Marmaris is a city located on the south west coast of Turkey, next to the Mediterranean sea.
TYPES OF HOLIDAYS
Flight times to Turkey from the UK are usually around four hours, so Marmaris is an ideal destination for a mini break, weekly or fortnightly holiday.
Fortunately, Marmaris has something to offer everybody- whether it is raucous nightlife, historical sightseeing or just lazing on miles of golden beaches, you will find it all in the area.
Accommodation options reflect the diversity of travellers to Marmaris, with self catering apartments in the city centre for younger holiday makers, to family friendly resorts with plenty of kidsâ facilities and peaceful, secluded out-of-town resorts available.
BEST TIME TO GO
Marmaris enjoys a Mediterranean climate which means temperatures remain fairly mild even in the winter.
However, the winter months of November to April are much cooler and there is a chance of experiencing rain. Many of the tourist sights and most of the accommodation is also closed at this time of year.
In the summer months of May to October, you will find beautiful weather and all facilities up and running, so you will be able to make the most of your time in Marmaris. Though accommodation may be more expensive at this time of year, there is such a wide range available at very competitive prices that you will surely find something to suit you.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Naturally you will be spending a lot of time at the beach during your visit, but the abundance of fascinating sights in and around Marmaris mean you will simply have to drag yourself away from the sand!
The Old Town of Marmaris has buildings dating from the 16th century arranged in a series of narrow winding streets and alleyways. There are no cars allowed so this is a great way to spend an afternoon â" there are a wealth of authentic shops, cafes, bars and restaurants waiting to be discovered.
Here you can explore Marmaris Castle, where a fortification has stood since 3000BC. The current structure dates from the 15th century and houses the Archaeology Museum, where you can learn more about the fascinating history of the area.
Marmaris National Park is great for nature lovers, with its vast forests and array of wildlife to be seen. You can take a jeep safari or do some hiking, mountain biking and horse riding through the scenery.
The Iyilik Kayaliklari Archaeological Park is also known as âThe Rocks of Goodnessâ and contains the ruins of the ancient cities of Physkos and Amos â" which include the well preserved remains of an amphitheatre.
ACTIVITIES
From energetic outdoor activities to pure relaxation, you will definitely find something to suit your needs in Marmaris.
Shopaholics should not miss a trip to the Grand Bazaar. This huge market place is filled with stalls and shops selling everything from food, clothing, crafts and rugs. Everything is to be had for a price, so head here to haggle for a bargain!
Families can have a fun day out by heading to the Aqualand Waterpark, where kids can enjoy the high water slides and wave pool while the adults relax with a cocktail by the pool!
For a truly relaxing and authentic experience, you can head to the Turkish Bath in Armutalan. Here you can take advantage of a hot room, massage, sauna and body scrub on offer.
Water sports are popular on many beaches in the area, with jet skiing, parasailing and, of course, the banana boat being perennial favourites. There are plenty of places to go scuba diving and check out the array of marine life.
Boat cruises offer a different way to enjoy the coastline, with regular stops at beauty spots such as Phosphurus Cave and Paradise Island.
BEACHES
Marmaris Beach is a man made stretch of sand located right in front of the city. As such it is in an excellent location for ease of access to amenities, and the beach itself has sun loungers and parasols as well as a wealth of water sports on offer.
Nearby Icmeler Beach makes a nice change and is also close to many shops and hotels, but it can become fairly busy, whereas Gunluk Park Beach is usually much quieter.
NIGHTLIFE
Marmaris is famed for its nightlife, but this is not just restricted to pumping nightclubs!
There is a huge range of excellent bars and restaurants to be found in the city and along the beach front, where you can relax in a pleasant environment in the warm night air.
For the party animals, there are two locations you can head to.
The aptly named Bar Street is the centre of the action, and here you will find over 100 bars and clubs!
The best nightclubs however are to be found on the beach front and these play music into the early hours of the morning â" perfect for those that want to dance the night away!
ACCOMMODATION
The Pandora Apartments are a popular choice for self catering accommodation as they are right in the centre of Marmaris. As well as having fitted kitchens, there is also a restaurant on site and there are many restaurants nearby.
Hotel Dost is just 300m from the beach and also features an outdoor swimming pool. Centrally located right next to bars and restaurants, there is also a breakfast buffet available on site.
Younger holiday makers should check out Hotel Honeymoon, being located as it is close to the popular nightclubs in the area!
The Mustis Royal Plaza is a family run hotel in nearby Armutalan, which is a much quieter area, and features an outdoor pool and Turkish bath. There is an a la carte restaurant on site and there are regular Turkish nights with live entertainment.
And the Anemon Hotel is just 100m from the sea and serves Turkish buffet style meals in the on-site restaurant. There is also a Turkish bath for the ultimate in relaxation!