Best shore excursions when you cruise into Marmaris, Turkey
Marmaris, on Turkey's southwest coast, is a popular port of call for cruises to the eastern Mediterranean with history, glamour and medieval spa traditions aplenty.
You know Marmaris is going to be all blue-sea-delight when it's plopped along a stretch of Turkey* dubbed the 'Turquoise Coast'. Also known as the Turkish Riviera, this beach resort (the largest in the land) sports a palm-fringed promenade and a gaggle of blingy yachts.
It's not all modern glitz in the port of Marmaris though; there's a castle, a traditional bazaar and several excellent culture-packed day trips to be enjoyed from the town. We've checked out some of the top sights worth seeing when visiting Marmaris on a cruise and, therefore, likely a tight schedule.
Getting to Marmaris: sail into this ancient port for less when you book an eastern Mediterranean voyage with Marella Cruises*.
About Marmaris
The walk from the port to the centre is a mere 15 minutes and pleasant enough if you want to explore Marmaris* on your own. Alternatively, if you don't fancy the slog, your cruise line will always put on a shuttle (also a roughly 15-minute journey).
Alternatively, join a cruise excursion to take the homework out of your holiday. You might end up ticking off a rather unusual, and soapy, activity further afield (read on to find out about the bathhouses) or benefit from an interesting tour of Marmaris itself with a pro guide.
Marmaris
If it's your first cruise there, you might want to make the most of simply staying in Marmaris proper, where the old town* unfolds beneath the watchful gaze of its medieval castle.
Narrow cobblestone streets snake past whitewashed houses garnished with bright bougainvillaea and provide a breather from the gleaming glam of the marina. The city's last remaining traditional buildings reside there and there are caf´s too if you need fuel for exploring (Turkish tea is a staple of local hospitality).
To explore into the past, you'll want Marmaris Castle and Marmaris Museum. The former dates back to 3000 BCE and was rebuilt by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman (the longest-reigning leader of the empire) in 1522.
Renovated around 2014, this 5,000-year-old structure now features a museum showcasing ancient artefacts, preserving Turkey's heritage, despite damage from WWI.
Back at the bustling marina, the erstwhile main port for honey exports, jostling fishing boats and those luxury yachts vie for your attention, as do vendors at the nearby Grand Bazaar, which entices visitors with fragrant spices, handwoven carpets and the love-it or hate-it ritual of haggling.
For further culture without the threat of paying several zeros too many for a handbag, there's the Marmaris Grand Mosque, constructed in 1789 and bursting with traditional Ottoman architecture: a striking stone dome, Islamic calligraphy, intricate tilework, and more.
Another hotspot is the Hafsa Sultan Caravanserai. Built in 1545 by the aforementioned Suleiman the Magnificent for his mother, it served as a roadside inn for travellers and troops. Today, it accommodates souvenir shops and cafés.
If you'd prefer to soak rather than swot, sun-seekers flock to the golden crescents of Marmaris Public Beach and adjacent Uzunyalı, where the clear waters provide perfect conditions for windsurfing and diving.
Dalyan
The little town of Dalyan* is a popular day trip from Marmaris, with cruise lines often offering a scenic boat ride along the Dalyan River as part of a shore excursion.
The major highlight here is the imposing 2,500-year-old Kaunos Rock Tombs. Carved into the limestone cliffs of Baliklar Mountain, the Lycian tombs (of which the six facing the river are the most notable) are masterpieces of ancient architecture, resembling grand temples and etched with such mythological figures as eagles and lions.
Inside, there are frescoes and burial chambers but, alas, the tombs are inaccessible nowadays and are really best viewed from the waterway.
If it looks familiar that's because the gob-smacking necropolis is a frequent poster child for Turkish tourism but it could be that the Indiana Jones franchise is missing a trick; anyone got Steven Spielberg's number?
Turtle Beach
Downstream from Dalyan is Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, a sparkling 4.5 km arc of golden sand where the river meets the Mediterranean.
Impressively, the spot was voted the best beach in the world in 1995 and a cruise excursion here will give you time to sunbathe, swim and switch off.
It's not just Brits abroad peppering the shore, however; this natural sanctuary plays host to one of nature's most remarkable spectacles: endangered loggerhead turtles returning year after year to lay their eggs in the soft sand.
At sunset, the beach empties of visitors (indeed it's banned to visit between 8 pm and 8 am from May to September) leaving the critical nesting site to its shelled residents, just as it has been for millennia.
İçmeler
İçmeler offers a more relaxed alternative to neighbouring Marmaris. Sheltered in a scenic bay where forest-clad mountains meet turquoise waters, the resort's unblemished beach stretches along a protected cove, ideal for swimming and water sports.
Every Wednesday, İçmeler's midweek market buzzes with colourful stalls offering fresh local produce, spices and traditional textiles. Come with cash and an appetite for bargaining as traders here showcase everything from sun-ripened vegetables to authentic leather goods.
Don't miss a Turkish bath
Always wanted to stretch half-naked on a marble slab as foam is swabbed over your supine body by a total stranger? Then boy you'll love a Turkish bath*.
Hammams are a traditional bathing experience that dates back to medieval times in Turkey so make sure to factor one in during your stay. They're a shore excursion staple in this neck of the (pine) woods, but ditch any prudishness at home.
Leave your clothes in a cubicle, wrap yourself in a towel and recline on the göbektaşı, a large heated marble platform, and give yourself over to a rejuvenating body scrub and cleansing, followed by a foam massage.
Fun fact: hammams are a great spot for respite from your spouse if your ship cabin is proving a bit close for comfort as they often have separate areas for men and women, offering a tranquil space to unwind. What's that about Turkish delight?
Climate in Marmaris
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  13 |
14 |
 16 |
 20 |
 25 |
 30 |
33 |
33 |
30 |
25 |
19 |
15 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  15 |
13 |
 10 |
 8 |
 5 |
4 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
6 |
9 |
15 |
| Sea temperature °C |  18 |
 17 |
16 |
17 |
19 |
 22 |
 25 |
 27 |
26 |
24 |
 21 |
19 |
The above guide shows the climate in Marmaris. Find out more about conditions along the coast in our complete guide to the region in Turkey.
Ready to explore Marmaris? Find the latest deals on cruises to the eastern Mediterranean with Marella today.
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