Marmaris

Location and Geography of Marmaris
 

Marmaris is located in the southwestern part of Turkey, in the province of Muğla. Situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea, it boasts a stunning natural landscape that includes mountains, forests, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The town is nestled in a picturesque bay, surrounded by hills covered in pine trees, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your vacation.
The geography of Marmaris offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. From exploring the rugged mountain trails to sailing along the coastline, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The town is also conveniently located close to several other popular tourist destinations in Turkey tours, making it a great base for further exploration.

What to do in Marmaris?

You can visit many amazing places such as:

Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)
 

One of the best beaches in your Turkey tour. Visitors can visit Iztuzu Beach to relax on its soft, golden sands and swim with a view of lush, forested mountains. Turtle sightings are frequent, and you might even swim beside them. Stay until dusk to watch the turtles return to their nests by the shore, or explore the Turtle Conservation Center at the southern tip of the beach for more information.
Day trips from Fethiye and Marmaris typically include a stop at Iztuzu Beach along with a cruise on the Dalyan River. Along the way, you can marvel at the ancient King’s Tombs in nearby Kaunos, navigate through the Köyceğiz Lake nature reserve, or indulge in the thermal springs and mud baths rich in minerals along the riverbanks.

Dalyan River
 

Historic ruins, rare wildlife, and hot springs — a boat trip on the Dalyan River is packed with wonders. The river meanders from Lake Köyceğiz to Dalyan Village, eventually flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, it passes through picturesque landscapes of rocky mountains, pine-covered valleys, and sandy shores.

Boat trips on the Dalyan River depart from Dalyan Village, making their way to Iztuzu Beach by the Mediterranean Sea. On the journey, visitors can enjoy a dip in the mineral-laden Dalyan mud baths and view the ancient Lycian site of Kaunos, with its cliffside king tombs towering above the river.
Certain excursions also venture north of Dalyan to visit the shores of Lake Köyceğiz. Here, you can swim, observe the birdlife in the wetlands, or unwind in the Sultaniye Hot Springs.

Dalyan Mud Bath
 

Just like the Dead Sea in Jordan, in your Turkey tour you can visit Lake Koycegiz, creating the famous mud baths of Dalyan's waterfront. The minerals in the mud emit a sulfurous odor but are reputed by residents to rejuvenate aging skin. Simply relax in the shallow pools, cover yourself in the mud, and rinse off in the river, lake, showers, or a spring-fed pool.

In Dalyan, numerous bathing experiences await you. Visit the Dalyan Peloid mud spa by the river, where "doctor fish" gently eat away dead skin. Alternatively, take a boat trip across the lake to reach the Sultaniye Hot Springs, or explore quieter locations like Liza Cavus Thermal and the Velibey Thermal Baths. Although Dalyan offers ample lodging, many tourists prefer to make a day trip from nearby Fethiye or Marmaris, both roughly an hour's drive away.

Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island)
 

Legend has it that Cleopatra had secret meetings with her lover, Marc Antony, on the coast of this small island in the Aegean Sea, near the Gulf of Gokova. This tale has made the island famous for its romantic allure. Another distinctive feature of the island is its unique sand, composed of finely crushed, smooth white seashells.

The island's unique crushed seashell sand is so prized that guests must leave their shoes and personal items at the beach entrances, and damaging or taking the sand is strictly forbidden. This particular sand is most commonly seen on Egyptian coastlines, and lore suggests that Marc Antony imported it from North Africa to court his beloved. Additionally, the island features Roman ruins.

When to visit?
 

Marmaris is at its best in the summer months of June through August, where temperatures hover around 85°F (30°C). The warm, sunny climate is ideal for enjoying beach outings, boat excursions, and the town's vibrant nightlife. For those who don't mind slightly cooler waters, planning a visit in May or September offers delightful weather along with less crowded streets, beaches, and historical landmarks. During winter, temperatures drop to an average of 50°F (10°C), with clouds and rain being more common. However, Marmaris still exudes charm, providing a tranquil escape and more affordable lodging options in a Turkey tour.