Marmaris ancient name was Physkos and was a Carian Port. During the Hellenistic period has been under the domination of Seulecos, then of Rome and Byzance. The Turks, Menteşeoğulları conquered it and Süleyman the Magnificent in 1522 built also the Castle.
Marmaris for a short period 1919-1921 was under Italian occupation. Then within the Republic of Turkey as a town of fisherman until the 80’s and the explosion of tourism.
Summers in Marmaris are hot and dry, with daytime temperature up to 35 degrees, and the winters are warm and wet, to 10 degrees at night. The area reflects specificities of a typical Mediterranean climate.
Yachting: Marmaris is a natural harbour, has three marinas with 1100 capacity, and nine boat yards with a capacity of 1200. The town can be considered as the focal point of Blue Voyages in Turkey. There are several activities and festivals during the yachting season. Marinas located in Marmaris are one of the Turkey's most established marinas.
Marmaris is one of the most ideal spots for yachting along with its natural beauty.
Diving: Marmaris is a favourite region for diving with its 52 diving points and a large selection of ancient underwater ruins, including off the coast of Dis (33m), Rodos, Kutuk, Burnu, Cennet Island, Kadirga Feneri and Kargi Island, and Cennet Island which also has beautiful plant and animal life.
Water Sports: All kind of water sports from Wind surfing to sailing; from jet skiing to parasailing can be joined and also accessible everywhere in Marmaris.
Safari tours: The village in Ciftlik has a small island within the bay, is also a favourite spot with jeep-faring and safari tourists.
Marmaris is a shopping paradise. The town is rather cheap and bargaining guarantees more reductions. Mostly sold items and typical gifts from Marmaris are leather goods, ceramics, jewellery and carpets and these are available in numerous shops.
Icmeler
It is situated in outskirt of Marmaris is a lovely small village and area for promenading.
Cennet Island
The island is covered with forest and has accommodation and restaurants. It takes 30 minute boat journey to reach there. It is one of the popular stops for cruising and tour boats.
Fosforlu Cavern
It is on the way towards Turunc and Kumlubuk, offers clean, green waters ideal for swimming.
Mineral Spring
the Sultaniye Kaplicalari thermal springs and mud baths are 10km away from the province. It is a popular area having beach and facilities for visitors, and is accessible via boat or road from Koycegiz or Dalyan.
Turunc
Turunc is a visitor resort, with hotels, villas and restaurants, which was a tiny farming and fishing village and started to be developed since the late 1980s. The village is 21km from Marmaris and reachable by both road and sea. Lovely water and pine forest offers a lot.
Kumlubuk
Kumlubuk is 6km by road from Turunc and accessible by boat from Marmaris. The water is clean, and there are fine facilities nearby.
Ciftlik
A two hour boat journey from Icmeler reaches you to Ciftlik. Here is a good anchorage site for sailors’ yachts.
Turgut (Waterfall)
It is a 10-metre high waterfall and located in 35km from Marmaris. The Waterfall is accessible from Turgut village via a 15-minute trekking.
Bozburun
Bozburun is well known for its yacht harbour, boat-building and repairs. The village has a stunning setting and is also famous for pine, flower and thyme honey. If you are escaping the hectic city life, Bozburun is just perfect along with its great location and peaceful atmosphere. It is easily accessible and located 50km away. It gets even more crowded during International Gullet Festival in October.
Yalanci Strait
It is 8 km. away from Marmaris and has to be seen. There are several wooden built Gulet shipyards.