Top 10 things to do in Marmaris

A cascade of local goods and luxury items are on the menu, hosted by chic boutique stores and ornament stalls, Marmaris Grand Bazaar is a real Turkish delight. Get hands-on pottery, lamps, coffee sets, clothing items, and appetising food samples, situated in a vast alley of vaulted roofs. If you’ve got a business knack for negotiation, and patience, you may secure a deal half the quoted price!

Take a trip from Çamli and hop on the boat ride to Göcova Bay to get to Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra Island, home to a rustic bay and historic settlements of Cedrae. Its cyan waters are overlapped by sugar-soft sand here and stay shallow almost all year round. Regular ferries transport between Çamli to the coastal island throughout the day in the summer and just a walk down the lagoon you’ll find restaurants, a sea-front theatre, and subtle city ruins scattered over the coast.

Situated in the Koycegiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Area by UNESCO, on the west bank of the Kalbis River, are the ancient ruins of Kaunos. Quite arresting to the eye, you’ll find royal, King Tombs embedded onto the golden-brown cliffs against sage-green olive trees that back the city ruins. The entrance to the main site is around a 20-minute walk up a gradual hill, be sure to wear comfortable footwear. Once you’re there you’ll discover the lookalikes of Roman baths, The temple of Zeus, the Kaunos theatre, and much more.

You can hike, horseride, or get a jeep tour here, although many travellers visit this stretch of the coast by yacht to inhale its sensational panorama. Marmaris National Park is encrusted with mountain valleys of sweet pine and mangrove, encompassed by an azure lagoon, east of Marmaris town. Trekking into the lush forest, you can spot Eurasian lynxes, wild goats, and boars as well as eagles, falcons, and hawks – right up the bird watchers' street! To satisfy your wanderlust even more, explore the great Namara Caves a little further inland.

No matter how long you’ll stay, be sure to check out the Marmaris’ bijou old town for its incredible historical sites. Walk up the cobbled pathways of the ash-white town and step inside the Marmaris Castle to discover ancient artefacts, hand-made pottery, architectural pieces, plus more. Once you step foot, capture heavenly vistas across the bay.

Lights. Music. Action! Head to the Youth Square Plaza for a spectacular show of a sprinkling-dancing-water live performance, starring vibrant light displays and catchy rhythms. The crowds gather at 9 pm and during the peak season at 10 pm.

Ancient Letoon traces its roots years back when the ruling powers of Lycian made important political and religious decisions for its citizens. Many messages were engraved into the stone such as the significant monument dating to 337 BC, written in three languages, explaining religious rules, now displayed in the Fethiye museum. 

Marmaris Bay, Iztuzu beach, Icmeler Plaji, Turunc beach; Marmaris is spoilt for choice with bays of boundless beauty. Each coastline is sheltered by pine forest hills and as paradisiacal alike, each boasts its unique attributes.

The parties come to an end when daylight strikes the horizon; nightlife can’t get better than in Marmaris. Bar street, located just one street in from the waterfront, lives up to its name; brimmed with local nightclubs and drink bars catering to all your needs. Crazy Daisy Bar & Nightclub, Backstreet Disco, and Club Areena & Rock Bar are honourable mentions.