Is Marmaris Worth Visiting? 18 Things To Do In Marmaris, Türkiye 

Located on what is known as the Turquoise Coast, Marmaris is lapped by the beautiful blue of the Aegean. 

Here is a list of things to do in Marmaris, Turkey. I have selected the top Marmaris attractions and have covered something for everyone. 

Is Marmaris Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, YESS!!!!

Marmaris is a vibrant seaside town in Turkey that offers a bit of everything for travelers.

Marmaris is one of my favorite places and is, without a doubt, worth visiting. In my guide below, you’ll see that this Turkish coastal town is noted for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a range of activities.

It’s a place where you can chill out on the sand one day and then go exploring ancient ruins the next. And if you’re into nightlife, Marmaris has plenty of options to keep you entertained. It’s a great mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture all rolled into one.

Top Attractions & Best Things To Do In Marmaris

Located on what is known as the Turquoise Coast, Marmaris is lapped by the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean.

There is a lot to see and do around this part of the country, although when the heat is on (and trust me, it’s hot during the summer), you’ll probably want to chill out around the pool or lay on the beach!

That’s perfectly fine, but it’s well worth knowing the best things to do in Marmaris and fantastic places to visit in Marmaris, so you can genuinely say that you’ve seen the best of this beautiful part of the country.

Marmaris and Icmeler run into one another and are less than 10 minutes apart. For that reason, Icmeler is often called Marmaris because it’s much smaller.

However, it’s worth pointing out that they are two different resorts if we are being technical! During your stay, zig-zag between the two because Icmeler is so beautiful and worth more than one visit.

Best Beaches & Natural Attractions In Marmaris

1. Marmaris Long Beach

Firstly, you can lay on the beach as much as you want and it’s a very long beach, literally known as Long Beach, so you’ll have plenty of space! Hotels, bars, and restaurants line the beachfront, and as long as you buy a drink or something to eat, you can have a free sun-lounger and umbrella all day.

There is a free part of the beach further up towards the town center, although there are no umbrellas or sun-loungers, and it’s more of a throw-your-towel-down kind of deal! As far as the best beaches in Marmaris go, this one is a strong contender.

2. Marmaris National Park

Grab your comfortable shoes and head to Marmaris National Park for those who like to be more active. This shady walking trail takes you up the hills and through the trees, with stunning views to boot.

It’s worth mentioning that there are no toilets and nowhere to get a drink, so make sure you’ve been before you go and take some water with you!

There is also a lookout point where you can see right over Marmaris – make sure your camera is charged for that one, as it’s pretty special. If you enjoy the natural scenery and outdoor activities, visiting Marmaris National Park is one of the top things to do in Marmaris.

3. Icmeler Beach

Marmaris Beach is excellent, but personally, I think Icmeler Beach is much prettier. It’s undeniably wider and sandier, too. If you’re visiting with children, Icmeler Beach is a better spot because there’s no main road behind it and more space to run.

The Dolmus bus will get you to Icmeler from Marmaris in around 20 minutes, one of the easiest Marmaris excursions from the town center. It takes that long because it constantly stops along the road to pick people up and drop them off! It’s cheap, at around 5 lira per person, and runs every 10 minutes in both directions. You can also get a taxi, which will cost you anywhere between 30 to 50 lira, depending on where you’re getting the cab.

Both Icmeler and Marmaris beaches have watersports to enjoy, such as parasailing, banana boats, flying fish, and jet skis.

4. Coastal Walk Between Marmaris & Icmeler

If you want to do something a little active but don’t want to venture too far, why not wear comfortable shoes and head off on a shady walk? There is a direct path along the coast between Marmaris and Icmeler, and it’s super-scenic.

There are some seriously posh hotels along this route, but their beaches and restaurants are reserved for guests only. For that reason, take some water with you, as it takes around an hour to complete the walk. Remember your camera!

