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Marmaris Holiday Packages
Marmaris has a predominantly European flavour and considering it is one of the larger Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean coastline, it has a decidedly cosmopolitan feel to it. Marmaris also marks the start of the Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Built around an extensive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is the best base for some of the finest sailing on the Mediterranean, with a modern marina catering for private yachts set and the Blue Voyage cruise business. According to legend the town got its name when, not finding the castle he had commissioned on the hill to his liking, Süleyman the Magnificent muttered 'Mimari as' ('Hang the architect!').
Shopping in Marmaris can be a problem to the unprepared visitor, as there is a fair amount of illegal touting in the busy bazaars and many fake designer goods. If you fancy a bargain-priced Rolex watch, be prepared for it to be fake, although this does not mean it is not worth buying because in Turkey fakes are good quality! Prices are very cheap, and everywhere, except in the larger stores, haggling is expected and it is possible to knock about 30 percent off the asking price. Bearing all this in mind Marmaris can be a shopper's delight, particularly for items like leather, ceramics, jewellery and carpets. Best value goods are to be found in the Carsi Market in the Ottoman Castle, where 200-odd shops and a flea market are open seven days a week. The Thursday market is a colourful experience where locals sell fruit, vegetables, fabric and clothing. Netsel Marina is a good place to find original designer clothing. Duty free goods are also on offer.
Dining in Marmaris offers such a vast choice to visitors, that most international cuisines can be found easily as well as the Turkish restaurants (lokantas) and at varying prices to suit any budget. You'll find fish 'n chips if that's your bag, good Chinese, satisfying German or the ubiquitous Italian. Visitors should not balk at sampling Turkish delights, however, particularly popular doner kebabs and seafood meze platters. Recommended restaurants in Marmaris include the Sea Club in the Netsel Marina (Turkish and Italian cuisine), the Antique Café-bar, overlooking the castle (Mediterranean fare); and the Taj Mahal, offering unbeatable curries.
As night draws across the resort of Marmaris, the central area of activity offering some after dark Turkish delights is aptly named Bar Street, located on the waterfront and lined with bars and nightclubs which remain lively until the next morning. Many restaurants stay open all night to cater for early morning revellers. Recommendations are Davy Jones' Locker, renowned for its inexpensive cocktails and all-night dancing; Vagabundo, a club on the beachfront where staff dance on the bar counter; and Cheers, also on the beachfront, with a hot drag act and outdoor seating. Another favourite is the open air Magic Garden bar/night club.
Marmaris holiday packages offer a vast range of beach activities, with a myriad of water sports, including scuba diving, jet skiing and banana boat rides at low prices, which can be haggled lower for those who'd like to test their haggling skills. The local Atlantis water park is a must for families. Those who want to sightsee or explore can choose from a variety of excursions, including guided horse safaris through the countryside or jeep safaris to visit nearby country villages, with visits to verdant untouched forests where crystal waterfalls beckon one to have a dip. The ancient site of Ephesus and the spring waters of Pamukkale are also popular outings, as are a variety of boat trips.
On a negative note, visitors should be aware when you go on cheap Marmaris holidays as there are touts for everything from souvenir stalls to restaurants and excursions, which can be annoying in Marmaris and several, have also been reported to cause a variety of tourist rip-offs.
