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What's it really like? Transfer time: Approx 90 minutes Location: All the ingredients that make the Spanish 'Costas' so popular are also here in Marmaris. Surrounded by wooded mountains and hugging the deep natural bay, the resort has a lot to offer even the most demanding holidaymaker, maybe too much. If you're looking for peace and quiet you won't find it here. Coexisting alongside the main apartment blocks is a warren of narrow streets which belong to a different era, each rammed with cafés and shops owned by pushy salesmen. In contrast to the old town and the ancient Ottoman castle is the modern yacht marina, Turkey's largest. The promenade is lined with innumerable bars and restaurants with the disadvantage of heavy traffic running alongside. It's an extremely busy resort and draws a mixed crowd of visitors seeking facilities that are laid on thick - some people are enamoured by the hustle and bustle, others find it overwhelming. Many roads leading to the hotels are dusty and unfinished so check beforehand whether the accommodation is suitable. Beaches: A 5km stretch of grey volcanic sand and shingle, uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. It is a narrow stretch, overlooked by snack bars, and in the peak summer months there are almost as many bodies as pebbles. On offer is a good range of water sports although powerboats and jet skis are restricted to designated areas for safety reasons. A better beach can be found at Icmeler about an hour's stroll away. Days out: Most holidaymakers pay a token visit to the castle, now home to many of the archaeological artifacts found locally. Combine that with a few pleasant hours wandering the old streets, maybe lunch around the marina and you've passed a day. Boat trips along the coast are frequent from the harbour - it is also possible to sail to Rhodes and those with a car can take the weekly ferry. The two most worthwhile excursions are to the incredibly well-preserved Roman city of Ephesus and the dazzling white waterfalls of Pamukkale (see Turkey main page). Shopping in Marmaris can be an adventure in itself, exploring the warren of narrow streets around the bazaar and haggling with the owners. However, for more practical needs and less hassle, head for the new commercial centre. Nights out: Marmaris has a dynamic bar scene in addition to a thick concentration of clubs along a neon-lit 'strip'. There's no finer view of the town than that offered by the lofty Panorama Bar behind the castle. A thousand restaurants, plus means there's never a shortage of nosh. Bucket and Spade Brigade: The rather depressing grey beach may not be a child's idea of fun - poor quality sand and thick summer crowds would only appeal to the dispassionate tourist. Close-by is a water park with suitable attractions for youngsters. |
