The Best Places to Visit in Marmaris and the Turkish Riviera in 2023
Don't miss out on the places to go, must-see attractions and areas to soak up the essence of what makes Marmaris, Turkey and the surrounding area something rather special this year!
Marmaris is a hugely popular resort in southwest Turkey, part of the stunning Turkish Riviera characterised by sparkling blue waters, pristine white beaches, lively nightlife and countless historic sites, castles and ruins, blending sunshine, water sports and culture in one unique location.
The contrast between dense, fragrant forests, endless stretches of coastline and the quiet coolness of constructions built from stone blocks hundreds of years ago attracts thousands of visitors a year, with many enjoying the proximity to Greece as a destination with so much to offer.
In this guide, the experts in luxury Turkey villas and apartments in Marmaris, Property Turkey, shortlist our favourite places to go, must-see attractions and areas to soak up the essence of what makes Marmaris and the surrounding area something rather special.
Visiting Marmaris Castle and Old Town
Marmaris Castle provides some of the most spectacular views in the Riviera, with a panoramic glimpse across the mountain ranges, with an informative on-site museum displaying interesting local artefacts and providing a glimpse into the area's history.
This preserved castle is just above the famous Bar Street – the centre of the Marmaris nightlife, with a minimal entrance cost and a great way to escape the heat and begin a day of adventuring through the winding cobblestone streets.
The castle was the centre of the Ottoman troops during the recapture of Rhodes, and the halls display hundreds of priceless finds within an easy walk through the old town, enjoying the classic cottages and bouquets of bougainvillaea growing up and over the walls – and just a few steps from the harbour.
Relaxing on the Best Marmaris Beaches
No trip to Turkey is complete without the sheer relaxation of lounging on one of the beaches, all with excellent amenities and cool water for a leisurely swim or more high-octane water sports for family members keen to dive deep beneath the gentle waves. There are numerous world-class beaches in the Turkish Riviera, with some of the best listed below.
Marmaris Long Beach
Long Beach is on the central seafront close to restaurants, bars and hotels, many with complimentary loungers and umbrellas yours to use for the duration of your visit, with a diverse array of delicious cuisines and drinks to sample.
Turunç Beach
Head a little out of town, and you'll find some of the secret beaches favoured by the locals, with a pine forest spreading across the coast and tiny, immaculate beaches nestled next to the shoreline below – including Turunç.
This beach is around 20 kilometres from Marmaris and is a narrow strip with a well-sheltered bay and shallow waters, ideal for children and a leisurely dip. Water sports facilities include jet skis, banana boats and parasailing, all available from local vendors.
Içmeler Beach
Içmeler is only 10 kilometres from Marmaris, and is equally quiet and sheltered, a perfect spot for families looking for a more peaceful beach day away from the hustle and bustle. These beach areas become busier during the summer but have loungers to rent, with cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
If you'd like to make a day of your beach visit, you can book a water taxi from Marmaris Harbour or catch a minibus travelling to and from the city regularly. Visitors can take the dolmus bus to Içmeler, which takes around 20 minutes, at the cost of five lira a person (about £0.15) with shuttles running every ten minutes.
Retail Therapy at Marmaris Bazaar
Whether you'd like to purchase some local produce, experience the atmosphere of the bazaar, or try your hand at haggling, the Marmaris Bazaar is the place to go, located directly in the centre. While the vendors will try to entice you into every shop, you can get some amazing bargains with a little negotiation and savour Turkey's authentic scents, flavours and textures.
There is a wide range of items to buy, from rugs and crafts to sweet treats, but the general rule of thumb is never to pay the price originally asked – the haggling is a part of the culture and the goods a showcase of skill and craftsmanship.
If you'd like a more conventional shopping experience, you can also head to the Netsel Marina Mall, in the town centre, with a range of Turkish and international brands and a cinema and food court. The Blue Port AVM is on the outskirts and has similar facilities with an equal mixture of local and global retailers.
Marmaris Boat Trips and Cruises
Time on the ocean is well spent, and the expansive coastline offers multiple opportunities to indulge in river or coastal cruises and see the beauty of the Riviera from another perspective. A pirate boat is a great option for families, with vast sails that unfurl and excite their imaginations with all-day entertainment.
Wooden boats also offer more refined trips around the small Marmaris bays, with swim stops to enjoy the quietest coves or a stopover in Turunç. Glass-bottomed boats also sail from all the major beaches, with larger and modern vessels accommodating several guests with a glass tunnel to see the marine wildlife first-hand.
Keen divers can charter a boat for a private excursion or explore the shipwrecks before their next trip on the glass bottom boat – also a perfect option for those not keen on swimming in the ocean.
Cruises along the Dalyan River to the small town about 90 kilometres to the east of Marmaris are well recommended, with incredible scenery such as the ornate tombs carved into the rock face dating back to the 4th and 2nd centuries BC and soaring cliffs overhead. Our top tip? Book a river cruise that stops at the Sultaniye Spring, with warm natural spring water and rich, mineral-laden mud.
Experiencing the History and Culture of Marmaris
While the beaches, shopping bazaars and boat cruises offer a multitude of choices, every visitor to the Turkish Riviera should try to build in some time to explore the extraordinary heritage of the region. The Kaunos ruins are fascinating, about 88 kilometres from Marmaris and across the river from Dalyan.
The ancient hub of Carian culture, these 9th-century ruins have a remarkable history, with Roman baths, acropolis ruins, a theatre and remnants across the hills.
We’d also suggest a day at Marmaris National Park, equipped with sturdy walking shoes, for a more active day trip. The walking trails follow the hills upward, with breathtaking views – be sure to take water with you since these wild hiking routes do not have vendors.
Head to the highest peaks and visit a lookout for a view like no other, or head for a coastal walk from Marmaris across to Içmeler, with a gentler path that is easier to navigate alongside exclusive resorts. The walk takes roughly an hour and offers some of the finest views in the Riviera.
Read more about Property Turkey - The 2023 Guide to Buying a Property Abroad in Turkey
About Property Turkey: With 20+ years experience in the Turkish real estate market, team Property Turkey are your experienced, friendly and independent overseas real estate consultants. Our head office is located in London, UK with regional operational offices in: Bodrum, Fethiye & Kalkan, Antalya and Istanbul.
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