The tourist resort of Marmaris is worth the hype
The renowned resort town of Marmaris in southwest Turkey is one of the country’s most spectacular. Tourists flock to the area during the busy summer months but thanks to its moderate climate, Marmaris also offers a quieter shoulder season. The beaches and bars are its main draw and it is indeed a popular destination with younger travellers who come to sample the town’s famous nightlife. Moreover, the surrounding area is home to a variety of stunning nature and picturesque scenery, ensuring a trip to Marmaris can be much more than just lying on the beach or cruising the bars.
A busy network of central streets
Due to its geographical makeup, Marmaris is a reasonably compact town that is tucked in between two rocky hillsides. The historic centre is made up a network of small streets that are usually busy with tourists visiting the variety of shops, bars and restaurants. Marmaris Castle is one of the oldest remaining buildings and offers an example of historic Turkish architecture, plus an onsite museum for those wanting to learn more about the town’s history. To the east of the castle lies the town’s harbour, usually full of luxury yachts and their respective owners, evidence of Marmaris’ wide appeal; much more than just package holidaymakers. Although many of the Marmaris hotels are found lining the beach, there are also several smaller accommodation options in and around the town centre. These present an opportunity for travellers looking to experience Marmaris’ cultural and individual side. Further cultural exposure can be found by visiting one of the town’s Hammams; traditional Turkish bathhouses that deliver massages in a relaxing environment.
Several kilometres of the main beach
The other major section of the town is to the southwest of the town centre. A long sandy beach runs for a several kilometres and is lined with an array of the large resort style Marmaris hotel. Many of these establishments have their own private sections of the beach as well as in-house swimming pools and leisure facilities. The ocean itself has warm and calm waters making it ideal for families to enjoy the sunshine and hot weather that makes Marmaris popular. This long strip also contains a multitude of restaurants which are often less busy and popular than those in the old town. Moreover, many of the all inclusive hotels Marmaris contains are located in this area, and as a result there are multiple nearby activities catered towards tourists. Marmaris Waterpark and the Aqua Dream Waterpark are two popular leisure facilities close to the beach, extremely popular with tourists and in particular young families. The main beach also provides further leisure activities in the water, with jet-skiing, banana boating and water-skiing all possible.
Renowned nightlife and a myriad of cuisine
As mentioned, the nightlife in Marmaris is well known for its variety and intensity, as a result the town is well-frequented by younger travellers and party-goers. The party scene is focused around the aptly named Bar Street, a strip in the old town centre that is literally lined with bars and clubs and very hectic in peak season. Marmaris is also home to an assortment of smaller pubs plus many beachfront bars which can offer much better value than those on Bar Street, also convenient for those wanting to drink closer to their hotel in Marmaris. In terms of dining options, there are of course hundreds of choices in such a tourist orientated area. Turkey is known for its cuisine and it is certainly possible to sample some of their finest dishes, plus being a coastal town seafood is a major focus. International cuisine is well represented and so foreign visitors can always find home comfort foods around. Shopping is another large aspect of the town and there are streams of market stalls and individual sellers peddling a variety of souvenirs and replica goods. There are also large high-end shopping centres in Marmaris found close by the harbour, catering to the luxury sector of the market.
Exploring the nearby landscapes
For all of its popularity, Marmaris can feel overwhelming in the busy months, but fortunately there are countless activities and areas to explore nearby. Those looking to escape the urbanisation can head to smaller and quieter beaches, quaint Mediterranean villages, plus a host of charming islands off of the coast. Cleopatra Island is an ideal day trip, home to outstanding beaches and romantic architecture, just a short boat ride away. The Bozburun Peninsula is another beautiful region featuring forest-covered mountains and tiny villages plus an impressive coastline. Tours head to the peninsula from any of the hotels in Marmaris, plus there are also accommodation options in the region itself. Closer to Marmaris, there are multiple small islands and coves nearby. Boat tours taking in these scenes leave from the harbour and provide an excellent opportunity to view the landscape from another perspective, getting to areas not possible on foot.