Marmaris, which was once a fishing village, has experienced a great growth in tourism the last years. It is the starting point of the blue voyage and is located around a beautiful natural harbor. The picturesque part of the town located around the harbor and castle is now being restored. There is a large covered bazaar and many restaurants, hotels and tourist shops. Marmaris has Turkey’s largest and most modern yacht marina.

Marmaris was a Carian city of which history goes back to the 3500 BC. Its ancient name was Physkos of which antique ruins can be seen at Asartepe (1.7kms north). A wonder of nature in itself, in this wonderful country, is the town of Marmaris greeting the Aegean, as well as the Mediterranean, on a dreamlike bay. Here, where the pine-clad mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the beaches of clearest waters, the medley of green and blue tones are fascinating.

This land of lacy coastline is ideal for the sun-worshippers, and offers the most attractive coves and inlets for those who would like to swim, dive or fish. The sheltered bay is a favorite for a relaxing holiday, while also being amazingly excellent for a lively vacation of water sports and sailing.

Along the promenade, adorned with palm trees, the Marmaris marina is a busy yachting center and also a pretty sight. The “Yacht Charter Show” organized here every May, is an enjoyable event with captains and. crews coming together to sail with nature-lovers, among the impressive southern coasts of Turkey. One also may take the famous “Blue Voyage” from here, and make a fascinating trip along the elegant coastline of the Aegean. Marmaris is a yachting heaven with vast facilities for yacht owners.

If you do not get lost in this wide natural beauty, there is also a lot to see inside the plentiful little towns.

A 16th-century citadel, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, the Ottoman caravansary of 1545, and the Mosque of Ibrahim Agha, dating to 1789, are some interesting buildings in this ancient town of “Physkos” for the devoted sightseers.

The Ataturk Park, on the eastern side of Marmaris, is another location that should not be missed, with its lovely beach for swimming. It is an unforgettable place, possessing the frankincense trees which are rarely found elsewhere in the world, and the delightful aroma of which you will remember forever.

Marmaris today is a popular holiday resort with all these scenic points, supplemented by numerous facilities, including modern accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars, and others. The beautiful boutiques, markets and bazaars provide a good deal of shopping opportunities which will give a last colorful aspect to your vacation. You may choose from excellent souvenirs among the Turkish handicrafts here, and do not forget to buy “Caam Ball” which is a tasty pine-scented honey, locally produced in this area of pine forests.

Environs of Marmaris:

The environs of Marmaris is a vacation land. The Gö1enge Icmeleri provides breathtaking scenery with great misty mountains descending to the golden sandy beaches.

The clear, deep blue sea under the sunny sky is perfect for any kind of water-sport.

This area is so appealing that you will need to spend several days to make the most of everything. Down a iinle from the mountains is Turuns Bay, bordered by various restaurants, each with a perfect view. You may taste delicious fish any time you like. Turunç, is a holiday resort surrounded by rich, natural beauty. Gunnucek, Yalanci Bogaz, Cennet Adasi (Nimara), Fosforlu Magara (the Phosphorous Cave), Çiftlik, Yavuz Plaji, Turgut (Selale), and Orhaniye with its natural harbor, are the other significant sites worth a visit.

At Kumlubuk you will find unexplored coves and inlets each of which exhibits different shades of turquoise. You may swim, dive or fish along the perfect coastline. You also may visit the ancient city of Amos on the northern slope, facing the bay.

Loryma can be reached by a delightful boat trip to the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula.. There you will see the ruins of a harbor and a castle. For those who want privacy while enjoying the wonders of nature, the northern side of the peninsula is perfect with its natural inlets, and quiet bays. The ancient cities of Hydas, Erine, Castabus, Bybassias, Pariodon, Ceresse, Saranda, Tymuns and Amos are on this peninsula.

Sedir Island, the ancient Cedrai, known as “Cleopatra and city islands” lies in the Gulf of Gökova. You will need to drive north from Marmaris to Gelibolu Bay and then take a boat to the Sedir Islands to find the ancient city walls, a theater and temples and the panoramic view of mountains across the bay. It is said that Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius swam together in a little bay on the northwest of the island of which it is said the sand was brought by ships from North Africa. It is an unforgettable experience.

Going to the inner parts of the gulf, there is the little village of Gokova, with its traditional houses spreading to the edge of the mountain. Gokova Park with its dense pine forest and cool breeze, gives a welcome break from the sun. The restaurants, by the fresh water springs streaming from the mountains, are places to enjoy.