Top 15 attractions in Marmaris, Turkey

Marmaris is considered one of the best Turkish resorts; in terms of the quality of rest, it can even be compared with European ones. The city is located within a closed bay, thanks to which an almost ideal climate has developed here with mild winters and summers without sweltering heat. The sea in Marmaris is calm, clean, with a smooth entry and a soft sandy bottom. Local beaches are well-groomed and equipped with everything you need.

The city harbor is very popular with yachtsmen - thousands of ships pass through it every year, most of which come from other countries. Often cruise ships come here on their voyage around the Mediterranean Sea. The entertainment industry is represented by dozens of clubs, bars and restaurants. You can buy almost everything in boutiques and shops: from branded clothes to national souvenirs.

What to see and where to go in Marmaris?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Marmaris Castle

The castle is mentioned in the writings of the Greek historian Herodotus, who claims that it was built 3,000 years before our era (according to alternative versions, in the 11th and 6th centuries BC). The appearance of the building remained unchanged until the 8th century. During the time of Suleiman the Magnificent, it was rebuilt - it is this version that has survived to this day. Today, the castle houses a museum with exhibits from the ancient and medieval eras.

Netsel Marina

The sea harbor of Marmaris, located in the central part of the city on the territory of a natural bay. Netsel Marina is a real paradise for yachts, it is designed for the simultaneous mooring of up to 750 vessels. From here you can go on a sea voyage throughout the Mediterranean, which is what yachting enthusiasts and tourists use. The marina has international sailing schools.

Embankment

The city embankment stretches for 4 km. This is one of the most picturesque places in Marmaris - it offers magnificent views of the sea, mountains, city and huge cruise ships standing in the port. Here are the best restaurants, bars and clubs, always full of tourists. In the evening, accompanied by music and bright lights, the embankment turns into a lively place where hundreds of people stroll.

"Dancing Fountain"

Light and music fountain built in 2012 in the center of Marmaris. It is a round bowl with jets of water beating in the middle, merging into a transparent wall, onto which views of the city's sights are projected, as well as portraits of Ataturk and the national flag. Usually, the light and music performance begins in the evenings, gathering curious tourists around the fountain.

bar street

Not a single popular resort town can do without a special place in which all entertainment establishments are maximally concentrated - restaurants, bars and clubs with entertainment programs. In Marmaris, this is Bar Street. There are traditional Turkish establishments with the appropriate design and menu, as well as European discos, clubs with laser shows, rock cafes and bars with live music.

Monument to Kemal Ataturk

The monument in honor of the father of the nation, Ataturk, is an obligatory attraction in almost every Turkish city. The Marmari monument is installed on the embankment, surrounded by Turkish flags and a green lawn, on which there is also a national banner lined with flowers. Ataturk is depicted in full growth in motion. The leader’s hand makes either a greeting wave or covers his eyes from the bright sun.

AquaDream and Atlantis water parks

Water amusement parks are located close to each other. Atlantis has its own beach, 8 slides and 2 pools. AquaDream has a large size and a variety of entertainment. Both parks are equipped with food courts and recreation areas, have a developed infrastructure and professional instructors. Which of the places to prefer is the personal choice of each visitor, especially since the prices in both are approximately the same.

Grand Bazaar

Covered market in the city center where you can buy clothes, souvenirs, shoes, leather goods, interior items, Turkish ceramics and sweets. In total, about 4 thousand shops and shops are located on the territory of the bazaar, there are also cafes, workshops and ateliers that provide various services. Unfortunately, the traditional oriental flavor is not to be found here - the space looks quite modern.

Amphitheater

Antique amphitheater, supposedly built in the 5th-6th centuries BC, which has survived to this day in fairly good condition due to the fact that it was reconstructed several times (the last restoration took place in the 1970s). The amphitheater operates - symphony concerts are held on its territory. Since 2005, the building has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Marmaris National Park

A vast natural area that attracts tourists who prefer active recreation. Here you can admire the magnificent landscapes, walk along ecological routes, go mountain biking or horseback riding, rock climbing, go on a jeep safari or relax on secluded beaches. The park is located in several regions of Turkey, one of its parts is located near Marmaris.

Nimara Cave

The cave is located on Paradise Island (or rather, a peninsula) not far from Marmaris, a 400-meter mountain path leads into it. Its history is connected with the name of the Greek goddess Leto, who, according to legend, lived in this grotto. It is believed that earlier the cave was large, but as a result of the collapse, its area was reduced. From the point of view of geology, Nimara is a fairly young formation that continues to actively form.

Sedir Island

There is a beautiful legend that the island of Sedir was presented as a gift to Cleopatra by the Roman commander Mark Antony as a token of his love. At the same time, a whole flotilla brought sand to the island beaches from Egypt, since the queen did not like the local one. The most famous place in Sedir is Cleopatra's beach, indeed covered with unique sand, which is carefully guarded by the Turkish authorities (an impressive fine can be imposed for trying to take a handful or two with you).

Spit Kyz-Kumu

Kyz-Kumu in Turkish means "maiden sand". The natural attraction is located in the village of Orhaniye near Marmaris. The spit was formed due to the current, which gradually washed up the sand - over time, a piece of land was formed from it. The sea around is very calm and rather shallow, so it is convenient to swim here with children. Moreover, the water temperature is quite high.

Icmeler beach

Icmeler has long been considered as part of the Marmaris zone, but recently it has been considered an independent resort. The beaches of Icmeler are located in the bay among the wooded slopes, surrounded by picturesque gardens through which the roads to the hotels are laid. The sea here is much cleaner than in Marmaris itself. At a depth of several meters, the bottom is clearly visible, so the place is very popular with divers.

Lycian tombs in Dalyan

The tombs are located in the small town of Dalyan. They are ancient burials, perfectly preserved thanks to a good location. The crypts are carved directly into the rock, whose steep slope is located above the river. Unfortunately, all the graves have long been looted and all that is left for tourists is to admire the majestic stone vaults of the entrances, which have survived more than one thousand years.