Marmaris is truly the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. It is the most sophisticated and multifaceted tourist complex in Turkey. Located where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the beautiful bay is famous for its cosmopolitan and sailing atmosphere.

The once sleepy fishing village of Marmaris sits on the wonderful natural harbor where lord nelson organized his fleet to attract the french to aboukir in 1978. the setting is still glorious, but the quaint old part of town around the harbor and the castle is now almost lost in the expanse of concrete creeping west. In the summer, the population of the city increases to between 150,000 and 200,000, mostly tourists with inexpensive tour packages. The bazaar full of expensive souvenirs and cheap clothes. The restaurant scene is based on fish and chips with beer by the gallon. The city also has a disarmingly liberal attitude: There aren’t many other places in Turkey where a tattooed tourist in a bikini drinking a can of beer on the main street at noon doesn’t raise an eyebrow.

The landscape around Marmaris and Içmeler is reminiscent of fjords with pine-covered hills that plunge into the blue sea and a coastline dotted with small islets and rocky coves. Despite its popularity and size, Marmaris has retained its charm and sophistication, due in part to the marina, which is the central part of the city. Take a trip on a traditional Turkish schooner, a wooden sailboat, to explore the surrounding coastline. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade along the narrow sandy beach that runs along the bay towards Içmeler, and enjoy this bustling resort with its wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Marmaris can satisfy all tastes, whether you want to simply relax on the beach, enjoy the variety of water sports or the varied nightlife.

Icmeler, just 8 kms along the coast, is smaller, more relaxed and greener than Marmaris. It is located in a wide sandy bay where all kinds of water sports are available from the gently sloping beach. The complex is popular with families with an abundance of good restaurants and bars in the area.

The days include a trip to the Greek island of Rhodes, a visit to Dalyan or further afield, trips to Ephesus or Pamukkale. Transfer time approx. 1.5 hours from Dalaman airport.

Marmaris is originally a Greek word that means shiny and shiny and this is a very apt description. Today it offers abundant accommodations ranging from small pensions (guest houses) to luxurious 5-star hotels. Hundreds of restaurants, shops, excursions and other entertainment guarantee that you will never be bored.