15 Best Things to Do in Marmaris

Marmaris, a jewel nestled in Turkey’s southwestern Muğla Province along the stunning Turkish Riviera, is a premier choice for a Mediterranean holiday. Known primarily for its all-inclusive resort holidays focused on sun and sand, this bustling vacation town offers far more beyond its pristine beaches. It boasts a rich tapestry of adventure, natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a fantastic tourist destination for families, groups, and curious travelers alike. The vibrant resort town, which has grown from a population of just 3,000 in the 1960s to over 250,000 in the summer, provides almost everything one could desire from a Mediterranean escape.

Marmaris Bay, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet, is fringed by dramatically rugged peninsulas and dotted with islands, making it a popular base for yachting trips. Back on land, historical treasures like the classical-era ruins of Kaunos and Knidos, along with the Greek island of Rhodes, are easily accessible for day trips, allowing sun-seekers to combine sightseeing with beach vacations. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, Marmaris promises an unforgettable experience. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Marmaris, offering a comprehensive guide to this captivating destination.

Explore Marmaris Castle and Archaeology Museum

A visit to the Marmaris Castle and Archaeology Museum is a must for any history enthusiast and stands as one of the most prominent landmarks in the Dalaman region. Fortifications on this site date back to 3000 BCE, with the current castle’s origins tracing to the 16th century when Suleiman the Magnificent reworked it during his Rhodes campaign. After suffering heavy damage in the First World War, the castle underwent a ten-year restoration in the 1980s.

Today, the castle houses an exceptional archaeology museum, a repository for artifacts unearthed from digs around Marmaris and the Muğla areas. Visitors can discover pottery, glassware, architectural fragments, coins, amphorae, and more from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The museum also features an ethnographic section, showcasing local crafts and Ottoman-era ways of life. Located by the harbor, the castle offers panoramic views across the Marina, making it a fantastic spot to explore, especially in the cooler morning or late afternoon.

Take a Day Trip to Rhodes

The Greek island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is incredibly accessible, lying only a one-hour journey away from Marmaris by daily catamaran ferry service (April to October). Its proximity makes it one of the most popular places to visit while staying in Marmaris, with one-day return transport tickets readily available.

For a single-day visit, concentrate your sightseeing in Rhodes Town, where the main tourist attractions are within easy walking distance of the disembarkation port. The highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled old town, famed for its cobblestone alleys and golden-toned stone ramparts leading to the dramatic Palace of the Grand Masters. This excursion provides a unique opportunity to experience Greek history and culture alongside your Turkish holiday.

Relax at İçmeler Plajı (İçmeler Beach)

While Marmaris has a perfectly serviceable beach, İçmeler Plajı offers an even more idyllic escape, just 15 minutes around the Bay of Marmaris. This slightly smaller resort is famed for its fabulous 500-meter beach, nestled in a cove and sheltered by pine-cloaked hills. The sea is buffered by Keçi Island offshore, creating calm, pool-like, and remarkably clear waters, making it safe for children to play.

İçmeler Plajı is consistently awarded the Blue Flag for its high standards of hygiene and facilities. The beach features primarily soft, light brown sand, and is equipped with sun loungers and parasols for a blissful afternoon under the sun. You can reach İçmeler Beach easily by sea taxi or dolmuş (minibus) from Marmaris. There’s also a selection of restaurants, bars, and gift shops with sea views around the beach.

Discover Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island)

For a stark contrast to bustling Marmaris, a trip to Sedir Island, often referred to as Cleopatra Island, is highly recommended. This gorgeous, uninhabited island on the peninsula’s north side is accessible via a short boat crossing from the village of Çamlı. Legend has it that Cleopatra and Mark Antony bathed here 2000 years ago, giving the island its romantic moniker.

The island is small enough to be traversed on foot in a few minutes. In a cove on its north side lies the paradisiacal Cleopatra Beach, featuring a wide sweep of glimmering turquoise water that remains shallow for almost 100 meters. Sedir Island is also home to the ancient settlement of Cedrae, with remnants like an agora and theatre scattered across the island, offering a fascinating glimpse into history amidst stunning natural beauty. Boat tours often include a BBQ lunch on board.

