The sea tourism in Marmaris is not limited to just the city. There are bays, beaches and small islands all around the Peninsula. Most of those bays can be reached both by land and sea. Let’s take a tour around the Gökova Gulf coast.
It is a well-known fact that the Gökova Gulf which comprises a part of Bodrum-Milas-Marmaris and Datça coasts is the most beautiful gulf in Turkey. The sea and the pine trees integrate well with the bays sometimes running amongst the pine trees like a river. The ropes of boats can be fastened to the pine trees on the shore. There are multiple roads to the Gökova Gulf from Marmaris.
It is possible to get to other bays by going alongside the Gulf. Although it seems that visiting those bays by boat is the best way, a land trip gives and offers a different perspective. The bays that can be reached are Okluk, English Port, Löngöz, Seven Islands, Gücük Port and Bördübet Bay. There are other large and small bays amongst these
There is an abundance of simple but high quality restaurants offering fresh fish, seafood and appetizers made from different herbs found in the bays.
Amazon Camping at Bördübet Bay is the last stop.
Gökova Gulf Shores
Günnücek, Fake Strait and Paradise Island (Nimara)
It would be a nice change to give a break to the hot summer and spend a day in the forest on the seashore. You can go to Günnücek Picnic Area passing by Netsel Marina. There is a brook in that area, which supplies a special oil named sweetgum oil which is used in perfumery.
The natural headland which looks like a strait when viewed from Marmaris is named as the ‘fake strait’ by the local people. This headland connects the Nimara Peninsula ( Paradise Island or the Star Island) to the main land. This headland is being used as a yacht port today. The Paradise Island ( Nimara Peninsula) is alongside the Marmaris coast. The peninsula, together with the small Bedir Island is a stopping point for daily tour boats. 
But if you wish, you can take a bus or your private vehicle to go to the ‘Fake strait’ which is 8 km from the town centre and walk to the Paradise Island. The footpaths on the Island form an ideal walking course
In nature , away from the town crowd, the views are beautiful. There are harbour restaurants and cafes around the wharf which is visited by boats coming from Marmaris. Do not forget the impressive caves of Paradise Island. A discovery tour following the footpaths will take you to the caves.
Bördübet Bay
The road turning right, 29 km along the Marmaris-Datça road, leads to Gökova inlet and Bördübet Bay which is one of the unrivalled corners of the inlet. The place is filled with birds chirping. The name of the bay comes from the birds. During the First World War, the personnel of a British war ship which took shelter in that bay, called the bay “birds’ bed” due to the number of birds living in the bay. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded bays around. There is only camping and one hotel in that area. The village and the surrounding environment are protected and any kind of construction is banned there. The bay looks like a brook running into the bay from the sea, turning into a real brook later on. While yachts can enter a little further down, small boats can go to the furthest points of the brook. It is a natural port and a secure shelter from strong winds. The slopes of the bay are covered in forest and it is nice to take a walk on the forest paths, while listening to birds singing.
Hisarönü
At the 22nd km of the Datça road there is a turn off to Bozburun on the left. This road leads to Hisarönü which is only 1km away from the turn off. Hisarönü Village is at the furthest point of the bay which is named Hisarönü Bay. The village is a small distance from the main road. The sea is shallow here and the sand is a terracotta color. Hisarönü is another good choice for those who want to have a relaxing vacation far from the crowds of Marmaris. The weather is always windy and of low humidity. Combined with the clean water of Hisarönü, it is especially good for those who suffer from asthma. It is the best place for windsurfing around Marmaris. There is also a horse riding f acility. Boarding houses are also widespread. There are remains of a holy area named Kastabos between the village and the inlet. These remains belong to the Hemithea Temple.
Turunç
A district in Marmaris. It is one of the 5 municipalities in Marmaris. Turunç is 20km away by land and 15 miles away by sea. It can be reached in half an hour using the winding asphalt road crossing the forest in İçmeler.
Turunç is surrounded by high hills planted with pine trees. Coolness falls on the shores from the hills. The sun is always bright but not suffocatingly hot. Pomegranates, mulberries, plums and of course Seville oranges…Geraniums, oleanders and begonvilla are everywhere.
