What to do in Marmaris Turkey
When you think of a Turkish summer holiday, Marmaris Turkey comes to mind to a lot of people and not surprisingly because there are a lot of amazing things to do. From taking a dip in Turgut Falls to taking a cruise down Azmak River, the problem is deciding what to do when you’re there to get the most out of your trip.
Table of Contents
Cruising the beautiful Azmak River Dalaman Turkey
With Marmaris resort being a popular destination for boats, cruise liners and also for tourists flying into the nearby Dalaman International Airport, I can understand why it is one of the most popular Turkish destinations on the Mediterranean.
Not to mention a coastline strung with stunning beaches and marinas, trendy cocktail bars and delicious restaurants to indulge in too.
Overlooking the marina in Marmaris Turkey
Take a dip in Turgut Falls
Turgut Falls or also known as Selale (‘waterfall’ in Turkish), are two small narrow waterfalls located southwest of Marmaris Dalaman region. The area around the waterfall is a wide valley with forests and lush greenery. The whole area has been carved out as a conservation area and has been under the Turkish government control since 2011.
Turgut Falls – Marmaris Dalaman Turkey
The place has been a big attraction with both local and foreign visitors recently and I can see why. You may take a short nature walk through the forest and take in the serene atmosphere. or you can take a dip in the small lake below the waterfall to keep cool.
If you are wanting to take a break from the beach or are up for seeing some pretty waters and discovering nature, then this is a great option.
You may also like: – Top Things to do in Oludeniz Dalaman Turkey
Tip
- It gets really busy here and it is not big, I would recommend going late in the afternoon or early morning. Especially if you want pictures of the waterfalls without people getting in them.
A selfie infront of one of the waterfalls at Turgut Falls – Marmaris Turkey
Visit Marmaris Honey House and learn about the Bees
Visiting a honey centre may not be at the top of some people’s summer holiday in Marmaris but it is one you should think about adding to your list, especially if you love sweet things and history. Me personally, I find Bees fascinating insects, so when we took a trip to the Marmaris Honey House, I was somewhat intrigued.
Pretending to be Bees at the front of the Marmaris Dalaman
Turkey itself ranks in the top 5 honey producing countries in the world and the centre was created to not only raise awareness of bees but also produce pine, honey. I was pleasantly surprised what I learnt about bees and the whole set up of the exhibition, you even get to see the real queen bee with her workers making honey and living everyday life (don’t worry they are behind glass).
The building is even built like a honeycomb and they have a children’s playground area for the young ones and a small cafe to enjoy honey drinks and yoghurt. The only real problem is deciding what yummy honey products you want to purchase!
Tip
- Try the natural honey that they have on tap, it is delicious even for people that don’t like sweets.
Trying the yoghurt with honey – Marmaris Dalaman
Experience A Turkish Bath
Inside a Turkish Bath
Now the only hard decision is whether to have one at the start of your holiday to start your trip on the right foot or at the end to make you feel all smooth before going home.
Additional Treatments
- Facial masks
- Different types of massages like using Stones
- Pedicures and manicures
Tip
- Make sure you take your bathers along and if you can leave any jewellery at your accommodation, as you can’t wear it.
Inside a Turkish Bath
Take a cruise on Azmak River in Akyaka
Have lunch (or dinner) at one of the riverside restaurants before taking a cruise down Azmak River through the aquarium like crystal clear waters. Where not only can you admire the wildlife above like the many types of birds but also underneath the water, where you watch the fish and turtles swim about.
Located just outside the town of Akyaka is the Azmak River, a stunning natural paradise which is considered to be a hidden gem amongst the local people. Whether you have lunch there, take a boat ride or even a swim, you will love the chilled atmosphere the area has about it and you will find you come away more relaxed.
Tip
- If you have time, I recommend spending half a day here and having lunch or dinner at one of the riverside restaurants. It was so nice watching the water and ducks at lunch.
Accommodation
With Marmaris Turkey being a popular summer destination for European travellers, especially the English, there is definitely no shortage of accommodation within the city. You can stay in anything from hostel’s and apartments for budget travellers to one of the 5 Star hotels if you are looking for luxury.
D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris
I stayed at the luxury beachfront hotel D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris located only 15-20mins walk from the central Marmaris and marina. The hotel has a stunning freshwater pool set in a tropical setting, as well as a private beach. If food and drinking is your thing then you will be glad to the know the resort has 5 bars (including the pool bar) and 2 restaurants.
Enjoying a glass of wine D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris Turkey
Whether you are on a romantic getaway with your partner or holidaying with family, D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris is the perfect spot for that summer holiday.
Tip
- Go down to the Beach bar and have a glass of wine while watching the sunset before dinner one night.
Location and How to get there
Marmaris is part of the Dalaman Region on the southwestern coast of Turkey and the closest international airport is Dalaman International Airport. It is about 95kms away from the airport and should take around a 1hr and half to Marmaris via car.
I flew with Jet2 airlines as apart of Dalaman with Jet2 Holidays, which currently services 9 airports routes from the UK and various other areas in Europe. From Dalaman airport, it is easily accessible to reach the 7 Resorts areas that are currently serviced by Jet2 in the Dalaman area.
