Active Holiday

For years, it has been believed that the combination of oxygen produced by the surrounding red pine forests enveloping Marmaris and the iodine produced by the crystal-clear blue waters accelerates cell renewal. Therefore, the natural wonders of the bays and the villages situated along their shores are highly valuable in Marmaris. The average lifespan of the rural population living in the countryside of Marmaris reaches 90-95 years. The positive contribution of oxygen and iodine to the human body becomes a tremendous source of energy for those who spend their holidays in the region. Especially during the spring and autumn months, engaging in outdoor activities throughout the day not only does not strain the body but also leaves positive effects both mentally and physically. So, how can you enjoy an "active holiday" in Marmaris, which has such an "energetic" atmosphere at the intersection of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and offers suitable conditions for all kinds of outdoor activities for 300 days a year? Let's take a look at these now.

The city center as well as the Marmaris National Park area offer the opportunity for walks amidst beautiful landscapes. The walking path, starting from the Yacht Harbor and ending in Icmeler, is approximately 11 kilometers long. If you wish to extend this route, you can walk an additional 9 kilometers from the Yacht Harbor to Yalancı Boğaz. This walk is the type that you can easily undertake throughout the day with your family or friends, without any conditioning issues, and it does not require special preparation.

However, if you seek a more professional and challenging route, the Marmaris Fürth hiking trail is another option available throughout the day, providing a unique panorama right next to the city. The 22-kilometer trail lies between the neighborhoods of Icmeler and Armutalan. One branch extends to the Asparan location of the Hisarönü neighborhood. As it is located within the forest, it is suitable for amateur to semi-professional hikers.

The Carian Hiking Trail, due to its infrastructure and the regions it passes through, is among Turkey's most distinguished hiking routes. It is a route preferred by experienced hikers, passing through remnants of the ancient Carian period, enriched with cultural, historical, and natural beauties. Starting from Datça and extending to the shores of Lake Bafa, encompassing the Bozburun Peninsula, Gökova, and Ören, it consists of a total of 800 kilometers of trails. During this hike around Marmaris, you will encounter remains of Carian cities from ancient times (Physkos, Amos, Kastabos, Bybassos, Erine, Syma, Hidas, Timnos, Thysanos, Phoenix, Loryma, Kedrai, Euthena, Amnistos, Callipoli), immersing you in the era of the famous Carian seafarers.

Marmaris is intensively preparing to claim the title of "Turkey's cycling capital" in the near future. With the completion of the Marmaris Cycling Routes project in 2014, an 800-kilometer route was established outside the city center, and between 2015 and 2017, an additional 11 kilometers of cycling paths were built within the city. In the next 10 years, Marmaris Municipality plans to complete the bicycle transportation network throughout the city. Positive results have been achieved from efforts that aim not only to use bicycles as a hobby but also for "transportation" purposes, and Marmaris has quickly transformed into a "bicycle city."

Furthermore, both national and international cycling events in the region are increasing every day, attracting professional cyclists to Marmaris. For those who want to spend their vacation in the area, the slogan "Bring your bike with you" is used. However, for those who do not want to carry their bicycles, there are opportunities to rent bikes both in hotels and at agencies along the way.

Cycling paths passing by many hotels provide a great opportunity to explore the city and the region quickly. Whether you choose to explore the main streets and the port area within the city or spend the day pedaling through the pine forests filling your lungs with oxygen, if you are in Marmaris, be sure to enjoy both the bike and the experience!

Marmaris attracts a large crowd who come for the sea, sand, and sun, but often many are unaware of how fantastic a diving center it is. The district, surrounded by turquoise coves, has nearly 50 dive points. Marmaris offers both the sea and the sun as well as the opportunity for sports to those who say they came for a seaside vacation. In the region, there are diving schools and boats offering different options for both beginners and experienced divers.

Dive centers offer various options such as shore diving, boat diving tours, luxury diving experiences, night diving, and more. You don't have to wait for your annual leave to have unforgettable experiences; whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, you can find options suitable for you in Marmaris.

You don't need to wait for your annual leave to have unforgettable experiences; a weekend diving trip to Marmaris, when you feel overwhelmed by the busy pace of your work life, can help you relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

From April to November, boat tours start at 10 in the morning, allowing you to dive at different points and have lunch on the boat. By 5 o'clock, you step back onto land, transitioning from the magical underwater world to the vibrant evening of Marmaris.

For those who don't want to scuba dive, there are also tours with snorkeling opportunities to explore the unique underwater world of Marmaris

Marmaris, Hisarönü, Bozburun, Gökova, Datça... These areas are highly suitable for sailing and consist of dozens of bays lined up next to each other. In this region where all kinds of sailing training are provided, there are sailing options for everyone from 7 to 70. In addition to recreational sailing (Optimist, Laser, 420, 470 classes), you can receive all kinds of "maritime" education, from basic sailing training for adults to astro navigation, through amateur and professional courses.

