Holidays to Marmaris

There are so many fantastic things to do in Marmaris, from fascinating historical explorations to unforgettable day trips. Here are a few to add to your holiday itinerary:

• Spend the day at the beach: Marmaris boasts a beautiful coastline with several beaches waiting to be explored. The most popular is Icmeler Beach, known for its golden sands and clear turquoise waters. Go for a dip, soak up the sunshine or try fun water sports before stopping for lunch at a nearby café.
• Experience the nightlife: Marmaris nightlife is some of the best in Turkey. Bar Street is the epicentre of the action, lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a late-night party or relaxed evening drinks, you’ll find it on Bar Street.
• Step back in time at Marmaris Castle: Soak up the history and admire panoramic views of the marina from Marmaris Castle. While you’re there, explore the Marmaris Archaeology Museum, housed within the famous Ottoman castle and filled with fascinating ancient artefacts.
• Enjoy exciting day trips: Fancy hopping over to Greece? Fast ferries get you to the stunning island of Rhodes in an hour. You can also set off on a cruise along the stunning Turquoise Coast or discover the mud pools of Dalyan.
• Explore the old town: Take the time to discover Marmaris Old Town. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses and shops selling souvenirs and local crafts.

Get ready to explore the great outdoors and admire the natural beauty of Marmaris, from hikes though beautiful national parks to romantic walks along the marina.

• Marmaris National Park: For peace and serenity, head to the protected haven of Marmaris National Park, where you can walk, mountain bike or horse ride through the hills, surrounded by cypress and sweetgum trees. Look out for cascading waterfalls and wildlife along the way.
• Marmaris Marina: The home of luxury yachts, Marmaris Marina is the place to go for upscale dining and cocktail-sipping. Take in the views while wandering around the jetties and browse through a range of elegant boutiques.
• Waterparks: Marmaris is home to several waterparks that are perfect for cooling off from the holiday heat. Atlantis Water Park is one of the most popular thanks to its thrilling water slides, fun wave pool and dedicated children’s areas. There are also a range of restaurants, plus mini golf and bowling.
• Diving and snorkelling: With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Marmaris is a paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling. You’ll be able to explore colourful coral reefs, shipwrecks and underwater caves. Diving schools offer courses for both beginners and experienced divers.
• Go-karting: Get your adrenaline pumping with an exciting go-karting experience. Marmaris has multiple go-karting tracks suitable for adults and children. Race against each other, enjoy the competition and create lasting memories.

From family-friendly beaches with impressive water sports to secluded sandy stretches – there’s something for everyone on Marmaris beach holidays.

• Icmeler Beach: Once a fishing village, Icmeler is now one of the most popular resorts in the region. At its namesake beach, expect fine, golden sands and clear waters set against a beautiful backdrop of towering mountains. The calm waters are great for swimming and snorkelling.
• Long Beach: If you're looking for a lively beach with plenty of amenities, Long Beach (Uzunyali) is the place to be. Also known as Uzunyali, this is one of 2 main urban beaches. Start your day with windsurfing or parasailing, hire a sun lounger to unwind on the sand, then make the most of the waterfront restaurants and bars.
• Marmaris Public Beach: This is a convenient beach option for holidaymakers staying in the centre of Marmaris. There’s a gentle slope into the water, making it suitable for families with young children.
• Turunc Beach: Located in a secluded bay, Turunc Beach is perfect for peace and quiet. It offers beautiful scenery with pine-clad mountains framing the turquoise waters. The beach has a mix of pebbles and sand, and there are a few restaurants along the seafront where you can stop for snacks.
• Kizkumu Beach: For something different, visit Kizkumu Beach in the Orhaniye district. It’s around a 35-minute drive from the centre of Marmaris, but it’s well worth the journey. The beach features a unique natural wonder – a 600m-long sandbar that divides this picture-perfect bay in 2, creating a path that appears to walk on water!

Marmaris holidays give you the opportunity to venture further and explore amazing attractions, from historical sites to natural wonders.

• Rhodes: A quick ferry journey will take you to the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes in just under an hour. Explore the island and the Old Town at your own pace, or embark on a guided sightseeing tour to visit famous attractions like the Temple of Aphrodite and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights.
• Pamukkale: Meaning ‘Cotton Castle’ in Turkish, Pamukkale is known for its famous white travertine terraces that resemble a cascading cotton fortress. Take a day trip here to see this natural wonder for yourself, swim in the thermal waters of Cleopatra’s Pool and discover the fascinating ruins of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, located directly above the pools.
• Dalyan: Take a traditional boat trip to the riverside town of Dalyan where there’s so much to see and do. This charming town is brimming with shops and restaurants. Highlights include taking a mud bath, getting up close to loggerhead turtles on the beach and admiring the impressive rock tombs of Kaunos that overlook the river.
• Cleopatra Island: Sail to Cleopatra Island, a short boat trip away from Marmaris, and relax on its famous beach. According to legend, the sand was brought over from Egypt specifically for Queen Cleopatra. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming.
• Ephesus: If you’re prepared to travel a little further, take a historical tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Marvel at the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.

Traditional street food stalls, beachfront seafood spots, international eateries and fine-dining restaurants – eating out in Marmaris is a treat for the taste buds.

