Marmaris is one of the most prestigious resorts in Turkey. It is located in the south-west of the country and attracts vacationers with a variety of entertainment and a pleasant climate. In addition, in the Marmaris area, there is not one sea, but two of them! After all, it is there that the Aegean merges with the Mediterranean.
A bit of history
Before we find out which sea in Marmaris in Turkey is more suitable for families with children, and which one is better for drivers, let's get acquainted with one interesting legend. So, the locals say that the name Marmaris comes from the Turkish phrase "Mimary as", which translates as "to hang the builder." It was spoken by the notorious Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who was furious when he saw what an unsightly fortress was erected instead of the powerful citadel ordered by him.
To be fair, it should be said that the history of the city began long before the appearance of the Ottoman Turks in these parts. The date of the founding of Fiskos, namely the name given to it by the Greeks, remains unknown. However, there are historical documents showing that the city ledintensive trade with neighbors already in the 11th century BC. e. Later it was owned by the Persians. In the 1st century BC e. he passed to Rome and then became part of the Byzantine Empire. At the end of the 14th century, it was captured and plundered by the Ottoman Turks. However, the final accession to their empire took place only 30 years later. A century later, a convenient bay attracted the attention of Suleiman the Magnificent, who wished to build a fortress on its shore.
In 1957, Marmaris was badly damaged by an earthquake. Its restoration dragged on for more than 20 years, until a decision was made in the early 80s to turn this stretch of the Turkish coast into a modern resort.
As a result of large-scale construction, many hotels and entertainment venues have appeared there, which annually receive hundreds of thousands of tourists, including from Russia.
Geography and climate
As already mentioned, the resort is located on the shore of the bay. Mountains surround it from the north, and Marmaris is located in the south. The sea is directly at the Mediterranean resort. However, having driven a little towards Dalaman, you will find yourself on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
The location of Marmaris determined its climate. It is typical Mediterranean with mild winters, when the average January temperature is about 7.5 degrees with rain and sleet. The absolute minimum is only -4.
It is hot in the resort in summer, but not like in Antalya. The temperature rarely rises above + 28 … 30 Celsius, especially since the breezes blow there. At the same time, undercurrents refresh the water in the sea near Marmaris in Turkey, evenon the hottest days.
As for the rains, from June to September they almost never happen.
Do you want to go on vacation with a small child to the sea in Marmaris? It is not so easy to say which time to choose, since the weather there can vary greatly in different years. However, all those who have already been to the resort unanimously advise September for holidays with kids, when the water in the sea is warm enough, but not at all hot. In addition, it is recommended to choose hotels on the Mediterranean coast, as it is calmer and warmer.
Beaches
The main thing in Marmaris is the sea. However, this resort is not only popular with beach lovers, but is also known as one of the best places in southwestern Turkey for diving and underwater photography.
The main beach of Marmaris is located in the central part of the resort. It is quite long and sandy. At the same time, in some areas at the entrance to the water there are sections of pebbles. Right on the beach there are many bars, cafes and restaurants, so they are also chosen, first of all, by youth companies. As for couples and parents with children, it is better for them to choose the village of Ichmeler for their vacation. There is a clean and cozy beach, where it is relatively not crowded, and there is entertainment for children of all ages.
If you want to have a romantic vacation, then go to Turunc. There is a beautiful beach surrounded by forest, with small coves surrounded by beautiful rocks.
Diving
In Marmaris, the sea is clean and even ongreat depth excellent visibility. In total, there are 50 dive sites in the resort and its surroundings, which are replete with ancient ruins. The main places for diving are capes Kutyuk, Sary-Mehmet and Khaitly, lighthouses Kadyrga, "Inje Burun", located on the island of Ildyz, the islands of Dzhennet and Kargy, the bays of Abdi Reis and Aksu, etc. The fauna traditional for the Mediterranean Sea is represented there. Among the fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world that can be seen in its depths, tuna, octopus, moray eels, crayfish, cardinal fish, etc. are of particular interest. Some of the dive sites in Marmaris come across fragments of ancient amphoras. In addition, the resort has places that have long been chosen by lovers of underwater photography. For example, you can take beautiful pictures in Basa Cave.
Dive centers in Marmaris organize individual and group dives accompanied by an instructor. The resort offers a scuba diving course, upon completion of which a PADI certificate is issued.
Sights of the resort
Now that we have found out which sea in Marmaris is best for diving, it's time to find out what those who prefer to combine a beach holiday with excursions can see there.
The place most visited by tourists in Marmaris is the medieval fortress. Yes, yes, the one whose builder was going to be hanged. Despite the dissatisfaction of Suleiman the Magnificent, it turned out to be more than reliable and perfectly preserved, although in the 5 decades that have passed since the constructionfortifications, they were repeatedly attacked by enemies.
Also, lovers of antiquities are happy to see the castle of Calais, built by the Ionians in the 11th century. Today it houses the Marmaris City Museum. Its exposition presents historical documents, artifacts found during archaeological excavations and works of art created by people who have inhabited this resort since ancient times.
Another monument of the Ottoman era is located on the street leading to Calais. This is the caravanserai of the Sultan of Hafsa, which was built in 1545. It served as a roadside inn for 5 centuries, and today the building houses cafes serving national cuisine and souvenir shops.
Natural attractions in the vicinity of the resort
Which sea washes Marmaris in Turkey? This question is often heard from tourists. As already mentioned, this resort is a unique place where there are many natural attractions. The main one, of course, is the confluence of the two seas. If you want to get a unique opportunity to swim in both the Aegean and the Mediterranean at once, then just drive along the coast towards the town of Dalaman, where the nearest international airport to Marmaris is located. Along the way, you will notice that the water near the coast begins to become cloudy. This means that you are at the meeting point of the calm waters of the Mediterranean and the violent currents of the Aegean.
In addition, tourists are encouraged to visit Pamukkale. It is often referred to as "the eighthwonder of the world." There, from high rocky ledges, waters rich in mineral s alts fall. At the same time, each terrace has a small pool, with a water temperature of +37 degrees Celsius.
Other excursions
As for historical sights, not far from Marmaris is the city of Ephesus, where John the Theologian spent the last years of his life. It was there that he wrote the Gospel, as well as 3 epistles. In Ephesus, you can wander through the four-thousand-year-old streets, see the richest ancient library, get acquainted with the furnishings of the patrician house, Roman baths and the house of brothel. There are also the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, the stands of the amphitheaters, as well as the foundations of ancient houses preserved in the city of Knida.
Hotels
Which sea in Marmaris in Turkey to go? Such a question may seem strange only to those who are not familiar with geography. Since two seas merge at once in the resort, this circumstance can be decisive when choosing a hotel. In addition, Marmaris has hotels that are designed for young people and options that are more suitable for families.
In particular, hotels designed for "party-goers" are located directly in Marmaris, where most of the bars and discos are located. As for club hotels, such establishments can be found in the villages of Turunc and Hisaronu, as well as in the park area between Icmeler and Marmaris.
Now you know which sea washes Marmaris in Turkey. This resort not onlygreat to relax on the magnificent beaches, but also to make interesting excursions, getting acquainted with the amazing sights of the ancient era.
