Turkey is an up-and-comer when it comes to British holidaymaking. As package holidays to the usual-suspect destinations have gotten more and more expensive in recent years, vacationers have started looking farther afield – and, in so doing, discovered a whole new world of low-competition, high-value sun-and-sea experiences.
One of the real players amongst these new-to-you Anatolian delights is Marmaris, one of Turkey’s most enchanting seaside destinations. This enchantment is with a great deal of thanks to its historical roots, but the pine-clad mountains that preside over those balmy shores aren’t to be sniffed at either. Let’s bask in the shadow of those pine-clad mountains and find out what makes Marmaris and its turquoise Aegean waters so special for an adventure-packed holiday.
Explore local attractions
Marmaris is one of many resort towns on the now-sought-after Turquoise Coast of Turkey, but unique for its literal situation, being situated in a deep bay on Turkey’s south-westerly peninsula. It’s a cosy placement, hugged by verdant mountain cliffs and yet still in possession of some incredible sea views, which we’ll come to shortly.
This bay position made Marmaris an incredible port town, and led to Marmaris’ deep and rich history. This is history you can still touch, too, by visiting Marmaris Castle and the Old Town. Its cobbled streets, lined with bougainvillea and Ottoman-era architecture, are a warm pool of nostalgia in which to swim.
Head to the beach
As for literal pools, Marmaris sits on a big one: the Aegean Sea. Marmaris is home to some incredible, golden sandy beaches, most notable of which for sunbathing is arguably İçmeler Beach, though, if you want to explore more of Marmaris’ bay waters, Bedir Adasi is perfect for more active water sporting pursuits. Staying at the Green Nature Resort and Spa keeps you a short shuttle ride from the beach, allowing you to avoid the crowds.
Take a boat trip
Those turquoise waters are impossible to pass up, and the ideal foil for a sea excursion or two during your stay. These trips allow you to explore more of the bay and its unique geology; stunning coves left and right, that sometimes take you out to other towns for a flavour of local life. Popular boat tours include trips to Dalyan, some miles east, and to Hisarönü Gulf.
Experience the nightlife
When the day’s exploring is done, night falls, and an entirely new form of exploration takes precedence. Bar Street Marmaris is where it’s at for surprisingly high-energy nightlife, replete with neon-lit streets and the party lovers to prove it. There are clubs galore, but also quieter street bars with craft cocktails and culture oozing out of every pore.
