Marmaris Tourist Information and Tourism

(Marmaris, Mugla Province, Turkey)

Marmaris is a fun, pumping resort city in the Turkish south-west, where it is known to cater mainly to holidaying Brits, while also having appeal to other Euro-types. This medium-sized port city is right on the coast and boasts Turkey's biggest and most modern marina, a busy harbour lined by a promenade, and a pleasant waterfront, along with an appealing Old Town and a stunning coastline.

The beaches of Marmaris are enhanced by the sunny weather and serve as the biggest tourist attraction, and during the summer season, up to 200,000 holiday makers visit the city, most of whom arrive as part of a budget package deal. There are also a good number of shopping opportunities and a vibrant nightlife, plus there are tourism options nearby. The tourist information office in Marmaris is to be found near the ferry pier and the Government House (Hukumet Konagi), being located on the Iskele Meydani and open daily.

Marmaris Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

If you are coming to Marmaris for its beaches, then the best are the Icmeler, Gunluk Park and Turtle beaches. Many tourists enjoy exploring the coastline as part of a cruise, and during the holiday season, frequent boats depart from the harbour and offer a great way to see some ancient ruins and even a subterranean cave. Most cruise boats are small yachts and lunch is often included in the price. If you would like to see what lies beneath the water's surface, then consider a spot of scuba diving. A number of dive centres are to hand and offer scuba diving expeditions anytime between April and October. For the ultimate Turkish experience in Marmaris, head to the Turkish Bath (Armutalan Hamam) in the Cami Avlu district, while if you need to cool down on a hot day, then the Atlantis Waterpark in the Siteler area is the place to come. More information about Marmaris Tourist Attractions.

There are a number of noteworthy landmarks spread around this popular Turkish seaside city, with the 16th-century Marmaris Castle (Marmaris Kalesi) being amongst the most eye-catching and famous. The Old Town area is home to many of the city's most historic sights and is packed with character, with lots of these buildings having been converted to shops and eateries. Also known for its shopping and cheap eats is the Grand Bazaar, which functions as the city's principal marketplace and is a good place to pick up a Turkish souvenir or two. Those interested in the ancient past of the Mugla Province must pay a visit to the Iyilik Kayaliklari Archaeological Park (Rocks of Goodness), where excavated remains have their feet in the 4th century BC. For recreational activities at their best, the walking trails, mountain biking and rock climbing within the Marmaris National Park will likely beckon lovers of the 'great outdoors'. More information about Marmaris Landmarks and Monuments.

Being steeped as it is in such a wealth of Turkish history, the city of Marmaris is rather like a living museum in its own right, although if you are seeking out a little culture, there are a small number of dedicated attractions. Located within the castle is the Marmaris Archaeology Museum, which displays information relating to the history of the castle and the battles that it has seen and endured over the centuries. As you explore the grounds, keep a look out for the flowering bougainvillea, as well as the peacocks and tortoises, which roam freely around the gardens. Close by, both the Museum of Ethnography and Archaeology (Etnografya Muzesi ve Arkeoloji) and the Mugla Museum (Mugla Muzesi) offer further artefacts and relics of an archaeological nature. More information about Marmaris Museums and Art Galleries.

Near to Marmaris and lining the Mediterranean coastline are further beaches and related seaside attractions, as well as some charming fishing villages, bustling towns and ancient cities. Just minutes away and to the south is the resort town of Icmeler, where a lengthy beachfront comes backed by mountains. Icmeler is so close in fact that it is more like a beach suburb than a separate holiday destination. To the east of Marmaris, Dalyan offers quieter beaches and is home to some 1,600-year-old Lycian tombs. Head southwards for half an hour and you will encounter the coastal village of Turunc, suiting those planning a loop of the scenic Datca Peninsula. Further afield is the beach of Ciftlik and the tourist town of Bodrum, with the latter featuring a medieval castle, an ancient amphitheatre, the Dedeman Aquapark and a busy marina filled with gleaming yachts. More information about Marmaris Attractions Nearby.

More Marmaris Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Turkey (south-west)
• Location: Mugla Province / Aegean region
• Status: port city
• Population: approximately 30,000
• Language: Turkish
• Currency: New Turkish Lira (TRY)
• Time zone: UTC + 2, summer UTC + 3
• Country dialling code: +90
• Telephone area code: 0252
• Average daily Marmaris January temperature: 14°C / 57°F
• Average daily Marmaris July temperature: 40°C / 104°F