Marmaris is a major port city, on the Mediterranean coast and major tourist destination for South West Turkey. Marmaris is found in Muğla Province (pronounced Moola). Marmaris nestles in a wonderful bay setting and is a major centre for sailing. You will find several charming marinas, pleasant beaches and clear blue seas which are ideal for swimming and watersports.
Marmaris is also known for its nightlife. With 80 clubs, cafes and discos in the heart of its party zone 'Bar Street'; it should not be difficult to let your hair down. There are also many colourful boutiques, bazaars, markets and other independent shops to enjoy some entertaining retail therapy. Expect excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware items, jewellery and Turkish carpets and other textiles. More good news is that Marmaris flight and package deals are often cheap and easily available so you don't even have to break the bank. Food and bar prices are reasonably priced too and you will find excellent fish restaurants throughout the city.
Marmaris climate is mild in winter and extremely hot in July and August. Temperatures regularly reach 42 degrees C during the peak summer season. Many visitors prefer to take a holiday in spring or autumn when temperatures are more ideal.
There are regular ferry services to the popular Greek island Rhodes from Marmaris.
There are several traditional Turkish baths, hamams as they are known in Turkish, in the town. You can enjoy a steam bath and a soap massage to get you into that relaxed holiday mood.
The bay is stunning with spectacular mountains behind and sunning clear blue sea in front. At night, sailing the waters under the moonlight, it's even more special and romantic.
The beaches at Marmaris range from private to public, many featuring black sand. Many hotels have private beaches with finer, clearer sand.
The ancient Roman city of Ephesus is a jaw dropping spectacle about 4 or 5 hours away from Marmaris but worth an overnight stay if you can. Thought to be the best preserved ancient site in the world, you will be walking in the footsteps of both Cleopatra and the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is thought to have spent her last days in Ephesus and you can visit The House of the Virgin Mary, one of the major world centres for pilgrims.
A few hours drive from Marmaris the Dalyan area includes famous mud baths at Turtle Beach which you can splash about in. Other attractions include the Rock Tombs of the kings. The main event for some though is the unique spectacle which occurs every year, during May and September when Caretta Caretta Turtles and Blue Crabs lay their eggs on this spectacular peninsula shoreline; surrounded by sea water on one side and the fresh water of the Dalyan River on the other.
Visiting nearby Cleopatra Island is an experience you will never forget. The beaches here consist of the most exquisite sand made from seashells. Legend has it that this pure sand was brought by ships from the Red Sea for Cleopatra. Each grain of sand is a perfect sphere, creating a luxurious experience to walk upon. The beach is protected by the Turkish Government and it is an offence to remove any of the sand.
This superb beach is only a 15 minutes drive from Marmaris. Icmeler is set on the southern side of a large bay across from Marmaris and is surrounded by rocky, forested foothills that drop quite steeply down to the coast. Icmeler beach is a mixture of sand and shingle, popular for watersports and sunbathing, with spectacular views across the Mediterranean. Icmeler is also a holiday destination in its own right with a traditional Turkish feel running through its narrow streets and pretty whitewashed buildings.
Marmaris is famous for its role in the wars of the Ottoman Empire. In 1522 Suleyman the Magnificent assembled a vast army and fleet of ships here to wage war against the Knights of St John based on Rhodes.
Dalaman airport is about an hour and a half away from Marmaris. If you arrive during the day you will find there is some nice scenery to admire.
