15 Best Things To Do in Marmaris, Turkey

You might also be surprised to learn that there are a lot more things to do in Marmaris than simply lying on the beach. There’s nothing better than soaking up the summer sun, eating some delicious Turkish food, and exploring a new place. For me, Marmaris ticks all of those boxes and more besides.

Turkey is a massive country, and there are many beach resorts to choose from, so why go for Marmaris? I used to live there with my husband, (a local himself), and I can hand-on-heart say that it’s one of the most enjoyable and beautiful spots I’ve ever experienced.

Sure, Antalya’s beaches are stunning, and Bodrum has the glitz and glamor, but there’s something about Marmaris that just feels so welcoming. It certainly helps that there are so many places to visit in Marmaris; you won’t be bored for a second. Sightseeing in Marmaris isn’t only about boats and beaches, it’s about nature and history too. Oh, and food; don’t forget the food.

Best Things To Do in Marmaris

Marmaris is open for fun in the sun between the end of April and the end of October. You can visit in the winter but most things will be closed, and the weather is extremely changeable. However, in the summer months, you can expect plentiful sun, little to no rain, and lots of Marmaris attractions to fill up your time.

Because it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you visit a new location, and you may not be sure what to do, I’ve put together a list of my favorite 15 things to do in Marmaris. You can of course forego all of them and simply chill on the beach; I really wouldn’t blame you. But this area is so beautiful, it’s worth dedicating a few days to a grand exploration.

1. Relax on the Beach

Okay, let’s get the most obvious one out of the way. There are many things to do in Marmaris, but beach time is a must-do for at least half of your visit. Uzunyali is Marmaris’ main beach – it’s long (locally known as Long Beach), and is backed by bars, restaurants, and hotels.

If you eat and drink at a particular bar or restaurant, your sun lounger and parasol will be free. Alternatively, you can use the public beach and just put your towel down on the sand.

However, if you’re visiting with children, I’ve got a tip for you. Jump on the dolmus (minibus) to neighboring Icmeler, which is just 10 minutes away. The beach there is wider, away from the main road, and in my opinion, the sea is cleaner. There are plenty of watersports…