Turkey Destination Guide

Marmaris

Marmaris is a port city and a tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, located in southwest Turkey, in the Mugla Province. Marmaris main source of income is tourism. Despite a construction boom in the 1980s, Marmaris still retains its charm due to the exceptional natural beauty of its location. The districts population is 18 000 (2005) and estimated to reach 300,000–400,000 people during the tourism season. It is also a major centre for sailing, possessing two major and several smaller marinas. It is a popular wintering location for hundreds of cruising boaters. There are regular ferry services to the Greek island of Rhodes, and large cruise ships call at the port.

Icmeler

Icmeler is a popular Turkish holiday resort situated 8 kilometres from Marmaris. It is also a municipality of its own. Icmeler bay is located on the Datcha peninsula. The town is surrounded on three sides by pine forests. Hiking on the mountains provides fantastic views of the region and is very popular. Pronounced in English approximately like /each-mell-er/ (incorrectly as /ish-muh-lah/), the town has developed rapidly over the last 15 years, accommodation and other tourist facilities mushrooming across the formerly sleepy fishermens and sponge divers village. As a side to the increasing tourism, this village in the Turkish Riviera is seeing an increasing amount of watersports facilities, such as; scuba diving, waterskiing and many others.

Paradise Island

This island to the south of Marmaris, linked to the mainland by a causeway, was known as Nimera in ancient times and the remains of a monastery can still be seen. The island offers scenic beauty, fine beaches and views across the bay to Marmaris itself and its phosphorescent rocks in the caves reflect the blue of the sea, giving it its alternative name, Blue Cave. On the south of the island lies Aquarium Bay, a lunch stop for many of the boat trips and much loved by photographers for the unspoiled natural beauty and the unbelievable range of blues in the sea.

Turunc

Turunc fishing village with its coarse sandy beach lies just outside Marmaris bay. It has hotels of all classes and small open restaurants offering fish and chicken dishes. The easiest and most enjoyable way to reach Turunc is by one of the many small boats plying between here and Marmaris. Alternatively the twisting road from Icmeler over the pine-clad hills offers a super vista just before dropping down 500 meters into the village.

Kumlubuk Bay

Kumlubuk, Turkey - a sweeping bay of fine shingle, crystal clear waters and spectacular mountain views, perfect for a truly relaxing holiday. The pace of life in the sleepy hamlet of Kumlubuk is decidedly unhurried, the main hub of activity being the occasional gulet dropping anchor to allow its passengers to enjoy a cooling dip. Kumlubuk is situated along the famous blue cruise route considered by many to be the most beautiful stretch of coast in Turkey.