Turunç is one of the more popular stopping points for blue cruises. In the evening, songs are heard from restaurants on the shore and boats anchored in the bay.
Those who wish to take nature walks, canoe, canyon, mountain climb, and sail, wind surf or attend jeep-safari tours can find convenient areas to do so. The most adventurous scuba dives can also be made here.
There are operators providing water sports in the bay.
İçmeler
İçmeler, developing as a different tourism centre, but very close to Marmaris, is a good alternative for those who would like to benefit from the entertainment of Marmaris but prefer to spend a quieter day, perhaps relaxing and sunbathing. In spite of numerous new hotels, it is always a clean district with its abundant green parks and flowers, wide walking paths and very good environmental order. The park at the entrance to the district looks like a botanic garden. The two sides of the brook splitting the town in the middle are colourful and lined with gift shops and handicraft sellers.
İçmeler has a wide selection of choices of food, drinks and entertainment. Transportation between Marmaris and İçmeler is very frequent and buses work until the late hours. Modern and traditional buildings are placed together in İçmeler. Tourism facilities in the village and facilities at the entrance of the canyon just behind the shore, at a short walking distance away, are for those who love nature and the old village life.
Çiftlik
The large sandy beach of the Çiftlik Bay attracts attention. There are very few beaches like Çiftlik beach in Marmaris and the other surrounding bays. The sea is always very clear. There are a few hotels and harbour restaurants in the bay. There is also a small island which is private property. The Gebekse Bay nearby is among the preferred places for blue cruise boats to spend the night. Gebekse Bay has a small beach and a harbour restaurant. It is very enjoyable to go snorkeling and watch the thousands of colours under water.
Turgut
Turgut, 9k from Bayır, has just started to develop with tourism. The biggest carpet shops around Marmaris are in Turgut. Carpet shops and gift shops provide liveliness when tourists come to shop. There are many restaurants which offer fresh and tasty food.
Remains of the ancient ages attract the attention in the bay. Remains can be seen on a garden wall at the seashore and further inside on the Temenos wall which is thought to surround the holy Ygeia area. These remains are believed to belong to the city Hygassos.
Orhaniye and Kızkumu
One of the important tourism centers in the Hisarönü Gulf is Orhaniye. Boats visiting the Hisarönü Gulf often spend the night in Orhaniye. The sea is always very still here. The shade of the pine forest falls on the sea painting the sea a very special color. People apparently walking in the middle of the sea attract attention. As a result of the sand movements, a high strip of sand is formed beginning from the land, which divides the bay in two. The strip around 600m long is called Kızkumu. There is a story about it. “A girl who wanted to meet her lover filled her skirt with sand. She walked in the sea filling the sea with the sand from her skirt. She drowned there because of insufficient sand in her skirt”.
There is an island in the middle of the bay with some castle remains. This castle is said to belong to the ancient city of Bybassos.
Selimiye
Selimiye is another stopping point for boats traveling between Marmaris and Bodrum. The village is very green with little restaurants gathered around the bay servicing mostly boats. They have a variety of fish as it is abundant here. Pure olive oil and laurel leaves give a unique taste to steamed fish. Stuffed courgette flowers are a specialty of the Aegean kitchen.
The old name of Selimiye is Hydas. There are remains of three castles around Selimiye. Hellenistic city wall remains are frequently visited and they are located on a hill southeast of the bay. There are boat tours to Kamelya and Dişlice Islands.
Daily boat tours to nearby bays and islands are available from Selimiye. The first stop is Kamelya Island. There is a monastery on the island which is an easy climb. A mosaic, formed from black, white and gray sea stones decorates the base of the monastery.
Another stopping point is Dişlice Island. There are volcanic rocks which create a monumental lookout of the island. The rocks are so indented that the island is very convenient for lovers who want some privacy. This has given the island the name “Love Island” among locals.
Where to stay at Marmaris Turkey
Welcome to lovely Marmaris. Marmaris is a very secure place. You should be relaxed. You can stay every kind of accomodation options. You will see that the security problem is solved when you compare the other holiday options.
