MARMARIS

 

Being one of the most important Yachting centers. in the Mediterranean, Marmaris is the perfect embarking point for nature related activities  and excursions. A contrast of life and wild entertaining nights to peaceful sublime days spent in beautiful isolated coves. Marmaris presents its back to the pine forested hills honored by Heredotus himself and is also known as the pearl of Turkey's southern coast hosting countless visitors from around world every year. Marmaris is due to be an eminent resort for the upcoming millennium. It is also in the center of leading historical and other natural sites. Dalaman Airport is merely 1 hour away from Marmaris. The cities and famous sites are accessible via local bus (Dolmus) of which most are possible to reach within a day. Rhodes can be visited by hydrofoil and only takes a surprising 45 minutes. Beautiful secluded coves are waiting to greet you with your own choice of yachts, be it a bareboat with fully equipped sails or a beautifully crafted gullet. 

In the first place; whether you're wining and dining, quenching your thirst in a lokanta (typical Turkish restaurant), or haggling for souvenirs; the value for money in incredible, especially with the exchange rate so favorable. Then there's the people, a more charming and friendly bunch than any you'll meet elsewhere, and well known for their hospitality. 

Marmaris is perhaps the most European of the Turkish resorts, although a venture into the maze of narrow streets which make up the Old Quarter soon reveals a very Turkish atmosphere. Old men sit in the shade playing backgammon just yards from the more sophisticated bars of the seafront, the market area is thronged with local life.

One look at the yachts in the harbor will tell you that Marmaris is a stylish and cosmopolitan resort. The coastline here, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is perfect cruising country, dark blue seas giving way to shallow turquoise waters on hideaway beaches, while the mountains march inland. It's a dramatic backdrop for any holiday and offers something for everyone and all 'mod cons' while retaining much of its charm.

The fjord-like Bay of Marmaris is hemmed in by rolling pine-covered hills which sweep around to form a stunning and dramatic backdrop to the resorts. Lined with a double row of majestic palms, the seafront at Marmaris is edged with a long sand-&-shingle beach, with its new traffic-free promenade stretching from the marina all the way round the bay to Icmeler. It has a sophisticated 'Riviera' feel to it, vaguely reminiscent of Nice. The newer resort of Icmeler has blossomed into a delightful resort in its own right with a very individual charm. Its superb beach is now flanked by lush gardens leading to impressive hotels.

Sandwiching the Old Quarter are to one side Netsel Marina, home to smart quayside restaurants, an open-air amphitheater cinema, and a marina housing majestic yachts. To the other side is the newer district of the resort where many of the featured properties are situated. 
Marmaris is lively and bustles well into the small hours with bars and smart discos.

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 just behind the harbor; today, its remains house the Marmaris Museum, Pine forests cover the mountains which surround Marmaris; on shore a white line of sand and rock separates green from blue. The beach areas sparkle, and provide visitors with a perfect opportunity to dive, snorkel and swim in relaxing conditions.

Yachts and boats decorate the coast of this lovely tourist tourist center where thousands converge to enjoy a fun-filled, self-indulgent holiday. Those who surf and water ski will thrill at the possibilities in Marmaris. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar, or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated discotheque can end an ideal day.

There are many good buys in Marmaris boutiques, colorful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewelry, and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine scented honey called "cam bali" is superb.

The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatross Marina, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris

NIGHTLIFE :

There is an amazing choice of bars in Marmaris. The most popular night spots can be found along the beachfront and in the old town.

Shopping in Turkey is remarkable, with only one word to sum up prices - cheap -. Local specialties include leather, jewellery and Turkish carpets. In bigger resorts, look out for the genuine designer clothes too. Don't be afraid to haggle - the shopkeeper expects it (even if you're already getting such good value it hardly seems worthwhile!).

And one last point worth remembering, Turkey is not yet a member of the European Union, so you can still stock up on those duty frees!

SHOPPING and MARKETS :

Marmaris has some of the best shopping in Turkey. There are smart designer shops in Netsel marina, or hunt for bargains in the colorful bazaar which is open daily until late in the evening. Good buys are jewellery, both gold and silver, leather goods, spices, carpets, kilims, pottery and much much more. The local market is on Friday and is a must for bargain hunters.

Browse in the bazaars, and if you are ready to haggle, you will pick up some real bargains. There are lots of cheerful stalls selling T-shirts, beachwear, and you will find plenty of souvenirs of your memorable holiday.

Especially good buys everywhere: Leather goods, gold and silver jewellery, carpets, or 'kilims'

RESTAURANT & BARS :

Turkish food is mouth-wateringly delicate and beautifully presented. Forget about the kebabs you get in another country - to eat Turkish style is to choose a series of small dishes, or snack, each an explosion for the senses. Start with borek, delicious little parcels of filo pastry usually stuffed with goat's cheese, and Turkish pizza (called pide) is also something of a specialty. We've never seen such a fantastic vegetarian choice, while meat and fish eaters are equally well catered for. Wash it all down with the local wine or the obligatory Efes beer and you won't go wrong.

EATING OUT :

There is an amazing choice of restaurants in Marmaris, catering for all tastes, from traditional Turkish to Indian food.

Dining is a delight in Turkey as the cuisine is so varied. Especially popular are savory appetizers or 'snack', kebabs of all kinds, (much better than fast food variety), 'borek' pastry stuffed with meat or cheese, stuffed wine leaves, seafood of various kinds, sweet pastries, and of course traditional dark Turkish coffee. You will find every kind of restaurant, from luxury class, with imposing international menus, to typical small-town eating houses. 

The Netsel Marina has a romantic setting and is renowned for its fine dining. Iskender is a doner kebab, in tomato sauce with yogurt. Borek, is a flaky pastry layered with cheese or mince. Try the popular 'sigara borek' which are rolled filo pastry, filled with cheese and deep fried.

Live the traditional Turkish Cuisine in Marmaris with the specialties of village bread, gozleme, lamb, kebabs, fish, starters, fruits and deserts. Ayran is a delicious yoghurt drink and great with traditional kebab!

HEALTH :

Hopefully you should remain in good health during your holiday but should you happen to need a doctor please do not hesitate to. In Marmaris there are two hospitals - private and state one,and many private clinics. Medical facilities in our town are up-to-date and equipped to cope with the majority of medical problems. There are multilingual doctors and dentists all around the town open during weekly business hours. For emergency medical care, you may contact your hotel reception to request a doctor's visit in your hotel room.

HOSPITALS :
For emergencies the town hospitals are open 24 hours a day and most of the duty doctors are bilingual. An ambulance service may be requested from hospitals for emergencies.
Marmaris State Hospital tel. 4121029

PHARMACIES :
There are a large number of pharmacies (Eczane) in the town, open during business hours. In each area there is a pharmacy open 24-hour  for emergencies. To learn which pharmacy is on duty, check with your tour operator, the notices posted on the pharmacy windows or call information on 118. All medicine is available, yet strong painkillers, tranquilizers, and some other medicine require prescription.

Air : Dalaman International Airport , 85 km from Marmaris
Road: Direct bus connections from all main cities

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