Marmaris is a seaside resort in southwest Turkey in the Mugla Province. Best of both a city break and beach holiday, the lively resort is located on the world's largest natural harbours and is popular with British budget holidaymakers as a cruise ship port.
The resort is surrounded by pine-clad mountains that retain heat during the day and shelter the bay, turning the city into a suntrap. It has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, humid summers and mild, rainy winters.
Marmaris was simply a fishing village less than 20 years ago, but now it is a cosmopolitan city with an array of attractions, activities and entertainment on offer. Horse riding, hiking and boat tours are a great way to see the sites and surroundings such as Marmaris mountains, Paradise Island, Turtle Beach and Cleopatra Island.
There's plenty of history and culture to soak up, from Marmaris Castle to the Grand Bazaar. The resort also boasts two water parks, a dolphinarium and plenty of water sports to get involved with. And it wouldn't be a visit to Turkey without having a Turkish bath!
Hiking
Marmaris is set between two pine-clad mountains, which provide great opportunities for hiking.
The best way to explore the local area is to take a jeep safari along the narrow meandering roads, up into the mountains. Strap on your hiking boots and follow the trails past quaint villages and serene lakes as you spot local wildlife and admire the views of the Aegean, Mediterranean and hidden bays.
Marmaris Trekking provide a range of trail options around the area, so you can choose your intensity level and what you want to see. There's one of Paradise Island where you'll visit a stalactite cave and ancient ruins, one around Armutalan with beautiful sea and forest views, and one to the peak of mount Karadag.
Cycling and mountain biking
Want to discover Marmaris on two wheels? Then look no further.
If you want to go on an organised trip, Alternatif Outdoor offer a one-day mountain biking excursion to the Gökova area where you'll ride through sesame fields, traditional villages and limestone crags of the surrounding hills.
Or if you want to explore the city and beyond, you can also rent a mountain bike from the Alternatif Outdoor office in Marmaris there are plenty of cycling routes to choose from. As it can get quite hot in the summer, the best times of year for cycling are April, June, September and October.
Horse riding
Horse lovers shouldn't miss a trip through the unspoiled Marmaris countryside on horse back.
With Pinar Horse Safari, you'll be collected from your hotel and taken to the forest where the horses will be waiting for you. Your knowledgeable guide will accompany you through the forest for an hour and a half, and then you'll have the chance to ride on your horse through the water. The price includes transport, insurance, guide, use of riding equipment, and the hire of a horse.
Jeep, quad and buggy safari
If you want to whiz around on four wheels as you take in the surroundings, there are a few options.
Nature lovers will enjoy Ago Travel's full-day jeep safari through Marmaris National Park. You'll drive off the beaten track in convoy with other jeeps through the forests and peaceful villages, up into the mountains. There'll be frequent swimming breaks in quiet bays to cool down, and you can wash away the dust of the road in crystal clear waterfalls.
If you're more of an adrenaline junkie and don't mind getting a bit dirty, Marmaris Excursions offer a three-hour quad and buggy safari. Experience the thrill of mastering a quad bike or buggy, splash through streams, and put your skills to the test on purpose-built slopes and through mud trenches.
Boat tours
Those wanting to escape busy Marmaris should take advantage of the many boat trips that sail from the marina.
If you want a lazy day sailing along the beautiful Marmaris coast, try the Mega Diana Boat Trip. On this all-inclusive trip you'll stop off at secluded bays to take a dip in the turquoise waters, stop over at Paradise Island to visit the impressive cave, and visit Kumlubük and Turunc's beaches.
The Finding Nemo Boat gives you the chance to put your fishing skills to the test. They guarantee you a catch or you'll get your money back. Their 35-foot ketch is ideal for fishing and has professional colour sonar so you can spot your fish.
For a romantic evening at sea, Ago Travel offer a three-hour moonlight boat trip where you'll cruise along the moonlit waters as you dine under the stars.
If you want to voyage further afield, Marmaris Excursions offer a full-day Cleopatra Island trip. Swim in the turquoise waters of Gokova Bay, enjoy a BBQ lunch and spend some free time on the unique Cleopatra Beach.
Marmaris Excursions also offer a Dalyan and Turtle Beach boat trip. You'll visit the impressive Carian rock tombs of the Kings of ancient Lycia, the natural mud baths and thermal springs, and the world-famous Turtle Beach, home to the loggerhead sea turtle.
For a taste of Greece, Marmaris Excursions also have a trip to Rhodes. An hour journey on a high-speed catamaran takes you to this quaint island and you'll get six hours of free time to see the sights of Rhodes City and The Old Town.
Natural attractions
Visit one of these attractions if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to nature.
Not far from the centre is Ataturk Park, a seaside park where the locals come to swim and have a picnic. This protected area is also home to many frankincense trees, which are not found in many other parts of the world.
Dalyan is an area of outstanding beauty and is home to Turtle Beach and the Dalyan Mud Baths. Surrounded by salt water on one side and fresh water on the other, Turtle Beach, aka Iztuzu, is one of the last breeding grounds of the loggerhead sea turtle. The rejuvenating mud baths are great fun and make a good day trip from Marmaris. The mineral rich mud and therapeutic springs leave you feeling revitalized and refreshed, and prepare you for a seriously deep tan.
As mentioned, Cleopatra Island's unique beach is well worth a trip by boat. The pale pink sands found nowhere else in the world are believed to have been imported by Mark Antony as a gift to his love Cleopatra.
A visit to Pamukkale is another great day out. Nicknamed the 'cotton castle', this huge white mountain was formed over thousands of years by rich thermal springs. A national park as well as a UNESCO world heritage site, Pamukkale is formed of stalactites, caves, mineral baths, and cascading streamlines. So take a dip in the therapeutic hot springs and let your cares wash away.
