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Marmaris Information
Marmaris is a town in Turkey, along the Mediterranean coast in the province of Muğla. 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 and the Blue Voyage cruise business.
Getting There
You can get flights to Dalaman, the nearest regional airport which is 100 kilometers away from Marmaris. Coach transfers are 1 1/2 hours. Airport is served by many operators such as Thomsonfly, FlyThomasCook, EasyJet, Turkish Airlines, and Onur Air. Transfers are easily arranged on-line and there are frequent bus connections which correspond to the arrival of domestic flights provided by Havas costing 25YTL single. (Havas bus tranfer times are detailed outside the airport terminal building). Tourists from the UK have to buy a Turkish multiple entry visa at the point of entry costing £10 (Bank of England Notes Only) which are valid for 90 days entry and visits of up to 90 days.
Getting Around
Cheapest way of getting around is using the dolmus minibuses. These are 11 seaters which travel the main road in Marmaris and Icmeler, the neighbouring resort. The fee is 1.25 YTL anywhere in Marmaris and 1.75 YTL between Icmeler and Marmaris. Marmaris dolmuses have a green band across them and orange for Icmeler. Other dolmus services serve Armutalan which is a suburb of Marmaris. The Armutalan dolmus has a blue band across them. You can pick them up from the side of the road by hailing for them and they will stop wherever you want on the route. Other buses are frequently available and compete with dolmus services. They are slightly cheaper and are council owned buses which are similar in concept but slightly larger than dolmus minibuses. Taxis are also available on the meter or by arranging prices up front but are more expensive.
What To See
There's plenty to do in Marmaris. Busy beaches, lots of bars and restaurants, plenty of shopping with fabulous bargains if you dont mind wearing fake designer labels. Marmaris has a busy nightlife with a street devoted to dance music and all the high tech clubbing scene. Bar Street is opposite the busy pazar and will satisfy the most discerning clubbers with it's huge outdoor dance venues. Inexpesive boat excursions can take you out round the bay and to neighbouring towns like Icemeler and Turnc with all inclusive food and dirnks all day for as little as 25YTL. Marmaris also has two water parks and local travel agents offer a range of trips to Dalyan, Fethiye, Pamukkule, Ephesus and other popular locations in Western Turkey. In Marmaris you can see ocean going yachts costing $10 million and rub shoulders with those who can blow a $1000 on a pair of sunglasses in the exclusive upmarket designer harbour shopping area. Marmaris is primarily a resort that caters for British holidaymakers but recently has become popular with Russian and other Eastern European visitors.
Things To Do
Daily cruises take you around the turquoise coves, mountainous shoreline, ruins of ancient cities, and a cave (the only entrance of which is from the sea) surrounding Marmaris. Book or buy a seat at least one day beforehand. Such excursions cost about 30 YTL per person including a meal, but not drinks. Many of the local tour companies offer trips such as Jeep Safaris which drive around the mountains surrounding Marmaris and visit villages, waterfalls and picturesque beaches. Visit a traditional Turkish Baths - (Hamam) with sauna, body peel, foam massage and oil massage. Also, trips to further afield to beautiful spots such as Dalyan, Iztuzu Beach, and the Sultaniye Mud Baths. Yacht charters in Marmaris, Windward Islands, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to luxury yachts on the Aegean Sea. Operating from 9 offices worldwide (USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Honk Kong and Dubai. Marmaris is Famous for its fantastic nightlife. There are a selection of good clubs along the beachfront which play a variety of music and cater to different tastes. For serious partiers Bar Street is where the party is at. Located in the old town this street has over 100 bars and clubs ranging from rock bars to Club Arena, a huge outdoor nightclub with foam parties. All are open to at least 4 am.
Food And Drink
Many places on the beachfront main road and just off of it serving Turkish, English, Dutch and other international food. As anywhere it tends to be cheaper away from the harbour and marina.
There are many good restaurants located on the beachfront promenade. Their proprietors will stand outside establishments and harass you into looking at their menu. Don't be intimidated and just a polite 'no thank you' will put them at bay. Marmaris and Armutalan councils have zero tolerance for the hassling of tourists and have special local police (Zabita) who videotape and close establishments who harass tourists. This has eliminated the majority of this.
To buy groceries visit the many supermarkets located in Marmaris, the larger being Tansas, Migros and Tesco Kipa. Turkish Efe's is the best of beers, but some establishments stock imported beers such as Becks, Budweiser or Fosters which tend to be more expensive. Wine is not expensive and seems to be all Turkish.
MARMARIS-FETHIYE-MARMARIS CRUISE
Gay friendly boat cruises by gay owned travel agency of Turkey
ACT Hotel 4 - Marmaris
Gay Friendly Accommodation in Marmaris - Turkey
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