Welcome to the pearl of south-west Turkey. Marmaris is a place full of beautiful sights and intriguing attractions. Today’s post will go over what you can do and see in Marmaris. Additionally, we’ll also look at any notable places around Marmaris to fully prepare you for your trip.
Marmaris
What to see in Marmaris?
Marmaris is a small town in south-western Turkey, nestled between mountain ranges and bays with beautiful beaches. Marmaris has a population of nearly a hundred thousand dwelling in wide suburbs and a small charming old centre. Marmaris is known, of course, for being a tourist destination first and foremost, with its beautiful views, beaches, various things to do and… honey.
There are many hotels in Marmaris and in the nearby Icmeler where you can spend a nice hot Turkish holiday. There is a long sandy beach with a boulevard and plenty of hotels and restaurants along virtually the entire length of the centre. The boulevard with its beaches extends up to the hills in the west of the town from the old centre of Marmaris – that’s almost 2.5 miles of beaches!
But don’t worry, as Marmaris isn’t just a beach-place unlike some places in Turkey. Marmaris boasts a very charming old town and a castle dating back to antiquity. The very centre is all narrow winding streets interwoven with small squares. The old town of Marmaris is best explored on foot, the town is not large and the highlights of the town centre are usually close by. Alternatively, you can take up the offer of one of the many car hire companies and visit sites around Marmaris – don’t worry, we’ll guide you through these below.
Beaches and the bay in Marmaris
Beaches in Marmaris
You’ll find many interesting, wide and sandy beaches near the centre of Marmaris. Let’s start with the main beach right in the town centre – it stretches from the centre westwards, onto the surrounding hills. There’s no shortage of tourist infrastructure, showers, restaurants and clubs here. Naturally, as with beaches which have it all, it also has crowds of tourists. We recommend a walk at sunrise here, the views are spectacular and most tourists are still asleep.
You’ll also find well-rated beaches at Icmeler, Kumlubuk, Çiftlik and KızKumu Plajı on the other side of the peninsula.
Nimara Cave
A cave in the Marmaris area
The Nimara Cave is located on Cennet, on the other side of Marmaris bay, about 8 miles from the town centre itself. You can park in front of the entrance to the Marmaris Milli Park. From here, you have about 400 metres worth of a walk to the cave.
Inside, you’ll be able to see various forms of stalagmites and stalactites – the cave has been estimated to be around 100,000 years old. Traces of human habitation from 10,000 BC have been found in the area.
Icmeler
Icmeler of Marmaris
Icmeler is the smaller brother of Marmaris located 5 miles west. It is the region’s second most popular town for tourists. The centre is small and squeezed between two hills – in the centre you will find a wide beach, a boulevard, lots of hotels and restaurants. Admittedly, there isn’t that much more to do here, but it’s a calmer place than Marmaris and charming in its own way.
Tombs of the Kings of Kaunos
A monument near Marmaris
The Tombs of the Kings in Kaunos is roughly 55 miles from Marmaris. It’s quite far, we know, but this is one of the most worthwhile sights in the whole region. Especially so if you’re a history nerd deep down. The six tombs carved into the rock here have been estimated to date from somewhere between the 4th and 2nd century BC. You can admire them yourself from either the park below or swim to the other side of the Dalyan shore for 10 TL to get closer to the tombs.
You can also find some interesting spots around Dalyan itself while you’re here, like, for instance…
Kaunos Archaeological Park
Another monument in the Dalyan area
It is located 2.5 miles from the centre of Dalyan and 1.2 miles from the Tombs of the Kings. You can take a boat here from Dalyan – this’ll offer a beautiful view of the entire area and its more notable monuments. Entry to the park costs 14 TL, a boat will cost you around 10 TL. You’ll find an old amphitheatre here, an acropolis on a high rock (over 150 m high), Roman baths, temples and an agora.
Kaunos was once an important seaport and, according to mythology, was founded by King Kaunos. The oldest traces suggest settlement of the area as far back as the 9th century BC.
Marmaris Castle
What to do in Marmaris
Back to Marmaris though, we have its namesake castle. Situated on a hill and squeezed between small townhouses, it towers over this part of the city. You can visit the courtyard and garden, the castle walls, the terraces overlooking the city and the bay and the archaeological museum within its walls. Here, you will also find a collection of amphorae from around the Mediterranean and learn that Suleiman the Magnificent himself sailed from here to conquer Rhodes.
Entry to Marmaris Castle and a ticket costs 50 TL – the castle is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
Shopping in Marmaris
What to buy in Marmaris?
In the centre, you’ll find plenty of bazaars and shopping avenues. The largest Grand Bazaar is located in the centre, right next to the old town at Tepe 38. You can find literally any and every kind of imitation you can possibly imagine here. Thankfully, there are also souvenirs, local products and food.
Most of the most interesting shopping streets can be found in the centre and, of course, on the boulevard in Marmaris.
Yacht or pirate ship cruise
A trip from Marmaris
You can also take to the seas by hiring a boat or buying a ticket for a relaxing cruise to one of the many surrounding areas. For instance, you can go to Rhodes in Greece or to Sedir Island (also known as Cleopatra’s Island) for around £25 to £35. You can also sail around the bay on a pirate ship for about £40.
Private boat hires will definitely be more expensive, but will give you significantly more freedom and privacy.
Rodos
Cruise from Marmaris to Rhodes
As we’ve said, you can even take a trip to Rhodes from Marmaris. A cruise there will take you about an hour. You can find ferries operating several times a day during high season, usually in the morning and evening.
Dalyan cruise
Activities around Marmaris
You can also take a cruise on the Dalyan River nearby. You can combine this with visiting the Tomb of the Kings mentioned prior. You can take a mud bath here and see all the beautiful sights of Dalyan from the river. Such a tour lasts approximately 6-7 hours and costs around £30 per person.
Cleopatra Island
What to see around Marmaris?
Another thing we’ve already mentioned in this list, Cleopatra Island. We also included it in our list of best beaches in Turkey. You can easily reach it from Marmaris and you’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches and the ruins of ancient Kedrai.
You can get there either directly by boat or via the municipality of Camli on the other side of the peninsula, which is definitely faster.
The ruins of Amos
What else to see around Marmaris?
The Ruins of Amos are small but really charming. You’ll also have excellent views of the surrounding area from here. They’re located to the south of Marmaris. Amos Antik Kenti dates back to around the 2nd century BC. You’ll find temples here, a theatre and some additional buildings. It was one of the three ancient settlements to have its own theatre (along with Sedir and Kastabos).
As you can see, you can certainly find plenty to do in and around Marmaris. Whether you’re interested in beautiful sights, ancient ruins or simply lazy beach days, you’ll find it all in this area. Though it may be preferable to not limit yourself to just Marmaris and visit some of the surrounding areas too.
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