Think Marmaris is all about beaches, Bar Street and pirate party boats? Think again. Beyond the resort lies a region of ancient ruins, peaceful villages, hidden bays and some exceptional places to eat. Marmaris, Türkiye surprised me in the best possible way.
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Marmaris is one of the most popular beach destinations on Türkiye’s beautiful Turquoise Coast. With crystal-clear waters, pine-clad mountains, lively nightlife, historic sites and adventure activities, it’s easy to see why visitors return year after year.
But what really took me by surprise was the food. I wasn’t expecting to find such a vibrant dining scene, from elegant waterfront restaurants and contemporary fine dining to long lunches overlooking the sea. One of the best meals I’ve eaten in a long time was during my stay in Marmaris and everyone in our group agreed.
Disclaimer: I visited Marmaris, Türkiye as a guest of Jet2 Holidays. However, all views, opinions and love of a feta-filled Gözleme are entirely my own.
Marmaris offers far more than just a beach holiday. If you’re looking for adventure, culture, relaxation and excellent food, there are plenty of things to do in Marmaris to suit all types of traveller.
I visited Marmaris in May just before the summer season began to ramp up. The weather was warm, the sea inviting and the region felt nicely relaxed before the peak summer crowds arrived. And the local people were friendly and welcoming.
So, if you’re thinking of heading to this part of Türkiye you’ll want to know all about the best things to see and do in Marmaris and its main attractions, this travel guide will help you plan your trip.
Marmaris at a glance
📍 Best for: beaches, food, boat trips and history
✈️ Nearest airport: Dalaman
🚗 Best time: May, June, September and October
⏱️ Ideal stay: 5–7 days
The Best Things to Do in Marmaris
We’ll begin in the heart of Marmaris before venturing further afield to discover ancient ruins, peaceful villages, unforgettable restaurants and some of the region’s best day trips.
Explore Marmaris Old Town
I loved wandering the narrow streets, enjoying the traditional architecture of Marmaris Old Town, known as Tepe locally. It sits shielded by the solid, stone walls of Marmaris castle and stretches as far as Marmaris Marina.
My camera might have gone into overdrive because around every turn was a scene more picturesque than the last. The winding lanes have the prettiest whitewashed, blue-shuttered buildings and boutique hotels with every shade of pink bougainvillea climbing over walls and doorways creating overhead canopies of colour.
Tiny shops sell Turkish ceramics, cushions, rugs, spices and souvenirs and the aroma of Turkish coffee from the small cafés tempt tourists along with servings of sweet, crisp baklava.
I could have happily spent hours wandering the old town and suggest you allow at least a few hours to explore it for yourself.
Visit Marmaris Castle and Archaeology Museum
Looming above Marmaris Old Town, Marmaris Castle dates back centuries and was rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522 before his campaign to Rhodes. We explored the Ottoman military outpost, enjoying panoramic views across the marina, harbour and castle ramparts.
The Museum collection is well worth a visit, especially the 2,200 year old bronze of ‘The Woman of the Sea’. This 400kg Roman statue was caught in the nets of a local fisherman almost six years ago. What a catch! Don’t miss the castle and museum and allow at least an hour to explore.
Check current opening times on the website before visiting as these can change.
Wander Around Marmaris Marina
A wander along Marmaris Marina waterfront will take you past luxury yachts, shops and cafés. The people watching potential is pretty good too! It’s a great spot for sunset strolls, shopping, waterfront restaurants and coffee stops.
There’s a small funfair near to the marina and a small shopping area with some more upmarket shops than those you’ll find in the Grand Bazaar.
Shop in the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is filled with over 300 shops selling all kinds of Turkish handicrafts and souvenirs like jewellery, leather, carpets and textiles. I found some really lovely leather sandals and I was very tempted to buy some Turkish fish themed pottery.
Also on offer is a range of ‘genuine fakes’ from football shirts and handbags to ‘designer labels’ and trainers. Shops have names like ‘Turkish Primark’ and I saw a sign that read shopping there was ‘cheaper than shoplifting!’ Don’t forget that haggling is all part of the experience but it’s done in good humour so have fun and don’t take it too seriously.
The bazaar is under cover so go when the sun’s at its hottest if you’re looking for some shade.
Take a Boat Trip on the Turquoise Coast
Marmaris lies where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Aegean Sea which makes it the perfect destination for boat trips to explore the stunning coastlines. Seeing Marmaris from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the coastline.
