Marmaris is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey, located on the Aegean coast, with magnificent nature surrounded by coniferous mountains. It is a small, cozy and hospitable city. It was founded as a European resort and this distinguishes it from the usual, for a Russian tourist, Antalya and Kemer. There are no large hotels with extensive animation programs. Basically, these are small hotels and apartments. A big plus of Marmaris is the developed tourism industry and entertainment infrastructure. Many restaurants and cafes on the waterfront, bars and nightclubs. The life of a vacationer takes place outside the hotel. And everyone will find entertainment to their taste and budget.
This city surprisingly combines antiquity with modernity, Europeanization and picturesque nature.
The variety of entertainment in Marmaris is perhaps the only drawback of this resort. That is why most of the tourists who have been here once come here again and again.
Holidays here are suitable for both young people and couples. Regardless of age, preferences and interests, every vacationer will find entertainment in Marmaris to their liking.
We will try to list the most popular ones to help you get an idea and maybe decide what you will like.
The sea in Marmaris is clean, calm, and even in the hottest time, it does not heat up to the state of “fresh milk”. Sunset is sandy with small pebbles. The coastline running along the entire city, parallel to the embankment, is the most picturesque place. From here you have wonderful views of the bay, mountains and the sea. It is filled with many restaurants and cafes. You can stop at any place you like and enjoy the sea during the day. All beaches are well-groomed and equipped with everything you need.
We advise you to definitely visit the beach in Icmeler. This is a cozy village with magnificent nature among the forested slopes and gardens through which there are walking paths to the sea. It is located within the city and is very easy to get to. There is a peaceful atmosphere and the sea is more transparent. In addition to swimming, you can go fishing, diving or just enjoy a walk along the promenade.
Marmaris, compared to other resorts in Turkey, is ideally located in relation to two outstanding world heritage sites: Pamukkale and Ephesus. To each of them, the distance from Marmaris is approximately 3 hours one way.
Pamukkale means “Cotton Fortress” in Turkish. This name arose due to the fact that this creation of nature is a snow-white mountain, a plateau that arose due to centuries-old chemical reactions and thermal waters, which led to the formation of layers of calcareous rocks, with a cascade of shallow travertine mineral pools. Due to its special formation, the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Cleopatra pool at the top, Pamukkale was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1972.
Read More – Excursion to Pamukkale from Marmaris
Ephesus is an open-air museum, entirely made of white marble, a monument that survived and embodied the power and change of eras, cultures, religions. It is unique in that only here you can see a huge number of well-preserved sights, such as the House of the Holy Virgin Mary, the ruins of the temple of Artemis of Ephesus, the legendary library of Celsius and much more.
You can see these great sights with our Pamukkale or Ephesus Day Trips or take the Pamukkale-Ephesus 2 Day Tour.
Read More – Excursion Ephesus from Marmaris
We recommend that you set aside one day of your vacation for a boat trip. This is a great alternative to a beach holiday and a great opportunity to see the nearby surroundings of Marmaris. The variety of sea trips allows you to choose what you like. It can be a quiet trip or, on the contrary, full of noise and fun. Or maybe an educational journey or with a minimum of information. In any case, you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty surrounding Marmaris. These breathtaking landscapes, bays and the purest sea, combining the colors of the two seas, the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Of the most popular, we want to highlight the following: Aegean Islands , Dalyan Boat Trip , Cleopatra Island (Sedir) , Pirate boat trip .
On our website you can learn more about each of them and choose the one you like.
We advise you to allocate one more day for a bike ride around the city. Indeed, excellent conditions for this have been created in Marmaris. The embankment with a total length of about 15 km allows not only walking, but also cycling. In addition, along the entire city highway, there are specialized bicycle paths, which allows you to safely and safely ride around the city not only for pleasure, but also for shopping, for example. Parking places for this vehicle are equipped near the shops. There are many places in the city where you can rent a bike. So you just have to make a decision and go for a bike ride.
You can easily identify the city center by the monument in honor of the father of the nation, Ataturk, which is located on the embankment surrounded by Turkish flags. Ataturk is depicted in full growth, so you will not pass by him.
There are also numerous shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as the castle and the old part of the city.
Walking along the streets in the central part, you will see small wonderful sculptures, which are sometimes located in unexpected places.
