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.
The beaches of Marmaris are not the best in the world, being mostly shingle, but they cater well for families and provide plenty of facilities and water sports. However you are not confined to the busy city beach the quieter beach at Icmeler is 15 minutes down the road, or you can hop in a boat from the marina to the pretty sands of Turunc, Cleopatra's Island and Turtle Beach.
Lively beaches
If you're looking for to spend a day at a beach with plenty of amenities, you're best to stay near the city.
Uzunyali beach, also known as Long Beach, or simply Marmaris beach stretches 10km from the city to the neighbouring Icmeler. It's a shingly dark sand beach, not very wide, and covered in sun beds which you have to rent. It's a different story if you're lucky enough to be staying at a beachfront hotel you'll get a private section of the beach where loungers are free, and some even ship in better sand from overseas.
On the plus side the warm, calm water is ideal for swimming and perfect for children, and the seafront promenade is overflowing with cafes, bars, shops and restaurants, as well as a kids' club. If you're with a group of friends, why not go to a Beach Party? Thrill-seekers will find a range of water-based fun on offer at Marmaris Watersports, from parasailing to water skiing, while there are plenty of boat trips available if you want to explore other beaches in the area.
Just 8km away is the area's most popular sandy shore, Icmeler beach. This fully equipped stretch of golden sand in front of incredibly blue sea is much wider and quieter than its neighbour. Soak up the Turkish sun on a comfy cushion, take in the lush mountainous surroundings, or hop on a banana boat or jet ski.
Pure bliss
If you want to laze on a beautiful, golden sandy beach in peaceful surroundings, you'll have to venture out a bit further.
A bit further round the coast from Icmeler is Turunc, 21km south of central Marmaris. Turunc beach is a superb Blue Flag beach, which sits between rolling pine-clad hills and mountains, boasts calm turquoise waters and looks across to the hills and a bay on the other side. The shallow sea is perfect for little swimmers and there are also some water sports to get involved with.
A short trip away will take you to Sedir Island, aka Cleopatra Island, 16km north of Marmaris. Its stunning golden sands were named after the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt as it is said to have been the meeting place of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful scenery, why not explore the remains of the city walls, the ancient theatre ruins and the Roman ruins. Cleopatra Island is also the only place in the Mediterranean you can spot Sandbar sharks when they congregate to breed between May and June.
A bit further out is Iztuzu beach aka Turtle beach in Dalyan. This 4.5km long beach is in a protected area as it is a well-known breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The narrow spit of land forms a natural barrier between the sea and the fresh water delta of the Dalyan river, where you're likely to spot the turtles. Lay back and admire the stunning surroundings, take a dip in the inviting Med and then freshen up with the free showers.