Cruises from Marmaris

The city of Caria began in the sixth century as part of the Carian Empire. In 1425, Caria became part of the Ottoman Empire with the name change to Mimaris, per the order of the Ottoman Sultan, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman. He arrived in Mimaris as he returned from an expedition to Rhodes. Sultan Suleyman gazed upon the palace in disgust and shouted, “mimar as” which means “hang the architect.” This rather humorous story has not been proved, or disproved, we really only know the city’s name Mimaris changed to Marmaris on the day he arrived at the castle which is situated on a hill in Marmaris.

The residential area of the city surrounds the castle. All houses are historical sites in this lovely cosmopolitan city located where the South Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. Marmaris is in the province of Mugla in southwest Turkey. Once a small fishing port, today Marmaris is a tourist destination for luxury cruise liners. It has the largest harbour in the world and it is overflowing with yachts, catamarans and sailboats. Many yacht owners berth yachts in the big marina during their winter long stay in Marmaris

The Port of Marmaris terminal is air-conditioned with a summer café. Duty-free shops, telephones, tourism information and an immigration and customs office are in the terminal. X-ray machines and metal detectors stand at the entrance and exit. Visitors from the UK and US need valid passports and visas to enter Turkey and Greece. A number of great cruises sail from Marmaris to various destinations around the world.

Marmaris is the heart of yachting in the area and the site of an annual Yachting Tournament. Daily ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans carry tourists to the Greek Island of Rhodes, 50 miles from Marmaris. The closest airport is the Dalaman International Airport, less than two hours drive from Marmaris.

Accommodation includes five full service hotels, the Marina Apartments and some self-catering rental apartments and private villas. Nightlife happens in the jovial atmosphere of Bar Street; discos, dance and cocktail bars offer dancing all night. A local Turkish folk dance group entertains at the nightclub amidst games, belly dancers and high volume music. A local theatre with four screens serves as entertainment for many visitors.

Two hospitals, state medical clinics and pharmacies provide for the medical needs of the locals and tourists. There are multilingual doctors and dentists available. Payment for medical treatment is on a per visit basis and patients receive a receipt to file with their home insurance company.

Marmaris is a shopping Mecca of little shops selling fine leather goods, natural sponges, and jewellery made of Boncuk, blue glass beads. A large bazaar downtown offers boutiques selling kilims, carpets, sandals, embroidery items and original fashion clothes.

Marmaris has several nice restaurants in the downtown area and near the beach. Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine is abundant. The Atlantis Water Park offers a lovely restaurant, café and bar amidst a variety of water related activities.

To get around ride the local mini buses called Dolmus, which have no definite stops. Just flag one down and the driver will stop. Avoid the expensive taxis!