Transfer
The best way to get to Marmaris Dalaman is via transfer, whether shared or private. If you are taking a Jet2 package, they will give you a choice of options, however, all will depend on how much you want to spend.
Flying into Dalaman International Airport
Top Tips
- Check out the dancing Fountains located in the center of Marmaris which has different music every night and are great to watch.
- If you are wanting nightlife and clubs then head to the main strip to indulge in drinking and dancing till dawn.
- Have dinner or drinks at the High Side Restaurant, which has great views over the marina especially at night.
- If you decide to stay in Oludeniz instead, I highly recommend Liberty Hotel Oludeniz
Discover more of Europe
If you are interested in discovering more of Europe, feel free to read my following articles. All are great options for groups of friends or family.
- Old Docks – Historic Pub, Food & Beer Tour – London, England
- A village Preserved in Time – Edam – Netherlands
- What to do in the Summer – Les Gets, France
- Top Things to do in Oludeniz – Oludeniz, Turkey
Thank you for reading this article ‘What to do in Marmaris, Turkey’, I hope it helped you to decide what to do in Marmaris. It is such a great place with lots of things to do and nice places to eat.
Have you been to Marmaris, Dalaman Turkey before? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments below or if you know any other places to see while in Dalaman or the surrounding area.
Here are some amazing activities that you can book while in Marmaris, Dalaman Turkey before you go.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Jet2 & Jet2Holidays. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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WOW! that View from the plane! I cannot wait to get to turkey! We are coming this July! I am still hotel hunting so will check the D Resort Grand Azur for sure! I have two kids, any things for kids there?
The D Resort would be perfect as it has kids activities and also a waterslide in the pool. Can you pack me in your bag for when you go? Definitely go see the dancing fountain at night too, as the kids will love it and its FREE.
I have been to Marmaris before with my family but l never knew that you could do half these activities. I would definitely do that boat ride next time, so pretty.
Well it gives you a good excuse to go back and explore more with your family. You will have to let me know when you do, I would love to hear about it.
Oooh…. so jealous hihihi I’ve been wanting to visit Turkey for the longest time. Oh well…one day, hopefully sooner🤩 Thanks for sharing! Xoxo
I hope that you get to visit here one day too my friend.
You just have me hooked on Marmaris! I didn’t know Turkey was in the top 5 honey-producing countries in the world and honey on tap? Yum!! Turgut Falls is a beautiful, but your tip to visit early or later is helpful because I hate when places are so overcrowded. And those paragliding views are phenomenal!
I am definitely not a fan of big crowds either this is a great place to visit, if you get a chance.
Turgut Falls looks so refreshing! I’m tempted to take a dip in the clear waters. Are there any hiking trails around?
Yeap there are few hiking trails around the falls but they are not very long. It is nice it is about 2kms.
It has been so long since I’ve been to Marmaris but this post has brought so many memories back! We have been to Oludeniz quite a few times as we have family there and will be going again in October! We are definitely doing the paragliding again too!
Ah that is really good that you get to go to Oludeniz all the time. I wish that I also did. Both Marmaris and Oludeniz are just lovely
Great photos! I would love to go to Turkey and sadly haven’t been yet. Marmaris looks great. I would definitely visit the honey house. I love honey and I love bees so that would be number one on my list! I would also like to try a Turkish bath, but I think I would struggle to figure out if I should do it at the beginning or end of the trip. Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoyed the honey house but it was good to go in the morning before it goes too hot. hmm, that would be a hard one abut the Turkish bath, I would go with it at the end.
I wish I’d known about some of these activities while I was in Marmaris! I’ve been a few times on family holidays but family are very much “relax by the pool and don’t move” kind of people, unfortunately. I’ll make sure to go back and see it properly one day!
It is definitely a good excuse to go back for a visit. A lot of these you can do in the morning before it gets to hot and to the pool in the afternoons.
I’ve been to Istanbul but that’s about it. Marmaris looks and sounds less cosmopolitan except for that Turkish bath. So inviting!
Ah Istanbul is just the tip of the iceberg in Turkey, you must get yourself down the bottom and do some exploring.
I never knew you could do half this stuff in Marmaris. I usually just relax and stay by the pool. Thanks for the tips, I’m definitely keen to head to the waterfall next time I’m there.
Definitely, a great excuse to go back and let me know when you do, as I would love to hear all about it.
Now that is a resort to indulge in! The location seems perfect. Marmaris was not on my list till now, but some rethinking is in order now :).
This was such an unexpected surprise resort and one that I would definitely go bac k to in a heartbeat.
This is a whole different perspective of what I envision Turkey is. I love it!! Looks stunning and so much fun! I would definitely add it to my list!
Turkey is one of my favourite countries to explore and it is completely different in various parts.
I’ve actually just got back from Turkey – though my friends and I stayed in Izmir, not Marmaris! I had no idea there was so much to do in Marmaris though 🙂 We did try a Turkish bath while we were in Izmir, it was so relaxing x
I really liked Marmaris and I agree with you I didn’t know how much you could do until I was there but loved every minute of it. Hmm, I could have a turkish bath right now 🙂