Where to Stay - Turkey

50|discoverTURKEY
THELORYMA
PENINSULA
factfile
Forbeach-lovers: Içmeler boasts the best beach
in the area – a sweeping bay of coarse golden
sand with a variety of watersports on offer
Forculturevultures: Marmaris castle has been
turned into a museum displaying local artefacts.
A little further afield, the ruined city of Knidos,
lies at the end of the Datça peninsula.
Forthrills: Marmaris is a big scuba diving centre
for those who want to explore life under the sea.
Forkids: Içmeler is ideal for a family beach holiday.
There are aquaparks in both Marmaris and Içmeler.
Forbargain-hunters: The narrow streets of Marmaris’
old town and the bazaar are crammed full of stalls
selling everything from T-shirts to pottery.
Fornightowls: The establishments on Marmaris’
lively bar street might not look like much from the
outside but many of them open out into huge courtyards
where dancing continues till the early hours
Gettingawayfromthecrowds: Turunç is a charming, laidback
resort easily visited by boat from Marmaris or Içmeler.
Eatingout: Marmaris has adapted so well to her foreign
guests that it is as easy to find a Sunday roast, a Chinese
or Indian meal as to find traditional Turkish fare.
Greatdaysout: Marmaris harbour is the starting point
for gulets embarking on the famous Blue Cruise. Take
a day trip to visit Cleopatra’s Island – it is said that the
sand was imported from Africa by Martk Antony for
Cleopatra. Alternatively, for a change of atmosphere
catch the hydrofoil over to the Greek island of Rhodes.
Nearestairport: Dalaman
Distance: Marmaris 115kms; Içmeler 125kms
discoverturkeyatwww.gototurkey.co.uk
Marmaris
Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular resorts, which attracts lots
of British holidaymakers, many of whom return year after year. It is a
favourite with families and young couples alike. Due to its popularity,
it has grown enormously over the years, hotels rapidly filling the space
between the green hills and the azure seas. It is in a stunning setting,
its geography remarkably similar to that of the fjords, with pine-clad
hills dropping steeply to the sea, jagged inlets and tiny rocky islets
off the coast.
There is a wide choice of accommodation, from five star luxury to
self-catering apartments, but the vast majority is of three star standard.
What the buildings lack in character they make up for in offering value
for money. Most of the accommodation is built on either side of the
main seafront road, some is on the seafront itself, but many of the newer