Marmaris is truly the Jewel of the Turkish Riviera. It is Turkey's most sophisticated and multi-faceted resort. 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 marvellous natural harbor where lord nelson organized his fleet for the attract on the French at abukir in 1978. The setting still be glorious but the picturesque old part of the town around the harbor and castle is now all but loss in concrete sprawl trailing off the west. In the summer the town's population swells to between 150,000 and 200.000, mostly budget package holiday makers. The bazaar full of expensive souvenirs and cheap clothes. The restaurant scene is based on fish and chips with the beer by gallon. The town also has a disarmingly liberal attitude – there are not many other places in turkey where a bikini-clad, tattooed tourist draining a can of beer on the main street at noon does not rise an eyebrow.
The scenery around Marmaris and Içmeler is reminiscent of the fjords with pine-clad hills tumbling down to the azure sea and a coastline dotted with tiny islets and rocky coves. Despite its popularity and size, Marmaris has retained a charm and sophistication, due in part to the marina which is the focal part of the town. Take a trip on a traditional Turkish gulet, a wooden sailing boat, to explore the surrounding coast. Take a stroll along the palm fringed promenade near the narrow sandy beach which sweeps along the bay towards Içmeler, taking in this bustling resort with its wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Marmaris can cater for all tastes, whether you want to simply relax on the beach, enjoy the variety of watersports or the varied nightlife.
Icmeler, just 8 kms along the coast is smaller, more laid back and greener than Marmaris. It is set on a wide sandy bay where every type of watersport is available from the gently shelving beach. The resort is popular with families with a large number of good restaurants and bars in the area.
Days out 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 hrs from Dalaman Airport.
Marmaris is originally a Greek word meaning glittering and shining and this is a very apt description. Nowadays it offers abundant accommodation ranging from small pensions (guest houses) to luxurious 5 star hotels. Hundreds of restaurants, shops, tours, and other entertainment ensures that you will never be bored.
