Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey / Aegean Coast / Marmaris
 |  | Destination Guide : Marmaris |
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| | | Cheap and charming |  | Why go on holiday to Marmaris?
This is one of the cheapest destinations in the Mediterranean. Marmaris used to be a sleepy fishing village but these days the town's resident population of 18,000 swells to 150,000 in summer.
Holidaymakers and daytrippers arrive in droves in search of shopping, cheap nights out and sunshine.
How much does it cost?
Expect to pay from about £280 for one week's bed and breakfast accommodation. Flights only from the UK can be obtained for approximately £220 return in July, while a cheapish room can be found for about £12.
When should I go?
Turkey gets blisteringly hot in July and August, with daytime temperatures regularly reaching higher than 95F (35C). May and September are more comfortable.
Winters are generally wet and cool, although days of clear blue sky are not uncommon. Yachties should take note that the Marmaris Yacht festival takes place in May.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Turkey.
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| | | Go, go gulet |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Boat trips are popular. Day excursions to Dalyan, Kaunos and Rhodes and trips along the waterfront and the harbour, with its beaches and islands, are a great way to see the area.
You can also take longer trips to Datca and Knidos along the hilly peninsula to the west of Marmaris. If you're feeling adventurous you can charter a gulet - a traditional Turkish wooden yacht - and explore the secluded coves along the beautiful coast.
Anything for landlubbers?
Take a Turkish bath. A new Ottoman bath for tourists has opened - Datca Caddesi - which boasts a sauna and an alarmingly cold "shock" pool.
It's open from 8am to 11pm and charges about £10 for a bath, assisted wash, massage and drink afterwards. The bath is mixed and all the masseurs are male. The older hammam in the harbour is still open daily and is slightly cheaper.
How about under water?
There are several places in Marmaris where you can learn to dive. Depending on the time of year, short courses cost between roughly £20 and £50.
Look for the Marmaris Diving Centre moored on a boat near the Tourism Information Office - there are also several others nearby.
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| | | On the quiet, it's lively | | Where's good for nightlife?
Marmaris has come full circle from its origins as a quiet fishing village, now boasting a lively nightclub scene.
Haci Mustafa Sokak (aka Bar Street) is home to scores of bar-discos that stay open till dawn. Those on the eastern side of the street have terraces overlooking the harbour.
Havana Dance Bar is great for Caribbean dance music, while The Back Street plays Western music and attracts a young crowd.
If you're after something more traditionally Turkish, head for Ezgi Bar in the yacht harbour, where you'll be able to enjoy live Turkish music every night.
What's the food like?
Turkish cuisine is at the heart of Mediterranean cooking. The ingredients are often simple but of high quality and usually fresh. Try dolmas (stuffed vine leaves), fresh fish and seafood, local varieties of bread and fresh fruit and veg.
What should I buy?
The main pedestrianised, covered shopping area is called Carsi and is inland from the harbourside plaza.
If you're looking for locally-produced honey, visit Nur-Bal, 51 Sokak 9-C, or Hobim 51 Sokak 8-D, which also sells Turkish delight and other traditional Turkish sweets.
Other popular souvenirs include onyx, leather clothing and accessories, carpets, jewellery and crafts, meerschaum pipes, sandals and beachwear.
What is there for children to do?
Kids are fascinated by the free-roaming peacocks and tortoises in the gardens of the Marmaris Kale Muzesi (Fortress Museum) behind the tourist office.
Many hotels have special entertainment and sports programmes for kids; check with your travel agent.
Tourist office
Turkish Tourist Office, 170-173 Piccadilly, London, W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7629 7771.
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| | Available rental properties in Marmaris |
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| |  | | Villa Icmeler
Luxury detached villa with its privated garden and swimming pool for rent in Icmeler is situated in the residential part within a walk 5 minutes from the town centre.
|  | | Narin Apart - Apartment M-2
Holiday apartments located at the center of Icmeler, an exceptionally attractive resort just 7km of Marmaris with a stunning mountain backdrop.
|  | | Narin Apart - Apartment M-1
Holiday apartments located at the center of Icmeler, an exceptionally attractive resort just 7km of Marmaris with a stunning mountain backdrop and wid
|  | | Narin Apart - Apartment M-3
Holiday apartments located at the center of Icmeler, an exceptionally attractive resort just 7km of Marmaris with a stunning mountain backdrop.
|  | | Narin Apart - Apartment M-4
Holiday apartments located at the center of Icmeler, an exceptionally attractive resort just 7km of Marmaris with a stunning mountain backdrop.
| | Click here for more properties... |
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