Things to do in Marmaris away from the beach

The Turkish Riviera (or Turquoise Coast, as it's also affectionately known) is peppered with resorts, but nowhere does it better than Marmaris.

A summer's day on the Turquoise Coast in Turkey
A summer's day on the Turquoise Coast in Turkey © Roxana - Fotolia.com

Located in the southwest of the country, Marmaris is a great place for families, couples, friends and solos. What's more, there are day trips aplenty and, if combining a stunning break with lots of activities appeals, Marmaris is the place for you.

Getting to Marmaric: check out the latest deals on holidays to Marmaris with TUI*, which departs from a number of UK airports.

Top things to do

While many simply want to recline and relax in the heat of the sun, some like to explore the town, surrounding areas and experience other aspects of Marmaris life.

Aqua Dream Waterpark is great fun for all ages and there's also a variety of safaris to choose from, including Jeep, horse and quad bikes.

Shopping

There's no shortage of shops in Marmaris and you could spend all day just browsing designer wear, jewellery and Turkish carpets. Sundays and Thursdays are market days in Marmaris or pop along to Icmeler just 15 minutes' walk away for additional shopping.

Spend a day on a Turkish gullet
Spend a day on a Turkish gullet © Andrew Kunkel - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Turkish hamam

A visit to the hamam for a Turkish bath should be at the top of your list. Combining a sauna, soapy massage whilst laying on hot stones and a traditional massage, you simply cannot leave without having experienced one.

Boat trips

Why not spend an afternoon sunbathing on the deck while sailing around the Aegean coast? Boat trips are a great way to see the coastline and snorkel in different bays plus some trips even give you the chance to get off the boat and explore other villages.

Day trips from Marmaris

Marmaris is beautifully placed for those who fancy indulging in the odd day trip. The following are popular and easily booked ways to pass the time and enjoy seeing new sights on your holiday to the Turkish Riviera.

The Pamukkale hot springs, Turkey
The Pamukkale hot springs, Turkey © Nikolai Sorokin - Fotolia.com

Pamukkale hot springs

It may be a long day out but the four hour ride to Pamukkale is definitely worth it. This natural wonder will dazzle you with its pure white cascading steps and hot springs. Romans once used its therapeutic powers and today it's one of the most popular sights in Turkey.

Turtle Beach near Dalyan, Turkey
Turtle Beach near Dalyan, Turkey © Maria Jonker - Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0

Riverboat ride & Turtle Beach

You could also combine a riverboat ride through the Dalyan Delta with a mud bath at famous Turtle Beach where, in the summer months, you can see Loggerhead turtles and blue crabs, a local delicacy.

Historic Rhodes, Greece

Why not hop on an hour-long crossing to the Greek island of Rhodes for a day? Meander around the old town or just people watch in one of the many cafés, enjoy a Greek salad and pick up a souvenir before sailing back to Turkey.

Evening entertainment

With a promenade that seems to go on forever, there's no shortage of places to eat. Restaurants line the coast with charming staff touting for your business. Many offer free shows such as Turkish belly dancing and, with hundreds in the area to choose from, you're spoilt for choice.

The promenade in Marmaris, Turkey
The promenade in Marmaris, Turkey © Hajotthu - Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0

The old town is where you'll find the best fish restaurants and if it's vibrant nightlife you're after, you have definitely come to the right place. With no cover charge, the promenade is alive with bars and clubs, and if you don't like one, you can just move onto the next. The larger clubs are found in Bar Street where you can dance under the stars, open air style.

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Lisa Eldridge

Lisa Eldridge

Posted on Friday 7th February 2014 in: Excursions Middle East Nightlife

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