A stunning coastal town situated along the Turkish Riviera, Marmaris is highly regarded for its pine-covered hills, golden coastlines, and pristine coves. When it comes to holidays in Türkiye, Marmaris is one of the best holiday resorts available to tourists. With a vibrant array of bars, world-class restaurants, and incredible excursions, travellersseeking adventure, exploration, and relaxation will feel satisfied. Here we’ll discuss some of the top must-see attractions and activities in Marmaris that will ensure you have the best holiday possible.
Explore the city’s history
While Marmaris may be a resort town, it does have a vast history just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re there for a few days or are just passing through, make sure to take a trip to the Old Town area.
The major historic attractions in Marmaris are Marmaris Castle and the cobblestone lanes of the Old Town. The castle was once used as the staging ground for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent’s troops when they managed to recapture the island of Rhodes.
Nowadays, you can visit the halls, which display artefacts found in the local region, while the ramparts present sweeping panoramic views across the bay and the surrounding landscapes.
Get your adrenaline pumping
Marmaris is the perfect place for those expecting adventure, offering a wide array of thrill-seeking activities. For nature lovers, there are great landscapes for mountain biking and cycling. Uncover off-the-beaten-track locations and pass along pine forests as you pedal along one of the designated routes. There are numerous routes to choose from, all of which are signed.
Marmaris National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country and is perfect for all types of outdoor activities. Due to its large size, the area is ideal for hiking, 4×4 off-road safaris, and horse riding. There are also several isolated beaches to see, including Cennet Island.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you’ll love going on a rafting tour. White water rafting is available on the Dalaman River for small groups. A professional guide will help direct you through the 3-4 grade waters, where you’ll end in the charming Arpacik village.
Experience the nightlife scene
As the sun sets, Marmaris come alive with a radiant and exciting nightlife scene. The first place that comes to mind is Bar Street, renowned for its buzzing atmosphere, talented musicians, and dance shows, with venues catering to all tastes.
Spend your nights watching live performances, dancing the night away, or at a relaxing beachfront bar. You can even enjoy a nice romantic meal accompanied by a few drinks – the choice is up to you!
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Pay a visit to the Turkish baths
Indulging in ultimate relaxation at a traditional Turkish bath, or Hammam, is a must-have during your stay – and one of the most unique experiences for tourists! Picture this: steam cleaning, professional massages, and marble chambers. What’s not to like?
Depending on where you bathe, men and women may be allocated separate areas, go in at different times, or be allowed to mix. You’ll first be directed to lockers to store your belongings and given a traditional towel, slippers and a peshtemal. Then, you’re free to relax in a steamy sauna before being escorted to the hararet, the main focal point of the ritual. The heat will exfoliate the skin and you can run warm water into nearby bowls to pour onto yourself.
We recommend visiting a Turkish bath on your first day after you arrive at your accommodation via a holiday transfer. This way your skin will be refreshed, ready for the remainder of your holiday. It can also help to prevent any unwanted tan loss.
Stop for lunch at the marina
You don’t need a yacht to enjoy the marina in Marmaris. The one here is called Netsel Marina and is amongst the most popular destinations of the Blue Voyage. You’ll find the marina in the city centre, accompanied by long lines of ships docked along the harbour, with waves lapping the coast.
Walking around the marina is a great way to pass the time during the day, and there is a wide variety of eateries dotted around to stop for a spot of lunch. From chic cafés to world-class eating establishments, you’re certain to find a place that aligns with your taste.
Take a boat trip to Dalyan
The boat trip that takes you to Dalyan sets off from the marina to the Dalyan River Delta. As you float along the waterways, you’ll pass by Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, andsome ancient ruins.
The Ruins of Kaunos contain ancient tomb rock that was once used by the former kings of Kaunos. Among the ruins, you’ll see an acropolis, ancient theatres and sections of the old city walls. The guide on your excursion should inform you of the history of these ruins but you can easily visit the site yourself if you choose to.
One of the best stops during the trip is to a mud bath. Here, you’ll bathe yourself in nature, experiencing pure relaxation and rejuvenation of the skin, courtesy of the minerals contained in the mud. This is sure to be one of the funniest moments of your trip to Marmaris.