While Marmaris easily welcomes its guests staying in luxury, comfortable and privileged hotels, backpackers, families with children and even students staying in budget hostels, it is actually more historical places, those who care more about art, more water sports for those who are nature lovers. For millions of people who love and want to explore more, it means that there are aspects that go beyond being a guest. That's right here, namely "Marmaris".
Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are a tourism paradise that preserves Turkey's first place. Marmaris, on the other hand, has a beauty that can once again be a candidate to be the navel stone of nature, with its lush slopes and breathtaking coves that appear at every bend. Let's first get to know Marmaris with its formations and civilizations from past to present. Afterwards, let's examine together where we can visit and what we can discover on these paradise shores.
HISTORY
The history of Marmaris goes back to 12000 BC. The materials found as a result of the excavations in the Nimara Cave on Bedir Island in 2007 confirm this. Press conference at the Marmaris Museum on September 17, 2007}... The name Karia was given to the region later, meaning the land of Snow. The abundance of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, made the region attractive. The city is the most important bridge opening to Rhodes and Aegean islands.Thus, Marmaris has become a place where many civilizations ruled over time. It is possible to see the traces of Caria, Rhodes and island civilizations, Egyptian, Assyrian, Ionian, Persian, Macedonian, Syrian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations during the trips to be made in the region. Fiskos is the first name of the city. Today, its remains can be seen in the location called Asartepe.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Marmaris is surrounded by Reşadiye Peninsula and Kerme Bay in the west, Ula in the north, Balan Mountain, Karadağ and Daily Hills in the east and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. Adaköy, which is connected to the shore with a thin tongue in front of the bay, is located in front of Bedir Island, Keçi Island and Güvercin Island. The oldest part of the city is Kale Mahallesi, which is built on a hill extending towards the sea. Marmaris later developed towards the foothills and along the coast. Dalaman Airport with air transportation is only an hour away. Rhodes is only 45 minutes away.
CLIMATE
In the district, where the Mediterranean climate is dominant, the summers are quite hot and dry, and the winter months are relatively warm and rainy. Due to the orographic position of the mountains, Marmaris is one of the regions with the most rainfall after Rize in Turkey and the annual precipitation is over 1200 mm. Floods and floods can be seen from time to time in the district due to heavy rains in the winter months. Thunderstorms (lightning-thunder) are seen quite frequently during the transitions of the facade systems in winter. Between May and September, there is not much precipitation and it is quite dry. Due to the temperate effect of the sea, frost is rarely seen in the winter months. Although snowfall is seen on high mountain slopes, it rarely falls on coastal areas.
PLACES TO SEE IN MARMARIS
1. Old Bazaar
If you come to the small holiday town of Marmaris, if you want to buy souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones in memory of this beautiful place, it is unlikely that you will miss the Old Bazaar, which was built with the influence of the architectural design of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. A few hours of fun in the historical Old Bazaar. You can spend time. However, we have to say that there are a lot of counterfeit products in the market and the prices are quite expensive. However, if you try, it is possible to come across shops selling special products.
2.Marmaris Castle and Museum
There is a belief story that it was built by the Ionians in 1044 BC and later renewed by Alexander the Great. In 1522, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, it was renewed and expanded before the Rhodes expeditions. However, during the First World War, the castle was heavily damaged by the French navy. For this reason, it was restored in the 1990s.
There are 2 archeology galleries and one ethnography gallery inside. The remaining parts of the castle are used as art galleries and warehouses. In the archeology department; Sherds from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, as well as pottery and glassware, coins and ornaments found in excavations in Knidos, Hisarönü and Burgaz are exhibited. In the ethnography part; Weaving works, rugs, furniture, copper kitchenware, weapons and ornaments belonging to the Ottoman period are presented to the visitors.
3.Carpet maker Ahmet Urkay Museum
Named after its owner and founder, Ahmet Urkay, the museum opened in 2005 and exhibits artifacts from various periods since 3000 BC. It is divided into two sections as archeology and ethnography, and especially the ethnography section contains very rich works.
In addition to hand-embroidered clothing, items such as ceramics, copper kitchenware, bells, bells, Ottoman rifles and swords, watches, scales, gramophones are exhibited. Stone, glass and bronze artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods since 3000 BC are also among the exhibits.
National Parks
4. Günnücek (Marmaris National Park)
It is located at the provincial border of Muğla, at the transition between the Mediterranean and the Aegean. It was a national park in 1996, and its name remained that way because it is known as the frankincense tree among the people. The daily visit capacity of the park, which is located 2 km from Marmaris, is 3 thousand people. The oil of the sweetgum tree, which grows in the region, which is famous for its unique forest community, is used in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industry. The protection of the park, which includes both the sea and the forest area, is very important in terms of biodiversity.
In the park; Various animal species such as 50 different bird species, wild boar and donkey, squirrels continue their lives. The ancient city of Phykos, the ruins of Amos City, untouched shores, Paradise Island with its rich vegetation, and Günnücek, with its picnic and camping areas, offer a perfect environment to take a walk and discharge.
waterfalls
5. Turgut Waterfall
Turgut Waterfall, flowing from a height of four meters in Turgut Village, and there is not only one but many different waterfalls in the region, which is cool even in summer. The waterfall, which has become a frequent destination for visitors with its ice-cold water and lush nature, is suitable for you to visit in all seasons.
