(Turkey) - Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris

Marmaris is just one of those places that can boast about anything, fine beaches, excellent sailing, adventure sports, top class restaurants, intense nightlife with world class discos & nightclubs, sumptuous local wines and Mediterranean sunshine. Not to mention the history. There can be few places on earth with such historic beauty.

(Turkey) –Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris

Below are the Top 10 Best Attractions & Things to Do in your Marmaris holidays.

(Turkey) –Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris

1. A day out at the Icmeler Beach

Icmeler is a beautiful beach resort only 8 kilometers from the large and vibrant resort of Marmaris. This pine forested heaven is infused with all the atmosphere of both the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas and is truly picturesque against the backdrop of magnificent Taurus Mountains. Drifting away amongst palm trees and Eucalyptus on the stunning Icmeler beach may well be your idea of the perfect holiday, but if that’s not enough, a wide range of sporting and cultural activities and excursions will ensure that there’s always plenty to do.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Icmeler Beach

This olive and honey farming community is home to the best plant for producing oxygen in the world, the Sigla (or Gunnuk), which only found here and in California. This plant and the pristine forests and the beach (which has been given the Blue Flag eco-award) create one of the most revitalizing surroundings for a beach holiday. Icmeler’s exemplary tourist facilities, which include a great many water sports, are harmoniously incorporated into the natural habitat of the area. The nightlife is vibrant and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to choose from, and just down the road, the many Marmaris nightclubs provide nights not far off those found in Ibiza.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Icmeler Beach

2. Daily Boat Trip to Dalyan, Caunos

Dalyan is a popular resort located on the 80 kilometers southeast of Marmaris. Dalyan can be considered as a wonder of nature where the sea and the lake come together. The region is famous with the golden beach of Iztuzu, the sea turtles (CarettaCaretta), healthy mud bath and the ancient city of Kaunos. A must see place for the holiday makers.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

Dalyan has variety of beautiful lakes. The labyrinthine canals and natural beaches fascinate the visitors. A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the village of Dalyan on the inland waterway. The maze of channels are easily explored by small boats. The Dalyan Delta, with a long and golden sandy Iztuzu Beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for the sea turtles (CarettaCaretta) and the blue crabs. Besides the CarettaCarettas, the Nile Turtles (TrionyxTringulus) also live in the region by the lake.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

Dalyan's very famous mud bath is another great attraction for the visitors. Dalyan's hot springs and mud bath is very healthy for the patients having the diseases such as rheumatism, sciatica and calcinosis.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

High on the cliff face, at a bend in the river, above the fascinating ancient harbour city of Kaunos and the magnificent tombs are carved into the rock. Kaunos is located nearby the Candir Village, on the west side of the Dalyan Creek. Dalyan is a great tourist area with its history, turtle beach and thermal mud. Kaunos is inside the region and worth seeing. Kaunos was a Caria city in the 4th century BC. The area is very huge with terrace Temple, seaport Agora, theatres, rock tombs and bath. The remnants are from the eras of the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and the Byzantium. The rock tombs really worth seeing.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

3. A visit to the Sedir Island - Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island-Cedrae) is located on the 18 km. north of Marmaris. Cleopatra Island is also known as Sedir Island or City Island. Cleopatra Island is famous with its golden sandy beach known as Cleopatra Beach and the ancient city of Cedrae. The remnants of the city walls can be seen. It is famous with its huge beach and ancient theatre ruins. There is an interesting beach on the small bay on the northwest of the island where it is believed that Cleopatra swimmed here.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Cleopatra Island

According to the legend, Cleopatra and Antonius swimmed here and the sands have been brought by the ships from North Africa. It's been said that this type of the sand can only be seen in Egypt.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Sedir Island

The ruins on the east part of the island stands for the era of Romans. Theatre area is in good condition. On the east part of the island there is an Agora. According to some epigraphs, athletics festivals have been organized in this area for the honor of Apollon.

4. Marmaris Aqua Parks

If you’re on a family holiday in Marmaris, take a day out to visit the Marmaris Water & Aqua Parks, which is packed with enough thrilling water-rides, chutes and bumper boats to make both kids and adults want to come back another day for more.