However, if you are in Marmaris for a short vacation and want to improve your maritime skills or try sailing for the first time, expert schools will also assist you in this regard. It's worth noting that the number of facilities in Marmaris embracing the concept of an "active holiday" and offering vacation and sailing packages together is increasing every day. In these facilities, not only you but also your spouse and children can enjoy the holiday in the Aegean while taking the first steps into "sailing" with catamaran or sailing experiences.

Among the enjoyable activities offered by the nature of Marmaris, one of the most pleasant things to do is horseback riding. You can spend the entire day riding horses through lush pine forests, and if you have no prior experience, you can take your first horseback riding lessons at the horse farms in Marmaris. This region is fortunate to have well-equipped facilities that offer this training for visitors of all ages.

Facilities located in the Hisarönü, Çamlı, and Gökova regions have a professional training environment for both children and adults. In fact, these facilities also provide an opportunity for "horse therapy/rehabilitation" for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.

Apart from individual training and rides, horse farms in Marmaris also regularly organize "horse safari tours." These tours take place in the natural conservation areas between Marmaris and Köyceğiz, offering a magnificent landscape. Guided horse safari tours are typically conducted in groups of up to 8 people and vary in duration. Throughout the tour, you traverse hills, coastal areas, rivers, forests, and orchards. The positive energy that horses bring to humans, combined with the natural environment in the region, makes horseback riding a "must-do" activity for vacationers in Marmaris.

Sea kayaking, one of the most delightful activities combining the sea and sports, has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially in the Marmaris region with its rugged bays and sea parts resembling rivers winding through the forest.

Why consider sea kayaking? Firstly, it's a physically accessible activity suitable for everyone. It can be enjoyed by both the young and the old, either individually or in groups, making it an excellent sport or entertainment option for families. Moreover, Marmaris offers bays with easy trails and safe waters, making it an ideal location for those trying sea kayaking for the first time. One of the most compelling reasons to embrace sea kayaking is the opportunity to explore unique beauties that are otherwise unreachable by land.

For those seeking a daily adventure to add some excitement to their holiday or for those desiring an entire vacation spent on a kayak, various options are available. Daily tours typically commence with brief paddling and safety instructions for novices, followed by a picnic lunch.

On extended overnight canoe tours, the joy of camping enhances the overall experience, providing a complete adventure for those who are curious and seeking a more immersive sea kayaking experience

Marmaris region offers a rich natural environment for water sports, providing visitors with a variety of activity options. Kitesurfing has gained its place on the list as one of the most popular holiday sports in recent years.

Akyaka, located 29 kilometers from Marmaris, attracts enthusiasts of this sport between May and November. Surf schools along the beach provide basic training in this sport to thousands of nature lovers throughout the season, accompanied by continuously blowing warm winds. Reasons that have made the region internationally known for kitesurfing include the constant thermal winds between May and November, suitable water temperature, the presence of a shallow sea, a special beach strip where even swimming is not allowed, and the wind creating a safe environment by blowing from the sea to the land. Of course, the fact that the entire 3 km beach strip is sandy is also a significant factor, especially for beginners.

From November to April, the Marmaris Bay provides a suitable environment for professional kitesurfing enthusiasts. Kitesurfers reaching high speeds in windy conditions offer breathtaking performances to those on the shore

The new sport, which is described in English as "SUP/Stand Up Paddle" and translated into Turkish as "kürek sörfü" (paddleboarding), is rapidly becoming a popular summer activity, especially in holiday resorts.

It is performed on a surfboard with a paddle, and maintaining balance is the most crucial element of this sport. The Selimiye Bay in Marmaris is where this sport originated and became popular in the region. Those who practice this sport in different countries describe Selimiye as "perfect" for paddleboarding. The reason cited is the calm sea without waves and the absence of heavy watercraft density on the water surface. However, there is one wish: "Preservation of the region from motorized watercraft that could hinder the practice of this sport."

Marmaris and its surroundings offer captivating scenes for amateur or professional photographers throughout all 12 months.

The yacht harbor, 19th May Youth Square, Castle houses, Turgut Waterfall, Selimiye, Yalancı Boğaz, Nimara Cave, Amos, Kızkumu, Cleopatra Island... At every turn, you encounter so many breathtaking views that make you feel the urge to press the shutter button dozens of times, whether it's day or night! The atmospheric conditions in the geography where Marmaris is located often surprise you with plays of light and temperature, turning what may seem like an ordinary scene into the most interesting photograph in the world. The rest is up to you...