5. Take A Dalyan River Cruise To Turtle Beach

Taking a Dalyan River Cruise offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Typically departing from the charming town of Dalyan, these cruises navigate through reed-lined waterways to reveal stunning ancient ruins, like the rock-cut tombs of Kaunos, and lead you to a therapeutic mud bath known for healing properties.

The trip isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s an experience with opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters near Turtle Beach, a sanctuary for sea turtles. Costs vary, starting from around $20 per person, making it an affordable day out. Expect a serene journey with plenty of photo ops, a bit of history, and a chance to mingle with fellow travelers. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and your sense of adventure!

Adventure & Sports In Marmaris

6. Watersports

Marmaris Beach is packed with watersport options for you to try, including parasailing. You can usually haggle the price down a little, especially if a few of you want to do a particular activity. 

7. Yacht Or Boat Trip

The small bays around Marmaris are worth a visit, and the best way to see them is via a boat trip. There are several options here – if you want to go for a day with the kids, then check out the pirate boat, a ship with huge sails, and all kinds of entertainment.

If that’s not your deal, many lazy day wooden boat trips serve drinks and lunch throughout the day and take you all around the bays with several swim stops. Most trips also stop for an hour in Turunc, a small town just beyond Icmeler, along the coast.

A relatively recent addition is the glass-bottomed boat trip. This very modern and large boat has a huge glass walkthrough tunnel underneath. There are several stops along the way, including a shipwreck.

8. Marmaris  Jeep Safari

One thing many people are surprised at when they visit Turkey is how green it is, even during the hottest summer months. The mountains and villages around Marmaris are so beautiful, and the best way to visit them while having some fun along the way is to book a jeep safari trip.

There is usually a fleet of jeeps that head out every single day during the peak months, and with around eight people in each, you bump along dirt tracks and regular roads, checking out the fantastic scenery and stopping at places of note along the way. Jesus Beach is a popular spot; a large sandbank leads out into the sea, allowing you to almost walk on water – hence the name!

You’ll also stop for lunch in a traditional village while heading back. One point to remember – there is often a water fight between the jeeps at some point during the day, so if you’re asked if you want to rent a Super-soaker, say ‘yes’ and defend yourself! 

9. Go Scuba Diving

One of the top activities in Marmaris is definitely scuba diving!

With its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, it is a fantastic destination for scuba diving. Here, divers of all levels can explore an array of dive sites, including vibrant coral reefs, intriguing caves, and fascinating wrecks. 

Some popular spots include the Kadirga Lighthouse for its stunning underwater landscapes and the Baca Cave for its unique underwater topography.

Additionally, the area around Marmaris offers several diving schools and centers that provide courses and guided dives, making it accessible for beginners and experienced divers alike to discover the underwater treasures of the Aegean Sea.

10. Go Horse Riding

Horseback riding in Marmaris offers a unique way to explore its stunning landscapes, typically available throughout the year.

You can embark on these adventures from various ranches around the region, where guided tours lead you through pine forests and mountain paths, offering breathtaking views of the countryside and the sea.

Prices vary, but you might expect to pay around $20-$50 for an experience, depending on the duration and route. As you trot or gallop, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and the natural beauty of Marmaris. Expect a friendly guide, well-cared-for horses suited to all riding levels, and a memorable journey through nature’s best scenes.

Remember to wear comfortable clothing and bring water, especially during warmer months, to make the most of your adventure.

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Explore Marmaris Cultural & Historical Sites

11. Marmaris Old Town

The Old Town is located below the castle and on one side of Bar Street. The quaint, cobbled, and winding lanes are full of brightly colored flowers, small boutique stores, coffee shops, and tea houses.

As you head to one side, you’ll find the “Bar Street,” which may be quiet in the daytime but certainly isn’t at night – this is where Marmaris’ nightclubs are located.

As you walk around the main streets and out the other side, you’ll reach the marina, an excellent place for a walk and a coffee stop. Check out the huge yachts moored up.

12. Marmaris Castle

If you love an Insta-worthy snap, be sure to head to Marmaris Castle and check out the fantastic views over the mountains, all the way over to Icmeler, and beyond. There is also a museum that explains the history of Marmaris and shows you a few of the artifacts found on site.

