Marmaris
The town of Marmaris is located at the meeting place of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Marmaris is one of the largest natural harbors in the world surrounded by pine-clad hills.
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.
Situated in the south-west of Turkey, in Mugla province, Marmaris is one of Turkey’s biggest holiday resorts. To the north lies the Gulf of Gökova; to the south, the Mediterranean. Datca Peninsula falls to the western side and to the east is the Lake of Köycegiz. The hills running into the sea and the beautiful bays make Marmaris the jewel she is.
The town is 60 kilometers from the provincial capital of Mugla and the mountainous nature of the surrounding countryside means that forestry plays an important part in the area’s economy. The town boundaries are enclosed by 65,000 hectares of forest area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
