Marmaris Honeymoon Guide

Consider laid-back Marmaris for a honeymoon or romantic getaway in Turkey. Marmaris is one of Turkey’s oldest and most sophisticated resorts, set in a deep fjord-like inlet in the heart of the Turquoise Coast.

This scenic coastal region consists of pine-clad mountains, secluded coves and sheltered inlets fringed by many unnamed golden-sand beaches.

With its huge choice of outdoor activities, restaurants, bars and hotels, Marmaris offers all you need for a great honeymoon adventure in Turkey.


Top beaches in Marmaris

The scenic coastal region surrounding Marmaris consists of secluded coves and sheltered inlets fringed by many unnamed golden-sand beaches.

Choose from Marmaris’ main beach or those nearby, including…

Marmaris Beach

Relax on this golden-sand and shingle beach that stretches for 3km south of the resort, offering spectacular views of the surrounding green mountains and offshore islands.

Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, with a range of hotels, restaurants and bars just a short stroll away.

Marmaris Beach has an award-winning PADI & BSAC dive centre. A 10km-long palm-fringed promenade stretches south to the neighbouring resort of Içmeler, which has a better beach and provides a wider choice of water sports.


Içmeler Beach

Unwind on the golden sands of this 1.2km-long beach that fringes the popular Içmeler resort, just 8km from Marmaris. The beach sits beneath a pine-forested mountain range facing a sheltered bay and an offshore island that is easily visited on a gulet.

Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, with water sports including pedalos, banana boating, water skiing and parasailing. A choice of hotels, restaurants and bars line the traffic-free beachfront promenade that runs all the way to neighbouring Marmaris.


Cleopatra Beach

Relax on the unique sands of this small, 50m-long beach that fringes a long rocky inlet framed by promontories covered with cedar trees.

The sand here consists of tiny egg-shaped fragments of a luminous white marble, which, according to local legend, was brought here from Egypt by Cleopatra.

Swim in the crystal clear waters and admire the spectacular views across the turquoise Gulf of Gökova to the impressive Mount Kavak.

Cleopatra Beach is located on Sedir Adası (Cedar Island), a short boat ride from Çamli Iskelesi on the mainland, around 16km from Marmaris.


Turunç Beach

Relax on this narrow, 500m-long stretch of golden sand that is almost entirely encircled by bush-clad mountains and faces a sheltered turquoise bay.

Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, with water sports such as pedalos, banana boating, water skiing and parasailing.

Behind the beach sits a choice of hotels, restaurants and bars. Further south are the ancient Hellenistic ruins of Amos.

Turunç is easily reached by dolmus (shared minibus) or water taxi from Marmaris, which is just 26km to the north.


Iztuzu Beach

Pick your own spot to sunbathe or relax beneath shady pine trees on this 4km-long brown-sand beach that gently shelves into the warm turquoise waters of a wide bay framed by pine-covered headlands.

Iztuzu is located in a national conservation area and is one of the last breeding grounds in Europe for the protected loggerhead sea turtle, which lays its eggs here in June and July. Facilities include umbrellas and sun loungers for hire and small kiosks selling cold drinks and ice cream.

Iztuzu Beach is easily accessed by a 20-minute boat ride or dolmus from the picturesque riverside town of Dalyan (where you can also see Lycian rock tombs).

Iztuzu Beach is 12km from Dalyan and 30km from Marmaris.


What to do and see in Marmaris

Sunbathe on the centrally positioned Marmaris Beach or head south to the less-crowded and child-friendly Icmeler Beach, with its broad, gently sloping sands and good choice of water sports. A seafront promenade links the two resorts.

Or escape to the less-crowded beaches of the surrounding area on a gulet (traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat), where you can sunbathe on unspoiled beaches and snorkel, dive and swim in crystalline waters.

Away from the beach, head to the flumes and slides of nearby Atlantis Waterpark or browse for carpets, leather and jewellery in the covered bazaar and explore the old waterfront district.

Climb up to the renovated 16th century Ottoman fort for scenic views over the peninsula and admire historic artefacts in the museum.

Take a jeep safari through the surrounding pine-clad mountains, which are also ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; try the scenic trail that runs from Içmeler to Degirmenyani, about 19km to the west.

Further afield, explore the ancient terraced ruins of Knidos and Kaunos, ancient Lycian cliff-hewn rock tombs at Dalyan (photo).

Or take a day trip aboard a gulet to Sedir Island, Iztuzu Beach or the Greek island of Rhodes.

