Travel guide – marmaris
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Overview
One of the larger vacation resorts, Marmaris is probably the most European of the Turkish resort towns on the Mediterranean coast, and a bustling cosmopolitan tourist centre in the summer months. Marmaris also marks the start of the Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Built around an extensive natural bay at the foot of forested mountain slopes, the town is the best base for some of the finest sailing on the Mediterranean, with a modern marina catering for private yachts set and the Blue Voyage cruise business. According to legend the town got its name when, not finding the castle he had commissioned on the hill to his liking, Süleyman the Magnificent muttered 'Mimari as' ('Hang the architect!').
Shopping
To enjoy shopping in Marmaris visitors need to be clued up and prepared. Vendors, particularly in the bazaars, can be annoying with their touting (although this is illegal), and there are a large number of fake designer goods on sale. If you fancy a bargain-priced Rolex watch, be prepared for it to be fake, although this does not mean it is not worth buying because in Turkey fakes are good quality! Prices are very cheap, and everywhere, except in the larger stores, haggling is expected and it is possible to knock about 30 percent off the asking price. Bearing all this in mind Marmaris can be a shopper's delight, particularly for items like leather, ceramics, jewellery and carpets. Best value goods are to be found in the Carsi Market in the Ottoman Castle, where 200-odd shops and a flea market are open seven days a week. The Thursday market is a colourful experience where locals sell fruit, vegetables, fabric and clothing. Netsel Marina is a good place to find original designer clothing. Duty free goods are also on offer.
Restaurants
Whether you want to go international, or try local fare at a 'lokanta' (Turkish restaurant), Marmaris' hundreds of dining establishments will have something to suit any appetite and any pocket. You'll find fish 'n chips if that's your bag, good Chinese, satisfying German or the ubiquitous Italian. Visitors should not balk at sampling Turkish delights, however, particularly popular doner kebabs and seafood meze platters. Recommended restaurants in Marmaris include the Sea Club in the Netsel Marina (Turkish and Italian cuisine), the Antique Café-bar, overlooking the castle (Mediterranean fare); and the Taj Mahal, offering unbeatable curries.
Nightlife
Marmaris' wild nights are centred on Bar Street around the waterfront, packed with nightclubs and bars that rock until about 4am. Many restaurants stay open all night to cater for early morning revellers. Recommendations are Davy Jones' Locker, renowned for its inexpensive cocktails and all-night dancing; Vagabundo, a club on the beachfront where staff dance on the bar counter; and Cheers, also on the beachfront, with a hot drag act and outdoor seating. Another favourite is the open air Magic Garden bar/night club.
Activities
Holidaymakers who prefer to spend their beach time being active will be spoilt for choice at Marmaris where dozens of watersports operators service the sea front, offering everything from banana boat rides and paragliding to jet-skiing and scuba diving, all at very reasonable prices (which can usually be bargained down even more). The local Atlantis waterpark is a must for families. Those who want to sightsee or explore can choose from a variety of excursions, including guided horse safaris through the countryside or jeep safaris to visit nearby country villages, with visits to verdant untouched forests where crystal waterfalls beckon one to have a dip. The ancient site of Ephesus and the spring waters of Pamukkale are also popular outings, as are a variety of boat trips.
Climate
Both the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, with temperature often rising above 30ºC (86ºF) in July and August. Showers are unlikely in the summer months, but the rainfall is quite high in winter.
Health
Twenty cases of bird flu have been reported in northern, eastern and central Turkey, but there is no evidence of the virus passing between humans; the four people who died had close contact with poultry. Authorities are taking stringent measures to contain the outbreaks. Visitors are unlikely to be at risk, but are advised to avoid close exposure to caged, domestic or wild birds, and to ensure that poultry and egg dishes are cooked thoroughly. There is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern part of the country, but not in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country, although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. There are no vaccination requirements. Most tap water in the larger towns and cities has been chlorinated, but bottled water is still recommended for drinking. Food from street vendors should be treated with caution. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is recommended.
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