Marmaris, Turkey

Marmaris is a resort town on the southwest coast of Turkey, about 50 km northeast of Rhodes Town by sea, and it is the most popular international day trip from the Greek island. Passenger ferries from the Rhodes Town Commercial Port, operated by companies such as Yesil Marmaris and Sea Dreams, cross in roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour and sail daily in high season from May to October. A one-way ticket costs about EUR 60 and a return about EUR 90, with a reduced fare for children aged 6 to 12. Because the trip crosses the border between Greece and Turkey, visitors need a valid passport and must arrive 60 to 90 minutes before departure for check-in and passport control, and entry rules for some nationalities should be checked beforehand. The ferry docks at Marmaris port beside the waterfront promenade, a wide palm-lined esplanade with cafes and a marina full of yachts. A typical day begins with a walk along the promenade and into the old quarter beneath Marmaris Castle, a 16th-century fortress now housing a small museum. Narrow lanes with whitewashed houses and flowers lead to the bazaar, the main attraction for most visitors. The covered market sells leather goods, textiles, spices, Turkish delight, ceramics and jewellery, and bargaining is expected. Lunch can be taken at a waterfront restaurant or in the back streets, where grilled meats, mezes, fresh fish and gozleme are served at lower prices than on the quay. After lunch, visitors may sit in a cafe over Turkish tea or coffee, visit a hammam, or take a short boat trip along the bay before returning to the quay for the afternoon departure. Turkish lira is the local currency, but euros are widely accepted in the bazaar. The best months are May, June, September and October, when the weather is warm and the crowds are smaller. Visitors should confirm the return ferry time and the check-out procedure with the operator.