This lovely resort town located on a peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is surrounded by a pine-wooded landscape. It has a harbor sheltered with lush foothills and long sun-drenched beaches surrounding its bay. The ancient city of Phykos existed where Marmaris is located now. There are various Grecian ruins nearby, as well as fascinating Lycian tombs. There are few remains apart from those of the small 16th. century fortress, an old bridge and a Caravanserai.

Today Marmaris is a charming seaside resort with an endless stream of boats to and from the harbor carrying visitors to the neighboring shores. In June every year the Art and Tourism Festival is held. There are a lot of touristic and historical sites near Marmaris. The ancient city Loryma (Aziziye) is located at the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula but little of it is still standing. Cedreae (Sedir), also known as Cleopatra island lies in the Gulf of Gokova. Besides going to these places, you can take also day trips to Cennet Adasi (Paradise Island); is linked to the mainland by a causeway, was known as Nimera in ancient times and the remains of a monastery can still be seen. Icmeler; named for its famous springs whose water was to be good for the digestive system.

Carvanserai; this stone-built Ottoman construction was built in 1545 and has one large and 7 small rooms. It is still standing and used as shops selling souvenirs and touristic goods. Ibrahimaga Mosque; constructed in 1298, the mosque is notable for its large dome. Tomb of Sariana; another Ottoman construction, the tomb honors a saintly lady who, according to history came to the aid of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman's hungry troops with jug after jug of milk. She also predicted victory for the Sultan in his expedition to Rhodes.

Besides having possibility to do all water sports in Marmaris, you can enjoy riding until 02:00 a.m. There could be riding in the forest, special riding trips and lessons could be arranged.

Sites to Visit and Environment

Caunus-King Tombs

Through seven centuries of active life, under the Persians, the Greeks and the Romans, Caunus was one of the leading towns of ancient Caria. It was always known as an unhealthy place and whether it was abandoned because of the mosquitoes that plagued it or because of the sifting of the harbor is not clear.

Dalyan and the famous "Turtle beach"

It is one of the few places in the Mediterranean where giant loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs.

Datca

A favorite with yachtsmen, Datca is a pretty, sleepy town with one modern hotel and several pensions and the attraction of being virtually surrounded by the sea.

Knidos