MARMARIS

Marmaris was a Carian city whose history goes back to 3500 BC. Its ancient name was Physkos of which antique ruins can be seen at Asartepe (1 .7kms north). A wonder of nature in itself is the town of Marmaris greeting the Aegean, as well as the Mediterranean, on a dreamlike bay. Here, where the pine-clad mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the beaches of clearest waters, the medley of green and blue tones are fascinating.

This land of lacy coastline is ideal for the sun worshippers, and offers the most attractive coves and inlets for those who would like to swim, dive or fish. The sheltered bay is popular for a relaxing holiday, while also being amazingly excellent for a lively vacation of watersports and sailing

Along the promenade, adorned with palm trees, the Marmaris Marina is a busy yachting centre and also a pretty sight. The International Marmaris Yacht Festival organized here every May, is an enjoyable event with captains and crews coming together to sail with nature-lovers, among the impressive southern coasts of Turkey. One also may take the famous "Blue Voyage" from here, and make B fascinating trip along the elegant coastline of the Aegean. Marmaris is B yachting heaven with vast facilities for yacht owners.

If you do not get lost in this wide natural beauty, there is also a lot to see inside the plentiful little towns. A 16th century citadel, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Caravanserai of 1545, and the Mosque of Ibrahim Aga, dating back to1789, are some interesting buildings in this ancient town of Physkos for the devoted sightseers.
The Ataturk Park, on the eastern side of Marmaris, is another location that should not be missed, with its lovely beach for swimming. It is an unforgettable place, possessing the frankincense trees which are rarely found elsewhere in the world, and the delightful aroma of which you will remember forever.

Marmaris today is a popular holiday resort with all these scenic supplemented by numerous facilities, including modern accommodation restaurants, cafes, bars, and others. The beautiful boutiques, and bazaars provide a good deal of shopping opportunities, which give a last colorful aspect to your vacation. You may choose excellent souvenirs among the Turkish handicrafts here, and do forget to buy "Cam Bali" which is a tasty pine-scented honey, produced in this area of pine forests.
The environs of Marmaris are a vacation land. The Golenge Icmeleri provides breathtaking scenery with great misty mountains descending to the golden sandy beaches. The clear, deep blue sea under the sunny sky is perfect for any kind of watersports. This area is so appealing that you will need to spend several days to make the most of everything. Down a little from the mountains is Turunç Bay, bordered by various restaurants, each with a perfect view. You may taste delicious fish any time you like.

Turunç is a holiday resort surrounded by rich, natural beauty. Gunnücek, Yalancı Bogaz, Cennet Adasi (Nimara), Fosforlu magara (the Phosphorous Cave), çiftlik, Yavuz Plaj, (Selale), and Orhaniye with its natural harbour, are the other sites worth visiting. At Kumlubük you will find unexplored coves and inlets each exhibiting different shades of turquoise. You may swim, dive or fish along perfect coastline.

You may also visit the ancient city of Amos on northern slope, facing the bay. Loryma can be reached by a delightful boat trip to the tip of Bozburun Peninsula. There you will see the ruins of a harbour castle. For those who want privacy while enjoying the wonder nature, the northem side of the peninsula is perfect with its inlets, and quiet bays. The ancient cities of Hydas, Erine, Castabus Bybassios, Paridion, Ceresse, Saranda, Tymuns and Amos are this peninsula Sedir Island, the ancient Cedrae, known as "Cleopatra"or City Islam lies in the Gulf of Gokova.

You will need to drive north from Marmaris Gelibolu Bay and then take a boat to the Sedir Islands to find ancient city walls, a theatre, and the panoramic view of mount across the bay. It is said that Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius together in a little bay on the northwest of the island. The sand of bay is rumored to be brought by ships from North Africa. It is unforgettable experience. Going to the inner parts of the gulf, there the little village of Gokova, with its traditional houses spreading to edge of the mountain. Gokova Park with its dense pine forest and breeze, gives a welcome break from the sun. The restaurants, by fresh water springs streaming from the mountains, are places to enjoy