MarmarisTurkey · Ferry Destinations

All About Marmaris

As one of the dreamiest towns in the Muğla Province, Marmaris is among the trendiest tourist destinations one can visit while discovering the Turkish Rivera. Having a population of 32,000, the city experiences a massive influx every summer wherein over 200,000 enthusiastic tourists come here to party, eat, sunbathe, and have a good time.

Evidence shows traces of settlement in the region dating back to the 6^th century. However, Marmaris developed into a proper town towards the late 1200s. While the city’s tumultuous history resembles that of nearby Rhodes, the concept of Marmaris as a modern seaside retreat started to take shape only in the 1980s. Surrounded by mountains in a cozy nook on the southwestern coast of Turkey, Marmaris is a classic Mediterranean escape that ought to be on every avid traveler’s bucket list.
 

Routes and Ferries to Marmaris

Travelers wishing to journey by sea can book ferry tickets to Marmaris from Rhodes via Ferryscanner. A short one-hour journey, there are 13 sailings on this route per week. Having several marinas, Marmaris is also a famous stopover among yachters voyaging along the Turquoise Coast.

At a distance of 90km, Dalaman Airport is the closest address to Marmaris for tourists wishing to arrive by plane. The airport has regular flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and London-Gatwick. During the summer months, charter planes from multiple European cities are a common sight on the runway. To reach Marmaris from the airport, tourists can take a shuttle bus or the slightly cheaper public bus for €2.50. A taxi to Marmaris will set you back by €50. Bus travel, while long and tiring, is a popular mode of transportation across Turkey. There are regular connections between Marmaris and cities such as İzmir, Bodrum, and Istanbul.
 

Port of Marmaris

Sheltered by Keçi and Yıldız islands, Marmaris Port is a calm and easily approachable harbor located 10 minutes away from the city center. As a natural deep-water port, it is perfect for docking large cruise ships and ro-ro ferries. The port has three quays to handle all kinds of commercial boats and a marina for private yachts.

Passengers arriving with cruise or ferry tickets to Marmaris have access to a modern terminal with restaurants, duty-free shopping, ATMs, WCs, tourist information, public phones, and a taxi rank. Immigration and customs are also in the terminal building, making the entire process of entering the city a smooth and quick affair.
 

Best Beaches

A paradise for sunseekers, the beaches of Marmaris are your doorway to calm blue-green waters that never fail to refresh and rejuvenate.

Marmaris Long Beach

Centrally located and boasting of a palm tree-lined promenade, Marmaris Long Beach is a 10km stretch of sand bordering the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops line the other side of the strip, keeping the shoreline energetic throughout the day. On the beach, you can lounge on sunbeds or partake in water sports. The eastern end of the coast, known as Halk Plajı, is where you’ll find the photo-worthy Marmaris city banner. Marmaris Long Beach is also where everyone comes post sundown to enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Cleopatra Beach

One of the best beaches in Marmaris, Cleopatra is a quick 25-minute drive to the north from the city center. Located on Sedir Island, you can take a boat to the beach from Çamlı village. Set aside the entire day for this excursion as there is much to see on Sedir. As for the beach, legend has it that Cleopatra and Mark Anthony swam in this gorgeous bay with transparent aquamarine waters. Moreover, the sand here is said to have come from the Red Sea. On the island, you will also come across several Roman ruins, including a theater and ancient city walls. The entry fee for Cleopatra Beach is €5. Sunbeds are free, but umbrellas cost €2.50 for the day.

Turunç Beach

Turunç is a quiet fishing village turned resort, 30 minutes from Marmaris, slowly gaining popularity among vacationers. The Taurus Mountains border the Blue Flag accredited beach at Turunç, giving it a cozy atmospheric appeal. While the setting is picturesque, the coast remains animated thanks to various cafes, markets, and a marina. On this 300-meter-long shingle beach, you can rent sun loungers, shop, eat, and swim in the clear waters all day long for that classic Turkish Rivera experience.

