MARMARIS
Top Spots
The Marmaris peninsula is one of the top holiday spots in Turkey. It grew from a small fishing village into a large city, surrounded by many small coastal resorts. The most popular destination to stay is Marmaris centrum because all amenities are close by.
Hotels ranging from five star all-inclusive to budget bed and breakfast are located on the seafront but if you want to be away from all the action, look at staying in the Armutalan area. Nightlife is mostly active on the well-known bar street by the harbour however the beach front also has numerous bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning.
People who want to stay in a cosier and traditional environment will benefit from choosing one of the surrounding resorts of which a few include…
Icmeler is a 20-minute bus drive from Marmaris town centre and is a scenic resort, fronted by a long sandy beach and backed by green pine tree forests. Water sports are popular in this area. This is an ideal destination for families with young children.
Bozburun is the home of traditional gulet boat building. Credited with constructing the vessels used to sail the Turkish Riviera, this is an ideal choice for people looking for quiet and rustic holiday spots.
Honey, almonds, and fish are the main attractions of the Datca Peninsula. Beehives dot the mountainside while locals eagerly anticipate harvesting time for the almond trees. As a fishing village, it is no surprise to find fish dishes are top of the menu. Windmills also dot the coastline and the nearby ancient ruins of Kaunos excite history lovers.
Turunc has adapted well to foreign visitors because it has not given way to mass tourism and still stuck to its original beginnings as a small fishing village. This resort is a two-hour transfer from the nearest airport of Dalaman.
Things to do
A Jeep safari in the surrounding mountains is popular with families and groups. A driver is provided who will take you to small villages, old mosques and introduce you to locals so that you may share their food, tea and learn about their culture.
Explore the back streets surrounding Marmaris castle. This ancient structure was where the old sultan ruler Suleyman unleashed his wrath during a war with the facing island of Rhodes.
Turkish baths are popular especially at the beginning of a holiday because they prep the skin up for a great suntan. The most popular Turkish bath for foreigners is in Armutalan because they also provide a spa and wellness service
The shopping bazaar, situated at the entrance to the harbour is the ideal place to purchase souvenirs. Do not forget to practise the ancient Ottoman art of bargaining over prices! After shopping, walk along the harbour front to find top quality fish restaurants serving fresh catch of the day.
Daily boat trips depart every morning from the harbour at around 10am. They take you to all the small bays and coves including the scenic and gorgeous Cleopatra’s island.