Marmaris is one of the most prestigious resorts in Turkey. It is located in the south-west of the country and attracts vacationers with a variety of entertainment and a pleasant climate. In addition, in the Marmaris area the sea is not one, but two of them! After all, it is there that the Aegean merges with the Mediterranean.
A bit of history
Before finding out which sea in Marmaris in Turkey is more suitable for families with children, and which is better for drivers to choose, we will introduce one interesting legend. So, the locals say that the name Marmaris comes from the phrase in Turkish “Mimara as,” which translates as “hang the builder.” It was uttered by the notorious Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who was furious when he saw what an unprepossessing fortress was erected instead of the powerful citadel ordered by him.
In fairness, it should be said that the history of the city began long before the Ottoman Turks appeared in these parts. The founding date of Fiskos, and it was this name that the Greeks gave him, remains unknown. However, there are historical documents that indicate that the city conducted intensive trade with its neighbors in the 11th century BC. e. Later, the Persians owned it. In the 1st century BC e. he moved to Rome, and then became part of the Byzantine Empire. At the end of the 14th century, the Ottoman Turks captured and plundered it. However, the final accession to their empire occurred only after 30 years. A century later, a convenient bay attracted the attention of Suleiman the Magnificent, who wished to build a fortress on its shore.
In 1957, Marmaris was badly damaged by the earthquake. Its restoration dragged on for more than 20 years, until in the early 80s it was decided to turn this section of the Turkish coast into a modern resort.
As a result of large-scale construction there appeared a lot of hotels and entertainment venues, which annually host hundreds of thousands of vacationers, including from Russia.
Geography and climate
As already mentioned, the resort is located on the bay. Mountains surround it in the north, and Marmaris is in the south. Sea directly in the resort of Mediterranean. However, driving a little towards Dalaman, you will find yourself on the shores of the Aegean.
The location of Marmaris determined its climate. It is typical Mediterranean with mild winters, when the average January temperature is about 7.5 degrees with rain and wet snow. The absolute minimum is only −4.
In summer, the resort is hot, but not like in Antalya. The temperature rarely rises above +28 ... 30 Celsius, especially since breezes blow there. At the same time, underwater currents refresh the water in the sea near Marmaris in Turkey, even on the hottest days.
As for rains, from June to September there are practically none.
Do you want to go on vacation with a small child at sea in Marmaris? What time to choose is not so easy to say, as the weather there can vary greatly over the years. However, all those who have already been to the resort, unanimously advise to relax with the kids in September, when the water in the sea is warm enough, but not hot at all. In addition, it is recommended to choose hotels on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, as it is more calm and warm.
Beaches
The main thing in Marmaris is the sea. However, this resort is popular not only among lovers of beach vacations, but is also known as one of the best places in southwest Turkey, where you can go diving and underwater photography.
The main beach of Marmaris is located in the central part of the resort. It is quite long and sandy. Moreover, in some areas at the entrance to the water, sections of pebbles are found. There are many bars, cafes and restaurants right on the beach, so youth companies are also the first choice. As for couples and parents with children, it is better for them to choose the Ichmeler village for relaxation. There is a clean and comfortable beach, where it is relatively not crowded, and there is entertainment for children of different ages.
If you want to arrange yourself a romantic vacation, then go to Turunch. There is a beautiful beach surrounded by forest, with small coves fenced by beautiful cliffs.
Diving
In Marmaris, the sea is clear and even at great depths excellent visibility. In total, there are 50 dive sites in the resort and its environs that abound in ancient ruins. The main places for diving are the capes Kutyuk, Sary-Mehmet and Khaitly, the lighthouses of Kadyrga, “Inje Burun”, located on the island of Ildyz, the islands of Jennet and Karga, the bays of Abdi Reis and Aksu, etc. There is represented the fauna traditional for the Mediterranean Sea. Among the fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world that can be seen in its depths, tuna, octopus, moray eels, crayfish, cardinal fish and others are of particular interest. Some of the diving sites of Marmaris come across fragments of ancient amphorae. In addition, the resort has places that have long been chosen by lovers of underwater photography. For example, in the cave of Basa, you can take beautiful pictures.
Dive centers in Marmaris organize individual and group dives accompanied by an instructor. At the resort you can take a diving course, at the end of which a PADI certificate is issued.
Resort Attractions
Now that we have found out which sea in Marmaris is best for diving, it's time to find out what those who prefer to combine a beach holiday with excursions can see it.
The place most visited by tourists in Marmaris is a medieval fortress. Yes, yes, the same one whose builder they were going to hang. Despite the discontent of Suleiman the Magnificent, it turned out to be more than reliable and perfectly preserved, although over the 5 decades that have passed since the construction of the fortifications, they were repeatedly attacked by enemies.
In addition, lovers of antiquities are happy to visit the castle of Kale, built by the Ionians in the 11th century. Today it houses the Marmaris City Museum. Its exposition presents historical documents, artifacts found during archaeological excavations and works of art created by people who have inhabited this resort since ancient times.
Another Ottoman monument is located on a street leading to Calais. This is the caravanserai of Sultan Hafsa, which was built in 1545. For 5 centuries, it served as a roadside hotel, and today there are cafes in the building serving national dishes and souvenir shops.
Natural attractions in the vicinity of the resort
Which sea washes Marmaris in Turkey? This question can often be heard from tourists. As already mentioned, this resort is a unique place where there are many natural attractions. The main one, of course, is the confluence of the two seas. If you want a unique opportunity to swim immediately in the Aegean and the Mediterranean, then just go along the coast towards the town of Dalaman, where the international airport closest to Marmaris is located. On the way, you will notice that the water off the coast begins to get cloudy. This means that you are at a meeting place for the quiet waters of the Mediterranean and the lush streams of the Aegean.
In addition, tourists are advised to visit Pamukkale. It is often called the "eighth wonder of the world." There, from high rocky ledges, waters rich in mineral salts fall. At the same time, each terrace has a small pool with a water temperature that is held at +37 degrees Celsius.
Other excursions
As for historical sights, not far from Marmaris is the city of Ephesus, where John the Theologian spent the last years of his life. It was there that he wrote the Gospel, as well as 3 conciliar epistles. In Ephesus, you can wander through the four-thousand-year-old streets, see the richest ancient library, get acquainted with the decor of the house of the patricians, Roman baths and the house of tolerance. There are also the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, the stands of amphitheaters, as well as the foundations of ancient houses preserved in the city of Knidos.
Hotels
Which sea in Marmaris in Turkey to go? Such a question may seem strange only to those who are not familiar with geography. Since the resort merges two seas at once, this circumstance may become decisive when choosing a hotel. In addition, in Marmaris there are hotels that are designed for young people and options that are more suitable for families.
In particular, hotels designed for "party people" are located directly in Marmaris, where most of the bars and discos are located. As for club hotels, such establishments can be found in the villages of Turunc and Hisaronu, as well as in the park area between Icmeler and Marmaris.
Now you know the sea washed by Marmaris in Turkey. In this resort you can not only relax perfectly on the magnificent beaches, but also make interesting excursions, getting acquainted with the amazing sights of the ancient era.