Marmaris and Icmeler

Marmaris and Icmeler

One of the larger holiday towns on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Marmaris is a long-established favourite with holidaymakers. It is also extremely popular with property investors and those looking for a holiday home in year-round sun. Marmaris will suit those looking for a lively beachfront resort with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife. The neighbouring village of Icmeler is smaller and runs at a more sedate pace. We’ll go through the differences and the similarities, helping you work out where to buy. This is our Turkish resort guide to Marmaris and Icmeler.

Guide to Marmaris

Turkey is a vast, diverse and spectacular country. One of the most visited countries in the world, there are a number of very popular holiday destinations along the coast. One of them is Marmaris. Every year hundreds of thousands flock to this lovely beach resort. In the winter, the population of Marmaris is around 30,000. This is composed primarily of locals and permanent expatriate residents. In the summer months, however, the population can swell up to 300,000, ten times as much.

Once a modest fishing village, Marmaris is now well-known and well-visited tourist resort.

If you’re thinking of buying property in Marmaris and bringing the children, it’s worth noting that it is a family-friendly resort. Marmaris has excellent education, health and social facilities. There are state schools and two colleges, as well as plenty of sporting and recreational facilities for families.

Marmaris enjoys good weather all-year round, and spectacularly hot summers.

What is there to do in Marmaris?

Marmaris is home to several of Turkey’s most amazing attractions, including the Dalyan Turtle Beach, Marmaris Castle and the natural pools of Pamukkale.

Of course, as with many areas of Turkey, the beaches are spectacular. The beautiful beaches offer sunbathing and swimming in crystal blue waters, plus a range of watersports activities.

You should definitely make time to go on a cruise around the coastline. Relaxing on board a yacht as you explore the coast of Turkey and the marine life is a ‘must do’.

If you’re looking to buy a property in Turkey with easy access to natural beauty, Marmaris is an excellent choice. Beautiful pine forests, long walks along the coastline and stunning beaches mean there is no shortage of places to see and visit. And all very instagrammable!

Marmaris is a working town all-year-round, and so there are plenty of stores and shopping malls to cover all the bases – from essentials to tourist trap bargains like homemade jewellery and fake Rolex watches!

Guide to Icmeler

Icmeler offers a more sedate, chilled-out version of Marmaris, across the bay. Just a few miles from Marmaris, along the coast, Icmeler offers an opportunity to avoid the crowds. Same climate, similar views, lovely forests and beaches, just without the hustle and bustle. Still with plenty of cafés, bars, shops and restaurants – but without the nightclubs.  Well, there’s one disco. One.

There are some lovely restaurants and bars along the beachfront, many of which are open late. Many of the hotels will put on entertainment for their guests or to tempt in non-residents to dine and drink – you’ll often find a belly-dancing night happening somewhere.

Also, worth noting that many people consider that Icmeler’s beach is much better than Marmaris. It has a wide sand and shingle beach curving around the bay. The promenade runs all the way to Marmaris is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. If you need some shade (unless you’re a complete sun-worshippper, you will do!) there are palm and eucalyptus trees dotted along the beachfront.

There are plenty of shops for essentials and tourist purchases, but if you’re some heavy-duty tourist shopping (leather bags, turkish rugs etc) then Marmaris is your best bet.

And let’s not forget…

… the incredibly beautiful backdrop of thousands of hectares of undulating pine forest, with Marmaris visible across the bay. Watersports are available around the bay, including pedalos, jet-skis, banana boats and paragliding. It is also an amazing place to go snorkelling – the marine wildlife is amazing. If you have a waterproof camera or Go-Pro, bring it!

For couples a romantic meal and a stroll along the beach are what makes Icmeler very special. From the centre of the town, a walk into the original historic fishing village takes about 15 minutes. An evening stroll will offer a sunset view across the bay and the island of Keçi Adasi.

All of this makes it a popular spot for property buyers or investors looking to buy an apartment or villa to rent to families or professional couples.

We hope you have found our Turkish resort guide to Marmaris and Icmeler useful – and look forward to seeing you in Turkey soon!