Modern Marmaris
Marmaris has come a long way since its fishing village roots with plenty of modern attractions.
Marmaris Marina is a blend of old and new with authentic wooden-hulled yachts and traditional fishing boats alongside state-of-the-art ocean yachts worth around $10 million! The marina itself boasts an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, bar, restaurant and luxury apartments to rent.
Heading into the centre there's Marmaris 19 May Youth Square, a brand new square with an impressive clock tower and a water fountain. Every evening at 9:00pm and 10:30pm it is home to the Dancing Fountain Show where lights and music bring the fountain to life, which becomes the backdrop for some of the town's best shows, open-air concerts and public holiday celebrations. Why not dine in one of the restaurants surrounding the square and enjoy the show?
Historical sites
Marmaris also has a rich history and there are some fascinating trips you can take to see historical sites.
The cobblestoned Old Town is well worth a visit with its bustling markets, quaint restaurants and whitewashed cottages. Stroll down the narrow alleyways, browse art galleries and admire the traditional Ottoman houses, with some classic examples of Mugla architecture. It is also home to Bar Street if you fancy a drink or two.
If you have time, check out Marmaris Castle. This tiny Ottoman castle is built on a hilltop offering great views of the Old Town. It is believed that it was first built by the Ionians and later on repaired during the era of the Alexander the Great. The Castle was rebuilt by Süleyman the Magnificent when he used it as a military base for his troops during his campaign for the Greek island of Rhodes in 1522. The castle was recently restored and became a museum housing a collection of old Ottoman and naval artefacts.
Further afield, if you get the chance, take a river boat trip to the Carian rock tombs in Dalyan. High up in the rock face are six rock tombs with façades resembling the fronts of Hellenistic temples, inside which are the past Kings of ancient Lycia. If you're into ancient ruins, a trip to Ephesus, the largest Greco-Roman site in Turkey, wouldn't go amiss.
Museums
History buffs will love finding out more about Marmaris' past in these museums.
As mentioned, there's Marmaris Museum housed within the Marmaris Castle. It features seven galleries with nautical, archeological and ethnographical exhibits as well as a small art gallery. Kids will probably be more interested in the wild tortoises and peacocks that roam the flower-filled courtyard gardens.
Or there's Halici Ahmet Urkay, a museum privately owned by wealthy businessman Ahmet Urkay (Halici means Carpet Shop Owner). It is an archaeology and ethnography museum displaying a collection of 3,500 pieces including rugs, furniture and accessories.
Shopping
Marmaris excels itself in terms of shopping with plenty of places to bag a bargain or two.
If you're looking for Turkish souvenirs, head to Marmaris Grand Bazaar near the castle in the heart of Old Town. Thousands of shoppers pack in the narrow aisles of this covered market where you'll find an array of jewellery, Turkish rugs, spices, accessories and of course Turkish delight. Prepare to get into haggling mode!
Or you can try Marmaris Thursday Market at G. Mustafa Mugali Caddesi open between 8am and 6pm. It sells fruit, vegetables, fabrics and specialises in clubbing wear and designer fakes.
Many products such as leather, spirits and tobacco are cheaper are cheaper than in most European countries. Jewellery, especially gold and diamonds, are good value and there are plenty of places to buy them such as Pasha Gold and Vogue Jewellery.
Turkish baths
If you're planning on getting a tan while you're in Marmaris, have a Turkish bath at the beginning of your holiday and it will get things off to a flying start. A Turkish bath, or hammam, leaves your skin in perfect condition for a lasting tan by removing any dead skin cells and helping to prevent peeling. Head to the huge Armutalan Turkish bath, behind the government hospital after 6pm it's quietest as the tour groups are gone.
Water parks
If you want to take the kids for a fun day out, hit one of these water parks.
Atlantis Water Park offers a wave pool as well as numerous water slides and rubber-ring rides such as the Kamikaze and Black Hole. Younger ones will love the Kid's Land with mini slides and water jets. There's also a bowling alley, pool bar and games throughout the day.
Or there's Aqua Dream Water Park, a well-landscaped water playground dotted with water flumes, slides, wave pools and children's fun pools. The park enjoys stunning views over the mountains and Bay of Marmaris too.
Have you always wanted to swim with dolphins? Well now you can. At Marmaris Dolphinarium you can meet and swim with playful dolphins, watch a dolphin show, as well as get wet and wild in the AquaPark.
Water sports
Marmaris keeps up its lively pace on the beach with plenty of water sports and no end of diving schools.
From banana boat rides to high-speed jet skis, Marmaris beach is well-equipped.
If you would prefer kayaking, check out Alternatif Outdoor. They provide a range of guided sea kayaking trips including tours to Icmeler, Turunc, Dalyan and Gocek. If you're a beginner, go for a 1-day tour, but if you're more adventurous go for a 3 or 6-day tour you'll camp and cook your own food along the way.
With Turkey's high mountains and good rainfall, there are a number of rivers offering excellent conditions white water rafting and kayaking.
If you'd rather take the plunge and try out diving in the crystal-clear warm waters, you'll have plenty of choice. Nautilus Diving Centre is a PADI 5-star diving resort offering daily diving trips for beginners and experienced divers. Their boat, the Nautilus, is fully-equipped for divers and non-divers with a sun bed deck on top.
Or there's Aquaholics Dive Centre on the Datca Peninsular at the 5-star D Hotel, the only place in Marmaris where you can take a PADI National Geographic Diver course. They offer high quality scuba diving instruction on their courses, from try dives to open water diving.
There's also Professional Diving Centre and Paradise Diving Centre offering a range of PADI and CMAS courses, as well as snorkeling.