Akyaka — River Boats and Afternoon Beer

Akyaka sits about twenty minutes north of Marmaris — close enough for a day trip, different enough to feel like a different world. The town is known for its traditional Ottoman-style architecture and the Azmak River, which winds through to the sea and is best explored by boat.

The river tour is unhurried and genuinely lovely. Clear water, overhanging trees, the odd duck treating the whole operation with complete indifference. I had my camera out the entire time.

A word of warning — the locals will tell you the mosquitoes come out in force in the evening, and they are not exaggerating. I had one late afternoon beer, took the hint, and made myself scarce while the going was good.