By Chris Evans – Spring in Didim is the perfect time to go exploring. It’s normally dry if a little overcast, with temperatures perfect for being outside without wearing the entire contents of your wardrobe.

There are hundreds of routes you can take around the area. My favourite, as I live in Sagtur, is wandering over Sedef Koy to Mavisehir. It’s even better when one or more of the stray dogs join me.

I’ve been doing it for years, as it has the bonus of being able to do some shopping and stopping for liquid refreshment towards the end of my walk. I can always catch the number 6 dolmus home if I have too much shopping to carry.

My journey starts with a two-minute amble to Sagtur beach. It has changed dramatically this winter as the terrace from the hotel which used to block the beach has been removed. It’s amazing to see how much space has been opened up. It feels like a different beach.

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I walk along the promenade, past the restaurants, shops, and houses. I then climb the hill. At the top, I have a choice. I can turn left and go through the fields, or turn right to the Mosque and follow the road down to Royal Blue. It depends if the dogs have come with me and how much time I have on my hands.

If I turn left, I can follow the track over the top of the hill to the site on the other side. I’m so close to the small beach, I almost feel like going for a swim, especially as I’m normally the only person there.

I then follow the road round until I have another hill to climb. Up and over past a holiday camp at the top until I drop down to the bay. I can walk along by the sea (the pavement has now been replaced) before dropping below the road and crossing Mavisehir beach.

Refreshment is close by as I wander past the restaurants and gaze at the fishing boats lining the sea wall. It really is a beautiful sight as the spring sunshine gives a feeling of warmth even on the chilliest of days. A coffee in 06 restaurant gives welcome respite from walking.

It’s always nice to make a loop of the walk, especially if I need anything from A101, Sok, or Migros. I walk up the main road before turning right towards Sagtur. I may be walking along the road, but there’s a tranquility as I gaze around at the fields. It’s a far cry from the summer months when cars seem to constantly scream past.

As I reach Royal Blue, I turn left. I’ll still be on a road, but it becomes more of a track the further I go. It’s a route I love as I’ve seen the nest of wild boar along this stretch. It’s always amazing to see the mother lead her new family in a line behind her. The father, left behind to guard the nest, is normally the size of a Shetland pony. If I give him a wide berth, he will ignore me. I’d rather not get on his bad side.

Further down there are horses tethered munching their way through the wild grass. It doesn’t take long before I’m back surrounded by houses. Most are empty in the spring, before owners come back for July and August. In recent times, it’s only been for a couple of weeks during the summer period. Long gone are the days of endless summers sitting on the terrace.

A quick stop at Suslu market for a bottle of water and I’m home.

My walk has taken in the sea, beaches, fields, roads, and built-up areas. It’s a microcosm of the area. It never gets boring, as the occasional tortoise or other wildlife makes an appearance. Every time feels different. It’s great for exercise, but also for clearing the mind and relaxing in an evermore hectic world.

There are many other walks, but I’m not going to take away other people’s undiscovered adventures. The best advice? Pick a direction and start walking. There is a huge amount to discover in the beauty of the Didim area.