MARMARİS

Marmaris has a history that dates back to 2000 BC. Findings during excavations in Nimara Cave on Bedir Island in 2007 confirm this timeline. The region was named “Karia,” which means “Land of the Carians.” The abundance offered by the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts has continually made Marmaris an attractive place. The city has served as an important gateway to Rhodes and the Aegean Islands, and as a result, it has been influenced by many civilizations over time.

During visits to Marmaris, you can see traces of such civilizations as the Carians, Rhodians, and island cultures, as well as Egyptian, Assyrian, Ionian, Persian, Macedonian, Syrian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizations. Fiskos is the earliest known name of the city, and its remains can still be seen today at Asartepe. It is said that Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent considered the fortress here inadequate and referred to it as “Mimar As!” which over time evolved into the name “Marmaris.”

Main Historical and Archaeological Destinations

Physkos

Physkos is known as the first port city of the ancient region of Caria and the center of other settlements. ” Physkos” means “Land of Nature” in the Carian language, a name derived from the region’s abundance of natural elements and beauty.

The remains of Physkos, which date back to around 3400 BC, are located in Asartepe, the north of Marmaris city center. The history of this ancient city reflects the region’s significance and rich past.

Amos

Near Turunç, on a hill to the northwest of Kumlubük Bay, the ancient settlement of Amos features a theater, a temple, and some statue bases. The theater is quite well-preserved; the seating areas, side walls, and the separation of the three rooms in the stage house are clearly distinguishable.

Loryma (Bozukkale)

Located in Bozukkale on the southwestern tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, Loryma is notable for its widespread ruins. The most impressive surviving structure is the well-preserved castle on Burunbaşı. Bozukkale Bay is an important stop for Blue Voyage boats and yachts.

Kedrai (Sedir Island)

Sedir Island in the Gulf of Gökova is famous for the ancient city of Kedrai and the renowned Cleopatra Beach. Kedrai was a Carian city later connected to Rhodes, and its name comes from the cedar trees abundant on the island. Sedir Island is a walled settlement area with ruins including walls, towers, the foundations of the Temple of Apollo, a theater, an agora, and a city necropolis.

Hydas (Selimiye)

Located on the northern part of the Bozburun Peninsula, in Selimiye Bay (Kamışlı Bay), the ancient city of Hydas is notable for its various ruins. The city features remnants of city walls and a square-planned tomb monument. Three kilometers from Hydas, there is a coastal watchtower with several graves on it.

Erine

Erine is located in 2 km from the village of Hisarönü, which is 20 km from Marmaris-Datça road when turning towards Bozburun. The ancient site can be reached by traveling 3 km from Hisarönü village and contains ruins from the Roman period.

Castabus

An ancient site reachable by a one-hour climb from Hisarönü Plain. It is located on a temple platform from the 4th century BC, featuring Ionian design with Doric elements. The foundation of the temple and the remarkable walls supporting the platform have been preserved to this day. There are also theatre ruins in the south.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a Carian city located 4 km outside of Taşlıca village. The city’s tombs are encountered first along the path. The city’s agora is a well-preserved structural ruin, and its main necropolis (tombs) is located in a hole between Taşlıca and Asar hill. The city’s acropolis is at Asartepe.

Bybassos

Bybassos is located on the slope of the hill where Orhaniye Village is at now. The city’s wall ruins can be seen scattered in a forested area.

Euthenna (Altınsivrisi/Karacasöğüt)

A city of Rhodian origin, located on the Altınsivrisi hill approximately 2 km southeast at Karacasöğüt Village. Here at the city of necropolis, wall remnants, rock-cut tombs, and cisterns are present.

Amnistos

Represents an ancient city located on a promontory near Karacasöğüt. The remains of city walls and an ancient bay wall on the seaside have survived from this settlement to these days.

Thyssanos

An ancient settlement located on a hill 1 km southwest of Söğüt village. This area, which has not been excavated, contains several wall fragments, ground traces, and wall ruins.

Main Bays and Beaches

Çamlık Pier

Boncuk Bay

Sedir Island – Kedrai

In Karacasöğüt: Waterfall, cave, and ancient settlements

Kumlubük

Bayır

Turgut

Orhaniye, Kızkumu

Selimiye

Hisarönü

Bördübet Bay

Çubucak and İnbükü Forest Camps

Bencik Harbor

Günnücek, Yalancı Boğazı, and Cennet Island (Nımara)

Recommended Activities

International Marmaris Women and Art Festival – March

International Marmaris Children’s Dance and Music Festival – April

Marmaris International Culture and Art Festival – April – May

International Marmaris Dance and Music Festival – May

Marmaris International Yacht Charter Show – May

Marmaris International Short Film Festival – October

International Aquamasters Swimming Championship – November

MIYC (Marmaris International Yacht Club) Yacht Races – Year-Round / Monthly

Main Marinas and Ports

Marmaris has 7 private marinas and 4 public ports.