The castle is very well preserved and sits above Bar Street in Marmaris Old Town, making it one of the best Marmaris day trips away from the beach.

The good news is that getting inside at less than 10 lire per person is very cheap – a bargain!

13. Icmeler Old Village

Icmeler is connected to Marmaris by road, and you can even walk along the coastal path if you want to. You’ll find the Old Village, a charming spot to wander for an hour just behind the main town. 

Here, you’ll find a more authentic way of life, with olive trees, flowers, greenery, and even goats! It’s super-quiet, too, which is perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of tourist life. 

Shopping & Bazaars In Marmaris

14. Marmaris Bazaar

If you love shopping and enjoy bargains, head to the bazaar in the center of Marmaris. It’s one of the most popular tourist activities to do in Marmaris.

You will need to haggle, and you can expect to be encouraged to enter every shop in this closed bazaar. However, it’s a great break from the sun, and you’ll also get some great bargains to take home with you.

15. Shop Some More

In Marmaris, you’ve got a treasure trove of shopping spots to explore, each offering its own unique vibe and variety of goods. We already spoke about the bazaar, but you can also find other places to spend your Lira.

Marmaris Shopping Center

For a more contemporary shopping experience, hit the Marmaris Shopping Center. It’s packed with a mix of local and global brands, offering everything from fashion to tech gadgets.

Netsel Marina Shopping Mall

Fancy a bit of luxury? The Netsel Marina Shopping Mall combines upscale shopping with dining and entertainment, all with a view of the marina.

Bar Street

By night, it’s the go-to place for nightlife, but by day, Bar Street offers cool shops and boutiques where you can pick up beachwear, souvenirs, and more.

Marmaris Market

For the weekly dose of local culture, the Marmaris Market (or Thursday Market) is unbeatable. Fresh produce, spices, and a variety of goods await in a lively setting.

Nightlife & Best Restaurants In Marmaris

16. Try Turkish Food

This is a must-do! 

Of course, Marmaris is a tourist place, so there is more than enough international cuisine around, but if you want to try something authentic, there are some hidden spots to go to. 

Cihan Ocakbasi in Siteler is the number one place for kebabs and meze. The bread is cooked fresh almost before you, and you can see all the kebabs cooking on the grill. It’s really reasonably priced, and the service is fantastic, with English-speaking servers.  Definitely go here!

You could also try casserole-style Turkish cuisine; in that case, there are several spots in Marmaris town center. These are often served in large buffet-style dishes; you choose what you want, and the waiter will bring it over to you. Try guvec and Turkish Moussaka, for sure. 

Finally, you have to have a traditional Turkish breakfast or kahvalti. There are several great spots in Marmaris, but Icmeler has the best.  Head to Liberty on the beachfront, and you can sit on the jetty with the sea all around you, surrounded by plates of delicious food. You’ll be full until dinner and even beyond! 

17. Party In Marmaris

If you’re looking for nightlife and partying in Marmaris, there are several popular spots to consider. Here are some suggestions:

Bar Street

Located in the heart of Marmaris, Bar Street is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. This lively street is lined with bars, clubs, and discos, offering a wide variety of music genres and entertainment options.

Long Beach

Long Beach is a popular spot for daytime beach clubs that transform into buzzing party venues at night. Enjoy the beachside atmosphere, dance to the tunes of popular DJs, and sip cocktails while taking in the energetic ambiance.

Club Areena

Situated on the beachfront, Club Areena is one of the largest and most famous nightclubs in Marmaris. With its massive dance floor, multiple bars, and renowned DJs, it offers an unforgettable party experience.

Arena Disco

Located near the marina, Arena Disco is a modern and trendy nightclub where you can dance the night away to the latest hits. The club often hosts themed parties and events, keeping the atmosphere fresh and exciting.

