Marmaris Travel Guide

One of the larger holiday resorts, Marmaris is considered one of the most European of the Turkish resort towns along the Mediterranean coast. This is due to its strong appeal to European tourists, particularly those from the UK, Germany and Russia, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere shaped by their influence. During the summer months, Marmaris becomes a bustling tourist hub with international dining, modern amenities and a lively nightlife scene that mirrors those of other well-known European beach destinations. Marmaris also marks the start of Turkey's famed Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea.

Built around an expansive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is an ideal base for some of the finest sailing in the Mediterranean. Its modern marina caters to private yachts and holiday cruises. According to a popular legend, the town got its name when Suleyman the Magnificent, dissatisfied with the castle he had commissioned on the hill, muttered 'hang the architect' ('mimarı as' in Turkish). However, the name 'Marmaris' is more likely derived from the nearby Sea of Marmara and its marble quarries.

Shopping

Shopping in Marmaris can be an exciting experience, but holiday visitors should be prepared and savvy. Vendors can be persistent, particularly in the bazaars, and many counterfeit designer goods are sold, though the quality can be surprisingly good. Prices are generally low, and haggling is expected, particularly in the markets, though larger stores will have fixed prices. Visitors can often knock off around 30 percent from the asking price. With this in mind, Marmaris can be a shopper's paradise, especially for leather, ceramics, jewellery and carpets. The Carsi Market in the Ottoman Castle is the best place to find great value goods, with over 200 shops and a flea market open seven days a week. The Thursday market is a colourful event where locals sell fresh produce, fabrics and clothing. For higher-end items, Netsel Marina is a good spot to find original designer clothing. Cam Bali, a locally produced pine-scented honey, is a popular souvenir. Duty-free goods are also available in many shops.

Restaurants

Whether travellers are craving international flavours or local dishes at a lokanta (traditional Turkish restaurant), Marmaris offers hundreds of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. Visitors will find everything from fish and chips to satisfying Chinese, German and Italian cuisine. However, visitors should definitely not miss out on trying Turkish food, particularly doner kebabs and seafood meze platters. These are among the highlights of the local cuisine and are highly recommended.

Nightlife

Marmaris' vibrant nightlife is centred on Bar Street, located near the waterfront. Packed with nearly one hundred nightclubs and bars that stay open until about 4 a.m., it attracts hundreds of holidaymakers looking to party. While the atmosphere is fun and lively, travellers should be aware that drink prices on Bar Street are significantly higher than in other parts of town. Many restaurants also stay open all night to cater to early morning revellers.

Holiday activities

For holidaymakers looking for an active beach experience, Marmaris offers a wide array of options. Dozens of watersports operators line the seafront, offering everything from banana boat rides and paragliding to jet-skiing and scuba diving, all at reasonable prices that can usually be bargained even lower. For those keen to explore, a variety of excursions are available, including guided horse safaris through the countryside or jeep safaris to nearby villages. These trips often include visits to lush forests and crystal-clear waterfalls, which are perfect for a refreshing dip. Other popular day trips include visits to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the healing spring waters of Pamukkale. Boat trips, including the popular excursion to the nearby Greek island of Rhodes, also attract many visitors.

Any negatives?

Touts for everything from restaurants and excursions to souvenir stalls can be quite persistent in Marmaris, and tourists should stay alert for possible tourist rip-offs. It's advisable to be cautious when accepting unsolicited offers. Added to that, while Marmaris is a lively and fun destination, the summer months can be extremely crowded, with the town's population swelling from around 28,000 to nearly 250,000. For those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience, this can be a downside, as the town can feel overwhelmingly busy during peak season.