Turkey's premier yachting port offers a choice of scenic cruises along the Mediterranean coast.

Must-see attractions in this scenic region of Turkey, include…

Knidos

Scramble among the ancient terraced ruins of one of the most fabled and prosperous cities of antiquity – notorious for the cult of Aphrodite.

See the circular foundation where the image of the goddess Aphrodite was once displayed.

Visit the bouleuterion (the building that housed the council of citizens), the Corinthian temple and the remains of two Byzantine basilicas, featuring extensive mosaics overlooking the harbour.

The site, which is still undergoing excavation, can be reached by dolmus and water taxi from Datça, around 70km southwest of Marmaris.

Come for a day or stay overnight at the Mehmet Ali Aga Konagi, a one-time Ottoman mansion, with a swimming pool and located an easy walk from a private beach.


Kaunos

In this picture-perfect site, wander amid ancient ruins that include a well-preserved and impressive 2nd century BC semicircular theatre cut into the hillside, an acropolis, a temple to Apollo and a crumbling Byzantine basilica and Roman bath, now restored to include a small museum of artefacts.

Many of the ruins date to the 4th century BC. Watch out for the native wildlife, which includes herons and storks in summer and flamingos in winter, as well as terrapins, tortoises, snakes and lizards year round.

The ancient ruins are just a short boat trip or ferry boat ride from Dalyan, where you can also view numerous ancient Lycian cliff-hewn rock tombs. Iztuzu Beach is just 12km south of Dalyan.

Kaunos is around 77km from Marmaris.


Sedir Island

(Cleopatra Island) – Unwind and swim from the unique sandy beach that was allegedly imported from Egypt by Cleopatra.

Explore the nearby ancient ruins, which include ramparts, a temple of Apollo, an amphitheatre, an agora and a necropolis.


Cruising

Explore the rugged Turquoise Coast in a gulet – a traditional wooden-hulled motorboat or sailing boat.

Take a day trip to snorkel the crystalline waters and sunbathe on secluded beaches. Or plan a four- or seven-day voyage on a tour of the Datça Peninsula from Marmaris.


Where to stay

Marmaris and the surrounding coastal region offer an excellent range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including the following 5-star resorts…

Casa De Maris Spa & Resort Hotel
Location: Marmaris
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD248 per room
Description: Just a few steps to the seafront, this hotel has an outdoor pool, private beach area and free WiFi. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a satellite TV and balcony. All the rooms at Casa De Maris Spa & Resort Hotel are fitted with modern decoration with pastel colours. They all have a minibar and private bathroom. Some spacious suites offer sea views. The hotel has many à la carte and buffet restaurants that serve traditional and international cuisine and seafood. You can enjoy various snacks and drinks at Caria Pool Snack Bar and Pier Beach Snack Bar. There is also a patisserie where you can find pastry types. The spa centre includes a Turkish bath, sauna and massage services. The fitness room is at the guests’ service. There is also a children’s playground. Less than 3 km from Marmaris town centre, Casa De Maris Spa & Resort Hotel is 100 km to Dalaman Airport.

D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris
Location: Marmaris
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD165 per room
Description: The D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris sits in a tropical grounds just a few steps from the Mediterranean Sea. It has a private beach area and large outdoor pool with a furnished terrace and includes air-conditioned guest rooms. The rooms at the D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris feature large floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. They have modern furnishings and are decorated in neutral colors. Each room comes equipped with satellite TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and a minibar. The restaurant serves international cuisine and traditional Turkish dishes made from fresh ingredients. Each morning, a breakfast buffet is offered with fruit and hot coffee. The hotel also provides a set menu on half-board basis. Guests can enjoy a massage, or visit the fitness center which features free weights and cardio equipment. The resort has a tennis court and an indoor pool. The D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris is just over 1 mile from the lively center of Marmaris, and Marmaris Castle is less than 2 miles away. The resort includes a 24-hour front desk service and free private on-site parking.

Blue Bay Platinum
Location: Marmaris
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD199 per room
Description: Located 150 metres away from the beach of Marmaris, Blue Bay Platinum offers modern rooms with balconies. It features indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, as well as Wi-Fi and a private section of the beach. Blue Bay Platinum’s air-conditioned rooms are decorated in modern style, with light colours and tiled floors. Each room has a flat-screen satellite TV and a refrigerator. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in all areas. The hotel has a modern buffet restaurant that serves international dishes, as well as 2 a la carte restaurants. While dining, guests can enjoy live music or shows, organized by the hotel. The bar offers refreshing drinks and light snacks. Guests have also the opportunity to enjoy massage treatments and sports, including table tennis. There is also a kids club. Blue Bay Platinum is just 1.9 km away from the centre of Marmaris and 90 km away from Dalaman International Airport. Free public parking is possible at a location nearby and a car rental service is also available.

