The Datca peninsula sticks out into the Mediterranean west of Marmaris province. It is much less developed that most of the Turkish coastline and is a popular destination for boat trips and cruises from Marmaris. Trips are mostly in traditional Turkish wooden sailing boats called gulets. Most trips include stops at attractive coves and villages, and a visit to the ancient Greek city of Knidos. A seven-day gulet cruise between Marmaris and the Datca peninsula started at $400 in September 2010.
The ancient Greek and later Roman city of Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) is 200 miles from Marmaris. One-day and two-day excursions are available. The two-day trip usually includes a visit to the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived out her last days. Ephesus has the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. It is home to the ancient Temple of Artemis, one of the original seven wonders of the world. An overnight trip to Ephesus from Marmaris cost about $85 in September 2010.
A catamaran ferry sails daily between Marmaris and the nearby Greek island of Rhodes from April 15 to Nov. 1. Turkish cargo boats make the same trip at least twice a week during the off season. The trip takes 50 minutes each way. The ferry sails at 9:30 a.m. and returns to Marmaris at 4:30 p.m. The town of Rhodes' walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are good beaches close by. Day-trippers must buy a new Turkish visa in Rhodes before returning to Marmaris. The ferry round trip cost about $55 in September 2010.
Icmeler is a five-mile hike along a coastal path from Marmaris. It is set in a sheltered cove surrounded by a pine forest. The town is developing quickly but is not nearly as built-up as Marmaris. It has an attractive marina and beach and a reputation as an excellent spot for water sports. Local mini-buses also take tourists to Icmeler from Marmaris. The cost was about $1.50 in September 2010.
Daylan is 50 miles from Marmaris and can be reached by boat or car. The town is close to the delta of the Dalyan Cayi River and the region has many canals, lakes, hot springs and mud baths. Daylan's beach, actually a sandbar accessible from the town by boat, is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Daylan is near the ruins of the ancient harbor city of Kaunos. A day trip from Marmaris to Daylan cost about $30 in September 2010.