Backstreet

This popular bar is known for its lively atmosphere, great music, and friendly staff. With its relaxed and cozy vibe, it’s a fantastic spot to start the evening and enjoy a few drinks.

Robin Hood

If you’re looking for live music, head to Robin Hood. This British-style pub offers live bands playing a mix of classic rock, pop, and other genres. It’s a great

Family & Leisure Activities In Marmaris

18. Atlantis Waterpark

Located on the Marmaris beachfront, you’ll find the fun-filled Atlantis Waterpark.

This is a great day out for all the family and is full of slides, rides, splashing, and general fun. There is a restaurant on-site and plenty of room for sunbathing.

If you want to try other water parks, head to Aqua Dream Waterpark, located halfway up the mountain overlooking Marmaris. This has more slides and is a little quieter than Atlantis. The views are also pretty special!

Day Trips From Marmaris

Akyaka

If you’re in Marmaris, it would be a crime not to head over to Akyaka, which is about 20 minutes away and reachable by bus or taxi. It’s a chilled local beach town with that laid-back vibe that leaves you feeling like you’re floating. Thanks to the ever-present, cooling breeze, it’s also an excellent spot for kite surfing. 

The sea is always a little wavy but shallow for a long distance. The Azmak River also runs through Akyaka, which has the clearest water you’ll ever see in your life, and it’s freezing cold, no matter what the month of the year. You can go on a boat trip down the river and sit on the river banks and eat fish at one of the many restaurants. 

Be sure to pick up some local crafts to take home, too. 

Incekum

Around 20 20-minute drive away from Marmaris Center, you’ll find somewhere that looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean. It’s stunning and set in a shady forest with white sand and sea so blue and transparent you’ll never really believe what you see. 

There is no transport to Incekum, so you’ll need to get a taxi there and back, but it’s more than worth it. You’ll pay a small entrance fee, and then you’ll board a tractor-pulled trailer (yes, really) that takes you down a forest road, with the impossible blue of the sea peeking between the lush, green trees. 

Once you arrive, you’ll want to jump into the sea immediately! 

A small café on site sells ice creams, toast, refreshments, etc., but you might want to take a small picnic with you as the food isn’t the best. 

Cleopatra Island

If you head in the same direction as Incekum but don’t go as far, you’ll come to the boat station, where boats head over to Cleopatra Island, about a 20-minute sailing route. It’s another trip that’s worth the taxi fare and entrance fee! 

This is where Marc Antony is said to have placed the perfect sand for Cleopatra to enjoy, and again, the water is so unbelievably clear. You can’t go onto the part where the famous sand is, as it’s roped off, and if you try to take any, the security team will be right over!

The beach you can visit is quite rocky, so you will need some sea shoes and keep an eye on the children, but once you’re in, it’s soft sand and blue sea all the way. There is also a set of old ruins behind the beach that you can explore; make sure you stay on the path and don’t venture into the high grass. 

Again, there is a small café on-site, but the food here is worse than in Incekum, so 100% take a picnic! 

Taxi Boat To Turunç

The next resort from Icmeler is Turunc, a small spot that’s very beautiful. This is where a lot of the boat trips stop for an hour, but you can get there on your own steam by taxi boat.

The wind as you head over will certainly cool you down, and once you arrive, you can eat fish in the local beachside restaurant, paddle in the sea, or sit and take in the beauty of the place. 

Ölüdeniz

A neighborhood in Fethiye, Ölüdeniz is famous for its paragliding opportunities and panoramic views. The area is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, which provides visitors with a soothing sight and many Instagrammable pictures.

Fethiye

If you want to spend your day in an area full of natural beauty and relaxation, Fethiye should be your next destination. You can get to this pretty town on a day trip from Marmaris, seeing the stunning coastline and exploring the ancient Lycian rock tombs.

Rhodes

You don’t have to stay in Marmaris for your entire trip, and if you want to get out and explore, why not explore another country too? Yes, you can head to Rhodes for the day via boat. The boat takes around 1.5 hours, and you have the whole day to explore Rhodes Town before venturing back around 4 pm. It’s a long day; sometimes, the sea can be a little choppy, but it’s a fun day out.