Sentido Orka Lotus Beach
Location: Icmeler (5.5 km from Marmaris)
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD201 per room
Description: Featuring a 700-metres long sandy private beach with 2 jetties, the ultra-all-inclusive Sentido Orka Lotus Beach is surrounded by pine trees and is 1 km from the town centre of Icmeler. It offers an outdoor pool with a water park and an extensive spa centre. WiFi is free in public areas. The guestrooms at Sentido Orka Lotus Beach come with wooden and glass furnishings. Each has air conditioning, a balcony and a safety deposit box. A minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are available in each unit. Minibars are stocked with water bottles and beer daily. Guests can sample various dishes and drinks from the hotel’s main buffet restaurant, a-la-carte restaurants and snack bar. Some local alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks are offered free of charge at the lobby bar. A-la-carte restaurants include seafood, steak & Ottoman and Italian restaurants. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool or the tennis courts. The spa centre includes a sauna, fitness centre, massage rooms, a hot tub and a hammam. An array of activities can be enjoyed n site including billiards, table tennis, darts, canoeing, diving and water sports. Concierge services are provided. On-site parking is possible. Dalaman Airport is 104 km away and airport shuttle services are arranged at an additional fee.

Angel's Marmaris Hotel
Location: Turgut (17.1 km from Marmaris)
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD422 per room
Description: Offering a long private beach area for women, Angel's Marmaris offers indoor/outdoor pools, a variety of spa facilities and luxury accommodation with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The rooms, suites and villas at Hotel Angel's Marmaris come with elegant furnishings. Most of them offer panoramic sea views, which you can enjoy at a terrace or balcony. Villas that are located on an isolated part of the hotel offer private swimming pools and/or massage area. Angel’s Marmaris Hotel has buffet and à la carte restaurants, where you can taste Ottoman, Italian, Aegean cuisine, snacks and seafood. You can also enjoy refreshing drinks at many cafes. The hotel has swimming pools for women and men separately or together. Spa facilities include a Turkish bath, sauna, steam room and a hot tub; a variety of massage services are also available. Mini clubs for children and games room are also at your service. Dalaman Airport is 125 km away.

D-Hotel Maris
Location: Hisarönü (22.1 km from Marmaris)
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD562 per room
Description: The newly built D-Hotel Maris is in a peaceful bay surrounded by pine forests and mountains. It features outdoor and indoor pools, a spa center and 5 blue flag private beaches in Datca peninsula. Featuring contemporary décor, the luxurious rooms of D-Hotel come equipped with air conditioning, LED TV and free Wi-Fi. They all have a private balcony and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Dining options include sit-down and buffet restaurants. You can enjoy selected dishes from Turkish and international cuisine accompanied with sea views. A variety of drinks are available at the bar. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center. After a workout, you can also visit the Turkish bath and the sauna for relaxation. The hotel has free shuttle transportation to its beaches during the day. There is also a heliport on site. Dalaman Airport is within 75 miles of the property.


Best time to honeymoon in Marmaris

The best time to visit Marmaris for a beach holiday is from mid-June to mid-September, with the summer months of July and August usually very hot.

However, anytime from early-May to late-October is good for a range of outdoor activities.

Located on the southwest coast of Turkey, Marmaris enjoys a Mediterranean climate of hot and sunny summers, and cold, wet winters. The summer heat is tempered by the coastal sea breeze.

For more climate info: Marmaris Weather Guide


How to get to Marmaris

Marmaris lies on the southwest coast of Turkey, roughly midway between Bodrum and Fethiye, and is easily accessible by air and sea.

The most convenient route to Marmaris is by air to Dalaman Airport (DLM), located 95km (59mi) east of Marmaris, followed by either shuttle bus or taxi from the airport.

An alternative route is by air to the Greek island of Rhodes, followed by a catamaran to Marmaris.

By sea, catamarans operate between Rhodes and Marmaris twice daily, taking one hour. By coach, Marmaris is 14 hours from Istanbul and 4.5 hours from Izmir.

Information on how to get to Marmaris


Latest update: Marmaris Honeymoon: 28 July, 2022



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