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Marmaris
 Situated
on a bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains, Marmaris
is one of the most attractive maritime parklands, ideal
for water sports and sailing. It makes an excellent starting
point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the Aegean
coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides
an opportunity to meet the yachts' captains and crews. With
plenty of provisions aboard, you set sail in the craft of
your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty
of southern Turkey.
In Marmaris, sample the typical Turkish cuisine in one
of the marina restaurants and drink raki, anisette, the
traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water.
Later stroll along the brightly lit and palm-lined promenade
and indulge yourself at one of the ice cream vendors. Energetic
entertainment at a lively bar or dancing until dawn at a
sophisticated disco can end a perfect day.
There are many good buys in Marmaris' boutiques, colorful
bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and
suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery and objects
carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery
make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced
pine -scented honey called çambali is superb.
Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the
Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the 16th century Süleyman
the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill, the remains
of which can still be seen today.
Swimmers should not miss Atatürk Park, to the east
of Marmaris, where a shallow beach, extending to the bay
leads to safe waters. The clear sea is warm enough for swimming
from early May until late September. Marmaris also has horseback
riding and tennis centres for the sports enthusiast. This
is one of the few places in the world where you can delight
in the heady aroma of the frankincense tree. Weekly ferry
lines run between Marmaris and Venice during the summer
season.
Near Marmaris at Içmeler, the hazy mountains of
the interior slope down to sandy beaches. Under blue skies,
the clear sea is ideal for all types of water sports. Many
find this area so irresistible that they stay longer than
originally planned. And there are some excellent accommodations
here, in which you can prolong your contact with nature.
As you drive down from the high mountains into the village
of Turunç, the scene opens out onto the spectacular
blue waters beyond the natural harbour. The village itself
is small and scattered around the bay: Most of the restaurants
border the beach. A few bars and restaurants farther back
from the water's edge offer fresh fish and superb views.
Kumlubük, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern
side of the bay. On the northern side, above the water,
stands the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. Loryma, at the
tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, where the ruins of the ancient
harbour and castle remain, can only be reached by boat.
Natural quiet bays and scattered islands punctuate the northern
shore of the peninsula, ideal for those who want to get
away from it all.
Sedir Island, in the Gulf of Gökova, is the ancient
Cedrai. Its old city walls, theatre and temples can be visited
by driving from Marmaris north to Gelibolu Bay and then
crossing by boat. This voyage also offers an unforgettable
panoramic view of the mountain scenery across the bay. At
the head of the gulf is the village of Gökova Whose
houses seem to cascade down the mountainside. Restaurants
built over bubbling, fresh water streams that fall from
the highlands create an ,unforgettable setting. The towering
pines and cool breezes of Gökova Park are often a welcome
respite from the hot sun.
The Datça Peninsula provides a natural boundary
between the Aegean Sea, the Gulf of Gökova to the north,
and the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Hisarönü
to the south. Along all the 75 km from Marmaris to Datça,
the road winds among trees and hills, permitting lovely
views over the expanse of blue. Campers have many perfect
settings to choose from; the less adventurous can stay in
one of the many comfortable holiday villages. 25 km to Datça
is the beautiful Aktur beach. In Datça white-washed
buildings hung with bougainvillaea decorate the town. The
marina is on the southern bay; while swimmers prefer the
northern bay. Around the marina bars, cafes and a wide selection
of shops keep the tourist interested. Some shops remain
open well into the evening. Relaxing over a pre-dinner drink
and then a delicious meal in a welcoming restaurant is a
popular way to spend the evening hours. Of course, the local
eateries offer both fresh fish and classical Turkish cuisine.
With any remaining energy, take a stroll and find a disco
to your liking to while away until the early morning hours.
10 km north of Datça, the Körmen Harbour is
connected to Bodrum by a daily ferry line.
As you travel out of Datça, either by road or by
boat, you will find unspoilt bays and golden sandy beaches.
Kargi is one of the most popular bays in the region.
At the end of the peninsula (38 km from Datça) stands
the ancient Carian city of Knidos, described by Strabo as
"a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses,
Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas." Famous
as a center of art and culture in the fourth century B.C.
the city had two harbours: one on the Aegean and the other
on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated
to the goddess of love overlook the two harbours; the arcaded
way was built of white marble, heart-shaped columns. The
legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles' statue, one of the most
beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple.
The town of Köycegiz lies at the northern end of a
lake of the same name and Is joined to the Mediterranean
by a natural channel. This unique environment is being preserved
as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. A road shaded with aromatic
frankincense trees leads to the tiny village of Dalyan on
the inland waterway. The maze of channels is easily explored
by boat as you immerse yourself in this tranquil dream world.
The restaurants which line the waterways specialise in delicious
meals of fresh fish. High on the cliff face, at a bend in
the river, above the fascinating ancient harbour city of
Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rock. The
Dalyan Delta, with a long, golden sandy beach at its mouth,
is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles
(Caretta Caretta) and blue crabs. At Ekincik, a delightful
yacht mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of
this area. Only a half hour's drive from Dalaman Airport,
Sarigerme has wonderful sandy beaches, and a pleasant holiday
village discreetly situated in a pine forest. The Dalaman
River is the best for rafting and the best time for rafting
is between May and October. The road to Fethiye winds up
and down hills through a heavily forested region that offers
occasional glimpses of the sea and an islet or two basking
in total seclusion. The Gulf of Göcek and its friendly
marina is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots.
Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land
and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an
ancient city at the southern tip of the guff, lie at the
edge of the azure waters. Opposite, on Tersane Island, stand
Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.
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