Marmaris has grown from a tiny fishing village into one of the biggest tourist resorts in Turkey. Even so, the town centre is still quite small, and in the old quarter behind the marina you can stroll around amid all the delightful hustle and bustle of bazaars and street life. For a beautiful view of the Bay of Marmaris, visit Suleiman the Magnificent's castle in the Old Town.

Resorts in Marmaris Icmeler Marmaris' neighbouring resort Icmeler lies just a few miles away, and many people like to walk along the beach. That will also give you some idea of how much is happening in the boat scene, and the wide range of water sports available along the beaches. But while Marmaris offers more buzz and entertainment, Içmeler boasts better beaches. It is also child-friendly, and newly built.

Turkey's rich and famous tend to congregate in the marina at Marmaris - which means there are good restaurants and great shopping.

During the high season, there are as many as ten thousand boats in the Bay of Marmaris, reckoned to be one of the finest bays in the world.

There are several excellent long-distance footpaths in the mountains, and many opportunities for excursions amid the beautiful scenery and the little villages along the coast.

Neighbouring resorts in Marmaris

Icmeler
Set on the southeast coast of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavour, with luxury yachts bobbing in the bay and a cosmopolitan crowd of holidaymakers sipping cocktails at the sea-front bars.

Its package-holiday aura is, however, tempered by its scenic setting, with steep hills clad in pine forests plunging into the turquoise waters all around the town.

Unlike its close neighbour, the bustling resort of Marmaris just a few miles south, Icmeler has a relaxed village atmosphere, while lacking none of the modern amenities.

Turunc
Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village, but has grown into a popular tourist resort over the years. Sheltered by forest-covered mountains, the town is situated on a small, rounded bay and is near to the larger resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler. Turunc has managed to retain its charm and offers a more low-key resort experience than many other Turkish resorts.

The beach is pleasant, with safe swimming in crystal clear water, and there are several watersports such as parasailing, pedal boating and jet skiing on offer.

There are also plenty of restaurants catering for a range of tastes, as well as lively bars to enjoy, but those looking to dance the night away would be better off elsewhere.

Turunc also has a large range of shops, offering the usual fake designer goods, leather items, souvenirs and jewellery, as well as a chance for visitors to improve their bargaining skills.

For those looking to step off the beach for a day trip or overnight stay, there are several interesting excursions such as trips to the historic sites of Ephesus and Aphrodisias, visits to traditional Turkish baths, boat rides or microlight flights in the Dalyan Delta and jeep safaris in the mountains.

There is also a regular dolmus (minibus) service to Marmaris for those looking for more action, and a nice alternative to the bumpy mountain road is to get there by water. As the town grows, more amenities are sure to follow, but for now, Turunc offers a relaxing holiday and a chance to get away from it all.