Marmaris Turkey
Marmaris is Turkey's most sophisticated and multi-faceted resort destination. Set where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, the beautiful bay is famous for its yachting and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The scenery around Marmaris and Içmeler features pine-clad hills tumbling down to the azure sea and a coastline dotted with tiny islets and rocky coves. Despite its popularity, the town retains a charm due, in part, to the marina which is the focal part of the town. Marmaris is originally a Greek word meaning glittering and shining and this is a very apt description.
Be sure to take a trip on a traditional Turkish gulet, a wooden sailing boat, to explore the surrounding coast. And walk along the palm-fringed promenade beside 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 caters for all tastes, whether you want to simply relax on the beach, enjoy the variety of watersports, or participate in the varied nightlife. The famous Bar Street is just what it says, a street chock full of night clubs of every description which are open until 4 am. There is plenty of accommodation ranging from small pensions (guest houses) to luxurious five-star hotels.
The beautiful harbour water front hosts many restaurants and bars where you can relax and take in the spectacular view. Netsel Marina is an important yachting centre full of romantic restaurants, shops and boutiques. One look at the yachts in the harbour will tell you that Marmaris is a stylish and cosmopolitan resort. The traffic-free promenade stretching from the marina all the way round the bay to Icmeler. It has a sophisticated 'Riviera' feel to it, vaguely reminiscent of St.Tropez.
The sand of the beaches is mostly black, gritty sand. The beaches are not very wide and the top half is covered in sunbeds and umbrellas which you can rent for a nominal fee if the hotel/restaurant does not provide them. Many hotels have private beaches and some even ship in good sand from other areas. The sea is warm, crystal clear and perfect for swimming. There are some fabulous beaches within half an hours drive, so if beaches are your thing, visit Cleopatra Island where the sand is said to be the best in the world.
Shopping in Marmaris
This is an experience in itself. Leather goods, gold, carpets and clothing are very reasonably priced. It is essential to bargain, expect at least one third off the original price. The bazaar is a must for visitors, a rabbit warren of shops of every description, where the shopkeepers will try to entice you into their shops. This can get a little annoying at times, a smile and a shake of the head works well when you have had enough. See our shopping page for much more information.
There is a large outdoor market every Thursday, the prices are cheaper than the bazaar and cheaper still in the evening when the vendors are eager to sell their remaining wares.
The climate is very mild in winter, spring and autumn provide perfect holiday weather. July and August can be very hot up to 42 degrees centigrade, so be prepared and drink lots of fluids.
