Things To Do
in Acarlar
Acarlar is a small village located in the district of Köyceğiz in Muğla province, Turkey. It is known for its lush green landscapes, beautiful olive groves, and traditional Turkish village life. Acarlar is surrounded by mountains and forests, providing a peaceful and serene environment for residents and visitors alike.
The village is also famous for its natural springs and thermal baths, offering relaxation and healing properties to those who visit.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a scenic hike in the Acarlar Longozu, an impressive flooded forest. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature and stunning views of the unique ecosystem.
Visit the local artisanal shops where you can find authentic Turkish crafts and souvenirs. Take a break at a cozy café and relish some traditional Turkish tea.
Wind down your day with a sunset stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling fresh seafood dishes.
Head to the Acarlar Longozu Bird Sanctuary early to catch sight of diverse bird species. Bring your binoculars for a closer look at the magnificent feathered inhabitants.
Join a guided birdwatching tour to learn more about the local avifauna. Capture beautiful photographs as you enjoy the serene surroundings.
Return to the village and explore local dining options that feature traditional meals. Share your birdwatching stories with fellow travelers over dinner.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical background with cultural significance.
- Scenic beauty with access to nature and outdoor activities.
- Friendly local community with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Turkish cities.
- Transportation accessibility to major cities in Turkey.
- Limited job opportunities and economic growth.
- Less developed infrastructure and public services.
- Limited entertainment and recreational options compared to urban areas.
- Potential language barrier for non-Turkish speakers.
- Seasonal tourism variability affecting local businesses.
Best Activities in Acarlar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning Acarlar Longozu, a unique wetland forest where you can hike along wooden pathways while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna.
Acarlar is home to a variety of bird species, making it a perfect spot for bird watching enthusiasts, especially during migration seasons.
Take a kayaking trip on nearby Sapanca Lake for a refreshing experience surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy cycling along scenic routes that offer picturesque views of the surrounding nature and countryside.
Try fishing in the lakes and rivers nearby, where locals often fish for different varieties of freshwater fish.
Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that the area has to offer.
Find peaceful picnic spots with tables and benches where you can enjoy a meal outdoors with family or friends.
Tours
Uncover the best of Acarlar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Acarlar
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful lush forest and wetlands area, perfect for capturing stunning nature photographs and unique wildlife.
The river offers picturesque views, especially at sunrise and sunset, providing excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
An ancient monastery set on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a rich historical backdrop for photographs.
The coastline near Acarlar provides dramatic sea views, cliffs, and beautiful beaches, great for capturing coastal scenery.
Exploring the traditional villages around Acarlar can provide authentic cultural photography opportunities with unique architecture.
Food in Acarlar
Acarlar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Acarlar's köfte, or meatballs, are a must-try delicacy, typically seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. These flavorful meatballs are often served with fresh pita bread and accompanied by tangy yogurt-based sauces. For a traditional experience, head to 'Mehmet's Köfte Evi' for a taste of authentic köfte.
Must-Try!
Menemen is a beloved Turkish breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and a touch of local spices. Experience the best menemen at 'Ege Cafe' where it's prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Acarlar's kuzu tandır, slow-cooked lamb, is a melt-in-your-mouth delight with tender, succulent meat infused with aromatic flavors. Indulge in this savory dish at 'Güllüoğlu Restaurant' known for its exceptional tandır.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Acarlar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Acarlar Pazarı is a bustling food market where locals and visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant array of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives, and spices. While exploring the market, make sure to sample gözleme, a savory Turkish flatbread filled with various delicious fillings, at the popular stall 'Fatma's Gözleme.'
For a quintessential Acarlar street food experience, head to the balık ekmek stands near the harbor. These stands serve up freshly grilled fish sandwiches, typically made with locally caught fish and garnished with crisp vegetables and zesty sauces, offering a delightful taste of the sea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Acarlar, it is common to greet with a handshake. For closer friendships, a light kiss on both cheeks is also customary. Always use 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' followed by the person's surname until invited to use their first name.