Water parks in Marmaris are very popular with its fascinating environment; it takes the attraction of the most teenagers and children.

There are two big water parks in Marmaris. One of them, also the biggest and the most popular one is Aqua Dream Water Park and the other one is Atlantis Water Park.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Aqua Parks

Also most resorts and hotels also have their own small aqua parks.

               

 If it’s more slippery and exciting adventure you want, then try the Marmaris Aqua Parks & Water Parks, this is a must for the both adults and the kids.

The aqua parks have loads of different kinds of water slides, bumper boats, the zipping kamikaze ride, and the terrifying black hole, etc. An excursion to the Marmaris Water Parks in your Marmaris holidays is a must.

5. Jeep Safari Tour

Marmaris Jeep Safari Tour is one of the most popular attractions and daily excursions in Marmaris. You may experience the travelling on dirt, dust and stone paved roads, having the adventure of safari in the company of the heaven nature and tracks on a Jeep Safari in Marmaris. Jeep Safari is organized by 4 to 8 people (in one jeep) with the 4x4 terrain vehicles.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour

If you want to take as much advantage as possible of the incredible countryside views, Marmaris surroundings and nearby villages, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking scenery, than head out on a Marmaris jeep safari.

The tours generally start early in the mornings and go on with the forest, village and stream tracks. You are having great lunch in the local villages.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour

The jeeps follow a thrilling route up and down narrow roads which wind around the pine forested mountains, and also through wide mountain rivers to find the most breath-taking views of the surrounding rolling hills.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour

Along the dusty trail, get out of the jeeps to have a refreshing dip in waterfalls hidden deep in the forest. Jeep Safari Tours mostly take place in the Bozburun Peninsula and the shores of Gokova Gulf, Orhaniye-Kizkumu, Hisaronu, Bozburun, Ciftlik, Turunc, Akyaka and Akbuk regions.

6. Marmaris Castle & Museum

Marmaris Castle

It is believed that Marmaris Castle was first built by the Ionians (1044 BC) and later on repaired during the era of the Alexander the Great. The Castle was rebuilt and widened by Suleyman the Magnificent during his campaign for the Greek island of Rhodes in 1522. Suleyman the Magnificent used the castle as a military base for his troops. During World War I, the castle was cannon fired by the French Fleet and had a huge damage. Till 1970s, the castle has been an accommodation area. There are 18 houses, a fountain and an arc inside the castle area. Finally, the castle was restored during the years 1980-1990 and became a museum in 1991. Marmaris Castle has seven indoor areas; two of them are organized as an archaeology lounge and one of them is organized as an ethnography lounge. Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Castle

Marmaris Castle has an outstanding landscape. Highly recommended for a daily trip and see the Marmaris panorama both during the day and night.

Marmaris Museum

Marmaris Museum is located in the Marmaris Castle on the hills behind the marina. After the restoration at the castle during the years 1980-1990, the area started to serve as a museum in 1991. Marmaris Castle & Museum has seven indoor areas; two of them is organized as an archeology lounge and one of them is organized as an ethnography lounge. Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Museum

In the archaeology lounge; amphoras belonging to the Helenistic, Roman and Byzantium era and earthenware, glassware works, coins and ornaments from the diggings of Knidos, Hisaronu and Burgaz region are exhibited. In the ethnography lounge; weaving works, carpets, furnitures, copper kitchen pieces, weapons and ornaments belonging to the Ottoman era are exhibited. Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage. Marmaris Castle has an outstanding landscape. Highly recommended for a daily trip and see the Marmaris panorama both during the day and night.

Marmaris Castle & Museum is open for visitors every day except Monday from 08.30-12.00 and 13.00-17.00 LMT.

