Marmaris

Situated along the so-called “Turkish Riviera”, Marmaris is a coastal resort in Turkey that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and has transformed from a small fishing village into a sought-after tourist destination in recent years. The city boasts a long history, having been founded in the 6th century BC as Physkos, a name later Latinised to Physcus, and is known to have been conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. It was only during the Middle Ages that it acquired the name Marmaris, derived from the Greek màrmaron (or Turkish mermer), a term meaning “marble” in reference to the region’s rich marble deposits and the important role the city’s port played in the trade of this material.

Its port, however, was also strategically important militarily, so the Ottoman Empire always maintained a garrison here to defend the territory. In 1798, Admiral Nelson gathered his troops in Marmaris harbour before setting sail for Egypt to lead the Battle of the Nile against Napoleon, who was defeated on that occasion.

From the 1980s and 1990s onwards, Marmaris transformed into one of the Riviera’s most famous coastal resorts thanks to the construction of numerous hotels and hospitality facilities. Its position, magnificent coastline, numerous bays and coves, and the opportunity to visit many nearby islands made it a highly sought-after tourist destination during the summer season, when it receives countless visitors from across Europe.

Beaches of Marmaris

The Marmaris coastline stretches for roughly 4 kilometres from the town centre to the south-western suburbs and is a sandy beach equipped with all amenities, frequented during the summer weeks by both tourists and locals. This beach can therefore become quite crowded and busy during high season, given that its position makes it one of the most popular.

Another option is to head south to İçmeler Beach, characterised by a long sandy shoreline surrounded by lush greenery; here you’ll find several beach clubs, hotel facilities and venues for water sports. About 20 km from the centre are the beaches of Turunç and Kumlubük, with the latter being a tranquil, unspoilt bay washed by crystal-clear waters. At Turunç, the sand is mixed with small pebbles and the seabed slopes gently, making it perfect for children and those who aren’t confident swimmers.

Numerous boat trips depart from Marmaris to explore small islands and coves along the coast, accessible only by sea and famous for their crystalline waters. Among the must-visit stops is Sedir Island in Gökova Bay, which is home to the beautiful Cleopatra Beach, renowned for its fine white sand and clear sea. The Datça peninsula also hosts a wealth of spectacular coves and bays, such as Hayıtbuku Plajı and Palamutbükü Plaji, which can be reached from Marmaris via organised boat excursions.

For those interested, day trips to the Greek islands of Symi and Rhodes are also possible, two destinations that allow you to organise an excursion combining history and relaxation. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Marmaris is also an important centre for both sailing enthusiasts and divers.

What to See in Marmaris

The sole surviving remnant of ancient Marmaris is the Castle, which has been transformed into a museum with a pathway chronicling the history of the territory and displaying artefacts found in the area, such as amphorae, statues, weapons, coins and various objects. From ancient times (very likely from 3000 BC onwards), a fortress was known to have been built here for defensive purposes, though it was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. What we see today is therefore an Ottoman-style structure erected around 1522 on the foundations of a previous building and subsequently restored on multiple occasions.

Marmaris town centre, meanwhile, is home to the Grand Bazaar, a market with thousands of stalls and small shops selling various types of products, from clothing to handicrafts. In this area you can also visit a small Ottoman caravanserai dating from the 16th century, commissioned by the mother of Suleiman the Magnificent. Throughout the town centre are several cafés, bars and small restaurants serving local cuisine, often in characterful settings.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the beautiful Marmaris National Park is worth visiting, where nature walks, mountain biking excursions and treks to higher peaks are organised. The park’s territory also includes Keci Island and Yildiz Island, home to the famous Nimara Cave, which has been inhabited since ancient times and is now a protected area hosting distinctive flora and fauna species.

Where to Stay in Marmaris

Compared to other Turkish Riviera resorts, Marmaris remains a relatively affordable destination, as the city hasn’t developed the glamorous, chic character of places like Bodrum. Marmaris offers a wide selection of accommodation in different styles and price ranges: from all-inclusive resorts to apartment hotels, everyone can find suitable lodging in the city.

The old town centre is ideal for those wanting all services within reach and proximity to the beaches, whilst the harbour area is better suited for those who enjoy nightlife, as it’s full of bars and nightclubs.

Recommended hotels in Marmaris

We offer a selection of hotels at Marmaris to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Marmaris, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Marmaris

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Marmaris. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Marmaris are in high demand.

How to Reach Marmaris

Marmaris doesn’t have its own airport, but Dalaman Airport is used, located approximately 90 km away. This airport is connected to Istanbul, Ankara and other Turkish and international cities, with flight numbers increasing during summer months.

From Dalaman Airport you can reach Marmaris town centre by taxi or private transfer in under an hour, or by several bus lines, though these typically take around 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into Milas-Bodrum International Airport, though this is nearly 130 km away. Finally, it’s worth noting that the city is connected to other Turkish and Greek destinations during summer via ferries.

Marmaris Weather