Best things to do in Marmaris

A mecca for people- and boat-watching, Marmaris Marina serves more for relaxing and enjoying the weather than anything else. The water is lined with restaurants and cafes where you can take in the vast sea views and watch the yachts sail by. At night the marina is lit up and the area takes on a dynamic atmosphere. For many it is also the base for boat trips throughout the area and an ideal spot for water sports. If shopping here, be prepared to haggle and be aware that the shopkeepers are known to be quite pushy.

Although Marmaris Beach is not a traditional sand beach, but a pebble beach, the combination of aquamarine and turquoise waters draw many to its shore. The beach is dotted with bars and restaurants where you can grab lunch or a cold drink. Alternatively, stretch out on a lounge chair and enjoy all-day service from the staff of the closest restaurant. You can also look into paragliding, speed boating, jet skiing, and tubing here.

Take a swim in the tranquil Dalyan Nehri, or sail down it and see the well-known tombs carved in the surrounding mountains. From the river you will be able to spot wildlife such as herons, egrets, and cormorants. Most visit the river during a boat trip that also includes the mud baths or turtle beach.

Head to Icmeler Beach for its clean sand and quiet atmospere. While it is smaller than Marmaris beach, it draws fewer crowds and is often preferred for that reason. Rent a lounge chair and enjoy the food and drink service. The restaurants and bars in the surrounding area provide a nice break from the hot sun, many with a view of the beach and ocean.

Take a ferry from Marmaris and visit the historical city of Rhodes, surrounded by medieval walls and listed as a World Heritage Site. The island famous for the Colossus of Rhodes is also known as the island of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem. Pass under the "freedom gate" and see the temple of Aphrodite, Grand Master's Palace, and several mosques including the Suleyman Mosque in the old city. The archaeological museum tells the history of the island. Rest in a garden cafe, or taste some Greek musakka in one of the restaurants. Beaches, small villages, and resorts line the island's shores.

Dalyan Mud Bath provides a fun and messy activity for adults and kids alike. Just a short trip from Marmaris, the mud baths offer the chance to jump in headfirst and cover yourself in the beautifying mud from head to toe. Taking a dip in the muddy pond is said to have therapeutic effects, from curing skin problems and treating gastric conditions to making you look years younger. Once you're sufficiently covered, allow the mud to dry in the warm sun, and then wash off in the site's heated sulfur pools.

Iztuzu Beach 2 is a narrow but long stretch of sand that acts as a barrier between the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea. With 4.5 km (2.79 mi) of sand, it rarely feels crowded. Often referred to as "Turtle Beach," it is a main breeding ground for these creatures, which you're sure to catch sight of. The federal government has made efforts to protect the species, leaving the area untouched and restricting public access for periods of time. While this may be frustrating for some, it is the reason the beach has retained its original beauty. That said, check ahead to make sure it's open to the public during your stay.

Admire the peaks, valleys, and ridges of Marmaris Mountains on a hike through the woods, or as you sail around the mountains. As you hike, follow the marked path, which takes you past small nearby villages, peaceful lakes, and local wildlife,  as you enjoy the greenery and relative quiet of the area. The mountains are accessible by public transportation, but much easier to get to via a car. Sign up for a Jeep safari in the nearby town, which will take you along the narrow roads up to the tree-covered mountains. If you are driving, pay attention on the curvy roads and watch for wandering animals, particularly cows.

Located right on Marmaris Beach, Marmaris Atlantis Waterpark offers the chance to move freely between the waterslides and the sandy beach. The family-friendly water park boasts nine different slides, from gentle slopes to a sheer drop into the pool, plus a wave pool area. With your wristband, you can go back and forth between the park and the warm Mediterranean just outside as many times as you like. The park also offers miniature golf and bowling.