I will tell you some accomodation alternatives. But first I will say that do not choose all in clusive options. You should chose bed and breakfast. Because you should not be in your hotel all the day time and for nights. Do not be locked up to your hotel.There are too much places to look round in Marmaris. You have many alternatives for lunch, dinner, breakfast, swimming, sunbath and night life...
The first alternative is staying at a luxury hotel. Five and four stared hotels will serve you a comfortable holiday. You will find everything in your hotel. All of this kind of hotels are on the beach so it is very enjoyable. These hotels are not expensive in spite of they are very high quality. They will give you many food alternatives. You will find delicious Turkish food and sweets. You should experience them. You can find European kind foods but be sure if you try Turkish food and kebaps you will be thankfull.
The second alternative is two or three stared and special qualified hotels. They have less options than more stared hotels, but they are lovelier ... You will find kind and familier stuff in these hotels. There is no problem and no quality about health and safety. There are many of them. So try to choose a hotel on beach or close to beach. If you could not find an option like this you should choose hotels those are in city centre. In fact the hotels which are out of city centre are not far away but if we have better options why we should choose the worse.
Bozburun
We started to travel around Marmaris.... I tell you a little about Bozburun. You should see here... Bozburun is a nice part of your long Marmaris Trip...
Bozburun is one of the most secluded places of the region from the view of tourism. This place is recommended for people who are after a peaceful, relaxing vacation. There are not any large tourist facilities, all the facilities are small but good. Bozburun is in one of the bays of the Sömbeki Gulf. The environment can be considered as quite naked compared to other regions of Marmaris. There are small motels, pensions and good fish restaurants in the village. People grow their own vegetables in the gardens of their houses and collect eggs from their own poultry houses. Local people go fishing daily for fish and sea products. Everything within the village is in walking distance. Villagers use bikes to get around. Bozburun is famous for constructing schooners. There are many small shipyards and slipways on the shore forming an interesting view. Saranda district in Söğüt Village, which is only 5km away from Bozbururn, is the best place to watch the Sömbeki Inlet and Simi Island at sunset. The ancient cities of Taşlıca and Phoinix are also worth seeing.
Wonderful Sea of Marmaris / Turkey
When you come to Marmaris you will see may be the most beautiful sea in the World.
Marmaris is on the interface of Mediterranean Sea and Aegean Sea.
Marmaris has a lot of bays. Every bay has different specifications. Some of them has beaches with lovely sand, some of them have rocks along the coast and some of them have seasides covered with little stones.
When you start to travel around on the sea by boat you can see little caves in the rock that mad by Mediterranean Sea
If you come to Marmaris by your own boat be sure that you did the write thing. Because Marmaris has plenty of bays that they are both little and big bays for yatch tourism. You will be able to have your own bay and it will not be so far away from the city center. Marmaris presents you many alternatives to access to bays. You can go to bays by boat, by your own yatch, by car or by options of mass transportation. You can reach bays easily then you can enjoy sea, sun and beach. Every beach has a style. Some of them are full of action, entertainment tools and party. You can choose whatever you are searching for. Be sure I will help you in time to make your choice.
You will lay on your chaise lounge and feel happiness. Sun is shining, sea smells wonderful and you can smell sun cream of your neighbour chaise lounge too. :-)
In many beaches you can easily find drink and food. Kind beach boys will serve you whatever you want. All you should do is lay down, swim and sunbath. In this point I have an advice that you should certainly eat fruits and corn that sold on beach. It is very delicious. And do not forget beer and fries.
If you like swimming too much Marmaris gives you many choices that includes beaches, boat trips, diving trips. I will give details in following posts.
Marmaris Turkiye
Yes it is... Marmaris. You are looking at the most beautiful place in the world. Let's look at the scene. You can see the green tones even over the sea. You can find a wonderful sea and an amazing beach. The beach lies down all along the sea. While you are living in scenic beauties you can be in an entertaning life... In day time nature will be your partner and in nights you can enjoy the amusement centers. Plenty of alternatives for day time and nights. Many places for swimming, diving and sunbath. Many places for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And Many places for nights. I will tell them in following days. If you want to ask about a special subject. I will try to answer all questions starting from most common. In following posts "I will inform you what to do in marmaris", "what should I eat in marmaris", "where should I stay".Last I am saying if you ever come to marmaris you know what I mention. If not you should come and see.