Turkish culture tends to appreciate modesty in dress. In Acarlar, especially in rural areas, it is advisable to wear conservative clothing. This dress code is more respected in places of worship or when visiting traditional families.
When invited to someone's home for a meal, it is polite to bring a small gift, like sweets or flowers. During the meal, wait for the host to start eating before you begin. It’s also respectful to finish all the food on your plate, as leaving food can be seen as wasteful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Acarlar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Acarlar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Acarlar, Turkey, tipping is generally appreciated but not always obligatory. It is common to leave a small tip in restaurants, typically around 5-10% of the bill, especially if service is good. For cafes and smaller establishments, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is also common.
Payments in Acarlar can be made through various methods including cash, credit, and debit cards. While cash is widely accepted, card payments are increasingly common in larger shops, restaurants, and hotels. Mobile payments are also becoming popular among younger residents.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Acarlar.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Acarlar, as the weather is mild and flowers are in bloom. Expect pleasant temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Summer (June to August) features warmer temperatures, with occasional heatwaves. This is a popular season for tourists, especially for beach activities and local festivals. Prepare for higher humidity and crowds.
Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. This is a great time for hiking and photography, with fewer tourists than in summer, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly, especially in the evenings. While snowfall is rare in Acarlar, visitors can expect a quieter atmosphere, making it a good time for reflection and enjoying the serene landscape.
Acarlar at Night
Hiking in Acarlar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Acarlar Longozu is a unique floodplain forest located near Acarlar. It offers serene hiking trails surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife.
The Sakarya River Valley features picturesque landscapes with various trails suitable for hiking. Explore the natural beauty along the riverbanks.
Located a bit further from Acarlar, these coastal trails offer beautiful views of the Black Sea, with various access points for hiking enthusiasts.
Düzce Nature Park provides a range of hiking paths through forests and along scenic hills in the region, approximately an hour away from Acarlar.
This trail runs along Karasu Beach and offers a mix of coastal and forested hiking experiences, making it suitable for leisurely walks and nature exploration.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Acarlar through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Acarlar by plane.
Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul and is one of the largest in the world, located approximately 130 kilometers from Acarlar.
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is about 115 kilometers from Acarlar and serves as an alternative to Istanbul Airport for both domestic and international flights.
Situated about 90 kilometers from Acarlar, Bursa Yenisehir Airport serves as a regional airport with limited international flights, primarily catering to the Bursa region.
Approximately 350 kilometers from Acarlar, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is a major international airport serving the Izmir region and offers a variety of international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Acarlar, Turkey, characterized by their language, culture, and history.
A significant ethnic minority in Turkey, including some populations in Acarlar, known for their distinct language and cultural practices.
Another ethnic group found in Turkey, including parts of Acarlar, sharing some cultural links with the Kurdish population.
A smaller demographic group in the region, contributing to the cultural diversity in Acarlar.
This category includes various smaller ethnic communities and migrants residing in Acarlar.
The Soul of Acarlar
Discover the essence of Acarlar through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Acarlar and throughout Turkey, with many local teams and a passionate fan base.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity among the youth in Acarlar, with various clubs and leagues contributing to its growth.
Volleyball is widely played in Acarlar, with both men's and women's teams participating in local tournaments.
Athletics is encouraged in Acarlar, with schools promoting various track and field events for students.
Swimming is a popular recreational activity in Acarlar, especially during the hot summer months, with local pools and beaches available.
Cycling has gained popularity in recent years, with scenic routes encouraging both recreational and competitive cycling.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Acarlar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Acarlar traditionally features many meat-based dishes, several restaurants and cafes in the area offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, including fresh salads, grilled vegetable kebabs, mezes, and hearty legume-based stews. Places like 'Zeytin Cafe' and 'Yeşim's Lokantası' are known for their vegetarian-friendly menus.
For those with gluten sensitivities, many establishments in Acarlar provide gluten-free alternatives, such as rice-based dishes, gluten-free flatbreads, and traditional mezes made from naturally gluten-free ingredients. 'Acarlar Restaurant' and 'Cennet Kafe' are excellent choices for gluten-free dining.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Acarlar with these cultural adventures.
