Situated on a bay, backed by rugged pine clad mountains, Marmaris is one of the most attractive maritime parklands, ideal for water sports and sailing. It makes an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the yachts’ captains and crews. With plenty of provisions aboard, you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
In Marmaris, sample the typical Turkish cuisine in one of the marina restaurants and drink raki, anisette, the traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water. Later stroll along the brightly lit and palm lined promenade and indulge yourself at one of the ice cream vendors. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated disco can end a perfect day.
There are many good buys in Marmaris’ boutiques, colorful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine scented honey called cambali is superb. Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia Rhodes Egypt trade route. In the 16th century Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today.
Swimmers should not miss Ataturk Park, to the east of Marmaris, where a shallow beach, extending to the bay leads to safe waters. The clear sea is warm enough for swimming from early May until late September. Marmaris also has horseback riding and tennis centres for the sports enthusiast. This is one of the few places in the world where you can delight in the heady aroma of the frankincense tree. Weekly ferry lines run between Marmaris and Venice during the summer season.
Despite the development which reaches around 10 km along the west of the bay, Marmaris is also well known for its expanse of green, present the whole year round thanks to the pine covered hills which surround the town. There are many beaches around the bay, and there are ancient cities and seaside villages close by for day trips. The yacht harbour is the biggest and newest in Turkey, and therefore the busiest charter port especially for trips along the Turquoise Coast.
In addition to the climate, beaches and facilities of the town, the transportation infrastructure is a definite plus for attracting visitors. It has easy connections to the nearby airport Dalaman, ferries to Rhodes, and on the road to Datca and Fethiye. The harbour has attracted by private boats from around the world, with yacht maintenance and production in the workshops on the Yalanci Strait. With the climate being comfortable even in winter, and the nearby impressive mountains and pine forests, Marmaris is likely to remain a popular and practical holiday spot for a long time.
Marmaris Climate
Summers are extremely hot and dry, with daytime temperature reachs up to 35 degrees, and the winters are warm and wet, plunging to 5 degrees at night. The area is quite typical of a Mediterranean climate.
Main events in Marmaris
May: Yacht Agents’ Week.
November: International Yacht Cup Regatta.
Major Sights in Marmaris Places To See Things to do
Visiting Marmaris’s beautiful outlying regions of Turuncu, Cennet (Paradise) Island, Bozburun, Turgut Selalesi, Yalanci Strait and Gunnuce; Learning about the history, and enjoying the views from Marmaris Museum; Feasting on Marmaris tarhana, sura and ice-cream; Wandering around the ruins of the ancient cities.
Tours and Excursions in Marmaris
Boat trip to Gokova Bay, Datca, Knidos, Koycegiz, Dalyan, Caunos, Citadel, Priene, Milet, Didyma, The Blue Cruise 3-7 days.
Access
Access Marmaris By Road
Marmaris is well connected to most places in Turkey by bus, with many more services in the summer. There are buses in every hour to the closer resorts of Bodrum (3 hours), Fethiye 3 hours), Izmir (5 hours) and Datca (90 mins). Long distance direct services include Antalya (7hours), Istanbul (13 hours) and Ankara (10 hours). The bus station is 2km north of the city, and the dolmus stop is near Ulusal Egemenlik Bulvari.
Access Marmaris By Air
The nearest airport is Dalaman, from which there are many international charter flights especially from Europe. It is over 100 km and takes 2 hours by bus, and there are regular bus services between 07.30 – 22.00.
Access Marmaris By Boat
Hydrofoils leave daily for Rhodes at 0915 in the summer. There are motorboats three times a week in the summer, and Greek ferries, some of which can carry cars.