boat cruise and travel to see some of the nearby ancient ruins. This area is rich in history, so there is plenty to explore.