• Authentic Turkish cuisine: You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Marmaris serving traditional Turkish fare. Succulent kebabs, spicy kofta meatballs and Mediterranean meze platters are all on the menu. Finish your meal with something sweet like flaky baklava or flavoured Turkish delight.
• Meyhanes: Dine like a local at a meyhane. These are taverns where grilled meats, fish and stews are cooked as they have been for decades. Weekends often bring live music and dancing.
• Fresh seafood: Being a beautiful coastal town, Marmaris offers a bounty of fresh and delicious seafood. Indulge in sea bass, sea bream, swordfish and tuna, grilled, baked or pan-fried to perfection. The marina is lined with restaurants where you can savour a seafood feast.
• Street Food: Marmaris has a vibrant street food scene which is perfect for picking up cheap eats. Explore the stalls and discover tasty, budget-friendly options like gozleme (flatbreads stuffed with flavoursome fillings), simit (Turkish bagels) and dondurma (Turkish ice cream) covered in toppings like nuts and honey.
• International eats: Marmaris holidays cater for everyone, with restaurants serving food from all over the world. You’ll find steakhouses and brasseries, plus restaurants specialising in Italian, Mexican, Indian and Mediterranean meals. Some of the best all inclusive hotels even have à la carte eateries on site.

Marmaris is known for its buzzing nightlife, from bustling bars with live music to vibrant clubs boasting world-class DJs. Here’s our pick of the best Marmaris nightlife:

• Bar Street: This is the heart of the town's nightlife scene. Neon lights illuminate the strip, music spills out of lively bars and the atmosphere is electric. Choose from nightclubs, sports bars, karaoke spots and live music venues open until the early hours. Club Areena is an open-air nightclub famous for its foam parties, while Joy Club has regular DJ nights and dance shows.
• Long Beach: This area is another popular spot for nights out. As well as restaurants for dinner, there are lots of bars to visit for music and dancing. While still a lively location, this is more relaxed than Bar Street. Talk of the Town is a favourite with holidaymakers thanks to its dazzling shows.
• Rooftop bars: Marmaris has rooftop bars and restaurants offering stunning panoramas of the marina or the town, perfect for a pre-club drink or a special occasion. Sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy light bites before you hit the town.
• Boat parties: If you’re planning an active getaway, make sure you add a boat party to your list. Set sail on the Aegean Sea for a night to remember, filled with music, dancing and drinks. Some cruises have DJ sets, fun themes and foam machines too.
• Themed nights: Whether you’re at a buzzing nightclub or your all inclusive hotel, you can join in the fun at themed special events. Beach parties, foam parties and neon nights are all on the cards.

Spend your next family holiday racing down water slides or experiencing action-packed adventures in Marmaris. Here are a few of our favourite family activities:

• Waterparks: Get ready to cool off from the sunshine and make a splash on the slides at Aqua Dream Waterpark. There are a host of thrilling attractions to try including free-fall slides, rafting rides with plenty of twists and turns and a fun wave pool. You can expect dance performances and foam parties during your visit too.
• Jeep safaris: Climb aboard a Jeep for an exciting safari tour off the beaten track, where you’ll ride through Marmaris National Park and around the Bozburun Peninsula. This memorable journey will give you the chance to admire waterfalls, beaches and wildlife along the way.
• Dalyan: This charming village is known for its natural mud baths, and the kids will love getting covered from head to toe! Afterwards, relax on the beautiful sands of Turtle Beach, designated as a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. The best time to visit to see these adorable animals is between May and August.
• Boat trips: For a memorable, family-friendly day trip, set sail on a glass-bottomed boat, where you’ll have amazing views of the underwater world. Get a close-up look at marine life and sunken shipwrecks before stopping for a swim in the clear waters.
• Horse riding: Take a ride through the hills on horseback, passing beautiful orange groves and trickling streams. There are several tour operators in Marmaris that will pick you up from your hotel for a day of exploring the scenic countryside.

On couples holidays to Marmaris, you can indulge in a romantic escape by the sea, doing as little or as much as you like. Here are our highlights:

• Enjoy date nights: Treat yourselves to a fancy dinner at one of Marmaris’ top restaurants or book a table at one of the impressive à la carte eateries at your all inclusive hotel. Waterfront restaurants provide a romantic setting, and you can take your pick from the likes of traditional Turkish, Mediterranean or fusion cuisine.
• Unwind at a Turkish bath: There are several traditional hammams in Marmaris where you can try a unique Turkish bath experience. Therapies include steam rooms, body exfoliation, aromatherapy massages and facials. Visit with your partner and you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
• Go on a shopping spree: The Grand Bazaar is a must-visit on holidays to Marmaris. Enjoy a traditional Turkish shopping experience where you can haggle for goods like jewellery, clothes, sweet treats and spices. Take some Turkish Lira with you for souvenirs to bring home.
• Opt for all inclusive: If rest and relaxation is top of your list, choose a hassle-free all inclusive holiday package. Marmaris has a great collection of all inclusive hotels, including 5-star accommodation that’s perfect for a luxury holiday. Choose from resorts with indulgent spas, à la carte restaurants and lagoon-style pools or pick an adult only hotel for total tranquillity.
• Adventures for 2: There are lots of excursions that cater for couples, including cosy sunset cruises, boat trips to Cleopatra Island, visits to mineral mud baths and exhilarating Jeep safari tours.