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Marmaris is 60 kilometres away from the
provincial capital Mugla, and the mountainous landscape of the
surrounding countryside shows that forestry plays an important part
in the area's economy. The town boundaries enclose and area of 86
000 hectares, 65 000 of which are forested. The beauty of Marmaris
stems from this just as much as from the natural harbour.
Cosmopolitan charms of Marmaris, that used to be a fishing village
less than 20 years ago, will surprise anyone with a choice of
accommodation and entertainment.
Marmaris is a Turkish Rivera. Once you set your foot here you will
join its true vacation atmosphere! The old quarter of the town with
its bustling bazaars and restaurants are well worth a visit. During
the day, people head for the beach to do catamaran trips,
parasailing, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving and the list goes
on! Yet in Marmaris you are not confined to the town beach. Icmeler
and its beach is 8 km down the road. Alternatively take advantage of
one of the boats that chug away in the morning from the marina to
scores of sandy beaches like Cleopatra's Island and the Turtle
Beach.
 Once a little fishing port, Marmaris has developed into one of
Turkey’s busiest and most Anglicized resorts. Its port welcomes
luxury cruise liners, which disgorge passengers keen to sample the
town’s extensive facilities and visit the archaeological sites
nearby, just to name a few - the ancient city of Efes, (the second
biggest city of Roman Empire, after Rome); another sightseeing place
not to be missed is Pamukkale, that is considered to be the 8th
world wonder. And much more!
Marmaris also is South Aegean's prettiest resort for scuba diving.
There are several dive centers in Marmaris that arrange guided
diving trips, excursions and even provide diving lessons for the
inexperienced individuals, eager to try out this underwater sport.
Shopping is a delight in Marmaris. Some truly shop till they drop in
this shopping Mecca! Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and
the local blue glass beads (the Boncuk) are among the bargains to be
found in the friendly little shops along the downtown bazaar.
Charming boutiques at the end of the promenade offer kilims,
carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions.
There are daily hydrofoils, catamarans and ferries to the Greek
island of Rhodes May through October. Use your chance to visit two
countries on one holiday!
Içmeler
 A very green and cosy atmosphere of Icmeler resort, at the western
end of Marmaris bay, is for a truly relaxing holiday. Named for its
famous springs whose water was said to be good for the digestive
system. 5 star hotels now back its noted beach, while the older
residential area nestles under the hills at the back of the town.
Everything is within a walking distance, with only one main street
and an attractive Turkish village in the back of it.
Every morning there is a flow of people from Marmaris to Icmeler,
drawn by the fine beaches and modern discos attract a similar flow
every evening.
More developed entertainment and shopping centers are located only 8
km away in Marmaris.
Fethiye &
Ölüdeniz
 During
the Lycian period the town was called Telmessos, meaning the land of
lights. splashholiday.com welcomes you in the land of lights where
the torrent of civilizations created in the time tunnel and gliding
from inaccessible summits of wild Taurus Mountains meet the foamy
blue waters of the Mediterranean. Fethiye transformed from an
ancient port to a relaxing beach side heaven. Fethiye lies on a
semicircular bay protected by a ring of twelve islands. However it
has kept its Turkish character with a host of bazaars, shops and
restaurants, with red tiled roofs in picturesque, cobbled back
streets, where you will find men playing a game of backgammon in the
shade, or offering you a cup of refreshing apple tea whilst
explaining the history of the famous Turkish carpets. There are
plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs along with the
markets, banks, cash points, chemists and doctors in the resort.
With its majestic mountain scenery and superb, island-strewn bay,
modern Fethiye is a lively town which thrives on a growing tourist
industry, while the atmosphere in the picturesque old quarter is
surprisingly laid back, reminiscent of a traditional fishing
village. Nearby are Oludeniz, Turkey’s most celebrated beach, and
Cold and Hot Bay - the name just about sums up the experience, for
the water on the surface can be cool - almost chilly - but dive half
a metre down and you can luxuriate in hot spring water, reputedly
good for rheumatism and arthritis.
Dalyan
 Dalyan village is based on a river, surrounded by lush green fields
breaking into spectacular mountain ranges. On the opposite side of
the river is the ancient city of Caunos that is debatably the second
greatest archaeological site in Turkey. Only 10% of the city has
been unearthed and every year more and more treasures are
discovered. The area around Dalyan has some of the widest variety of
wildlife to be found in Turkey, including some species of birds not
found elsewhere in the world.
