Exploring Türkiye: The Magic of Marmaris and Icmeler

Welcome to our Türkiye travel blog! If you are looking for a mix of vibrant bazaars, crystal clear bays, and mountainous backdrops, the Turkish Riviera is hard to beat.  In our travels to the Dalaman region, we’ve spent our time exploring the lively streets of Marmaris and the slightly more relaxed, scenic shores of Icmeler.  These two towns sit side by side, making them the perfect two for one destination.  

Marmaris: Energy, History, and Shopping

Marmaris is the heartbeat of the region.  It’s big, bold, and full of life.  We love it for its ability to offer something for everyone, from ancient history to modern luxury.  Here are some things to do in Marmaris;

  • The Grand Bazaar: A sensory overload in the best way!  We share our guide to navigating the bazaar, from finding the best Turkish delight to mastering the art of bargaining.

  • Marmaris Castle & Old Town: For a break from the shops, we headed up to the castle.  The narrow, whitewashed streets surrounding it feel like a completely different world compared to the main strip.

  • The Marina: We love walking the length of the marina at night to see the boats lit up and grab a cocktail while watching the Dancing Fountains show.

    Cooke Family Tip: If you're staying in Marmaris but want a quieter beach day, head to Icmeler early in the morning via the water taxi. You get the sea breeze on the way there and the best choice of sunbeds!

    Icmeler: The Relaxed Side of the Bay

    Just around the corner from Marmaris lies Icmeler. It’s smaller, greener, and has a much more laid back atmosphere, making it a "the perfect location for beach days.

    • The Beach & Bay: The water in Icmeler often feels a little calmer and clearer than in the main port.  We’ve reviewed the best beachfront spots to grab a sunbed and spend the day.

    • Canal-Side Dining: Icmeler has a beautiful canal running through the centre.  We share our favourite restaurants along the water where you can enjoy a quiet dinner under the stars.

    • Hiking the Hills: For those who like to stay active, the trails behind Icmeler offer incredible views of the entire bay, well worth the early morning climb!

    Turkish Delights: What We Ate

    we believe the best way to know a country is through its food. In Türkiye, we couldn't get enough of:

    • Mezes: Small plates of hummus, spicy tomato ezme, and grilled halloumi.

    • Testi Kebab: A traditional meat and vegetable dish cooked in a clay pot that is cracked open at your table.

    • Turkish Tea: The universal sign of hospitality!

    Planning Your Turkish Escape

    • Getting Between Towns: We highly recommend the Dolmuş (the local orange-and-white minibuses).  They are frequent, cheap, and a bit of an adventure in themselves!

    • Water Taxis: For a more scenic commute, you can take a water taxi between Marmaris and Icmeler harbours, it's the best way to see the coastline from the water.

    • When to Visit: We found that late September is perfect, the sea is at its warmest, but the intense July heat has faded.

    Need some help with planning your trip?  Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely.  Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help!  Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime.  Click the link below to find out more.