Marmaris is truly the Jewel of the Turkish Riviera. It is Turkey's most sophisticated and multi-faceted resort. Located where the Aegean sea meets the Mediterranean the beautiful bay is famous for its yachting and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Marmaris is originally a Greek word meaning glittering and shining and this is a very apt description. Nowadays it offers abundant accommodation ranging from small pensions (guest houses) to luxurious 5 star hotels. Hundreds of restaurants, shops, tours, and other entertainment ensure that you will never be bored.

The beaches are not the greatest in the world but are more than adequate for children and adults alike. The sand is mostly black sand and a bit gritty. The beaches are not very wide and the top half is covered in sunbeds and umbrellas which you can rent for a nominal fee if the hotel/restaurant does not provide them. Many hotels have private beaches and some even ship in very good sand from other areas. The sea is warm, crystal clear and perfect for swimming. There are some fabulous beaches within half an hours drive, so if beaches are your thing, visit Cleopatra Island where the sand is said to be the best in the world

The famous Bar Street is just what it says, a street chock full of night clubs of every description which are open until 4 am

The beautiful harbour water front hosts many restaurants and bars where you can relax and take in the spectacular view. Netsel Marina is an important yachting centre full of romantic restaurants, shops and boutiques. One look at the yachts in the harbour will tell you that Marmaris is a stylish and cosmopolitan resort. The traffic-free promenade stretching from the marina all the way round the bay to Icmeler. It has a sophisticated 'Riviera' feel to it, vaguely reminiscent of St.Tropez.

Shopping in Marmaris is an experience in itself. Leather goods, gold, carpets and clothing are very very reasonably priced. It is essential to bargain, expect at least one third off the original price. The bazaar is a must for visitors, a rabbit warren of shops of every description, where the shopkeepers will try to entice you into their shops. This can get a little annoying at times, a smile and a shake of the head works well when you have had enough. See our shopping pages for much more info. About Marmaris, hotels, restaurants, yacht charter, shopping, visas, the best holiday resort in Turkey
About Marmaris, hotels, restaurants, yacht charter, shopping, visas, the best holiday resort in Turkey There is a large outdoor market every Thursday, the prices are cheaper than the bazaar and cheaper still in the evening when the vendors are eager to sell their remaining wares.

The currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). It can be a little confusing due to the fact that there are so many 0's. If your drink costs 2,000.000 lira, (which is very little) sometimes on menus it is written as 2,000 leaving the last three 0's off, watch out for this. See our currency page for more details and a currency converter.

The climate is very mild in winter, spring and autumn provide perfect holiday weather. July and August can be very hot up to 42 degrees centigrade, so be prepared and drink lots of fluids.
About Marmaris, hotels, restaurants, yacht charter, shopping, visas, the best holiday resort in Turkey There are many beautiful islands and villages to visit. Gulets are the local boats used for boat trips and provide food and drink and a wonderful day out. All kinds of water sports are available on the beaches, diving is very popular, check to make sure the dive company have the correct qualifications. See tours for more info.

The health care is excellent. Ahu Hetman hospital has very experienced doctors who speak English. It is a private hospital and they will require proof of insurance. Dentists are modern and well equipped. Pharmacies sell most drugs over the counter without need for a prescription and the pharmacist will be happy to assist you with minor ailments.

During the Winter you will find a different Marmaris from the high season. Quieter, more intimate where you will be welcomed into the warm and friendly local and ex-pat community. Many tourist prefer winter to summer and return every year to continue the deeper friendships provided by the more relaxed and timeless atmosphere. You can still get a tan and the water is always warm enough for swimming so Marmaris is a great winter destination.

We know you will thoroughly enjoy your visit here, not least because of the wonderfully warm and welcoming local people.

 

Some Numbers

Population:32.000 (2000)
Airport:Dalaman Airport 85 km to town
Transfer: Bus, mini bus, taxi, airport coach.
Min/Max temperatures in Centigrade: Jan 5/12, Feb 4/12, Mar 5/14, Apr 15/22, May 20/30, June 23/35, July 25/38, Aug 30/42, Sep 22/32, Oct 18/28, Nov 11/18, Dec 8/14.
City Transport: Taxi, mini bus.
Sights and Local Attractions: Castle, Yacht harbour,National Park of Gullucek, Yalanci Bay, Nimara Island, Icmeler, Turunc, Ciftlik, Karacasogut, Cedrae, Hisaronu Bay, Bozburun, Loryma, Bybassos.