Marmaris
Famous for its resort and holiday feel, Marmaris provides the best sun and sand experiences. But beyond the beach scene, there are many more things to engage in this lively vacation town. For example, you can take a memorable yachting trip through the coast and even try to catch a Dusky Grouper or even a Mediterranean Swordfish!
Not to overlook anything significantly worth visiting, use my list of 7 top-rated must-see tourist attractions in Marmaris. I have left the very best for last.
1. Ruins of Kaunos
The high and mighty remains of ancient Kaunos now stand on the other side of the shore belonging to the Dalyan River.
Once an important center of Carian culture, Kaunos goes as far back as the 9th century BC. However, its better times started about 400 BC, when its key and fate-determining location on the border area between Ancient Caria and Ancient Lycia helped it to blossom into a significant trading and seaport hub.
Although the silting up of its ports eventually caused the city to lose much importance, the site wasn't completely abandoned till the 15th century.
You'll find superb vistas over the nearby countryside from the hilltop section. The remnants are spread along the hill slope, including a big Roman baths area, a port agora, a theater, and the remains of an acropolis.
It's better to rent a car to explore the ruins more independently, for most tours concentrate on the river pursuits instead of the ruins of Kaunos.
2. Carian Rock Tombs
Today, visitors can observe these marvelous elaborate carvings up close by taking a boat trip. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy taking in the mysterious carvings from a number of angles and be intrigued by this majestic landmark. The tour guide will gladly tell about the historical significance of the tombs as well as the local area.
The whole experience will be relaxing, visually pleasant, and educational during the river ride.
3. Dancing Fountain
One obvious resulting "side effect" of Marmaris' accelerated regeneration is Youth Square, a plaza at the center of the town which replaced a run-down building from the 20th century.
What immediately catches your eye here, situated at the lower side of Ulusal Egemenlik Cd, is the round fountain. Having two basins, it draws the visiting crowds at two times during the day in the high season as an automated music and light show occurs. The Dancing Fountain appears particularly beautiful at night against the tall clock tower on the north side.
4. Knidos
Knidos used to be an ancient Greek city oddly situated close to Datca, Turkey. Knidos was a significant political and cultural center by the 5th century BC and also a major trading hub. The city belonged to the Dorian Hexapolis, a federation of 6 cities of Dorian Greek origin. In due time, the Roman empire swallowed it as one of its own and survived through the Byzantine period.
Inevitably, the city saw total abandonment. In the 1800s, excavations started and several ruins have been found. Today tourists could see the actual ruins of sacred temples, a sundial, a sanctuary, an altar, churches, and the agora. But the largest discovery is the necropolis. It's a theater that can seat up to 5,000 people and provides a stunning view of the sea.
5. Nimara Cave
Nimara Cave is a landmark that is worth visiting. Dating as far back as to the 2nd century AD, there's a ton to discover in this treasure chest as well as its role in the tradition and culture of Marmaris's citizens.
It's believed now that religious practices occurred in the caves in order to honor the Goddess Leto, Apollo's mother.
Come by and get a genuine sense of the historic past of Marmaris.
6. Marmaris Grand Bazaar
As the largest public shopping center located at the heart of Marmaris, by the shore, Marmaris Grand Bazaar is the most popular shopping place. It provides a broad range of items. For example, you could buy traditional Turkish products to return with as souvenirs like onyx vases, mosaic lanterns, metal wares, Turkish clothes, shoes, carpets, leather, and jewellery. But be ready to haggle; that's when the real fun begins! Will you ultimately end up paying more or less than the going price?
7. Marmaris Castle
Standing over the harbor, Marmaris Castle together with the old town's surrounding cobblestone avenues are the town's biggest historic attractions. Sultan Sulleyman's Ottoman troops used the castle as a staging ground after recapturing the island of Rhodes.
Now, while a few halls showcase artifacts dug out in the nearby region, the ramparts provide wide views across the bay.
The path up to the site is via the old town's narrow cobblestone roads, lined by whitewashed cottages as bougainvillea spill over the walls. This little area is a calm break from the harbor's faster-pace, only steps away.
