Marmaris is in southeast Turkey, south of the Gokova Gulf on the Resadiye peninsula and along the Aegean coast. The closest city is Icmeler, only three miles away. Istanbul is 560 miles away.
Spring and fall are the best times to travel to Turkey. Springtime is from April to mid-June, and the weather is warm with long days. The peak tourist season has not yet begun, so the crowds are not big. April, however, can be rainy. Fall begins in mid-September and lasts through October. The weather is still sunny, but the days are shorter compared to spring. Rain is also common in October. Mid-June to mid-September are the summer months with hot days in most of Turkey. Rain, however, is uncommon, and evenings can be cool. Winter months from November to March are chilly and rainy, but prices are low and the city is almost free of tourists.
The easiest and least expensive way to get to Marmaris is by flying. Once you get to Turkey, you can take any of the several low-cost carriers and fly to Dalaman, the nearest regional airport that is about 70 miles from Marmaris. From the Dalaman Airport, continue with a bus that takes less than two hours. Turkey also has a wide network of buses and trains connecting to Europe, but they are slow and not any cheaper than flying. During the summer months, you can reach Turkey by Mediterranean cruise ships and vehicle ferries from Italy and Greece.
Marmaris has accommodations ranging from 5-star hotels to comfortable youth hostels, and the hotel options include both well-known international chains and local Turkish chains. Hotels with live entertainment and nightclubs are in the center of Marmaris. If you prefer more quiet accommodations, book one of the hotels in the Armutalan area that is at west of Marmaris. You can also rent an apartment or villa for your stay.
Marmaris offers many opportunities for both a relaxing beach vacation or a more active and adrenaline-filled adventure. An off-road jeep safari is an excellent opportunity to see unspoiled forests, speed up on dusty mountain roads, visit some of the nearby villages and admire the gorgeous scenery with cascading waterfalls right in front of you. You can also learn how to scuba dive, or if you are already certified, enjoy the abundant marine life of the Mediterranean. A guaranteed way to spike your adrenaline is to go rafting on the Dalaman River.
More relaxing activities include visiting the historical castles or the traditional Turkish bath houses near Marmaris. You can also take a boat tour to any of the numerous beaches, Cleopatra Island or Turtle Beach and spend the day working on your tan and playing in the water. Or do the same at Ataturk Park on the eastern side of Marmaris.
Don't leave Turkey without experiencing a night out in Turkish style. Taste traditional Turkish dishes, and be entertained by Turkish music and belly dancers. Before you leave, buy all your souvenirs from the Marmaris Bazaar.
