Marmaris Town

Marmaris is one of the most attractive maritime parklands, ideal for water sports and sailing. It makes an excellent starting point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the Aegean coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the yachts Captains and crews. With plenty (of provisions aboard you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.

In Marmaris, sample the typical Turkish cuisine in one of the marina restaurants and drink raki, anisette, the traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water. Later stroll along the brightly lit and palm-lined promenade and indulge yourself at one of the ice cream vendors. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated disco can end a perfect day. There are many good buys in Marmaris boutiques,colorlul bazaars and markets.

Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia - Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the 16th century Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today. Swimmers should not miss Ataturk Park, to the east of Marmaris, where a shallow beach, extending to the bay leads to safe waters. The clear blue sea is warm enough for swimming from early May until late September. Marmaris also has horseback riding and tennis centers for the sports enthusiast. This is also one of the few places in the world where you can delight in the heady aroma of the frankincense tree. Weekly ferry lines run between Marmaris and Venice during the summer season.

Near Marmaris at Icmeler, the hazy mountains of the interior slope down to sandy beaches. Under blue skies, the clear sea is ideal for all types of water sports. Many find this area so irresistible that they stay longer than originally planned. There are some excellent accommodations here, in which you can prolong your experience of nature. As you drive down from the high mountains into the village of Turunc, the scene opens out onto the spectacular blue waters beyond the natural harbor. The village itself is small and scattered around the bay. Most of the restaurants border the beach. A few bars and restaurants farther back from the water's edge offer fresh fish and superb views.