Gold Sand beach

 beach, nature reserve

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Where exactly is Altinkum? It is just 10 minutes away from the center of Cesme on one of the prettiest and well preserved natural coasts. Because it is a government protected nature preserve, there isn't much in the way of buildings (yet). A project that was approved in 2012 grants Russia's wealthiest businessman Mihail Prokhorov a license to build a 7-star, 650 bed hotel in the area.

You will need to drive your own car, take a taxi or a dolmus to Altinkum. First, you will pass Pirlanta Beach on your right and then the road will take a slight left at which point you will notice typically indigenous bushes on both sides. The road will get even narrower and then the beach club signs will begin. First you will see Fun Beach, then Sun Sea and Okan's Place as the other noteworthy beach clubs.

The wind typically blows from the north in Cesme and since Altinkum is on the south side of the peninsula the wind usually blows from the land towards the sea. Interestingly enough though, there are always small to medium waves in Altinkum (check out the video below, you'll see the flags are blowing directly towards the sea but notice the waves). Altinkum translated means "Golden Sand", and that is exactly what the sand here is like. The sea is perfect and slowly gives way to deeper waters. The azure water is crystal clear. But beware: the water is famous for being incredibly cold! Even in the hottest time of year, the water is like ice, exactly the opposite of the warmish waters of Ilica Beach. At Altinkum, you'll most probably have a hard time submersing yourself at the beginning, but trust us, you will love it once you're in and you will learn to prefer it, especially on days when the heat index reminds you of the Sahara.

If you don't have a car, taxis or the minibus dolmus will take you here easily. 2012 prices: If you take your own car, you will pay 10 TL for parking. Entrance into the beach clubs ranges from 10-20 TL per person and includes access to lounge beds, parasols, showers and change cabins. Fun Beach has its own entrance and driveway, on the main beach the most popular beach clubs are Sun Sea and Okan's Place. If you bring your own parasols, beach chairs etc. you may have a bit of a hard time here as nearly the whole beach has been leased to various beach clubs. Legally, everyone has access to the water but we've witnessed some ill informed employees not allowing citizens the right to sit on the sand in front of their beach clubs. So to avoid frustration, either head into one of the beach clubs or if you insist on bringing your own equipment then head to the space next to Okan's Place. Stay away from the beach in front of Ibo'nun Yeri.