Marmaris Travelers Recommend

Complete with a sunny Mediterranean climate, shimmering turquoise waters, and a dramatic backdrop of forested mountains, Marmaris is tailor-made for a beach vacation—whether you want to sip cocktails at a beach bar, cruise around the bay, or try adrenaline-fueled water sports. Here are some of the best beaches in Marmaris.

Long Beach

Marmaris’ most popular beach is Long Beach (Uzunyali), and with golden sands, clear waters, and striking views across the bay, it’s a great choice. A short stroll from many Marmaris hotels and home to the huge Atlantis Water Park, visitors to Long Beach can enjoy water sports like windsurfing, Jet Skiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing, while the seafront promenade is lined with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Icmeler Beach

Just south of Marmaris, Icmeler Beach is less crowded than the main beach, but just as lively, fronted by resort hotels, beach bars, and seafood restaurants. As well as calm waters ideal for swimming, there are opportunities for scuba diving, water skiing, and banana boat rides, as well as outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and quad biking in the surrounding forest. 

Iztuzu Beach

A boat trip along the Dalyan Delta makes a popular day tour from Marmaris and one of the highlights is a stop at Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach). A slim sandy beach stretching between the waters of the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea, Iztuzu is a protected environmental area known for its population of rare loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta).

Cleopatra Island

Boat tours around Marmaris Bay and the Adakoy peninsula stop at many of the hidden beaches and secluded coves along the coast, but none are as enchanting as Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island). The island’s pure white, silky-soft sands are made from naturally ground seashells, although legend has it that Marc Anthony had it shipped in from Egypt to impress Cleopatra. 

Turunc Beach

The next beach down from Icmeler, the Blue Flag beach of Turunc is easily accessible from Marmaris and offers miles of pristine sand, calm waters for swimming, and activities to suit the whole family.

As the gateway to the Turquoise Coast, Marmaris delivers both natural and historical attractions. Whether you want to cruise along the coast, discover ancient history, or sip cocktails into the early hours, use these suggestions for how to best spend three days in Marmaris.

Day 1: Essential Marmaris

Spend your first day getting your bearings in the resort of Marmaris. Stroll to the hilltop Marmaris Castle for sweeping views of Marmaris Marina—home to glitzy yachts and gourmet restaurants—before taking a boat cruise around Marmaris Bay. Depending on your schedule, opt for a half- or full-day cruise that covers highlights such as Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island) and Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach).

Back on dry land, see a different side of Marmaris on a horseback riding tour or a Jeep safari, which takes you off the beaten path to rural Mediterranean villages and the Turgut Waterfall. Or, if you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, opt for a spa package that includes a traditional Turkish massage and access to the steam room and saunas of a traditional hammam. 

Day 2: Rhode to Ruin

Dedicate your second day to exploring further afield. As the gateway to the Aegean and Maditerranean seas, day trip options from Marmaris are plentiful. If you’re feeling adventurous, head by boat to the historic Greek city of Rhodes—home to the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes and a medieval Old Town that's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours typically include round-trip transfers by speedboat and can be tailored to include more guided sightseeing or free time to explore at your own pace.

Other popular options include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site of Ephesus—home to the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final home of Jesus’ mother; the thermal pools of Pamukkale, where petrified waterfalls create an otherworldly landscape; and the Hierapolis ruins, which include an amphitheater, basilica, and large Roman bath. 

Day 3: Delights of Dalyan

Devote your final day to the historic and natural attractions of Dalyan, which are best visited as part of a tour that includes transfers by both land and sea. Dalyan highlights include the Dalyan Mud Bath, home to therapeutic mud that’s said to reduce signs of aging; Turtle Bay (Iztuzu Beach), where you can spot endangered loggerhead turtles; and a series of Lycian rock tombs carved into coastal cliffs. If you’re traveling with kids, spend the day at Aquadream Waterpark, one of the largest of its kind in Turkey. Opt for a package that includes skip-the-line admission tickets and round-trip transfers from Marmaris for maximum convenience. 

