Things to do in Marmaris

Dalyan riverboat tour with lunch and Iztuzu Beach visit

Surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a river cruise from Dalyan is a great way to unwind. One of Turkey's most pristine beaches is the destination, with stops at mud baths and a riverside restaurant en route. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, ‘Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach because endangered loggerhead turtles nest here. It's a magical spot with very little human interference. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised.'Sail down the Dalyan River on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. It's great for glowing skin, and it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a pampering soak in the mineral-rich liquid mud. Finish with a dip in the warm sulphur pool before gliding across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. You'll then add a little history and culture to the mix, as you continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs.As the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. This 4km-long sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis that's a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay, where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Round off your day with the return relaxing river cruise to Dalyan.

Dalyan at dusk tour with dinner and riverboat cruise

If you like the sound of riverside scenery and ancient tombs, then this tour ticks all the boxes. You'll explore the Dalyan Delta, starting with Dalyan's old town, followed by a barbecue dinner and an evening boat trip. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Lycian Rock Tombs are elaborate burial chambers that were carved into the cliffs over two millennia ago by the Lycians to honour members of the ruling class. They are dramatically lit in the evening – it's a really atmospheric experience.'First up, you'll have a couple of hours to explore Dalyan's historic town centre under the twinkle of dusk. It's home to a variety of shops, cafés, and historical sites, and known for its traditional Turkish architecture, with Ottoman influences from the 16th-century. Look out for the intricately decorated Dalyan mosque – and the friendly locals.After your free time in town, it's time for dinner. You'll tuck into a Turkish barbecue at a riverside restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the locally sourced, freshly prepared food. And to round off the evening, you'll enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the Dalyan River to see the famous Lycian tombs carved into the rock face. These tombs date back to the 4th century BC – so they're almost 2,500 years old – and show influences of Anatolian, Greek and Persian designs.

Marmaris Armutalan Turkish Bath

If you're planning on getting a golden glow while you're in Turkey a hammam, or Turkish bath will get things off to a flying start. Experience a traditional hammam along with an aromatherapy massage as a finishing touch which will leave your skin in perfect condition for a lasting tan.Everything starts when we whisk you to one of the best local bath centres. Here, you'll change into your swimwear and sit in the steam-filled hammam room feeling the warm air soften your skin and open your pores.After that you'll stretch out on a warm marble slab for a body scrub to remove any dead skin cells and helping to prevent peeling, before being lathered in soft, soapy bubbles. Then it's time for a special extra - a relaxing massage in Turkish aromatherapy oils carried out in the spa centre of the hammam. To round off the experience, you'll also have a face mask and steam room visit included when you book with us. You'll come away feeling wonderfully refreshed and ready for a fabulous tan.

Marmaris adults-only boat cruise with lunch

If your idea of a perfect day is to simply unwind, then this adults-only cruise on a traditional gulet boat is for you. With plenty of time to swim and sunbathe, it's the definition of a relaxing day on the waves. Haluk, one of our expert local guides, says "gulets are wooden schooners that have been used for fishing and sponging around the Mediterranean since ancient times. But since the 1970s, they've become a popular way to show holidaymakers around the bays of the Aegean coast."We'll set sail from Marmaris on one of these handsome wooden yachts, searching for the secret stretches of coast only accessible by boat. Sun, sea, swimming and snoozing are the order of the day on this gulet cruise. There's ample time to swim and snorkel – with at least four stops – as your captain drops anchor in the many hidden bays along this crinkle-cut coastline. Between stops, sit back and admire the view of this impressive, wild and green shore gliding by. Haluk says "the coast and headlands to the east of Marmaris town are a national park, so look out for wildlife."What's more, with a maximum of just 35 guests, you're guaranteed a sunlounger to soak up the sun. Your crew will serve your freshly prepared lunch of local specialities on board. There's tea, coffee and soft drinks included all day, while a bar service is available for any other drinks you might fancy. With a strict no-music policy on board, nothing will disturb your enjoyment of this fabulous day out.

4x4 safari and boat cruise in Marmaris with onboard lunch

Fun and relaxation is the name of the game of this tour. It combines a half-day off-road safari to unspoiled villages and a half-day boat trip around bays and islands. Highlights include Yeşilbelde and Karaca villages plus a cruise in the Gokova Gulf, with a visit to Tavsan Island.

Ancient Ephesus tour with ceramics centre and lunch

The ancient world comes to life during this excursion to Ephesus. The classical Greek city of Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says, "It's easy to imagine you're walking in the footsteps of the toga-clad crowds that chattered in the streets 2,000 years ago – the archaeological site of Ephesus is so well-preserved, you'll feel like you stepped back in time."You'll travel into sun-soaked hills and olive groves to discover one of the most extensive and complete archaeological sites in the world. On arrival at Ephesus, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and admire epoch-defining buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. Your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. You'll also walk through the museum here, too, which is filled with digital exhibits that're designed to help reimagine what Ephesus looked like back during its golden years. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.You'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods.

Dalaman River Rafting Tour

This full day tour is a chance for thrill-seekers to conquer the bubbling whitewater rapids of the River Dalaman. You'll head out in a raft with an expert guide, so no experience is required. Then after the action, you'll sit down to lunch and the chance to pick out some top photos and videos from your day.

Marmaris boat cruise with lunch and drinks

Want to leave land behind and head out on the water? This full-day cruise is just what you're looking for. You'll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and taken to the harbour, where you'll board your boat and set sail. Throughout the day, you'll have three opportunities to go for a dip – the boat will stop in some scenic swimming spots – and explore the village of Turunc during some free time. Throughout this outing, you'll also be treated to lunch, plus soft drinks are included.

Half-day Marmaris 4x4 Off-road Safari Tour

This off-road safari is dynamite. Enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, add a military-style convoy of 4x4s, and top it all off with swims in special locations – think a natural plunge pool under a secret waterfall and a secluded pine-fringed beach. A perfect mix if ever there was one.Once you're strapped in, the adventure begins with a drive through the pine-cloaked countryside, towards sleepy villages and secluded bays. Pass traditionally dressed locals riding on donkeys as you climb through the mountains and drive through some of the region's time-warp villages and a forest that's been restored after a devastating wildfire.Next, stop by Kızkumu beach, a secluded pebble beach in a sheltered cove, for a well-deserved dip in the sea. Finally, there's a stop in a forest to enjoy a dip in the natural plunge pool of a pretty waterfall. It's a photogenic spot, and offers a great chance to cool down in the summer months and muck around with a water fight.

Full-day boat cruise from Marmaris in Turkey

Dive into a day of pure relaxation at sea on this full-day tour. Setting sail from Marmaris, you'll spend the day cruising along the Turquoise Coast – with plenty of downtime to work on your tan. Your captain will drop anchor at their favourite bays and islands, where you can dive in for a refreshing dip. Plus, you'll have lunch onboard the boat before you head back to Marmaris – just remember that drinks are available at an extra charge.

Marmaris Buggy Safari

Inject your holiday with a healthy dose of adrenaline on this cross-country buggy adventure. Driving your own off-road vehicle, you'll zoom down dusty tracks and trails to discover all the best bits of Turkey's most untamed terrain.

Marmaris scuba diving

Take the plunge and discover Turkey's underwater world in a trip that caters for complete beginners, seasoned pros and everyone in between. You'll go to two dives in the waters off Marmaris, where there are reefs, tunnels and shipwrecks to explore.