Marmaris has a great location on a bay enclosed by pine forested mountains. The town's historical claim to fame is that Suleyman the Magnificent set sail from here to conquer Rhodes in the 16th century. These days the only Ottoman reminder is a tiny castle which overlooks the bustling bazaar, which is bursting with carpet shops and stalls selling fake designer clothes.
The town is Turkey's main yachting centre, boasting the 700-berth Netsel Marina and an annual regatta organised by the Marmaris Yacht Club. In summer tour boats cruise the beautiful coastline and in the evening locals and holidaymakers enjoy the sea breeze in a row of waterside restaurants and cafes.
Marmaris is a now a large and rapidly growing resort, so don't go there expecting peace and solitude. On the positive side it has a good choice of restaurants and nightlife, as well as modern shopping centres and several private hospitals with English-speaking staff.
Getting There
Marmaris is a 90-minute drive from Dalaman airport.
There are regular bus services north to Izmir and south to Fethiye
There are regular ferry crossings to the Greek island of Rhodes.