In route
of St. Paul
In route
of St. Paul
Marmaris Bay resembles a calm lake and offers ideal mooring for yachts. Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the AnatoIia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the 16th century, Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill just behind the harbor; today its remains house the Marmaris Museum. Pine forests cover the moun-tains which surround Marmaris; on shore a white line of sand and rock separates green from blue. The beach areas sparkle, and provide visitors with a perfect opportunity to dive, snorkel and swim in relaxing conditions.
Yachts and boats decorate the coast
of this lovely tourist center where thousands con-verge to enjoy a
fun-filled, self-indulgent holiday Those who surf and waterski will
thrill at the possibilities in Marmaris. Energetic entertainment at a
lively
bar, or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated discotheque can end an
ideal day. There are many good buys in Marmaris boutiques, colorful
bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods,
copper and brassware, jewelery, and objects carved of onyx. Turkish
carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and
the locally produced pine-scented honey called "cam bali" is superb.
The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatros Marina, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the and their crews. With plenty of provisions aboard, you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
At
Ekincik, a delightful yacht-mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking
beauty of this area and the friendly hospitality of its
people.
Delikli Island lies right off the
coast, southeast of Ekincik. Yachtsmen enjoy a change of pace when
they anchor at the island and take a smaller craft excursion into the
Dalyan Delta. The Delta, with a long, golden, sandy beach at its
mouth, is a nature-conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles
(caretta caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river, high on the
cliff face above the fascinating ancient harbor-city of Caunos,
magnificent tombs were carved into
the rock. From Delikli Island, sailing southeast, you arrive at
Sarigerme with its pleasant holiday complexes, nestled in cozy pine
forests. Yachtsmen will want to anchor at Baba Island, across from
the pristine sandy beaches.
The Gulf of Gocek, with the friendly Club Marina set in a beautiful pine forest, is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards. From the Gulf of Gocek sail on into Fethiye.