Resorts of Marmaris are gaining more and more popularity among foreign tourists lately. A successful combination of sandy beaches and picturesque nature becomes the key to a great time on the shores of the warm sea. Moreover, there are ample opportunities for outdoor activities, lovers of historical sights, and young people can perfectly unwind at the numerous entertainment and dance venues of the resort.
History and present
Marmaris is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey. It is conveniently located in a bay surrounded by the Niamara Peninsula and additionally covered by an island that protects the coast from strong winds and waves. Even when a storm rages on the high seas, it is usually calm and warm here. The town is a kind of knot where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet.
First and foremost resortis considered the center of the entertainment life of Turkey, a kind of Ibiza, where nightlife is seething and young people come off with might and main. However, the sandy beaches of Marmaris are able to attract a huge number of people who prefer a relaxing family holiday.
Good location attracted people here long before the new history. The first settlement was founded here almost three thousand years ago and was named Fiskos. In 1425, the city was conquered by the Turkish sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who built the Marmara-Kalesi fortress here. Until the 1980s, there was only room for a run-down fishing village, but the rapid development of the tourism industry has turned Marmaris into an attractive resort for European tourists.
Climate and landscape
The climate here is typically Mediterranean, but the location of the city brings its own characteristics. The Aegean offers a drier climate than Turkey's southern resorts, which is especially good for people suffering from heart and lung problems.
The sun on the beaches of Marmaris is a regular guest, it shines here three hundred days a year. However, this does not mean suffocating heat, a light breeze from the sea evokes a pleasant coolness.
The water here heats up gradually, only by August its temperature reaches 25 degrees. In September and October comes the velvet season. The thermometer in the shade drops to 30 degrees, while the sea heats up to the maximum, which is typical for a country like Turkey.
The beaches of Marmaris are located in a closed bay, which should be taken into account by lovers of the views of endless expanses. The open sea can be seen from only one place through a narrow strait. However, the landscape here is quite picturesque, the resort is surrounded by small islands covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. On the beaches of Marmaris, sand or pebbles heat up and retain heat for a long time. This allows you to spend time on the beach even at night.
Turkish Ibiza
Reviews about the beaches of Marmaris have a wide range of ratings, which can confuse the average tourist. This is due to the fact that there is a fairly wide selection of places for a beach holiday, each of which has its own characteristics.
The center of the resort is Marmaris itself. The beach is within walking distance from the historical center of the city. For first-line hotels in Marmaris, a private beach is an indispensable condition. There are many hotels here, they maintain their recreation areas in good condition, they constantly deliver good sand.
There are separate beaches in the city for those who come to Marmaris for music and dancing. Young people throw noisy parties with an abundance of loud music and dancing.
Uzuniyali
There is also a public beach here, bearing the telling name of Uzunyaly ("long road"). It is quite narrow, its width does not exceed 5-6 meters. Life here is in full swing, there are a huge number of bars and restaurants, water equipment rentals. The beach is quite well equipped, here you can find showers and changing cabins. However, sun loungers in the municipal area are a luxury, you should bring your own bedspreads.
Those who want to sunbathe in comfort can go to the sections of the coast assigned to cafes and restaurants. There are sun loungers that are free, you just need to order something from food or drinks. Having bought a bottle of water for a couple of liras, a tourist can calmly relax at least all day, however, he will have to steadfastly withstand the burning views of managers.
The best beaches of Marmaris Uzunyaly can be attributed with a big stretch. Here you can find individual heaps of garbage, numerous vacationers raise turbidity from the muddy bottom, the coastal strip is rather narrow and cramped.
Icmeler
Lovers of a relaxing holiday and supporters of unity with nature may be put off by the noisy beaches of Marmaris, but there is a great alternative to them. Just eight kilometers from the city is the village of Icmeler, which is not so flooded with European tourists. Previously, it was part of the main complex, but today it is gaining popularity as an independent and original recreation area.
Hotels and beaches in Icmeler are rated much higher than in Marmaris. This is due to the fact that the infrastructure here developed later than in the center, and hotels were built based on modern requirements.
The main advantage of the village is still its beaches. They are clean and unique. Thanks to the rocky bottom, the water here is unusually clear. The beaches themselves are composed of pebbles and sand in equal measure, making it suitable for families with children.
Underwater loversdiving, divers especially appreciate Icmeler, as its clean and clear water allows you to fully enjoy the underwater scenery and stare at the many marine life, which are represented here by corals, octopuses, tuna, turtles and many others.
Turunc
The coast near the small village of Turunc is one of the best beaches not only in Marmaris, but in the entire Mediterranean. It is marked with a special sign - the blue flag. This is the world standard for beach quality, denoting that the local sand and water are in near perfect condition and are especially clean.
Turunc is snugly nestled in a small cove, the coast stretches for only 500 meters and is surrounded by rocks. It is located 25 kilometers from Marmaris itself, so there are not many tourists here. This will be appreciated by lovers of a quiet and secluded holiday. There are many caves here, the underwater world is replete with labyrinths where marine life is hiding, which will be especially appreciated by diving enthusiasts.
Kumbuluk and Gunnuzhek
Not far from Turunc are the beaches of Kumbuluk. The village is distinguished by a picturesque landscape, where stripes of sandy and pebble beaches alternate. The flat terrain smoothly turns into hills, and hikers will have a good time here.
Fishing traditions are still strong here, you can find many restaurants where a tired tourist can choose from seafood dishes. Kumbuluk is a quiet, peaceful village, ideal for tourists exhausted by hectic life.resort center.
Outings into nature are associated with many people with picnics, with the opportunity to organize gatherings around a fire and barbecue. For such people, Gunnuzhek is ideal, located just two kilometers from Marmaris. Here, in addition to the beach, there is a huge and well-equipped camping site, which fits perfectly into the concept of a family vacation.
Chiftlik
You can drive from Marmaris to Hisaronu Bay in two hours. Here is the village of Chiftlik, surrounded by pine forests and rocky spurs. The local beach differs from others in its sand. It is especially large here, which is uncharacteristic for the beaches of Turkey. Coniferous trees and sea air create an unsurpassed cocktail that can bring you into a relaxed state and relieve the most severe stress.
There are not so many tourists here, and the sea water is especially clean. Pleasure yachts often stop here, from where lovers of secluded beaches land. The rocky shores are rich in underwater caves, which attracts diving enthusiasts.
Kizkumu
Folklore lovers may be attracted by the beautiful legend associated with Kizkumu ("maiden's braid") beach. It is located thirty kilometers from Marmaris and borders Hisaronya Bay. According to legend, a girl lived here who had to cross the sea every night to get to her beloved. For this, she conscientiously lined the bottom with sand, which she wore in her apron.
Whether it's true or not, the sea here is really very shallow near the shore. From afar, it may seem that vacationers are walking right on the water surface in the middle of the sea.
Marmaris is a beautiful, dynamically developing resort. Here you can find entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts, and families with small children, and lovers of untouched corners of nature. The sandy beaches of Marmaris attract the most demanding lovers of the sea and the sun.