Singing fountains are also located here, in the center, on a large square. They were built in 2012. The jets of the fountain draw various pictures from the water to the music, in which you can see the sights of the city and Turkey. A light and music performance, accompanied by a laser show, starts every evening and will be interesting for both children and adults.
The castle is one of the most important historical sites in Marmaris. Its creation dates back to 3000 BC, then it was restored in 1522 by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. In 1991, the Marmaris Kalesi Museum was founded here, which presents exhibits from ancient and medieval eras.
The castle is located on a hill, it is easy to spot it by the fluttering flag of Turkey. From there you have an impressive view of the city, the sea and the bay itself.
Next to the fortress is the old part of the city, with narrow streets and lots of greenery. Made in white and blue, it is very reminiscent of Greece. And no wonder, because
at one time it was Greek territory.
These places are very popular among tourists for photo shoots.
Shopping in Marmaris is a contrast of shopping centers, modern boutiques with oriental markets and street shops.
If you have already been to Turkey, then you probably know that every city has its own Grand Bazaar. And Marmaris is no exception. It is located near the monument to Ataturk, in the central part of the city.
Here you will find absolutely everything, from spices, tea and sweets, and ending with furs, leather and jewelry. The Turks like leisurely trade – to chat, treat them with tea or Turkish coffee. It may seem strange to some, but for them it is the norm, it is in their blood. Feel free to bargain, communicate. We assure you that you will get not only pleasure from this, but also worthy purchases.
Marmaris is called the Turkish Ibiza, all the fun begins at sunset.
Diverse nightlife attracts a large number of young people and not only to this city.
The embankment with its evening lighting, many restaurants and cafes, where music and entertainment programs for every taste.
And of course the famous street of bars – Bar Street! Here, nightclubs and bars with a wide variety of directions and styles in music are concentrated to the maximum, whether it be pop, rock or hip-hop. It can be a bar with live music or a huge open-air club with a laser show. Come and choose the place that you like the most.
Experience the memorable nightlife of Marmaris for yourself!
Hamam is a Turkish bath, a tradition that has existed in Turkish culture for hundreds of years.
Here you will get a lot of pleasure. Atmosphere, marble room with heated stones, foam massage, kese peeling and full body massage. Turkish version of meditation.
Also, this procedure is very useful for the body, due to the cleansing of toxins and dirt, improving blood circulation and reducing stress levels.
We recommend that you visit the hammam at the beginning of your vacation to feel enlightened and full of energy for relaxation.
On our website you can get acquainted with the programs of the Turkish bath in more detail and stop at the one you like more.
Read More – Turkish bath in Marmaris
Most of the beaches in Marmaris offer a wide variety of water sports for you to try out. The most popular of them are: parasailing, water skiing, flyboarding, banana. Qualified specialists will help you everywhere and all safety rules will be observed. You just have to get exciting emotions!
If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, snorkeling and diving are at your service.
Marmaris has excellent diving spots that will delight both the professional and the beginner.
By the way, there are diving schools in the city and if you wish, you can visit one of them.
If you want to get adrenaline, we advise you to go rafting on the Dalaman River. The alloy does not require relevant experience and will remain in your memory for a long time.
Read More – Rafting in Marmaris
You can also rent a small boat or yacht and spend the day admiring the beautiful scenery and the sea.
There are two large water attractions in Marmaris . Also pay your attention – Water parks in Marmaris
Atlantis
Located on the waterfront, has its own beach, children’s play area, mini golf, 8 slides and 2 swimming pools.
Aqua Dream
It is located on a mountain with a beautiful view of the city and the bay. This is the largest water park in Marmaris. It has a large size and a variety of entertainment.
What you choose doesn’t matter; You will start having fun as soon as you enter Marmaris Aqua Dream!
Both water parks are equipped with recreation and dining areas, have a developed infrastructure and professional instructors. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, fun is guaranteed!
Marmaris is one of the largest marinas. Major international regattas are held here every year. Yachting is developed in this city and sailing schools operate.
Netsel Marina is the oldest marina in the region. The sea harbor, located in the central part of the city, is worth a visit. This walk will be a pleasant entertainment. Netsel Marina is a paradise for yachts, designed for the simultaneous mooring of up to 800 vessels.
The developed infrastructure offers the highest quality service and maintenance, which attracts a large number of not only yachtsmen, but also tourists. Here you will truly feel like a VIP client.
If you have arrived in Marmaris by yacht, welcome to Netsel Marina!