We had a wonderful day relaxing on a gulet with Gulet Point exploring the idyllic coastline, discovering hidden bays, passing ancient ruins and stopping for swims in the cerulean sea.
Lunch on board was a fabulous selection of mezes, meats, prawns, stuffed peppers and fresh fruit. There was plenty to drink too, from beers and wines to soft drinks.
The crew were all lovely and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed to make it a perfect day out. I’d go back in a heartbeat, it was was of my favourite things to do in Marmaris.
Of course if you want a booze cruise or party boat Marmaris has loads of them to choose from too. Take your pick.
Relax on Marmaris Beach
Most people head to Marmaris for beach time and sunshine. Marmaris has two main beaches. Uzunyali beach, aka Long Beach is a 10km stretch of beach that joins up with Marmaris public beach which is closer to the Old Town and marina.The beaches aren’t very wide and have fairly gritty sand but the sea is clear and warm.
There are beachfront restaurants and bars all along the seafront, many of which have sun loungers and parasols on the beach itself. While you’re free to use the beach you may have to pay or patronise the restaurants and bars to use the parasols and sunbeds.
Many of the hotels, like the Nature Green Diamond Hotel where we stayed, have private beaches with sunbeds and parasols. Marmaris Public Beach has parasols which are free for all to use.
Walk the Marmaris Promenade
The walk along the promenade in Marmaris offers gorgeous views across the bay and some stunning sunsets. We spotted this mural on our walk and there are statues and public art along the front too.
Rent a bike and cycle or walk all the way to Icmeler Beach if you’re feeling energetic. It’s about a 1.5 hour walk from Marmaris town but it’s pretty flat with no hills.
Visit Içmeler Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter, more family-friendly beach then İçmeler ticks those boxes. You’ll also find water sports and beach clubs on this wider, sandy beach.
If you don’t want to walk you can take the dolmuş minibus or a taxi. The water taxi from near the Atatürk statue in Marmaris town is another option and takes around half an hour.
Where to eat in Marmaris
I was blown away by the Marmaris food scene. Not only was the food excellent but the service was top notch and the range of cuisines impressive. Each restaurant we visited had its own unique character and setting.
Even if you’re staying in an all-inclusive hotel, take time to explore some local family-run restaurants. I can fully recommend these must-visit restaurants for foodies in Marmaris:
Sento by NUUP
If I had to choose just one restaurant to recommend in Marmaris, it would be Sento by NUUP. I loved absolutely everything about it. Sento restaurant is part of NUUP boutique hotel located a 20-minute drive from Marmaris town. It’s set in tranquil forest grounds and there’s a farm where much of the produce is grown. Overall there’s a respect for sustainability, nature and social responsibility all paired with excellent food.
The contemporary design uses many natural materials with wood and stone. The huge glass windows connect you with the woodland beyond. We should have been eating outside under the trees but the weather was a bit moody that evening. I was quite happy to be inside enjoying the elegant interiors.
We started with aperitifs before sharing a selection of starters including grilled artichoke with fava beans, spring salad and small potato cakes topped with cheese.
I chose a main course from the sea; fresh pasta with lobster which came with leek cream, sand mussels and a bisque sauce which I devoured. For dessert I opted for Gökova Tahini mousse with cherries.
The atmosphere had a nice buzz with a live DJ and saxophonist.
Bono Beach
This stylish beachfront restaurant is a great spot serving Mediterranean, fusion dishes and sushi. There’s a relaxed beach club atmosphere and it’s a perfect spot for lunch looking out over the beach.
Bono Marina is the sister restaurant and they also run the boutique Bono Hotel Old Town.
Pineapple Restaurant
Pineapple is another family-run restaurant located on Marmaris Marina with views of the yachts and pine-clad distant hills across the water. This elegant restaurant was established in 1991 and is a lovely spot for sunsets and sundowners, the food is excellent and the service on point and friendly.
We shared a delicious selection of Mediterranean-inspired starters before I chose a seafood risotto packed with fresh shellfish. This was our last meal before flying home and the New York Cheesecake I had for dessert was the perfect ending to our time in Marmaris.
Dede Restaurant
Dede is a long-established restaurant on the Marina waterfront named after Ali Denizelli who originally opened it in 1973. Today the restaurant is run by his grandchildren. Dede means Grandfather.