If you come to Turgut, you can stop by the carpet shops and watch how the carpets that are woven alive are made and even buy them.
Coves And Beaches
6. Icmeler Beach
Icmeler Beach, which is highly preferred due to its proximity to the centre, is only 8 km away from the center of Marmaris. You can enjoy a beautiful sea with the clarity and calmness of the sea. You do not pay for sunbeds and umbrellas when you have food and drink in the facilities inside the beach. Of course, if you wish, you can just throw your towel over your shoulder and come.
7.Turunc Beach
Turunç Beach is one of the places where you can catch the perfect harmony of green and blue. Located in the Turunc region of Marmaris, the beach is one of our blue flag seas. You can enjoy the lush nature of the beach, which is also very preferred for diving, and you can enjoy diving in the deep blue waters. You can take a short historical tour from Turunç, which is an hour away from the ancient city of Amos. A short walk in nature will be worth seeing and getting tired.
8. Kızkumu Beach
The most popular of Orhaniye is Kızkumu Beach, and I definitely recommend you to go during your Marmaris trip. Located 30 km from Marmaris, the beach takes its name from the story told about the daughter of the King of Bybassos. According to the story, the beautiful princess, the king's daughter, who escaped from the pirates, goes to the sea. The girl who can't swim wants to go to the opposite shoreline by pouring the sand in her pockets into the sea, but she dies when the sand runs out and when it gets dark. After that, the name of this place is called Kızkumu. After all, it is a story that is believed by the public.
9. Paradise Island Bay
Paradise Island is actually a peninsula close to Marmaris Bay. The bay, which is a center of attraction with its unique color of the sea, is the most visited place for excursion boats. Paradise Island bay, which is also very preferred for diving, gives its name exactly. If you want to go to Cennet Island, which you can go by boat, by car, you have to continue on foot after going as far as the False Bosphorus.
Caves
10. Phosphorous Cave
Phosphorus Cave, located on the Paradise Island of Marmaris, is one of the most visited spots by tourists. Although there is a land connection to the cave, which is called phosphorus due to the color of the sea, the color of phosphorus formed by the reflection of the cave, there is no access by land. You can come with boat tours departing from various points of Marmaris or you can rent a boat for a blue cruise in Marmaris and enjoy the turquoise sea.
Alternative Fun Places in Marmaris
11. Atlantis Water Park
Atlantis, the largest aquapark in Marmaris, is a fun attraction for families to spend time together. Located next to the seaside, the park provides service with its private beach and offers free sun loungers and umbrellas throughout the day. It appeals to people of all ages with its wide variety of slides, children's pool, wave pool, mini golf, bowling, restaurants and bars.
12. Marmaris Dolphinarium
Opened in 2012, Marmaris Dolphinarium is located on the seaside connecting Icmeler and Marmaris. It is one of the largest Dolphinariums in Europe and is a great place for dolphins to swim freely in the sea. There are two types of swimming program with dolphins. Those who wish can join a group, and those who wish have the opportunity to swim with dolphins as a couple. Groups will consist of a maximum of 6-8 people, and a 30-minute swimming session with dolphins takes place. For participants who will swim in pairs, a swimming session with dolphins takes approximately 15 minutes.
Places to Visit Around Marmaris
13. Datca
You can reach Datça by traveling along the coastline of the Aegean Sea, while the small town on the Aegean Sea coast is accompanied by the fragrant pine, olive and almond trees on the road stretching between the mountains on one side. Located only 67 km away from Marmaris, Datça is in the town where it is sunny all year; It is a quiet harbor town with shabby fish restaurants and shops where you can shop. It is known to be in the second place among the places with the highest oxygen in the world and is a blessing for people with asthma and heart failure problems.
14. Bayir Village
Bayır Village, a sweet village located in the southwest of Marmaris, attracts visitors with its 2000-year-old plane tree. It is believed that once you turn around the plane tree in the middle of the village square, your wishes come true. Due to its natural environment, we say that you should not return without drinking the ice-cold black mulberry juice in the village, which is also visited for jeep safari, camping and trekking.
15. Bozburun
Bozburun, which will welcome you with its deep blue sea and sailing marina, is one of the most remote villages of Marmaris. Its calm and quiet structure has become a getaway spot for holidaymakers who want to be in touch with nature and relax. So much so that there are not even many hotels and restaurants here. Known for its yacht and gulet shipyards, Bozburun is known as the place where wooden gulets are built, the symbol of blue cruises. That's why there are so many workshops. Especially private boats frequently stop by. It is possible to go to Bozburun by car or boat, which is an ideal spot for those who want to explore nature, do activities such as cycling and hiking.
*City Transportation
There are regular minibus and bus services between Marmaris, Armutalan, Beldibi and İçmeler that run until 02:00 in the summer months. You can also reach nearby towns and cities by using buses and minibuses departing from Marmaris bus station.
