MARMARİS
Climate: Mediterranean with temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees
Wind: Meltemi
Sailing Season: April to October
Marmaris is surrounded by forested mountains, on a sheltered bay on the Turkish Aegean Sea in the Mugla province. The city of Marmaris in southwest Turkey has developed from a fishing village into a yacht center. It is a good starting point for a trip on the Turkish Riviera, as the town connects the coasts north and south. The Greek island of Rhodes is only about 25 nm away from here. Dalaman Airport is only 120 km away from the town center.
In the area around Marmaris, the coastal landscape is characterized by the many rocky outcrops that protrude into the sea. Most of the beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for the good water quality. Many consider these beaches to be among the most beautiful in Turkey. Here you can practice water sports of all kinds. Due to the mountains that surround Marmaris, the region is also very popular with hikers. Another plus point of this region is the weather - sunshine is almost guaranteed on almost 300 days a year.
There are good and numerous shopping opportunities, many bars, restaurants and all kinds of accommodation. Otherwise, the city is a typical tourist stronghold with all its advantages and disadvantages. The city has a very well-equipped, modern and one of the largest marinas (Netsel Marina) in this region. There is also one more big marina called Marmaris Yacht Marine. The traditional wooden sailing boats (gulets) are still being built here, with which one can set out from Marmaris on a charter to lovely bays. In addition, the large cruise ships dock in Marmaris.
Yacht charter in Marmaris
Marmaris is protected in a large bay and has developed into an attractive starting point for sailing tourism, and it is accordingly lively here. The city offers excellent supply options before the start of the cruise. You can also visit a typical bazaar here or start your trip in a Turkish hamam, and numerous water sports are offered. Marmaris was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1958, only in the area around the old castle has part of the picturesque old town been preserved. Here you can relax after the shopping on the first day and slowly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Turkish Aegean Sea, which will be with you for the next time.
If you want to start from a smaller town, you can alternatively sail from Orhaniye in the beautiful Gulf of Hisarönü. To the south there are beautiful bays, such as Dalyan Bay. The river of the same name flows here. Those who follow him will soon find themselves in the city of the same name. A highlight on the way are the tombs of the kings of Kaunos. Mausoleums from Lycian times carved into the mountain with columns and decorations. If the spirit of discovery continues, you will find yourself behind Dalyan in the freshwater lake Köycegiz Gölü. Back in the bay, to the south, is the beautiful and family-friendly beach Iztuzu, where it goes flat into the sea.
Further south along the coast you come to the Gulf of Fethiye. There are many small bays here, surrounded by greenery, and several islands to explore. Since this part is more touristy than in the north, you should look for an anchorage early. The wind and sea conditions are calm and suitable for families and beginners.
Excursions - Marmaris surroundings
It is only 18 km to Rhodes by boat. Therefore, especially in the summer months, many tourists come here directly from Rhodes for a day trip. So Marmaris offers you the opportunity to spend your vacation in Turkey and Greece at the same time!
There are different connections:
With the hydrofoil, the journey takes just under an hour. The boats leave Marmaris every Tuesday and Friday at 9 a.m.
On Thursdays the car ferry leaves Marmaris for Rhodes at 9.30 a.m. With her the crossing takes about 2 hours.
You should definitely reserve in good time, as the boats are booked out quickly, especially in summer.
In a city like Marmaris with its great harbor, you can hardly avoid chartering a yacht and setting sail. At the port you will find countless providers for daily boat trips to the beaches and bays in the vicinity of Marmaris. A trip to "Turtle Beach" is particularly recommended. There are also so-called moonlight tours for romantics.
Sightseeing, events and events in Marmaris
There are few ancient sights in Marmaris. The Marmaris Castle, a castle that was built in the 16th century, is interesting. Today it houses a museum.
In the former caravanserai, also from the 16th century, there are now souvenir shops. Of course, a visit to the grand bazaar is also worthwhile.
Every year in autumn the "Marmaris International Race Week" takes place in Marmaris. More than 1000 participants and over 100 yachts and boats are participated. A spectacle that is well worth seeing.
Nightlife - Entertainment in Marmaris
Night owls in particular get their money's worth in Marmaris. There are several clubs and discos where you can party the night away, depending on your mood. There are countless bars on the beach promenade. In the old town there is even a street which is tellingly called “Bar Street”. Of course, you can also spend a rather cozy and romantic evening, e.g. in a restaurant on the beach promenade. Or you can go to a concert in the amphitheater. Even if you spend more than one night in Marmaris, you can discover something new every evening.
Accommodation in Marmaris - hotels, hostels and camping
Even if Marmaris is not the typical place to stay for backpackers, there is still one of the very few official youth hostels in all of Turkey. It is located in the middle of the bazaar in the old town center of Marmaris. This type of accommodation is ideal for anyone who would like to get in touch with other travelers quickly.
In addition, there are countless hotels, apartment complexes, guest houses and private hostels in all price ranges. Marmaris is home to some of the best and classiest hotels in all of Turkey. Those who book their accommodation in advance via the Internet often have the opportunity to make real bargains.
If you are traveling with a tent, it is rather difficult in Marmaris. There is a place (Pekuz Camping), which is about 5 km outside the village. Better camping options can be found on the Resadiye peninsula, which lies to the west of Marmaris. There are places there that are beautifully located in bays and quiet in the forest.
Shopping paradise Marmaris - tips for shopping
Shopping becomes a real experience, especially in the covered bazaar on the edge of the old town. Here you will find almost everything from spices, carpets, Turkish craftsmanship, leather goods to jewelry in the most diverse variations. Not to forget the delicious thyme honey that is extracted in this area.
Of course, when shopping in a bazaar, you shouldn't forget to bargain. But it makes sense to be able to realistically assess the value of a commodity and it is certainly helpful to be able to use a few words in Turkish for it. Especially when buying gold jewelry, you should make sure that the dealer has labeled the goods. This can usually be used to quickly determine whether he is serious.
The Blue Port shopping center, Netsel Marina and the Solaris Plaza also offer everything you need for a successful shopping trip.
If you want to stock up on fresh food, especially fruit and vegetables, you should visit the market that takes place every Friday near the amphitheater.
Eating + drinking - visiting a restaurant in Marmaris
In Marmaris you can find a wide variety of different flavors - from Italian, to fast food, Indian food to traditional Turkish cuisine (e.g. Lahmacun), almost everything is represented. You should be careful with bars that advertise almost aggressively and try to lure guests from the street into their restaurant. These are then often characterized by rather poorly tasty food at overpriced prices.