We enjoyed a variety of mezes, dips and salads followed by a main course and dessert. I’m glad I saved room for a main course of Çökertme Kebab. This typical Aegean dish is made up of seasoned beef and green peppers sitting on a bed of matchstick fries with a rich buttery tomato sauce topped with garlic yoghurt.
The manti is delicious too. Tiiny, handmade Turkish dumplings stuffed with spicy lamb or beef and dressed with a garlicky yoghurt.
Other Turkish food you should try in Marmaris
Turkish street food Gözleme is a flatbread cooked on an open fire. Choose from a range of sweet or savoury fillings. My favourite was feta with spinach but it also comes with cheese or meat. All good.
Books and Coffee is a lovely little book themed coffee shop on the waterfront which serves a deliciously refreshing frappé.
Buy an ice cream from the gelato seller where the gulets are moored. Then and hang around to watch the shenanigans. If you know, you know!
Hit Bar Street
Marmaris nightlife is centred around Bar Street. Even if clubs and all-night bars aren’t your thing, Bar Street is loud, lively and close enough to the old town for a quick looksie just to make sure. We dropped by one evening and after a shot at a street bar and a beer or two I grabbed a taxi and headed back. Some of our group stayed out dancing til 4am!
Explore Beyond Marmaris
If you have time to explore beyond the town, there are several wonderful places to visit near Marmaris. The following Marmaris attractions are all in close proximity and easy to visit in a morning or afternoon if you rent a car.
Amos Ancient City
Amos ancient city is a small atmospheric site that sits on a hill and dates back to the 5th century BC. After climbing to the top you’ll come to the site which has incredible views over the Mediterranean Sea.
There’s an amphitheatre and remains of a temple and a necropolis which was unearthed recently. Wild spring flowers were blooming on the hillside when we visited and we had the place entirely to ourselves.
Standing at the top of the amphitheatre looking down on the deep blue sea beyond with wild flowers swaying in the breeze around me was a poignant moment. I could almost imagine how it would have felt gathered with hundreds of people in that very spot hundreds of years earlier.
Amos ancient city sits on a hill between Turunç and Kumlubuk around 24km from Marmaris.
You’ll need less than an hour at Amos but the area is also good for hiking and Amos beach is nearby if you have more time.
It’s quite a steep climb to the top with around 200 stone and wooden steps which won’t be easy for everyone. Wear sturdy shoes and go armed with plenty of water and sunscreen.
Learn about Bees and taste Honey at Marmaris Bal Evi
Marmaris is well known for its pine honey and you need to head to Marmaris Bal Evi the Honey House and Bee-Keeping Museum. Taste the sweetest of Marmaris offerings and learn all about the bees and the area’s honey production.
Both are very important to the region with the pine honey being a geographically indicated product since 2020. There are over 600 registered bee-keepers in the area producing around 3000 tons of honey a year.
We noticed bee hives dotted around the countryside wherever we went and a visit to Bal Evi is a great way to learn more about honey production. I brought some home this me and it takes me back to those pine-clad hills every time I taste it.
Bal Evi is just a 20-minute drive from Amos Ancient City and an easy one to add to your itinerary.
Address: Osmaniye Köyü / Marmaris / Muğla
Phone : +90 252 488 10 50 – 51
Visit Bayır Village
You’re probably ready for a coffee by now and less than a 15-minute drive from the Honey House is Bayir Village. This tiny authentic village with a traditional atmosphere has the prettiest village square presided over by a giant plane tree.
Sit beneath the shady tree while you sip traditional Turkish coffee, or if like me you’re not keen on the grounds floating around in it, have a refreshing glass of Turkish tea. You can buy pastries there too.
The huge plane tree is said to be over 700-years old and is a registered monument. If you walk around it and make a wish it’s said it will be granted. Careful what you wish for.
There are one or two shops in the village selling some very nice handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Diagoras’ Tomb with a View
This unusual pyramid tomb dates to the 3rd century BC and is a tiny prototype of one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the Mausoleum of Halicanassus. This tomb, however, was built for Diagoras of Rhodes and his wife. Diagoras was an Olympian boxer from the nearby island of Rhodes.
