If you've been wondering where to book your next sunshine escape, let me introduce you to Marmaris. I have been lucky enough to visit Turkey more times than I can count over the years. It's one of those countries I always find myself returning to. The weather is incredible, the food never disappoints, and there's always somewhere new to explore. Even after all those visits, Marmaris had somehow stayed on my travel wish list until now.
After spending a few days discovering this beautiful part of Turkey, I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. From the scenery and incredible food to fascinating history and some of the friendliest people I have met, Marmaris is one of those places that offers so much more than just a beach holiday.
Getting to Marmaris
One thing I always appreciate when travelling is an easy journey. I don't know about you, but travel anxiety is definitely a thing for me (please tell me I'm not the only one!).
Flights to Dalaman Airport with Jet2 are really straightforward; everything from check-in to landing was really smooth and stress-free. I flew from London Stansted Airport, which I always enjoy travelling through. It's easy to navigate, the staff are friendly, and let's be honest, the duty-free shopping is always a highlight :)
Once we landed, it was around a 90-minute transfer to Marmaris. Normally I'd be watching the sat nav wondering how much longer we've got to go, but I fell asleep and woke up when we got there!
Why I Fell in Love with Marmaris
If you've followed my blog for a while, you'll already know I'm a complete sucker for beautiful scenery. Give me mountains, greenery and somewhere peaceful to sit with an iced coffee over a busy city any day; that's exactly why Marmaris stole my heart.
The scenery is absolutely stunning. Surrounded by pine covered mountains and the sea, every corner felt like something from a postcard. Whether we were exploring the marina, wandering through the town or travelling between activities, I genuinely couldn't stop taking photos.
One thing I also noticed throughout the trip was just how clean everything felt. The promenade, the streets and the public spaces were beautifully looked after, making it such a lovely place to wander around at your own pace.
And then there were the cats.
If you've ever visited Turkey before, you'll know exactly what I mean. They seem to have completely won over the hearts of the locals, and honestly... they've won over mine too. I could quite happily spend an afternoon sitting outside with an iced coffee, watching the world go by while making friends with every cat that wandered over.
The people were another huge highlight. Every local we met was welcoming and genuinely kind, and our guide throughout the trip was absolutely fantastic. Having someone so passionate and knowledgeable showing us around made the whole experience even more special.
Marmaris Is So Much More Than a Beach Holiday
Although Marmaris has beautiful beaches, this wasn't actually a holiday spent sunbathing all day, and I didn't miss it for a second, which is new for me!. There's so much to experience beyond the coastline.
One of my favourite visits was the Honey House, where we learnt more about traditional Turkish honey production. I may have come home with more honey than I know what to do with, but I'm still enjoying it on my breakfast, that's for sure. Safe to say, shop-bought honey just isn't hitting the same anymore!
We also explored the incredible Amos Ancient City, visited the beautiful Cleopatra Island and spent plenty of time out on the water. Boat trips are now one of my favourite ways to experience a destination, and somehow we managed to fit in three during our stay, slight sea sick but I was a trooper!.
Seeing Marmaris from the sea gives you a completely different perspective, and I'd recommend making time for at least one if you're planning a visit.
Where We Stayed
During our stay, we checked into the Green Nature Diamond Hotel, located right on Marmaris' beautiful seafront.
Although it's around an hour and a half from Dalaman Airport, we were welcomed with a late-night food selection after arriving in the evening, which is always nice to have a little something if you are travelling late at night.
The location was another big plus. You're within walking distance of plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops, making it really easy to head out and explore whenever you fancy a change of scenery.
Is Marmaris Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!. I've visited several areas of Turkey over the years, but Marmaris has been added to one of my favourites. Whether you are someone who loves exploring historical sites, spending time on the water, discovering hidden gems or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there's something here for everyone, would be a great family destination too!
If you are looking at package holidays to Turkey with Jet2holidays, I'd genuinely recommend adding Marmaris to your shortlist. It's a destination that surprised me in the best possible way, and somewhere I know I'll be returning to in the future with the children :)
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