Explore Marmaris National Park, Nimara Caves & Yildiz Adası

Marmaris National Park encompasses most of the rocky, forested coastline rimming Marmaris Bay, stretching eastwards from the town’s lively center. While many travelers opt for yacht tours to admire this coast, venturing inland offers deeper exploration. The park’s primary vegetation includes red pine, oak, and plane trees, providing a habitat for various wildlife, with wild goats, falcons, and eagles being the most likely sightings.

Popular ways to explore the park include Jeep tours, ATV tours, and horse riding. The most renowned destination within the park is Yildiz Adası (Yildiz Island), often called Paradise Island by tour operators. Despite its name, it’s a large peninsula jutting into Marmaris Bay, offering panoramic vistas, especially from the rough trail uphill from the tiny settlement of Adakoy. Further inland, the Nimara Caves hold archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back 12,000 years.

Witness the Dancing Fountain Show

A modern highlight in Marmaris is the Dancing Fountain, located in Youth Square at the heart of the resort. This circular fountain features two basins and captivates crowds with an automated light and music show during the high season, typically at 21:00 and 22:00 (09:00 PM and 10:30 PM for 15 minutes). The spectacle is particularly beautiful at night, enhanced by the backdrop of the clock tower on the north side.

The Dancing Fountain is a family-friendly and free activity, making it an excellent option for those traveling on a budget. It’s a perfect way to finish an evening after dinner, perhaps with an ice cream. During the winter off-season, however, the fountain show may not be available.

Dive Amid Ruins in Marmaris Bay

For an extraordinary underwater adventure, diving in Marmaris Bay offers a unique experience with around 50 accessible dive sites. While the Aegean Sea here might not boast colorful coral reefs and tropical fish, its allure lies in the opportunity to dive amid classical-era ruins. Divers also have a good chance of encountering the area’s protected loggerhead turtles.

One of the best sites for underwater photography is Galleon Cove, where the rocky seabed is adorned with amphorae and the ruins of a Hellenistic-age ship. Although it’s one of the farthest sites, it can be specially requested. Aksu Cove, located near Yildiz Adası (Paradise Island), is a popular spot teeming with Byzantine-era amphorae. Ince Cape, also close to Yildiz Adası, is favored for its underwater topography, diverse sponges, and fish. Diving packages typically start from 12 US$.

Cruise along the Dalyan River & Discover Carian Rock Tombs

A scenic riverboat cruise along the winding Dalyan River is a top activity in the Dalyan Delta, located roughly an hour east of Marmaris by road. The dramatic scenery along the river’s high cliff banks features ornate tomb facades carved into the rock, dating from between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. These Carian Rock Tombs, used for the former kings of Caunos, are an amazing sight to behold, built over 2,000 years ago. To preserve them, tourists can only view them from afar by boat.

River cruises typically head downriver to Iztuzu Beach, a nature conservation area set up to protect loggerhead sea turtles that lay their eggs here, offering opportunities for swimming and wildlife spotting. For a longer tour, boats venture upriver to Köyceğiz Lake, with stops at the Sultaniye hot springs where visitors can indulge in mineral-rich hot mud. Many tour operators in Marmaris offer Dalyan day trips, often including return transport, lunch, and the river cruise.

Visit Turgut Falls

Turgut Falls, also known as Selale (Turkish for ‘waterfall’), consists of two small, narrow waterfalls southwest of the Dalaman region. The area surrounding the falls is a wide valley characterized by forests and lush greenery, designated as a conservation area under Turkish government control since 2011.

Visitors can enjoy a nature walk through the forest before cooling off and taking pictures in the lake below the waterfalls. This is an excellent option for those seeking waterfalls, swimming, and nature exploration. Guided tours often combine a visit to Turgut Falls with stops at Bayir and Orhaniye village. To capture photos without crowds, it’s recommended to visit in the late afternoon or early morning, as it can get very busy.

Shop and Haggle at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Marmaris offers a vibrant shopping experience, particularly enjoyable in the evening. Unlike the traditional bazaars of Istanbul, Marmaris’s Grand Bazaar is described as a more modern bazaar with over 400 shops. Here, you’ll find a wide array of products, including luggage, shoes, jewelry, colorful lamps, pashminas, Turkish delight, coffee sets, and rugs.

The Bazaar is also a fantastic place to sample local foods and fresh seafood or the famous Turkish kebabs. Strolling through the market, taking in the smells of herbs and spices, is an experience in itself. As is typical in Turkish bazaars, negotiating and bartering are key to securing the best value; remember, “never pay the first stated price!”.