The tomb sits on a rocky outcrop with a steepish climb. But where there’s a climb there’s a view and there’s good hiking around here and Turgut waterfall is also close by. The tomb is an approximate 12-minute drive from Bayir.
Discover Selimiye
Selimiye couldn’t feel more different from bustling Marmaris. This peaceful fishing village on the Bozburun Peninsula has a laid-back, boutique feel, with colourful boats bobbing in the harbour, waterfront restaurants and a slower pace of life that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Take a relaxed boat trip to see the stunning coastal scenery and some ruins including the Kameriye Church built during the Ottoman period. Enjoy time on the beach and swimming in the sea.
I’d strongly recommend timing your trip around lunch or dinner at Hidayet’s Place before heading back to Marmaris.
Eat at Hidayet’s Place, Selimiye
Tables are set up on wooden jetties over the water and we dined as the sun set behind the hills and the clear, shallow waters lapped beneath our feet.
The food is just as good as the waterfront setting and we dined on traditional mezes, dips and flatbreads, slow-cooked lamb, chicken, seabass and the best calamari I’ve ever eaten.
You’ll need a hire car to visit Seliimiye, it’s around 45 km from Marmaris and no buses run there. But it’s totally worth it. You could stay longer and book into the gorgeous Hidayet’s Place boutique hotel which sits right on the shoreline.
Marmaris Adventure Activities
Try Kite Surfing in Akyaka
If you’re looking for something a bit more energetic you could head to Akyaka and learn to kite surf or surf. We had a short taster kite-surfing session but there are beginner and experienced options too.
The winds at Akayaka known as “Meltemi” are fairly reliable from late morning until sunset and, along with the bay’s shallow waters, make it a safe location for beginners although still challenging enough for the more experienced.
Akyaka is around 32km from Marmaris.
Go on a Jeep Safari
If you love scenic mountain routes, viewpoints and the wind in your hair then a Marmaris 4WD jeep safari will be right up your street.
We left the city, headed for the hills and were soon driving off-road through the Muğla countryside and pine forests exploring some dramatic scenery and soaking up some stunning viewpoints. We even spotted a tortoise out on his adventures, stopped to pick fresh herbs at the roadside and were entertained by our driver playing his flute!
We went with Patika 4WD Nature Tours. You can book directly on their Facebook page.
Marmaris Day Trips
There’s a wide range of Marmaris excursions and day trips to choose from.
Sedir Island aka Cleopatra Island
One of the most popular day trips from Marmaris is a visit to Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra’s Island. The tiny island in the Gulf of Gökova is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and is famous for its silky soft sand. It’s an idyllic spot to spend a few hours swimming, relaxing or snorkelling.
Legend has it Cleopatra and Mark Antony swam here. The sand was imported from Egypt by Mark Antony as a gift for Cleopatra because she didn’t like the existing coarse sand. Whether the romantic story is true or not, the island’s unique sand remains protected, and visitors are not allowed to remove it from the beach.
As well as the picture-perfect beach on the island there are ruins from the ancient city of Cedrae to explore. We followed a short boardwalk trail to see the ancient theatre amid the olive trees and the remains of dwellings and city walls.
We visited Cleopatra Island as part of our jeep safari before boarding a boat for the final stretch across the bay. It was a wonderful combination of off-road adventure, scenic coastal views with time to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
On the boat trip back we had a relaxed lunch on board with stops for sea-dips and swimming.
Dalyan Day Trip: Rock Tombs, Mud Baths and Turtle Beach
I did the Dalyan rock tombs tour when I last visited Fethiye. Because Dalyan is just 1.5 hours drive from Marmaris I thought I’d include it here too because it’s an excellent day trip.
After hotel pick-up the first stop is at Dalyan mud baths where you can coat yourself in the therapeutic mud that’s said to be beneficial for the skin. Wear an old swimming costume that you don’t mind getting dirty. There are showers to wash off the mud or you can use the lake pool and afterwards relax in sulphur pools.
A traditional river boat then takes you on a tranquil boat ride down the Dalyan river past ancient Kaunus Kings tombs and also Lycian Rock Tombs. There’s also time at Iztuzu where you can see turtles in the water and spend time on the beach before heading back up the river for a different perspective of the tombs.
It’s an excellent full-day tour. Check rates and availability here.
Where to Stay in Marmaris
During our five-night stay in Marmaris we were based at Nature Green Diamond Hotel, a large beachfront hotel on the seafront promenade.
