The resort of Marmaris is located at the head of a bay surrounded by tall, forested hills. The population of this area has increased dramatically over the past 50 years; it was only 3,000 in the 1960s and now swells to over 250,000 during the summer. It’s not surprising, as Marmaris offers everything you might desire from a Mediterranean getaway. Uninhabited islands, coves, and hills covered in pines offer peaceful nature, but you may also enjoy the exhilarating excitement of a contemporary resort with its many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Most people associate Marmaris with all-inclusive resort vacations devoted to sun and sand. However, this booming tourist destination offers many more activities outside the beach. We pride ourselves on having excellent local knowledge, so we compiled this list of the top things to do in Marmaris.

Relaxing things to do in Marmaris

Catch some Rays at Iztuzu Beach

Marmaris has a perfectly adequate beach, but if you're prepared to go the extra mile, you'll be rewarded with beaches that cameras cannot capture. Iztuzu Beach, one of Turkey's most well-known stretches of coastline, is protected as a part of a natural park and has white sand that extends for just under five kilometres. The nature park designation means there hasn't been much construction here, unlike many of the beaches in the Marmaris region, giving the beachfront a calm, natural character.

In addition to being a lovely location for a leisurely day of swimming and tanning, the beach is famous for being a significant loggerhead turtle nesting place and for being protected. It will take around ninety minutes to get here by car, but the trip is worth it.

If you want to explore secluded beaches a little closer to Marmaris, there are plenty of options. We suggest you try the dazzling Icmeler beach with golden sands just 15 minutes around the bay or blue flag awarded Turunc beach around 25 minutes from Marmaris centre. 

Spend a day on a Gullet

One of our favourite things to do in Marmaris is unwinding on an authentic gullet day cruise. With its advantageous coastal location in front of a lovely harbour, Marmaris is well-known as a boat trip destination. Taking to the sea is the most preferred method of exploring Marmaris Bay's gorgeous coastal surroundings. You can board one of the marina’s daily Marmaris boat tours and spend an entire day at sea in luxury. There’s lunch on board, cold refreshments when needed, and space to bask in the sun on the deck.

Take a Stroll around the Marina

An expensive marina is a need for any resort in the twenty-first century. Still, Marmaris’ harbour is made even more enticing by the nearby castle and hills of the Marmaris National Park. The quays and jetties are paved, so you can take a stroll to admire the superyachts, the forest of masts, and the untamed scenery surrounding the bay. The main quay is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. This line extends along the river's west bank and the bustling Bar Street.

Cultural Things to do in Marmaris

Dive into History at Marmaris Castle

The town's primary historical tourist attractions are Marmaris Castle and the combined archaeology museum, which towers over the bay, and the nearby cobblestone streets of the old town. The castle halls are utilised to exhibit items discovered in the area, while the ramparts provide breathtaking views of the bay. You must see the outstanding archaeological artefacts found during digs conducted around the Marmaris and Mugla regions. The Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods are represented by pottery, glassware, coinage, amphorae, and other artefacts. The museum also features an ethnographic exhibit that showcases regional crafts and Ottoman-era lifestyles.

Adventurous Things to do in Marmaris

Explore Marmaris National Park

When central Marmaris feels crowded, you can escape in nearly 30,000 hectares of protected countryside. Most of the rocky, forested coastline that surrounds the clear waters of Marmaris Bay and extends east from the busy town of Marmaris is protected by Marmaris National Park. While Eurasian lynxes have occasionally been spotted in the national park, wild boar and goats are also frequently seen there. Several kestrels, falcons, eagles, and hawks also call this place home. Walking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular activities on the park's slopes because of their breathtaking views.

Visit Marmaris Atlantis Waterpark

There is a waterpark close to the southern end of Marmaris' main beach, which is convenient if you're on holiday with teens and children. Atlantis Waterpark offers eight slides that range in speed and length and a wave pool where you can chill out in an inflatable ring. Additionally, there are soft play areas, a mini golf course, restaurants, bars, and many sun loungers covered by umbrellas and awnings. There is also a kids' pool with a play structure and fountains.

Discover the Ruins at Sedir Island

Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra Island, is located in Gökova Bay, 23 kilometres north of Marmaris, right offshore from Çamlı. You can make the easy journey from Marmaris to Çamlı and hop on one of the many boats that ferry visitors across the water all day long.  Most visitors come to Cleopatra Beach to relax, where the sand laps the shallow, turquoise ocean. However, Kedrai's ancient ruins are nestled on Sedir Island, and if you stroll away from the shore, there is plenty to discover. If you enjoy rambling and appreciate history, you can find a theatre with views of the ocean, an agora, two churches from the later Byzantine era, and some remains of city walls. If you have a short amount of time, start with the Sanctuary of Apollo temple's ruins, located at the eastern tip of the island.