Marmaris is truly the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. It is the most sophisticated and multifaceted tourist center in Turkey. Located where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the beautiful bay is famous for its yachting and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The once sleepy fishing village of Marmaris sits on the wonderful natural harbor where Lord Nelson organized his fleet to lure the French into Abukir in 1978. The setting is still glorious, but the picturesque old town around the harbor and castle it is now nearly lost in the concrete expanse creeping west. In the summer, the city’s population swells to between 150,000 and 200,000, mostly cheap package tourists. The bazaar full of expensive souvenirs and cheap clothes. The restaurant scene is all about fish and chips with beer by the gallon. The city also has a charmingly liberal attitude: there aren’t many other places in Turkey where a bikini-clad, tattooed tourist drinking a can of beer on the main street at midday doesn’t raise an eyebrow.
The landscape around Marmaris and Içmeler is reminiscent of fjords with pine-clad hills sloping down to the blue sea and a coastline dotted with small islets and rocky coves. Despite its popularity and size, Marmaris has retained its charm and sophistication, due in part to the marina, which is the central part of the city. Take a trip on a traditional Turkish schooner, a wooden sailing ship, to explore the surrounding coastline. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade alongside the narrow sandy beach that stretches across the bay towards Içmeler, enjoying this bustling resort with its wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Marmaris can cater for all tastes, whether you just want to relax on the beach, enjoy the variety of water sports or the varied nightlife.
Icmeler, just 8 km along the coast, is smaller, quieter and greener than Marmaris. It is located in a wide sandy bay where all kinds of water sports are available from the gently sloping beach. The resort is popular with families with plenty of good restaurants and bars in the area.
Departure days include a trip to the Greek island of Rhodes, a visit to Dalyan or further afield, trips to Ephesus or Pamukkale. Transfer time approx. 1.5 hours from Dalaman airport.
Marmaris is originally a Greek word meaning bright and shining and this is a very apt description. Today it offers abundant accommodation ranging from small pensions (guesthouses) to luxurious 5-star hotels. Hundreds of restaurants, shops, tours and other entertainment ensure that you will never be bored.