Its location makes it easy to explore Marmaris, while the beach, pool, slides and on-site facilities provide everything needed for a relaxing coastal break.
We were there on an all-inclusive basis although we only ate breakfast at the hotel and dined out the rest of the time.
Check here for last minute holidays with Jet2 Holidays
Practical Information for Visiting Marmaris
How to Get to Marmaris
Dalaman is the nearest airport to Marmaris. We had direct flights to Dalaman airport with Jet2 who fly from 11 different UK airports. Flights from London Stansted Airport to Marmaris take around 4 hours.
Transfer time from Dalaman airport to Marmaris is approx 1.5 hours. When you book package holidays to Turkey with Jet2holidays all airport transfers are included in the cost.
Getting Around Marmaris
Dolmuş Minibus
Getting around Marmaris couldn’t be easier thanks to the dolmuş minibus network. The minibuses run regularly throughout the day and are colour-coded: green-striped buses travel around Marmaris (50TL by cash or 36TL contactless card when you board) while orange-striped buses connect Marmaris with nearby İçmeler (50TL cash or 36-40TL using contactless card).
By Taxi
Taxis are another option and you’ll find taxi ranks all around town and by the harbour. They operate on a regional standard tariff set by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality. Standard rates include a 120 TL taximeter opening fee and a 40 TL charge per kilometer, with a minimum fare of 200 TL for any journey. As always, confirm the price before you hop in.
Uber is not available in Marmaris.
Boat taxis are another a good way to get around and set off from Marmaris by the Atatürk statue.
If you want to go further afield your best option is to hire a car to give you the freedom to explore freely.
Marmaris FAQs
How many days do you need in Marmaris?
If you’re looking for a fly and flop beach holiday then seven days is enough in Marmaris. If you’re not interested in kicking back on the beach and are going for the sightseeing then a week would also work to see the main Marmaris highlights with a couple of day trips thrown in to complete your itinerary.
If you like to do both then add on as many beach days as you need. I was there for 4 full days and 5 nights and would happily have stayed longer for some beach time and relaxation.
What are the best things to do in Marmaris?
That really depends what you’re into but in terms of Marmaris attractions the Old Town, castle, beach and boat days will tick most people’s boxes with plenty of historical sights and culinary encounters for those who like to dig deeper.
What are the best day trips from Marmaris?
- A boat trip exploring the stunning coastline
- A day trip to Cleopatra Island
- The Lycean Rock Tombs, Turtle Beach and Mud Baths at Dalayan
- A day trip from Marmaris to Rhodes
- A day trip to Pamukkale Cotton Castle and Hierapolis
When is the best time to visit Marmaris?
Shoulder season (April/May or Sept/Oct) is perfect for sightseeing and exploring. Summer (June to August) is best for beach bums and watersport lovers. October to March most places are closed for the winter season.
Is Marmaris Expensive?
Although prices have increased slightly, as in most places, Marmaris still offers good value for money. Dining out and drinks are cheaper than in the UK especially if you avoid the tourist traps and hotspots and head a few streets back from the main drag. Sticking to local brews like Efes will also help your budget.
What Currency is used in Turkiye?
The official currency of Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY), symbolised as ₺
What Language is used in Türkiye?
Turkish although basic English is widely spoken
Who is Marmaris for?
Couples, families, foodies, beach lovers and adventure seekers will all love Marmaris
Is Marmaris Worth Visiting?
Before visiting, I expected Marmaris to be all beaches, nightlife and boat trips. I left thinking about elegant dinners, peaceful villages, ancient ruins and some of the most beautiful coastline I’ve seen in Türkiye.
Yes, you’ll find sunshine, beaches and lively bars if that’s what you’re looking for. But venture beyond the marina and you’ll discover a destination that’s rich in history, full of character and home to an exceptional food scene. I’d go back in a heartbeat but next time I’ll stay longer.
You might like to read about the best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus or in Heraklion, Crete.
Suzanne Jones is a full-time travel blogger and writer at The Travelbunny which she started in 2011 during her time as a professional travel planner. Suzanne enjoys exploring new destinations, adventure and the outdoors. When not travelling you’ll most likely find her, camera in hand, enjoying coastal walks in Sussex.
Suzanne also runs Hello Sussex a website which showcases the best of East & West Sussex. Read more about Suzanne.