Marmaris one of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey. resort on the beach Aegean Sea famous for comfortable beaches and many hotels all inclusive. Marmaris is called the Turkish Riviera due to the combination of beautiful coastline and many attractions for tourists.
At the same time, in the city and the immediate surroundings there are a lot of natural, historical and modern attractions. What to see and do in Marmaris, we will consider in this article.
A short trip to the past
Cultural traditions of many nations are intertwined in Marmaris. The city was founded by the Greeks in the XNUMXth century. BC. and got the name Fiscos. At that time, the city was part of a historical area called Kariya. In subsequent centuries, these territories were gradually colonized by the Greeks from the island of Rhodes, and in the VI century. BC. became part of Persia.
In the XNUMXst century BC. the region came under the rule of the Roman Empire, and four centuries later - under the rule of Byzantium. The Arab invasion of the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries on the lands of Asia Minor led the city to economic decline and desolation.
A new stage in the development of the city began with the accession to the Ottoman Empire in 1424. In the XNUMXth century, the Ottomans built a fortress here to conquer the Greek island of Rhodes.
Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent named a new Marmaris fortress, which means "radiant" in Greek. The city around the fortress began to gradually develop due to trade and fishing.
The economic boom in Marmaris began in the 80s of the twentieth century. Managers of travel companies drew attention to a small fishing village on the azure coast. Today, Marmaris annually receives more than a million tourists from different countries.
Marmaris Kalesi Castle
The castle is mentioned in the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. According to various sources, the castle was built in the XNUMXth or XNUMXth century BC. The structure that can be seen today was created in the XNUMXth century, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.
The ancient fortress is located on a hill near the port. The road to the castle passes through the picturesque streets of the old town. Currently, the fortress is a museum with several galleries. Most of the exhibits are archaeological finds from ancient cities that were once located on the territory of the resort. The defensive battlements offer beautiful views of the city and the sea bay.
Pier "Netsel Marina"
"Netsel Marina" Marmaris is the most modern marina on the Aegean coast. The marina is located in the bay of Marmaris at the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Up to 750 ships can moor in the harbor at the same time. Here you can rent a yacht and go on a trip to the Mediterranean. There are sailing schools in the harbor area where you can learn how to sail a yacht.
Amphitheater
In Marmaris, art lovers have a unique opportunity to listen to classical music in the ancient amphitheater, built in the 5th century BC. The building has survived to this day in a relatively unchanged form. The ancient amphitheater is under the protection of UNESCO. The peculiarity of the complex is that it is operational. Symphony concerts are periodically held here.
Sedir Island
Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island) located near Marmaris in Gulf of Gokova. This is a small beautiful island covered with coniferous forests, surrounded by turquoise waters. The ruins of an ancient city have been preserved on the island. Kedraifounded in the XNUMXth c. BC.
The island is famous for the romantic legend associated with the love story of Queen Cleopatra and the Roman commander Mark Antony. According to legend, Mark Antony gave this island to Cleopatra. The queen accepted the gift, but she did not like the sand on the beaches of the island. Then, by order of Mark Antony, snow-white sand from North Africa was delivered to the island.
bar street
Marmaris is called the most dancing city in Turkey. It is here that the best clubs and disco bars are concentrated. bar street - the place in the city where all the entertainment facilities are concentrated. In the evening, the old narrow street becomes the epicenter of city life. The atmosphere of Bar Street is carefree fun, loud music and dancing.
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar - the largest market of Marmaris and one of its attractions. The market is located in the center of the old city. Today the market is located in a modern covered complex, but the flavor of the oriental bazaar has not been completely lost.
Here you can find an endless variety of local souvenirs, various sweets, traditional jewelry and clothing. The Grand Bazaar is always popular with locals and tourists.
Marmaris National Park
Not far from the city is a wonderful natural attraction - the Marmaris National Park. It is located in the seaside valley on the territory of more than 20 thousand hectares. Here you can relax from the bustle of a large resort and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean nature.
The territory of the park is buried in the subtropical greenery of laurels, cypresses and pines. Hiking trails in the park lead to the sea coast with picturesque wild beaches.
A trip to Turkish Marmaris can be unforgettable if you plan your vacation in advance - look at the options for ready-made tourist tours. The famous seaside resort is ready to generously share its natural and cultural treasures with guests. Read also about holidays in Alanya and an article about one of the main attractions of Turkey - Pamukkale.
