Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular holiday resorts, located on the country’s turquoise Aegean coastline. There’s something for every type of traveller to enjoy here, including idyllic golden sand beaches, thrilling water sports, charming villages, water parks, a bustling town centre, a lively night scene, and lush mountain backdrops, to name a few of Marmaris Turkey attractions.
Situated around 8km from Marmaris is Içmeler, a laid-back beach resort best known for its blue flag beaches. Içmeler has a beautiful setting surrounded by verdant mountains and is very pedestrian friendly; highlights include taking a stroll down the resort’s colourful beachfront promenade, hiking up pine forests, and exploring the cobblestoned laneways of Içmeler’s Old Town to do some souvenir shopping and admire historic monuments. Brightsun Travel offers a great choice of Içmeler holidays.
Armutalan, Maresal Fevzi Çakmak Cd. No:8, 48700 Marmaris/Mugla, Turkey
Public Transport
Dolmus (shared minibuses) are a common and affordable way to get around town and to nearby areas like Içmeler.
Taxis
Readily available and metered.
Car Rental
Available for those looking to explore the wider region at their own pace.
Boats
Regular boat services connect Marmaris to nearby islands and coastal towns.
Food in Marmaris and Içmeler comprises mix of traditional Turkish dishes and international cuisine. Must-try local dishes include doner kebabs, mezes, fresh seafood, and local desserts like baklava. Restaurant options range from fine dining establishments to casual eateries and street food vendors.
Marmaris is home to plenty of modern shopping centres and international branded stores if you fancy some retail therapy during your trip. There are also bustling traditional markets offering local crafts, textiles, spices, jewellery, and more – perfect for souvenir shopping.
Marmaris International Yacht Festival
This vibrant event is usually held annually in May. Enjoy yacht parades, sailing races, boat shows, competitions, and various maritime-related activities. It’s a great opportunity to see beautiful yachts and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the marina.
Marmaris Maritime and Spring Festival
Usually held in late May to early June, the Marmaris Maritime and Spring Festival celebrates the beginning of the summer season and the town’s maritime heritage with parades, concerts, food stalls, and traditional Turkish performances. The festival also features boat races and water sports competitions.
Marmaris Castle and Museum
This beautiful ancient fortress offers historical insights and panoramic views of the city and harbour.
Marmaris Marina
The bustling Marmaris Marina is home to numerous yachts, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Marmaris National Park
This vast area of natural beauty covers lush forests, hiking trails, and picnic spots, perfect for nature lovers.
Marmaris Grand Bazaar
Here you can buy local products, souvenirs, spices, and textiles, do some people-watching, and gain an insight into the resort’s traditional way of life.
Aqua Dream Water Park
This Marmaris water park is a fun-filled destination for families with a series of thrilling water slides, plus dance shows and parties.
Bar Street Marmaris
The Marmaris Bar Street allows you to experience the heart of Marmaris’ nightlife, with a great choice of bars, clubs, and restaurants to spend the evening at.
Içmeler Beach
This beautiful sandy beach has clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Içmeler Bay
Known for its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere, Içmeler Bay is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.
Içmeler Water Park
This amusement park is home to plenty of water slides and attractions, great for families and children.
Içmeler Market
A lively market where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs.
Cleopatra Island
Cleopatra Island, also known as Sedir Island boasts the ancient ruins of Cedrae, and a sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, rumoured to have been visited by Cleopatra. To get to Cleopatra Island, take a 30-minute drive from Marmaris to Gokova Bay where you can then take a boat ride to the island.
Dalaman
From Dalaman to Marmaris it’s less than a 1.5hr drive, and it’s so worth visiting on a day trip. The area boasts a diverse landscape that includes beautiful beaches, sweeping bays, lush forests, and rivers, plus ancient sightseeing wonders and thermal springs.
Rhodes
From Marmaris, you can take a day trip to the Greek island of Rhodes, which is just a short ferry ride away. Here you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, enjoy Greek cuisine, and shop for souvenirs – p.s don’t forget your passport.
Dalyan River and Dalyan Mud Baths
Take a boat tour to the Dalyan River, visit the ancient Lycian rock tombs, spend time at the Iztuzi Beach which is renowned for being home to loggerhead sea turtles, and enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath.
Marmaris and Içmeler have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Summer makes for clear skies and abundant sunshine with very little to no rainfall. Average highs in the summer range from 30°C to 35°C, with some days reaching up to 40°C. Evenings are cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 20°C to 25°C. Summer is ideal for beach activities, water sports, and evening outdoor events.
It’s warm and pleasant here in early autumn, becoming cooler and wetter towards November. There is some occasional rain, especially in late October and November. This season is great for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors without the summer heat. Average highs range from 25°C to 30°C in September, gradually cooling to 15°C to 20°C by November.
Winter is mild but wet, with the highest rainfall occurring during these months. Overcast skies are common. Average highs range from 10°C to 15°C, and night temperatures often drop to around 5°C to 10°C. Winter is best for indoor activities, cultural and historical sightseeing, and enjoying local cuisine.
Spring is increasingly warm and dry, with occasional rain showers in March and April, becoming drier and sunnier by May. This season is perfect for outdoor activities, exploring nature, and visiting historical sites. Average highs range from 15°C to 20°C in March, warming up to 25°C to 30°C by May. Nights are cooler.
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