Marmaris sits at the head of a long, dramatic bay where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, backed by pine-clad mountains and enclosed by a narrow entrance that gives its harbour an almost lake-like calm. This natural setting is one of the most spectacular of any resort in Turkey, and the town makes the most of it — a long waterfront promenade, a lively marina, a famous bar street and easy access to some of the most beautiful coastline in the eastern Mediterranean. For Irish visitors who want a Turkish holiday with stunning scenery, good nightlife and excellent boat-trip options, Marmaris is hard to beat.
Location and Getting There
Marmaris is on Turkey's south-west coast, approximately ninety minutes from Dalaman Airport (DLM). The flight from Dublin takes around four hours. The drive from Dalaman crosses scenic mountain passes before descending to the coast. Sunholidays.ie packages include airport transfers.
Beaches
The town beach runs along the bay — a narrow strip of sand and pebble with sunbeds and facilities. Icmeler, a few kilometres west, has a better beach — a wider stretch of golden sand in a sheltered bay surrounded by pine forests. Turunc, further along the coast, is a small, beautiful bay accessible by boat or road. Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island), reachable by boat trip, has a unique beach of fine white sand said to have been brought from Egypt for Cleopatra herself — the sand grains under a microscope are indeed different from any other beach in Turkey.
Turkey's coastline stretches for over seven thousand kilometres, and the south-western coast in particular offers some of the most beautiful beach scenery in the Mediterranean. The water clarity along the Turquoise Coast lives up to the name — visibility of twenty to thirty metres is common, making the region excellent for snorkelling and diving. Many of Turkey's best beaches are within or adjacent to ancient archaeological sites, creating a unique combination of natural beauty and historical atmosphere. The all-inclusive culture in Turkish resorts means many hotels have private beach sections with complimentary sunbeds, parasols and beach service — a further advantage for families who want a hassle-free day at the beach.
Things to Do
Boat trips are Marmaris's greatest asset. The Dalyan day trip takes you by boat to the ancient Caulnus rock tombs, through the reed beds to the therapeutic mud baths, and past the Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach), a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Twelve-island tours explore the bays and islands around Marmaris. Trips to Cleopatra Island and to the Greek island of Rhodes (just an hour by fast ferry) are popular. Marmaris Castle, an Ottoman-era fortress above the harbour, houses a small museum. The Grand Bazaar is a sprawling shopping area of narrow lanes selling leather, spices, jewellery, carpets and souvenirs. Jeep safaris, quad biking and rafting on the Dalaman River offer adventure activities.
Dining and Nightlife
The waterfront and marina have a good selection of restaurants with bay views. Fresh fish, kebabs, mezes and pide are all well prepared and very affordable. The bazaar area has traditional lokanta (local eatery) restaurants offering home-style Turkish cooking at minimal prices. Bar Street is Marmaris's famous nightlife strip — a long pedestrianised street packed with bars, clubs and entertainment venues that stays busy until dawn from June to September. The scene is popular with Irish and British visitors and has a friendly, energetic atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. July and August are very hot (up to thirty-eight degrees). June and September offer excellent conditions with lower prices and less intense heat. The boat trips run throughout the season.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
No visa needed for stays under ninety days. Turkish lira — ATMs for best rates. Two to three hours ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken.
The Turkish lira has fluctuated significantly in recent years, which has worked in favour of visitors from eurozone countries — Turkey offers extraordinary value for money at current exchange rates. ATMs are widely available and give a fair rate, while credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Haggling is expected in bazaars and markets — starting at around half the asking price is a reasonable approach. Turkish hospitality is legendary, and you will frequently be offered tea (cay) in shops, markets and even casual encounters. Healthcare in Turkey is not covered by the EHIC (as Turkey is not in the EU), so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Turkish cuisine is a genuine highlight — the quality and variety of food, from street-level simit (sesame bread rings) to multi-course restaurant meals, is consistently impressive.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team can find all-inclusive Marmaris deals that make for outstanding value holidays.
Marmaris is one of the Turkish Riviera's largest and most popular resorts, nestled in a beautiful bay surrounded by pine-clad hills. It's famed for its long, vibrant promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and bars, leading to a bustling marina. 'Bar Street' is the heart of its energetic nightlife. Marmaris is also a major hub for 'Blue Cruise' gulet voyages along the stunning coastline. With its beautiful natural setting and lively atmosphere, it's a magnet for Irish holidaymakers seeking sun, fun, and scenic boat trips.