In the vicinity of Marmaris, there are amazing small towns and villages that will conquer you with their solitude, peace, landscapes and of course the Blue Flag sea.
All of them are relatively close to the city. You can visit them by choosing one of our excursions, or on your own by renting a car or using public transport.
Turunc is a picturesque coastal village 20 km. from Marmaris. Despite the surge in tourism in recent years, Turkish authenticity has been preserved here.
Kumlubuk is located near Turunc. This is a place for lovers of nature and walks in the mountains. Tourism is practically not developed here.
Hisarönü is a charming village from where a boat trip through the Aegean Islands begins. Orhaniye is another charming place near Hisarönü. Known for its attraction – the beach of Kyz-Kumu (Maiden Spit).
Akyaka is a delightful village where life is measured and calm. It is one of the cities participating in the Slow City campaign.
Bonus: Turgut waterfall is a unique waterfall located near the sandy Maiden’s Spit. A picturesque place that must be visited to enjoy nature and swim in cool water. In addition, honey is very tasty in the nearby villages.
The history of this cave is connected with the name of the Greek goddess Leto, who, according to legend, lived in this grotto.
The cave is located on a paradise peninsula, not far from Marmaris. It is believed that earlier it was large, but due to the collapse, its area was reduced. A 400-meter mountain path leads to it.
You can get there from the city center using public transport.
The mausoleum of the legendary soothsayer is located in the northeast of Marmaris. The tomb of Sariana impresses with its interior. The walls are decorated with colorful mosaics interspersed, the ceiling is designed in white and blue. Inside the room is a sarcophagus with the relics of a soothsayer. Today, both men and women come to Sarian for advice.
This soothsayer lived in the vicinity of the town in the 16th century. Sariana (originally Saryana) is a nickname she received due to her light blond hair. In Turkish, “sary” means yellow or fair-haired, and “ana” means mother.
It is believed that Suleiman the Magnificent revered Sarian. According to legend, a woman was once able to drink her cow’s milk to thousands of troops of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. This story has been told by the locals for many centuries. Tradition refers us to 1522, when Suleiman opposed the troops from the island of Rhodes. To find out the outcome of the upcoming battle, he turns to the seer for a prediction. The woman gives instructions to the guest and assures that he will return with a victory.
The prophecy came true – a five-month siege and heavy battles ended with the capture of the Rhodes castle. From that moment began Ottoman rule in the Mediterranean.
Suleiman the Magnificent returns with joy to meet Sarian again. But she was no longer alive. As a gratitude, the Sultan erects the same mausoleum for her. In 1986 the tomb was reconstructed.
Marmaris Park is a large part of the National Park of Turkey. You need to set aside a whole day to enjoy this place. There are walking and cycling paths, horseback riding. The rocks located next to it attract fans of mountaineering.
The park is always quiet and not crowded, which provides an excellent opportunity to be alone with yourself, enjoy the coolness, take colorful photos and just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Archaeological Park. Iilik Kayaligi
The Iyilik Kayaligi Archaeological Park is located in the center of Marmaris and opens its doors to history buffs.
The archaeological park Iyilik Kayaligi (Iyilik Cliff) became available to the public in June 2005, after it became clear that the rock is one of the acropolises of the ancient city of Fiskos.
Iyilik Kayaligi Archaeological Park (Iyilik Cliff) is a unique open-air museum. It is called archaeological not by chance – here you will have the opportunity to plunge into the historical atmosphere, walking among the preserved ruins, fragments of buildings that date back to the 4th century BC. BC, because the history of Marmaris dates back several thousand years. In the XI century. BC. on the site where the modern city is now located, the ancient city of Physkos stood. In the 1st century BC. this entire region became part of the Roman Empire, and four centuries later became part of Byzantium. It is from that time period when the city belonged to the Roman Empire and the ruins were preserved.
The park occupies a fairly large area and is located near the foot of the cliff, as if clinging to it. It will be interesting here for families with children, and young people, the elderly.
Resting in Marmaris, you have another unique opportunity – to visit Greece, namely, the island of Rhodes. The ferry departing from the port of the city will take you to the Greek island in 50 minutes, where you can spend the whole day. To travel you need to have a Schengen visa. If not, we will issue a short-term visa for you, which will allow you to visit this amazing place called Rhodes!
Read More – Excursions to Rhodes from Marmaris