7. A Visit to the Turunc Village & Resort

               

The Turunc village is a gorgeous and picturesque beach resort of Marmaris hidden away in a wonderful bay on the southern coast of Marmaris. A must see destination. 20 km. south of the large tourist resort of Marmaris and 120 km. from the airport of Dalaman, this village has steadily grown to accommodate holidaymakers, but has somehow still kept it’s relaxed and charming atmosphere of the small fishing village it once was. It has a superb Blue Flag (ecologically sound) beach nestled in between rolling forested hills and mountains and has an azure and calm sea, over which more hills can be seen on the other side of the bay.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village

The crooked road with ramps and downhills to Turunc is very exciting with the forest area, hills and beautiful landscape along the Marmaris Gulf. After an half an hour trip you will suddenly see Turunc behind the hills by the seaside with a wonderful view. The sea has all variations of the blue color. The hills behind the village are covered with pine trees. The region also has a huge variety of fruits and covered with pomegranate, berry, fig, plum, locust and sour orange trees. "Turunc" is the Turkish name for "Sour Orange" and the village's name comes from its quality of sour oranges.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village

Being an old fisherman village, Turunc, is also a very popular pit-stop for the yachts and blue voyagers. You may see lots of anchored yachts and boats in the night and the restaurants are full of visitors. The Turunc Cove has a blue flag which means the beaches and the sea are in great condition, has infrastructure for the yachts and clean.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village

8. Scuba Diving

Marmaris is an important town for the diving tourism in Turkey. There are 52 diving locations in and around Marmaris.

Daily diving tours for diving in Marmaris are being organized for the professionals and for the beginners from the central Marmaris port. Boats are full equipped with quality licensed instructors.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Scuba Diving

If you want to take as much advantage as possible of discovering the crystal clear underwater world of the Aegean & Mediterranean Seas, than we recommend you to experience the diving adventure in the beautiful Marmaris bays and underwater environment.

Below are the popular diving locations in Marmaris.

Baca (The Chimney) Cave

Baca (Chimney) Cave is the most famous diving point in Marmaris. Baca Cave is mostly interesting for the underwater photographers. There is a depth of 5 to 50 meters and very suitable for both beginners and professionals. On the cape, there is a conical shaped cave looking like a chimney. The depth is 14 meters at the point you enter the cave but on the exit the depth decreases to 4 meters and that is why the region is interesting and named as "the Chimney Cave". It is possible to see lots of red and white striped cardinal fishes and little shrimps.

Sari Mehmet Cape

Sari Mehmet Cape is located between Turunc and Icmeler. The cape and the bay is a nice diving point for both the professionals and the beginners. There is a depth of 5 to 21 meters and the environment is rocky. The area is very popular for the diving tour operators. It is possible to see octobus, moray, sea bream and melanur in every diving. Theare is also very convenient for night diving. There is no stream in the region and underwater environment is outstanding with high peaks standing perpendicular to each other. There is also a cove named "Cathedral Cave" in the area.

KeciAdasi (Goat Island) Lighthouse

KeciAdasi (Goat Island) Lighthouse is located by the lighthouse leading to the open seas. There is a depth of 8 to 38 meters and area is very exciting for the professional divers. It is possible to see variety of big fishes including octobus, moray and the red cardinal fishes. Plenty of amphorae pieces are exciting to see. There happens a soft and changing stream during the beginnings of the moon periods.

Hayitli Cape

Hayitli Cape is located on the opposite side of the Keci (Goat) Island Lighthouse. The area is easy for anchoring so that named as "the reef" by the divers. The area is mostly used for beginners' diving practices and also by the professionals as well. There is a depth of 5 to 38 meters and the environment is rocky. It is possible to see large fishes if you go deeper to 30 meters. You may also see few pieces of amphorae.

Ince Cape Lighthouse

Ince Cape Lighthouse is located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through Marmaris. Visibility underwater is not so clear regarding to the other open sea diving locations. There is depth of 3 to 40 meters and the underwater environment is like the real tropical underwater with lots of peaks. It is very interesting for the underwater photographers especially at the end of summer with variety of fishes and sponges. It is possible to see the sea rabbits with variety of colors and sizes of 1 to 4 cm.