Learn and Taste at Marmaris Honey House

A visit to the Marmaris Honey House might not be the first thing on your holiday list, but it’s a unique and sweet experience, especially for nature lovers and those interested in bees. Turkey ranks among the top five honey-producing countries globally, and Marmaris Honey House was established to raise awareness about bees and produce high-quality honey.

The building itself is uniquely designed like a honeycomb and houses an exhibition inside. There’s also a children’s playground, a small café, and a shop where visitors can purchase and try various honey products, including natural honey on tap. Witnessing a queen bee and her workers making honey behind glass is an interesting and educational experience.

Indulge in a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam)

Experiencing a traditional Turkish bath, or Hamam, is an absolute must when on holiday in Marmaris. This relaxing cultural ritual typically lasts around two hours, including changing and relaxation time, and can be enjoyed during the day or at night.

Upon arrival, you are usually guided to a hamam (sauna) before enjoying a soothing steam bath. This is followed by a relaxing full-body wash, foam massage, and aromatherapy oil massage, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft, and cleansed. Afterward, you retire to a cooling room for a period of relaxation. Additional treatments like facial masks, different types of massages (e.g., using stones), pedicures, and manicures may also be available. Remember to bring your bathers and consider leaving jewelry at your accommodation.

Have Fun at Atlantis Waterpark Marmaris

For a day of family-friendly fun, Atlantis Waterpark Marmaris is an excellent choice. Located near the south end of the main beach, this popular attraction features eight slides of varying lengths, a wave pool, and a dedicated kids’ pool with fountains.

Beyond the water attractions, Atlantis Waterpark offers additional facilities, including a mini-golf course, restaurants, bars, and sun loungers with umbrellas. It’s a popular spot for visitors on holiday in the Dalaman region, and booking all-day tickets in advance is recommended to skip lines. Don’t forget your beach towel and sunscreen for a full day of enjoyment.

Take a Cruise on the Azmak River in Akyaka

One of the top things to do, and considered a hidden gem by locals, is to cruise along the Azmak River in Akyaka. Located just outside the town of Akyaka, this stunning natural paradise is known for its aquarium-like, crystal-clear water, where a variety of sea life can be clearly observed from the boat. Above the water, many birds can be admired flying and nesting.

Whether you choose to have a meal at one of the riverside restaurants like Orfoz or Kordon Restaurant, take a boat ride, or even a swim, the chilled atmosphere here is truly enjoyable. Afternoon tours from Marmaris to Akyaka often include a boat ride and a visit to ancient tombs, offering a blend of natural beauty and history.

Experience Marmaris Nightlife: Bar Street and the Marina

Marmaris truly comes alive at night, offering a diverse nightlife scene that caters to various tastes. For those seeking an energetic party atmosphere, Marmaris Bar Street is the ultimate destination. Just a street away from the marina, it’s packed with a variety of music venues, cocktail bars, and clubs featuring everything from karaoke and laser shows to live music and foam parties, often open until the early morning hours. This area is particularly popular with people in their late teens and twenties due to its vibrant club scene.

If you prefer a more relaxed evening, the Marmaris Harbor and Marina area is the place to be. This bustling area, filled with yachts and boats, also hosts numerous restaurants and bars offering a quieter, more sophisticated nightlife experience compared to Bar Street. Strolling along the marina, enjoying fresh seafood, or having drinks while overlooking the boats are popular ways to spend an evening. During the peak summer season, the marina is also where most boat tours and activities operate.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal time to visit Marmaris?

The ideal weather in Marmaris is generally from February to June or September to December, but the best time for travel is May to October. The warmest months are typically July and August, with highs regularly around 36°C. If you prefer a quieter, more laid-back holiday with fewer tourists, visiting in winter might be suitable, as temperatures can still be pleasant, around 18-20°C, even though some activities, attractions, and tours may not be available.

2. Is Marmaris safe to visit?

Yes, Marmaris is considered one of the safest destinations for tourists in Turkey. The coastal town is characterized by a calm, peaceful, and hospitable culture. Law enforcement is active, and there is even a “Tourist Police” available to assist with any issues travelers might encounter, including safety concerns and scams. A traveler noted feeling very safe walking everywhere in Marmaris, Long Beach, and Old Town from morning to night.