Marmaris has been a popular destination on the Turkish Riviera for years. The town, beautifully set between the mountains and the sea, is close to where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet. It’s an ideal place to combine a holiday in the sun with culture, nature and gastronomy. There are several historical sites in the area, you’ll find plenty of water activities and Marmaris National Park is just a stone's throw away. In other words, you won't be bored for a minute during your stay in Marmaris.
Top 6 Things to Do in Marmaris
1. Explore old and new Marmaris
Marmaris has been around since 3500 BC, though much of this long history crumbled due to an earthquake in 1958. One notable survivor was the citadel, which dates from the 16th century. This fortress is a must for history buffs. The citadel’s star attraction is the museum of archaeology, which has an intriguing collection of ancient objects from Marmaris and the surrounding area. Another must-visit is the Marmaris marina. A beacon of the modern city, it’s picture-postcard pretty, with the citadel and hills in the background. Stroll along the jetties and view the dazzling yachts before sitting down for a snack or drink in one of the bars and restaurants. Boat trips through the bay and to the Dalyan delta also depart from the marina.
2. Go on an excursion to Datça and Knidos
Datça is an 80km-long peninsula that’s just over an hour’s drive west from Marmaris. An excursion is well worth the journey – you’ll find lots of beaches that are ideal for sunbathing and for snorkelling. The inland is studded with pine forests, traditional olive groves and authentic villages with weekly farmers’ markets. One of the top attractions in Datça is the archaeological site of the ancient Greek city of Knidos.
3. Cruise through the Dalyan Delta
Just over an hour's drive east from Marmaris, you’ll find the fishing village of Dalyan. It’s kept its authentic charm and is best known for the River Dalyan. Its delta is an important nesting area for loggerhead turtles and every effort is made to protect the area. A popular activity here is a river cruise in an eco-friendly boat that doesn’t harm marine life. Admire the green surroundings, observe the Lycian rock tombs carved into cliff faces and visit the ancient site of Knausos. But the main the highlight has to be Iztuzu beach, where the turtles lay their eggs.
4. Visit Sedir Island
The Marmaris area is home to some beautiful beaches and coves that are just waiting for you to throw your towel on them. One of the most visit-worthy is Incekum Plajı; a fine sandy beach shaded by rocks and pine trees. Opposite this beach is the uninhabited Sedir Island. To get there, take the boat from Çamlı village. The islet is home to ancient ruins, including a theatre, and boasts its own secluded beach, Kleopatra Plaji. Legend has it that Cleopatra and her lover, Mark Antony, bathed here more than 2,000 years ago.
5. Do water activities
With average summer temperatures of 30-35°C, many visitors to Marmaris make a beeline for its beaches. And beyond the sand, you’ve got plenty of water activities to choose from. There’s jet-skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving and so much more. Or how about a cruise, during the day or at sunset, where you explore the area from a different perspective? Families with children should head to the Marmaris Atlantis Water Park for a day of thrills and spills.
6. Marmaris National Park
If you want to discover the area’s great outdoors, look no further than Marmaris National Park. It boasts landscapes studded with pine forests, cypress trees, eucalyptus and more. The fauna is also varied, including wild goats, wild boars, falcons and eagles. The park is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. A great eco-friendly way to explore the park in on a guided tour on a horse.
