Marmaris

Located where the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea join you will find a large natural harbor surrounded by pine-clad hills and forests. This is Marmaris, often referred to as the Jewel of the Turkish Riviera. Served by the Airports of Dalaman (≈ 85Km) Bodrum (≈ 165 KM) Izmir (≈ 320KM) and Antalya (≈ 590 KM) Marmaris is easily reached by Air (or by sea for the more adventurous traveler) Other resorts all within easy reach of Marmaris are Icmeler, Turunc, Datca, Gocek and Dalyan. Marmaris is an excellent starting point for a Blue Cruise of the Aegean, either on board a traditional Turkish Gulet or by modern sailing yacht and the region is ideal for water sports or sailing. Marmaris offers lots of opportunity for the “non seafarer” too, daily excursions can be made to Selcuk, (Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary) Pamukkale, Antique cities of Aphrodisias and Hierapolis, Kaunos, Thermal Mud Baths, Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach), Lycean Rock Tombs, Tios and Ulupinar. It is also possible to take a Day Return Ferry Trip to the Greek Island of Rhodes: Traveling out of Marmaris is not a must though; the Resort offers lots of entertainment day and nighttime for all the family. Marmaris is one of the most attractive naturel harbours backed by the rugged pine-clad mountains,with an elegant palm lined promenade leading to a busy marina,splendid beached and acrystal clear sea which is ideal for swimming ,water sports and sailing. Marmaris is one of the most beautiful resorts of the Aegean region and leading yachting centre of the East Mediterranean. Among Turks it is known us “Green Marmaris”becouse of its landscape that is covered with a pine forests.the Bay of Marmaris is a very well protected naturel post with a pier for ships and several marinas for hundreds of yacths from all over the world. The town has many modern facilities for tourists apart form intact natural beauties. Moreover the peaople of Marmaris always warmly welcome both the foreing and the local visitors. After dinner,along the seafront restourants or in and around the town ,you may want to spend the rest of the night at one of the lively bars, discos or nigth clubs located mainly at the Bar Street. There are many different types excursions,which complement the vist to Marmaris. These may be half of full day tours ranging from canoe trips, horseback rides, treks, yacht tours, exploring villages, jeep safari and visit to Ephesus,Pamukkale,Dalyan and Caunos. Marmaris and its environs boast have the coastlines and bays as intricate as fine lace ,where the blue of sea and the sky, and the green of the pine forests embrace one another. Nature exhibits images one more spectacular than the other as far as the eye can see. Sites of natural beauty are available not only far a few months or a mere season,but encompass the whole year and welcome all nature lovers,local and foreigner alike. Marmaris and its environs are also magnificent and beautiful in terms of nature, as much as they are rich in and impressive in terms of the archaelogy that sheds light on this past. Aside from the natural beauty of the region, historic Caria and the countless ancient cities in some of their names still continue to elude us carry the centuries-old heritage to the present day. Ancient cities that can be reached and visited a day departing and returning to Marmaris pass on the cultural herştage of Anotalia, the Aegean and the Mediterranean to the present day.

Marmaris in history

There has been a settlement in Marmaris since the 3rd centaury BC, originally a Carian military base the city held a strategic position protecting the trade routs to the Cities of Milas, Bodrum, Datca and Dalyan. As is to be expected for such a strategic position many rules followed, Egyptian, Lydian, Ionian, Pergamon, Roman, Byzantine, Selcuk and Ottoman to name but a few. It was under the Ottoman rule in the 15th century that Suleyman the Magnificent ordered the building of a fortress from which he could launch an attack on the Knights of St. John in their base in Rhodes, the remains of the Castle can still be viewed today a little to the North of the City. Notwithstanding Suleyman the Magnificent, the city has hosted many famous visitors over the years. Cleopatra was rumored to favor the beaches and health giving waters of the region and it was in Marmaris harbor also that in the late 17th Century Admiral Nelson sheltered his fleet on route to Egypt to defeat Napoleons Armada in the Battle of Aboukir. Today Marmaris is a both a bustling holiday resort and sleepy fishing village, surrounded by Pine forested hills, magnificent beaches with breathtaking views. History is never far away though making Marmaris an ideal starting point to visit and explore the many historical sights and museums of Southwestern Turkey. The ancient name of Marmaris was Physkos, and the city was developed as a port for Caria. There is not much of the ancient remains surviving. You can see some of the ruins to the north, on Asartepe Hill. However, these are very limited in number and would only be of interest to archaeologists. The known history of Marmaris goes back to 900 BC. In the Hellenistic era it was under the rule of the Seleucids for a time and later was controlled by the Romans, Byzantines and, in the 13th century, the Menteşeoğulları. The Ottoman Sultan Sьleyman the Magnificent conquered the city in 1522. From here he launched his successful campaign to capture the island of Rhodes. When initially a part of the Ottoman Empire, Marmaris was called Mimaras, with this later being changed to Mermeris and finally to its present name. Between 1919 and 1921, Marmaris came under the control of the Italians. Following this, the town, now a part of the Turkish Republic, was the home to fishermen and sponge nodivers until the 1980s.

Other ancient cities that are within the borders of the Marmaris region are as follow:

Amos (Hisarцnь-Turunз), Byabassos (Hisarцnь), Syma (Bayır Kцyь-village), Larymna (Bozburun), Thyssanos (Sцğьt), Phoinix (Taşlıca), Loryma (Bozukkale), Kasara (Serзe Limanı-Port), Kedria (Sedir Adası-Island), Euthena and Amnistos (Karacasцğьt). Including Shyskos, all these were Carian cities. However, little remains from these cities, with there being no more than some walls and ruins of castles.

Beaches

ICMELER
Icmeler is famous district of Marmaris with its great beach.Although Icmeler has small beach,it prefered by the people.Because Icmeler has big holiday centers and buildings.You can reach Marmaris in 10 minutes by shared taxi.If you are interest in nodiving,windsurf ..etc sports, Marmaris will take you. Icmeler is more silent than Marmaris.Icmeler have lots of alternatives fo eating,drinking and fun.

DALYAN
Dalyan is 5000 years old historical place. And it has great green plant cover. Dalyans best features are healing hot springs and healing mud baths. Iztuzu Beach is very important place of Dalyan.İztuzu Beachs another feature;Caretta turtles lay eggs here.Dalyans beach is the one in the world.Because one side Akdeniz another side is fresh water.Beach like gold and water like crystal.Dalyan Delta is a haven for bird observers.Hot springs must be seen.Ekincik Cov is preferenced by yachting people.

TURUNC
Turuncs old name Loryma Peninsula the present name Bozburun Peninsula, you can reach Marmaris for 30 minute by bus or boat. Turunc is near the Pine tree covered mountain. Turunc sea, shine while morning light.Turunc has a beatiful cove of Ege. Four stars otels and pensions serve and you can join the blu journey.You can see the tracks of lived civilizations ingreat green forests,mountain villages . The biggest civilization track is “Amos” city ruins. Turunc have big plans for the future.So it known by other countries.And Turunc rewarded by blue flag.Blue flag is a reward that is gave by Europa Environment Education Aware.