The weather in Dalyan is dry and warm all summer, yet we have many
large rivers that flow all year round, being fed by underground
springs. A short tranquil boat ride away is a four kilometer long
beach that is home to the rare Caretta Caretta turtles. With the
views, history, culture, wildlife, water and sea topped off by the
warm local hospitality, Dalyan is a true world beater of a holiday
destination.
Gokova & Gulluk Gulf
 The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf of Gokova,on the
southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula vary from the darkest blue to
the palest turquoise, and the coastline is thickly wooded with every
hue of green. In the evening,the sea reflects the mountains
silhouetted against the setting sun, and at night it shimmers with
posphorescence.You can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum
for a two, three or seven day tour of the gulf.
The Gulf of Gulluk, and harbor of the same name, lie north of the
Bodrum peninsula on the Aegean. The mythological Dolphin Boy is said
to have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik
(Iassos) South of Gulluk,Varvil ancient Bargilya, sits at the end of
a deep narrow inlet surrounded by olive covered hillsides.
Inland from Gulluk is Milas, ancient Mylasa, known for its beautiful
carpets, a century old tradition which continues today. The weavers
rarely mind a visitor watching them at work. Plenty of old Turkish
houses with carved timbers and latticed windows provide examples of
the vernacular architectural style. Gumuskesen, a monumental tomb,
thought to be a small copy of the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum,
stands in the west of the city.
The ancients built Labranda, a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, high in
the mountains. Today tourists have rediscovered this mountain
retreat and escape to its exhilarating air and breathtaking scenery.
Datça
 The Datça Peninsula extends into the sea like a long, green dagger.
It is connected to the mainland through the 800 m Balıkaşıran
isthmus, the narrowest one in the peninsula. Without this one, Datça
would an island.
The high-ceilinged, straight-roofed and whitewashed stone houses in
the Reşadiye district suggest that a wealthy community once lived in
Datça. In this respect it conforms to the ancient topographical rule
that plebeians would be settled on the seashore and the well-to-do
inland to provide for greater security. The wood carvings, elaborate
ornamentation and the paintings on the walls and ceilings of the
Mehmet Ali Bey Mansion are especially worth seeing.
The bay of Hisarönü on one side and Gökova on the other flanks the
Datça Peninsula. The jagged shores are dotted with marvelous bays
and coves. There is more to discover in the coves of the forests and
mountains in the shape of lovely little villages, mountains
stretching over a distance of 70 km, lush vegetation and
windmills...
The antique city of Knidos on the tip of the peninsula was founded
in the 4th century BC. It averted the assault of the Persians and
faced the armies of Alexander the Great before it was occupied by
the Roman Empire to be incorporated into its Eastern provinces. It
was abandoned in the 7th century BC partly due to threat of
earthquake.
Göcek
 Gocek is located on the curve of the Mediterannean coastline, at the
northeastern end of the gulf of Fethiye. Gocek village is surrounded
with beautiful and tranquiling pine trees while looking over the
magnificient 12 islands which take place as a shelter for Gocek Bay
and make it a perfect natural harbour. Gocek is known as the
hometown of Icarus who flew to the sun but fell down to his death
according to mythology.
The village has a sublime confluence of rural tranquility and
contemporary comfort and is a heaven in the earth where green and
blue embrace each other generously. You can explore this region on
the borders of ancient civilizations Lykia and Caria.
Bodrum
 It's skyline dominated by the fairy tale castle of St Peter, Bodrum
is possibly the prettiest town in the Southern Aegean. The castle
embodies both history and beauty, but it is the small white houses
in the little cobbled streets, the multitude of bars and
restaurants, and the unending and lively nightlife that the town is
most famous for. Lying on a peninsula surrounded by small pretty
villages where you can wander the streets searching for those
elusive bargains, or escape from the hustle and bustle of town life
by meandering through olive groves, Bodrum offers the best that is
Turkey. Use Bodrum as a base from which to discover ancient history,
or embark on a relaxing cruise along the wild and rugged coastline.
The whole area offers a wealth of magnificent beaches and an array
of water sports from scuba-diving to para-gliding.Whatever you
decide to do, this region offers the perfect place to do it.
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