What makes it great
Budget holidays: You’ll find a large selection of amazingly cheap hotels here. That, combined with the great exchange rate outside of the Euro, makes Marmaris an ideal resort for holidays on a shoestring.
Markets and Malls: Marmaris has many markets selling everything from Turkish delicacies to designer garments. It’s the perfect place to pick up local bargains and souvenirs.
Large beach: The lengthy main beach is also easily accessible and lined with cafes at almost every step. Plus, there’s no need for a four-hour drive into the forest to reach it!
Lively nightlife: There’s a whole street dedicated to bars and clubs that really lights up at night. Partygoers will find lots to love with loud music and cheap drinks.
Sights worth seeing
Marmaris Castle: The famed Alexander the Great came wading in to conquer this site back in his heyday, although the current castle has only been standing since 1522. It’s been fully restored to back to its original condition, and now also houses a museum about the town’s history.
Things to do
Marmaris Bay: This calm cove of water has made it the ideal home for a trio of lovely marinas. Wandering round the sun-soaked with the water glistening by your side is a pleasant experience. And you can always stop off to take a look at all the shiny yachts that are anchored for all to see.
Waterparks: There are also two huge waterparks to choose from – Aquadream and Atlantis. They offer everything you’d expect, with wacky colourful slides, a number of different pools and specially designed slides for kids. Great for a fun day out, or for a bit of cooling off after being out in the hot Turkish sun.
Beaches
Marmaris beach: Marmaris’s main beach is a long yet narrow strip of sand. It’s best to get there early in the summer months because it’s incredibly popular with sunbathers and families wanting to enjoy the warm, crystal clear sea. With all the watersports available across this sunny stretch of the Mediterranean, it’s a favourite place for thrill seekers too.
Icmeler: Only a short hop away from Marmaris, Icmeler has an incredibly beautiful bit of coastline. The stunning scenery spans for miles around you, with dramatic pine-covered mountains and seas awash with azure and turquoise. It’s also slightly quieter than Marmaris beach, with a larger expanse of golden velvety sand.
Tasty places
Always: For a restaurant with good value food and a great atmosphere, head to Always. It’s always filled with happy holidaymakers filling their bellies – surely a good sign! The friendly service from the waiters is ‘Always’ exceptional too
Bacchus: Traditional Turkish food is nestled in nicely alongside the usual Pizzas and burgers when a night at Bacchus is on your menu. You’ll get an entertainment show thrown in free with your food as well.
Golden River: Marmaris offers all sorts of international cuisine, and this Chinese restaurant is one of the best examples. With such classics as Beef in Black Bean Sauce and Peking Duck cooked beautifully, it’s a brilliant place for an oriental feast!
Nightlife
Super clubs: A large part of the reason why Marmaris has become the tourist central it is today is due to the incredible nightlife on Bar Street. There’s a variety of clubs, from the 1,300 capacity Crazy Daisy to the full-on laser effects of Arena. It really is a partygoer’s paradise.
Beach bars: Of course, being the bright and lively place that Marmaris is, you’ll also find plenty of bars along the seafront that cater to a younger crowd too. The music is often eclectic, with everything from chart pop to r’n’b and dance thrown into the mix.
Relaxing drinks: If you’re after something a bit more sedate, there are several traditionally themed Turkish shows, alongside quieter English and Irish style family bars. The cheap drinks and huge widescreens make them a great place to sit back and catch up on the football!
Shopping
Lively markets: The daily Carsi market has over 200 stalls offering everything from touristy souvenirs to quality leather, beautifully designed rugs and surprisingly cheap jewellery. There’s also another market in Marmaris every Thursday which specialises in fine fabrics and clothing.
Stylish brands: If you want to splash your cash and go for all-out glamour, the Nestel Marina Mall will match your tastes. It has many designer boutiques and classy fashion joints, as well as a few places to pick up some locally-produced ornaments as a memento of your time in Marmaris.
Food shops: For food, the climate has been kind to Marmaris and blessed it with all sorts of natural delights. While you’re here, you should really take the chance to sample the delicious Turkish honey and the rich, flavoursome olive oil which is abundant in Mediterranean countries. And of course, who could forget Turkish delight! Named Lokum in Turkey, this sweet treat has been made for over 200 years. There’s a fantastic shop in the centre of Marmaris named the ‘Turkish Delight House’ where you can actually watch them making it before you tuck in.
