Marmaris

Marmaris sits on the marvellous natural harbour where Lord Nelson organised his fleet for the attack on the French at Abukir in 1798.

These days, Marmaris' main source of income is tourism.   Marmaris has developed into one of Turkey’s busiest and most Anglicized resorts.  In the summer the town’s population swells from around 30,000 to around 200,000: mostly package holiday-makers.  Little is left of the sleepy fishing village that Marmaris was just a few decades ago, after a construction boom in the 1980s.   However, the old quarter of the town with its castle, narrow alleyways, bustling bazaars and restaurants are well worth a visit.

Marmaris still retains its charm due to its exceptional location between two intersecting sets of mountains by the sea. It is also a centre for sailing and diving, possessing two major and several smaller marinas. Nestel Marina is well worth a visit - but be prepared for high prices to match the high-class shops and restaurants. Marmaris is a popular wintering location for hundreds of cruising boaters and a regular stop off for luxury cruise liners all year round

To its credit, the town council has made some tasteful investments along the harbourside and in the town itself - notably the new town square opened on 19th May 2012. 19th May is the date of Youth Bayram and Marmaris has named its new square after the public holiday, with the name writ large above a rather pleasant shady colonnade which forms part of the square. The square has quickly become the place to take photos these days with tourists posing all over the place. A light show is held every evening at 8pm and is a great event to experience.

Marmaris is a popular designation for scuba diving. There are several dive centers in Marmaris that arrange guided diving trips, excursions and even provide diving lessons for the inexperienced individuals, eager to try out this underwater sport.

Marmaris offers a shopping experience to suit everyone and all wallets - from real designer boutiques to bazaar stalls selling fake 'designer' goods. There are also specialist shops in the bazaar offering Turkish artifacts, kilims, carpets, sandals - just about everything anyone could want.

Atlantis Waterpark is a very popular Marmaris destination for for fun-lovers of all ages, with numerous slides, kids pool, wave pool, mini golf, bowling, restaurants, bars and entertainment. Most of the Travel Agencies in Turunç offer half-day trips here.

Marmaris is famous for its hectic nightlife. There are a selection of good clubs along the beachfront which play a variety of music and cater to different tastes. For hardcore partiers Bar Street, located in the old town has over 100 bars and clubs: all are open to at least 4AM. Beware when drinking in Bar Street as prices are much higher than those along the beach front although entry to most clubs is free and there are periods when there are special offers available.

Practical Stuff

From Turunç, Marmaris can be reached either by Dolmuş or Taxi Boat - unless you are travelling by private car of course.

• The dolmuş takes about 45 minutes and runs along the front from Icmeler before turning left at the Atatürk statue up to the terminus. In theory you are supposed to board and get off at signs marked "D" but the old regime still seems to prevail - get on and off anywhere! Turunç dolmuşes are cream coloured and have no stripes unlike those from Marmaris (various colours depending on the area!) and Icmeler (orange). The Turunç-Marmaris services run from early until about midnight, on the hour, from either end of the route.
• The water taxi boat runs from 09:00 until early evening (check timetables) on the hour from Turunç and Marmaris. It takes about an hour and usually calls in at Icmeler en-route. More expensive, slightly slower but more pleasant if you have the time. In Marmaris, the terminus is near the Atatürk statue.

Marmaris has all the facilities you might need in a holiday "crisis" - hospitals, banks, 'phone shops, electrical stores - and three large supermarkets if you want to do a 'big shop'.   It also has an Honorary British Consul - just in case!

Check out the My Marmaris, and Marmaris Info websites for many more details.