How to Spend 1 Day in Marmaris

With its golden beaches, turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and pine-covered landscapes, it’s no wonder that Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular holiday resorts. If you’ve only got one day for your visit, advance planning is essential to see the best of the area in 24 hours. Here’s how.

Morning: Sun, Sea, and Sand

Spend your first morning in Marmaris exploring the town’s top attraction: the Mediterranean Sea. Boat cruises, which tend to depart from Marmaris Bay, let you escape the crowds on land and take you to highlights such as Paradise Island, Phosphorus Cave, and Aquarium Bay—all of which are accessible only by sea. Back on dry land, soak up some sun at either Marmaris’ main beach or on the golden sands of Icmeler Beach, which is backed by lush hills and palm trees. This family-friendly beach is also a burgeoning hot spot for watersports such as banana boating, waterskiing and jet-skiing, and the clear underwater visibility offers ample opportunities for snorkeling. 

Afternoon: Off-Road Exploration

Devote the afternoon to exploring further afield on a buggy or horseback riding tour. These sightseeing options take you off the beaten path to rural forest trails, mountain streams, and pine-covered landscapes, and nearly always include round-trip hotel transfers and lunch. Alternatively, take a break from sightseeing with a traditional Turkish massage, which often can be booked in an authentic hammam; packages typically include a sauna, steam bath, hot tub soak, body scrub, and a massage using foam and aromatherapy oils. 

Evening: Dinner and Dancing

The lively resort of Marmaris really comes into its own at night, when the alfresco areas of restaurants, bars, and clubs burst into life. Kickstart your evening with a dinner-and-show package, which saves you the task of researching restaurants and reveals Turkey’s unique style of music, dance, and cuisine. If you’re keen to experience Marmaris’ famous nightlife, head to Marmaris Marine, where bars thrum with popular songs and are filled with travelers looking to capture the party spirit.