Then, once the sun sets, indulge in some Turkish culture with a dinner and belly dance package, or take a sunset dinner cruise to the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

With its golden beaches, turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and pine-covered landscapes, it’s no wonder that Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular holiday resorts. If you’ve only got one day for your visit, advance planning is essential to see the best of the area in 24 hours. Here’s how.

Morning: Sun, Sea, and Sand

Spend your first morning in Marmaris exploring the town’s top attraction: the Mediterranean Sea. Boat cruises, which tend to depart from Marmaris Bay, let you escape the crowds on land and take you to highlights such as Paradise Island, Phosphorus Cave, and Aquarium Bay—all of which are accessible only by sea. Back on dry land, soak up some sun at either Marmaris’ main beach or on the golden sands of Icmeler Beach, which is backed by lush hills and palm trees. This family-friendly beach is also a burgeoning hot spot for watersports such as banana boating, waterskiing and jet-skiing, and the clear underwater visibility offers ample opportunities for snorkeling. 

Afternoon: Off-Road Exploration

Devote the afternoon to exploring further afield on a buggy or horseback riding tour. These sightseeing options take you off the beaten path to rural forest trails, mountain streams, and pine-covered landscapes, and nearly always include round-trip hotel transfers and lunch. Alternatively, take a break from sightseeing with a traditional Turkish massage, which often can be booked in an authentic hammam; packages typically include a sauna, steam bath, hot tub soak, body scrub, and a massage using foam and aromatherapy oils. 

Evening: Dinner and Dancing

The lively resort of Marmaris really comes into its own at night, when the alfresco areas of restaurants, bars, and clubs burst into life. Kickstart your evening with a dinner-and-show package, which saves you the task of researching restaurants and reveals Turkey’s unique style of music, dance, and cuisine. If you’re keen to experience Marmaris’ famous nightlife, head to Marmaris Marine, where bars thrum with popular songs and are filled with travelers looking to capture the party spirit.

Two days in Marmaris give you time to fully explore the resort’s bays, beaches, and caves, and to get a taste of Turkey’s Mediterranean culture through food, dance, and nightlife. See below for our top tips on spending 48 hours in Turkey’s most popular holiday resort. 

Day 1: Sailing in the Sunshine

**Morning:**Without wasting a moment, head straight out to sea on a boat cruise. Whether you opt to sail on a catamaran or pirate ship, tours typically cover Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island)—famous for its crystalline waters and white sands—and offer unobstructed views of the Gulf of Gökova.    

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon going off the beaten path on a horseback safari or on a buggy tour, both of which reveals parts of the Marmaris countryside that are inaccessible by traditional vehicle. Alternatively, relax with a traditional Turkish massage and spa package, perfect for tired travelers. 

**Evening:**Get back out on the water to watch the sunset on a dinner cruise that reveals Marmaris Bay at the most magical time of day. Some tours combine dinner and Turkish dancing while you cruise the Aegean Sea and may include shopping stops at a handicraft factory and outlet. 

Day 2: Discovering Dalyan

**Morning:**Rise early for a day trip to Dalyan, a region that’s home to a wealth of natural and historical attractions. Tours, most of which transport you by boat, tend to cruise along Marmaris’ Turquoise Coast and stop in Dalyan.

**Afternoon:**Your day trip will continue on into the afternoon with visits to Dalyan highlights such as Turtle Bay (İztuzu Beach), a strip of sand between the river and the Mediterranean Sea that’s become an important spot for endangered loggerhead turtles; the Dalyan Mud Bath, home to therapeutic mud said to reduce signs of aging; and a series of Lycian rock tombs carved into coastal cliffs.

**Evening:**Most Dalyan day trips return in the late afternoon, which means you’ll have time to squeeze in a traditional Turkish meal in the evening. Packages tend to include a buffet-style or multi-course meal, with alcoholic and soft drinks offered, accompanied by a belly dancing performance.