İçmeler Beach

İçmeler is a resort village, 8km from Marmaris, in the southwestern part of the bay. Even though the beach here is crowded, it is a must-visit for all first-time visitors. The 6km long sandy stretch borders the bluest of waters you will find in the region, perfect for families as well as those wishing to snorkel. For entertainment, there are water sports, bars, and cafés. If you would rather relax, sunbeds are available for rent.

Çiftlik Beach

Unlike some of the top beaches in Marmaris, Çiftlik Beach is not in a sheltered bay and opens up to the sea. Consequently, not many tourists come here, giving it a slightly old-world charm. Located to the south of Marmaris, you can reach this shingle strand by driving for an hour or taking a boat taxi from the town’s harbor. Sun loungers and restaurants will make your stay comfortable, but the place is a little exclusive and more expensive than other beaches.
 

Things to Do

The city promises an action-filled holiday that is a far cry from seaside resorts where you spend days doing nothing under the sun. From scenic boat trips and historical sites to water sports, pulsating nightlife, activities for children, and gastronomic pleasures, there is not a second to waste or slow down when in Marmaris.

Take the Dalyan River Boat Trip

The most popular touristic attraction in Marmaris, the Dalyan River Boat Trip, is a two-and-a-half-hour adventure you do not want to miss. For only €17, you get to enjoy a jam-packed outing that includes swimming in the open waters, lounging on Turtle Beach, taking a mud bath, and the opportunity to see the impressive Carian rock-cut tombs while sailing on a small wooden boat. Moreover, English-speaking guides are permanently on hand, explaining the intricacies of every historical and natural aspect you encounter during the trip.

Have Fun at Atlantis Water Park

Marmaris has two water parks. Both Aqua Dream and Atlantis water parks are excellent options for a family day out. The latter of the two is bigger and offers a broader range of activities and rides. From slides and wave pools to bumper boats and kiddie pools, Atlantis has the advantage of being next to the beach, where you can lounge on free sunbeds. Open from July to October, an adult day ticket at Atlantis is for €12.

Go on a 4X4 Safari

The mountainous surroundings of Marmaris invite thrill-seeking visitors to go on an escapade across the region’s uneven yet breath-taking terrain. Snaking through forests and going up and down hills, a safari excursion isn’t just about appreciating 360° panoramas from high vantage points. The six-hour trip costing €13 is an all-around experience for every age group. Included in the tour is a visit to the famous Jesus Beach, water-gun fights, and stops at quaint fishing villages.

Hop on the Blue Cruise

Sailing in with ferry tickets to Marmaris is the perfect introduction to the region’s beauty as witnessed from the sea. For a more immersive experience, book a cruise on the traditional wooden sailing boat called a gulet. Ranging from 20 to 30 meters in length, these boats are from the Bodrum region. A typical liveaboard cruise on a gulet lasts a week and consists of visiting hard-to-reach beaches, eating fresh seafood preparations, and taking in the splendor of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Blue Cruises range in price and are very much in demand in July and August.

Eat at Ney Restaurant

Marmaris spoils its guests with an abundance of culinary choices. While you’ll find an assortment of restaurants serving everything from Italian and Indian to British and American food, nothing beats the authenticity of having Turkish delicacies while in town. Ney is an intimate eatery situated inside a 250-year-old house alongside the main marina. The small indoor and open terraced seating mixed with the friendly nature of the hosts makes Ney a delightful selection for a romantic diner. Additionally, the food is simply divine, with moussaka, Turkish coffee, mezze platters, and baklava being some of the must-haves.
 

Transportation Around Marmaris

The local minibus, known as dolmuş, is your best option for transportation around the town and neighboring cities. The buses running within Marmaris have a green band on them. The bus fare per trip is around €0.15 within the city and €0.25 to nearby regions. Although every dolmuş has a fixed route, they pick up and drop passengers along the way. Taxis are advisable if you are short on time. However, they are considerably more expensive. While there are metered taxis in town, you can still bargain for a fixed fare before heading out.

Car and bicycle rentals work best for tourists planning on spending more than a couple of days in Marmaris, especially since the central parts of the city are walkable. Travelers who might have missed the chance to arrive with ferry tickets to Marmaris can enjoy the uplifting nature of the sea by taking a boat taxi to İçmeler and Turunç, the two most popular resort towns in the district.