Marmaris

Welcome to Marmaris

Situated on the southwest coast of Turkey where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, Marmaris has one of the world’s largest natural harbours. The sweeping bay has become a favourite with the yachting community and Marmaris’ modern harbour provides a base for some of the best sailing on the Mediterranean.

Overview

The lively Old Town is backed by steep pine-clad mountains which provide some superb walks for holiday makers looking for a change from the sun, sea and sand.

As one of Turkey’s oldest and more sophisticated resorts, it has a very European feel to it and a bustling cosmopolitan centre during the busy tourist months. Many of the larger hotels are found just outside Marmaris in Icmeler and Turunc. Each have superb beaches and are ideal for families as numerous water sports are on offer as well as a large water park.

The resort also offers access to Cleopatra Island and Turtle Island for those who are looking for quieter beaches on which to relax, unwind and absorb the warm Mediterranean sun.

Weather

Marmaris enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, with temperature often rising above 30°C.

The average monthly temperatures are:

°C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	13	14	17	20	25	30	34	33	30	25	19	15
Night	5	5	7	10	13	18	21	20	17	13	9	7

Shopping

Marmaris offers vibrant shopping for those who enjoy the buzz of the market place and for those who prefer the shopping mall experience.

A major draw for all holidaymakers is the Casi Market (covered bazaar) which is held every day in the centre of the town in the shadow of the Ottoman Fort. It is a treasure trove of over 200 shops and stalls selling anything and everything. It is a wonderful place to pick up carpets, ceramics, leather goods, jewellery and souvenirs. But be warned, bargaining is expected and you can normally get the original price down by about 30%. You will also find a lot of fake designer goods here, but if you want the real thing head for the marina.

The Netzel Shopping Mall by the Marina is the place for designer names and prices. It will provide you with all the designer clothing you could ever want or need.

If you want fresh produce there is a vibrant Thursday market in Marmaris which offers superb fruit, vegetables, spices, fabrics and clothes. It is also a wonderful place just to browse and people watch. There is also a smaller market in Icmeler on Wednesdays.

entertainment

Marmaris offers a wealth of entertainment after dark. Many of the large resort hotels will offer in-house entertainment such as cabaret and Turkish nights, but if you want to venture further into the town itself you will be certain to find something to suit your tastes.

The main area for bars and clubs in Marmaris are Uzunyali (long beach), the waterfront along the beach and Bar Street. Here you will find clubs and bars open until the small hours. Here is just a sample of what Marmaris has to offer.

· Bar X

· Salt n Pepper

· Club Areena

· Crazy Daisy Bar

· Davy Jones’ Locker

· Vagabundo

· Cheers

· Magic Garden

excursions

Marmaris isn’t as close to many of the historic sights as other resorts however it still does have a few to offer. Once you have taken as much sun, sea and sand as possible perhaps you would like to travel further afield to explore more of this fascinating country. Here are just a few possibilities that await you.

· Dalça Peninsual

· Ancient Knidos

· Kaunos

· Hierapolis

· ‘Frozen waterfall of Pamukkale

· Rhodes

· Ancient ruins of Physkos

· Loryma Ruins

· Ruins of Erine

· Fethiye

· Patara (ancient town beneath the sand)

Ancient site of Ephesus