Things To Do
in Ortaklar
Ortaklar is a small coastal town in western Türkiye on the Aegean Sea, blending working harbor life with citrus groves and quiet streets. The town offers a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and fresh seafood along a picturesque waterfront. It serves as a gentle base for exploring nearby beaches, markets, and historic sites without the crowds of larger resorts.
Visitors are welcomed with authentic hospitality and a sense of everyday Turkish life at a comfortable pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Landed at Bodrum–Milas Airport and drove through olive groves to Ortaklar, feeling the warm Aegean breeze. Unpack at a traditional stone guesthouse and savor a pot of herbal tea on the sunlit courtyard. Wander the narrow lanes dotted with bougainvillea while greeting friendly locals outside their whitewashed homes.
Head to the village square for a light lunch of gözleme and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice beneath a tamarisk tree. Visit the 19th-century Ortaklar Mosque to admire its hand-carved wooden doors and blue-tiled mihrab. Stroll through the communal garden where villagers cultivate figs, almonds, and artichokes in neat rows.
Dine at a family-run tavern featuring grilled sea bass and roasted peppers under string lights. Sip regional raki as the call to prayer echoes across the valley at sunset. End the night listening to soft folk melodies drifting from a nearby courtyard gathering.
Rise with the cry of merchants setting up stalls in the weekly market, bursting with sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant spices. Sample local olives and hand-pressed olive oil while chatting with vendors in Aydın dialect. Breathe in the scent of fresh bread baking in a wood-fired stone oven nearby.
Join a guided walk through centuries-old olive groves just outside town, learning traditional harvesting methods from a fourth-generation farmer. Taste pressed oil on warm pita alongside marinated anchovies picked from the nearby coast. Take photos of rolling silvery leaves shimmering under the noon sun.
Return to the village for a mezze feast served on a shaded terrace overlooking the orchards. Try acılı ezme, cacık, and stuffed vine leaves paired with a crisp local white wine. As dusk falls, relax on a wooden swing under a sprawling plane tree and watch fireflies flicker.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚆Local transit ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two (mid-range) | $20-40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Aegean atmosphere with relaxed pace
- Affordability and fresh seafood
- Small-town charm with easy day trips
- Limited nightlife and international dining options
- Fewer high-end accommodations compared to bigger destinations
- Public transport can be limited for remote beaches
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nerede istasyon?" - Where is the station?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
Places to Visit in Ortaklar
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft light over fishing boats and quiet water, ideal for long-exposure shots.
Whitewashed buildings, blue accents, and minarets framing the skyline.
Colorful stalls with spices, textiles, and lanterns create vibrant street photography opportunities.
Food in Ortaklar
Ortaklar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught near Ortaklar and simply prepared with lemon, herbs, and olive oil.
Must-Try!
Seasonal vegetables, olives, and feta served with crusty bread.
Tender lamb with tomato sauce and crisp fries, a regional favorite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively local market offering seasonal produce, olives, cheeses, and baked goods.
Savory sesame rings with yogurt drink along the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use Turkish greetings like Merhaba and Teşekkür ederim.
Modest attire is expected; shoulders and knees should be covered; remove shoes when required.
Safety
Tipping in Ortaklar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Turkey, tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical if service charge is not included.
Cash (Turkish Lira) is widely accepted, credit/debit cards are common in hotels and larger restaurants; some smaller shops prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; ideal for outdoor strolling and photography.
Hot days with coastal breezes; hydrate and seek shade after midday; great for sunset photography.
Warm days fading to cool evenings; harvest markets offer seasonal produce.
Cool, wetter days with occasional sunshine; layer clothing and indoor attractions are comfortable.
Ortaklar at Night
Hiking in Ortaklar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail with pine forests and sea views near the Kuşadası region; long hike with rewarding scenery.
Airports
How to reach Ortaklar by plane.
The major international and domestic airport serving the region, about 60-90 minutes by car from Ortaklar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families who value a safe, residential environment.
A number of older residents enjoy a slower pace and long-time traditions.
Some younger residents study or work in nearby larger towns and bring a cosmopolitan influence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and casual play in parks.
Swimming, snorkeling and boating along the coast during the warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ortaklar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most markets and taverns offer vegetable meze, grilled vegetables, and salads. Ask for no meat and opt for olive oil-based dishes.