Excursion desks around Marmaris sell the trip, but you can also head to the port office on the marina and book your tickets directly.

This trip is a great way to confuse your friends and family when you tag yourself on Facebook or Instagram – “but I thought you’d gone to Turkey?”

Where To Stay In Marmaris

There are countless hotels in Marmaris, ranging from apartments to upmarket 5-star options with spas. However, the most important thing to consider is where in Marmaris you choose to stay. Marmaris has a few neighborhoods – you need to know how far they are from the beach and the nightlife.

Marmaris Bay Resort – Adult Only

5-Star luxury with Aegean Sea access – does it get much better than that? Marmaris Bay Resort is an adult-only establishment, so you can be assured the atmosphere is sophisticated. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings, dine on a diverse menu of offerings, and relax at the outdoor pool, private beach, hammam, and bathing jetties. 

 

Grand Yazıcı Club Marmaris Palace

Grand Yazıcı Club Marmaris Palace is one of the top hotels in Turkey that offers fun activities for kids and families. The hotel offers many amenities and facilities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There are multiple pools, a water park, a kids club, and various sports and leisure facilities on site. The hotel also has its own private beach where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

 

Green Nature Resort & Spa

Located in the center of Marmaris, Green Nature Resort & Spa is a luxury option for those who want to be close to the action and is right on the beachfront. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a large spa with countless treatments, a children’s playground, on-site shops, and a Turkish bath.

The on site restaurants are top quality, including al la carte options and world cuisine on offer. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room overlooking the sea, with snacks available all day.

During the day, many activities are offered, and you can enjoy the private beach area. During the evening, there are bars on site, or you can venture out into the beachfront area of Marmaris, where you’ll find plenty of nightlife on offer.

 

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When To Go To Marmaris Türkiye

Okay, first things first. Let’s address the weather because depending upon when you’re visiting, this can severely affect your ability to get out and do a lot!

It is possible to visit Marmaris anytime, but most hotels, bars, and restaurants are closed during winter (between November and early April). However, things start to open up in early April, and you’ll find that the town becomes progressively busier from there. From June to September, Marmaris and neighboring Icmeler are very busy indeed.

During summer’s peak, temperatures hit 40 degrees, which is not unusual. Evenings can also be sweltering, so you need air conditioning – a fan just won’t cut it!

If you want to head out and explore, and you’re not a fan of lying on a beach much of the time, you will probably be better off visiting in May or June and September to October. During those months, temperatures are still hot but a little more bearable!

However, if the heat doesn’t bother you, grab a hat, your favorite water bottle, and some high SPF, and away you go!

Weather In Marmaris

Here is a guide to the average high and low temperatures for Marmaris, Turkey, across different seasons.

How To Get To Marmaris, Turkey

By Plane

The easiest way to reach Marmaris is to fly directly to Dalaman Airport and transfer from there. Dalaman is open for direct flights during summer and connects to most European cities. Outside, you’ll need to fly to Istanbul and then take a domestic flight to Dalaman, which takes about 1 hour.

The transfer from the airport to Marmaris varies depending on your chosen method. If you hire a car, you’ll get there between 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. If you opt for a private transfer, i.e., only you, you’ll get there in 1 hour 30 minutes.

If you choose a shuttle, you’re looking at anything between 2-3 hours. The reason is that the shuttle must wait for several passengers before it can leave, which can often take a while with luggage and people deciding to check out duty-free.

In addition, the shuttle stops at a service station along the way for around 15 minutes. The shuttle is cheaper, but it’s certainly the long way!

By Bus

The other alternative is to take the Havas bus, which costs around 20 lira and leaves the airport according to the domestic flight schedule. The bus takes 1 hour 30 minutes and will drop you at Marmaris Otogar (bus station). From there you can jump in a taxi to your hotel.

Now you see why Marmaris is famous and a fantastic spot for a summer break – make sure it’s on your visit list!