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 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 rakı, 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 çambalı 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 Icmeler, 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 Gokova, 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 Gokova 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 Datca, the Kormen Harbour is connected to Bodrum by
a daily ferry line.
As
you travel out of Datca, either by road or by boat, you will
find unspoilt bays and golden sandy beaches. Kargı is one
of the most popular bays in the region.
At
the end of the peninsula (38 km from Datca) 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 Koycegiz 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 Gocek 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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