Abdi Reis Cove

Abdi Reis Cove is located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through the open seas. The area is very popular with its bright waters. So that the area is named as "Aquarium" by the divers. The area is very convenient for the beginners and also very enjoyable for the professionals. There is depth of 0 to 33 meters. Due to its being close to the Phosphorus Caves, sea traffic is high in the area.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Scuba Diving

Yazih Rock

Yazih Rock is also located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through the open seas. The area is very suitable for the morning diving. There is a depth of 3 to 32 meters. There are big rocks and walls around the region so that it makes shadow in the afternoon times. It is possible to see lots of sea bream and blacktaill.

Aksu Cove

Aksu Cove is again located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through the open seas. It is exciting to see the change of the color into deep blue while you go deeper and deeper. The Cove is suitable for all beginners, professional and yacht or boat swimmers. On the cape, there is a big wall of 40 meters and there is a Byzantium amphorae with a circular hole on the heart.

Kutuk Cape

There is a depth of 0 to 52 meters and the underwater environment is very fascinating. Divers should keep their limits as the underwater environment mesmerizes them. There happens a changing stream during the beginnings of the moon periods.

Kadirga (Galleon) Cove

Kadirga (Galleon) Cove is located on the farthest point to Marmaris nearby the rocky area on the opposite side of the Kadirga Lighthouse. There is depth of 0 to 40 meters. It is a unique point for both the beginners and the professionals. In front of the lighthouse building, there is a field of amphorae and a remnant of a sunk ship belonging to the Hellenistic ages. Hundreds of amphorae are stuck to the rocks as the region is very rocky. The area is also very interesting for the underwater photographers.

9. Marmaris Grand Bazaar - Carsi Market

In between lying in the sun, falling off a banana boat and enjoying the thrills and spills of your Marmaris holidays, take some time to do some shopping and find some souvenirs, as there are markets and shopping facilities right behind the beach.

Bargaining is rife here, so be prepared to haggle. You can find a range of traditional Turkish items here to take back as souvenirs, such as onyx vases, bowls and ashtrays, mosaic lanterns, Turkish clothes, metal wares, leather, carpets, shoes, bags and jewellery.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Carsi Market

Marmaris offers wide range of products for the holiday makers. The biggest public shopping centre, Marmaris Grand Bazaar (Carsi Market) is located by the centre square and every kind of products is offered.

There are lots of shopping centres in Marmaris. Jewelry, leather, carpets, clothing, local food and drinks, fishing equipments and souvenirs are the most popular quality shopping items in Marmaris.

World class jewelry, leather and carpet shops worth visiting in your Marmaris holidays.

Also you may find every kind of embroidery traditional handicrafts made by the women in the area.

Marmaris is also popular with its local jam and honey.

You're also able to attend to a shopping tour made to theIcmeler Market (Wednesday); Marmaris Market (Thursday) and Armutalan Market (Tuesday).

10. Gulet Cruising - Blue Voyage

Marmaris is the best blue voyage centre of Turkey. In Marmaris, you are able to find a good one way charter trips to Karacasögüt (Gulf of Gökova, Bodrum, Göcek and Finike. There are a lot of opportunities for a Blue Voyage trip with different sailing routes.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Blue Voyage

What is Blue Voyage?

Blue Voyage is a type of tourism and holiday particular to Turkey made by the traditional Gulets (Schooners) unique to Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean turquoise coasts. The very long coastline is a surprise of nature in the company of isolated bays, wonderful beaches, historic scenes and wonders of nature. Most travelers thinking of a different type of vacation rather than staying in their hotels and enjoying the sun and the sea prefer to take a blue voyage trip in their vacation plans. You are able to find quality Yacht and Cabin Charters in your Marmaris holidays.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Blue Voyage

The Mediterranean and Aegean coastline of Turkey is a treasure-chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches. The yachtsmen may easily find a anchoring or mooring area for every night. Blue voyages also offers activities such as swimming in the crystal clear waters, fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing and diving for the true sea lovers. The ancient cities of Knidos, Kaunos, Telmessos, Antiphellos, Myra, Olympos, Phaselis and the rock-tombs in the Lycian cities await you for a wonderful experience. As a summary, travelers are attending to a one to seven days (or more) trips with gullet yachts and are enjoying the turquoise waters, beaches, bays and coasts.

(Marmaris town)

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