Kumlubük
Kumlubük is located a little bit ahead of Turunç and famous for it’s restaurants beside the beach. You can spare either a morning or an evening for a walk to the ancient city Amos. Amos can be reached in one hour from Turunç and half an hour from Kumlubük by walking. Although Amos was one of the most important cities in ancient times, not much remains today. However, remains of the city walls and the theatre can be seen. The Necropolis is spread towards the slope of the bay
Marmaris water and saloon sports centre
There are many spots between Marmaris and İçmeler where water sport facilities are available. Activities from sea bicycling to canoeing, windsurfing to water skiing. Everything from banana rides to parasailing and water parks are available.
Water sports facilities are available at beaches outside the town of Marmaris like Turunç, Kumlubük, Çiftlik, Bozburun, Orhaniye, Hisarönü and Selimiye. Marmaris is very suitable for every kind of sporting activity and organization especially outside the summer season. The semi-Olympic swimming pool operated by the municipality also has facilities for competitions. Recently Marmaris began hosting volleyball, basketball, triathlons, tennis and wrestling activities. The yacht competitions, which are organized annually in November is another highlight which adds colour to the life in Marmaris. 
The City where the sea is at your front door
Marmaris is a large tourism resort with a selection of accommodation starting from small, quaint pensions to big holiday villages and 5 star hotels. Restaurants offer all kinds of cuisine from Chinese, French, Hindu and Italian to traditional Turkish cuisine; with many using the blended delicacy of natural herbs grown in the fast changing climate from the Mediterranean shores to the mountains. It is a resort where swimming is possible in the secluded bays as well as in front of the hotels in the city centre owing to the waste treatment systems and environmental controls . The sea is clear even in front of your door. The city has long beaches with fine sand, small bays, small islands, and strange looking rocks shaped by the sea and wind. 300 days of the year, the sun shines and the sea is a clear blue.
Beaches and bays with blue flags
Marmaris (Poseidon Hotel Beach), Marmaris (Hotel Grand Azur Beach), Marmaris (Lidia Hotel Beach), Marmaris (Hotel Grand Yazıcı Beach), İçmeler Pamucak Public Beach, İçmeler (Green Platan Hotel Beach), İçmeler (Munamar Hotel Beach), Turunç Public Beach, Turunç Hotel Beach, Hisarönü Martı Marina Beach.
MARMARIS CASTLE
According to historian Herodotusthere has been a castle in Marmaris since 3000 B.C. Long after this, during the Hellenistic Age, Alexander the Great invaded Caria and the castle was besieged. The 600 inhabitants of the town realized that they had no chance against the invading army and burned their valuables in the castle before escaping to the hills with their women and children.
The invaders realized the strategic value of the castle and repaired several of the destroyed sections to house a few hundred soldiers before the main army returned home. The 17th century writer Evliya Celebi mntions the castle, which was rebuilt by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman in 1522 when he invaded Rhodes. Since 1979 restoration work has been continuing at the castle in order to restore it near its original condition. Under the auspice of the Ministry of Culture the castle has been converted into a museum. There are 7 galleries, the largest of which is used as an exhibition hall and the courtyard is decorated with seasonal flowers. In addition to the permanent displays, cultural and artistic activities are offered.
For a visit of the Ottoman Marmaris remains start at the Caravanserai, an inn built in 1545, which includes seven small rooms and one large room. From Caravanserai walk up the stairs to the castle of Suleyman the Magnificent and visit the many galleries within, including a gallery of archeological findings. Enjoy Marmaris Bay views from one of the castle walls before making your way down the narrow winding streets of "Tepe Mahalesi" (Hill District) to view traditional local architecture
Historical City Centre
The most important building in the centre is the castle. The castle was first constructed by Ionians. The preserved form today was built by Ottomans in 1522. During the First World War, it was damaged by cannonball fire opened from a French war ship. A museum in the Castle was restored between 1980-1990. The entrance of the castle opens directly to the garden. From both sides of the courtyard, stairs climb up the walls. It is worth the climb to see the view from the castle. Two of the covered places are arranged as archeological museum s. Amphorae, baked clay, glass art of work, coins and various ornaments found as a result of excavation work done in Knidos, Burgaz, Hisarönü are displayed in those two salons and in the garden. One of the galleries is an ethnographical salon arranged as a Turkish House, and the other one is the room of the commander of the castle.
