Marmaris
Nestled along the stunning turquoise coast of southwestern Turkey, Marmaris is a vibrant resort town renowned for its scenic beauty, bustling marina, and lively atmosphere. Surrounded by pine-clad mountains and crystal-clear waters, Marmaris offers visitors a perfect blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and modern amenities.
With a history dating back to ancient times, Marmaris has been a sought-after destination for travelers for centuries. The town’s strategic location along the ancient trade routes of the Mediterranean has shaped its rich cultural heritage, evident in its archaeological treasures and historical landmarks.
At the heart of Marmaris lies its charming marina, a bustling hub of activity with luxury yachts, traditional Turkish gulets, and colorful fishing boats lining the waterfront. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, soaking in the panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding landscapes, or dine alfresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine.
Marmaris is renowned for its stunning beaches, with stretches of golden sand and tranquil coves lapped by the gentle waves of the Mediterranean. The nearby İçmeler Beach and Cleopatra Island are popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, while secluded bays such as Turunç offer a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
For history enthusiasts, Marmaris offers a wealth of ancient ruins and archaeological sites to explore. The nearby ruins of Amos and Knidos provide a glimpse into the town’s ancient past, with well-preserved theaters, temples, and city walls dating back to the Greek and Roman eras.
Marmaris’s vibrant town center is a maze of narrow streets, lined with shops, cafes, and bars catering to every taste and budget. Visitors can browse for souvenirs, sample local delicacies such as Turkish delight and baklava, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of this bustling resort town.
Whether relaxing on its sun-drenched beaches, exploring its ancient ruins, or enjoying its vibrant nightlife, Marmaris offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience, inviting them to discover the beauty and charm of Turkey’s Aegean coast.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES
NATURAL BEAUTIES
DOWN TOWN
Ancient Cedreae
Cedreae is an ancient city on the island of the same name (today Sedir Adası) in the Gulf of Gokova. Today the island measures 900 meters in width and 300 meters in width.The ancient ruins are located on the hilly eastern part of the island, divided by a narrow land bridge in the middle. On the north side of the hill, halfway up, lies the well-preserved theatre, which has not yet been excavated. There are also remains of the city wall, remains of the agora, a temple of Apollo and a Byzantine basilica. Other buildings and fortifications have been preserved on the neighbouring islands and on the nearby mainland. The necropolis of the city with tombs and sarcophagi is about 200 metres away on the mainland.
Kaunos
Kaunos is located on the right bank of the Dalyan Stream (Calbis), which connects Lake Köyceğiz to the Mediterranean Sea, within the borders of Çandır Village of Köyceğiz District, opposite the current Dalyan Town. The city, which was a port city in its period, has moved away from the seashore today due to the formation of the Dalyan delta. The city is surrounded by Sivrihisar and Balıklar Mountains, which are the foothills of Ölemez Mountain (Imbroz), and Kızıltepe on the north and west. The geomorphologic and topographical changes of the environment before and after the foundation of the city distinguish Kaunos from other contemporary cities not only in terms of historical geography and urbanism, but also in terms of political and social life, economic and cultural changes and developments.
Cleopatra Island
According to legend Cleopatra had secret trysts with her lover Marcus Antony on the shores of this small island just off the Gulf of Gokova in the Aegean Sea. Their story has made the island a famous romantic spot. The island is also famous for its smooth, white, unusually textured sand made of seashells.
Dalyan River
Dalyan is a neighbourhood of the municipality and district of Ortaca, Muğla Province, Turkey. Its population is 5,829. Dalyan River cruises head from Dalyan Village to Iztuzu Beach at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. Stopping along the way, you can soak in the mineral-rich Dalyan mud baths and admire the Lycian ruins of Kaunos, especially the king’s tombs carved into the cliffs above the river. Some tours also head north of Dalyan to explore the beaches of Lake Koycegiz where you can swim, bird watch around the wetlands or relax in the Sultaniye Hot Springs.
Iztuzu Beach
Iztuzu Beach is a 4.5 km long Mediterranean beach located near the town of Dalyan in the Ortaca district of Muğla. The beach is one of the rare beaches between sea water and fresh water. The beach is also called “Turtle Beach” because Carettacarettas lay their eggs. The areas where the eggs are laid are regularly marked to prevent swimmers from damaging the eggs.
Akyaka
Akyaka is a coastal town in Ula district of Muğla. Located approximately at the midpoint of the road connecting Marmaris and Muğla, Akyaka is an escape for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of life and want to stop and rest. With its sea, sun, history and nature, Akyaka is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in Turkey with Azmak Creek on one side and Gökova Gulf on the other.
