Situated on a bay, backed by rugged
pine-clad mountains, Marmaris is one of the most attractive maritime
parklands, ideal for water sports and sailing. It makes an excellent
starting point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the Aegean
coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity
to meet the yachts' captains and crews. With plenty of provisions
aboard, you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore
the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
In Marmaris, sample the typical
Turkish cuisine in one of the marina restaurants and drink raki,
anisette, the traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with
water. Later stroll along the brightly lit and palm-lined promenade
and indulge yourself at one of the ice cream vendors. Energetic
entertainment at a lively bar or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated
disco can end a perfect day.
There are many good buys in Marmaris'
boutiques, colourful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent
leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery and objects
carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good
handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey
called cambali is superb, 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, the remains
of which can still be seen today.
Swimmers should not miss Ataturk
Park, to the east of Marmaris, where a shallow beach, extending
to the bay leads to safe waters. The clear sea is warm enough for
swimming from early May until late September. Marmaris also has
horseback riding and tennis centres for the sports enthusiast. This
is one of the few places in the world where you can delight in the
heady aroma of the frankincense tree. Weekly ferry lines run between
Marmaris and Venice during the summer season.