Another Ottoman building in the city is Hafza Sultan Caravanserai built in 1545. Seven small rooms and one big room of the Caravanserai are allocated to gift shops. The historical shops in the market place which used to sell second hand goods are still in the shopping centre of the city.
Marmaris regained a new park. This is an archeological park. 8,342 m 2 area known as the İyilik Kayalıkları (Rocks of Goodness) and the 2,100 m 2 area on the slope of the hill in the town centre has been declared as protected area and opened for visitors under the name İyilik Kayalıkları Archeological Park. Some remains from 4th century BC are being exhibited in the park.
There are other Works determined to belong to the Ottoman period in the close d environment of Marmaris. The İbrahim Ağa Mosque in the Kemeraltı district was built in 1789 and the Taşhan (stone inn) and Kemerli Bridge on the 10th km of the Muğla road were built in 1552.
Intersection point of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea: Marmaris
Part of the Mediterranean Sea between Turkey and Greece is the Aegean Sea. This is what the two neighbours call the part of the Mediterranean Sea between them. The Aegean Sea is connected to the Black sea by the Çanakkale and İstanbul straits.
Turkey ’s long peninsula coast lines both the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The answer to the question “ where do the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea meet” is Marmaris.
Marmaris splits the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea with a long and narrow peninsula. The Marmaris Peninsula has always been an important part of the history of the Mediterranean Civilization with its strategic geographic position and its natural beauty and rich past.
The Aegean played an important role in the development of the waterline civilization between the Mediterranean Islands and the shores of European Continent and East Mediterranean.
Trade ships had to cross the Aegean Sea in order to go to west or to east. The safest way to do this was either to reach the east shores of Anatolia or to weigh anchor and move away from that shore. Aegean shores were full of countless indentation s, in other words natural ports. A safe haven against winds and storms.
The Mediterranean Sea was not as rich in fish life as the Black sea. The Mediterranean people used to live on what they harvested from the sea and the land. It has been like this throughout known history. It is same today as well. The relatively poor fish stocks of the Mediterranean Sea forced people living there to rely on trading. The first steps in sea trading in the world developed in the Mediterranean, as did the skills of seamanship.
The Mediterranean not being generous as a food source was however very convenient as a transportation medium. The geographic structure of the coasts facilitated the work of the trading ships. At first, the ports and then the cities around the ports were established and they developed quickly. The building blocks of today’s civilization started to be put one on the top of the other in this region. The Aegean / Mediterranean Civilization was born.
What changed from history to today?..
The Marmaris Peninsula, laying between the Aegean and the Mediterranean, used to host numerous ports and towns. Today’s big ships don’t need a port to take shelter in against every storm. But the Mediterranean is still very generous to people living on her coasts. The blue seas still support the traditional old fishing boats, while the green bays accommodate numerous ports now serving people as their tourism destinations.
The most beautiful bay of the Turkish coasts, or more bravely, of the whole Mediterranean - Gökova, is to the west of Marmaris on the west coast of the peninsula in Aegean waters .
The east side of the peninsula faces the Mediterranean and lays as two strips. Forking as Datça on one side and Bozburun on the other side. These are in Mediterranean waters.
It is not just the sea or the nature that attracts people to Marmaris from all over the world. Not even the rich history reaching from past civilizations to today. There must be something more. We shall let an expert talk on the Mediterranean history. Fernand Braudel in his book named “ Mediterranean” says:
“What is this Mediterranean? All of a thousand things. Not one landscape, countless landscapes. Not one sea, many seas following each other. Not one civilization, many civilizations piled on each other”.
Marmaris is a place sheltering many of these landscapes, seas and civilizations.
The old trade ships are replaced by yachts with colorful sails decorating the modern marinas and by comfortable passenger ships. Airport traffic is heavy. Tens of thousands of people from numerous countries, different nations come for their vacations.
