The huge bay of Marmaris stretches for miles with the busy resort town of the same name at its centre. Because of the popularity of this area it is no surprise that over the years other villages around the bay have grown to become holiday resorts in their own right, and we are pleased to bring you two of our favourites. The first is the delightfully quiet resort of Icmeler which is an easy 8km from Marmaris, whilst a little further over the pine clad mountains is the even quieter and ever so pretty village of Turunc.

Icmeler (pronounced ‘Itch-mel-air’) used to be the little sister resort to Marmaris, but has now grown into a wonderful holiday resort in its own right, just 9 km or a 15 minute dolmus bus ride from Marmaris. Icmeler is quieter than its neighbour with a good standard of hotel and apartment accommodation, all set back from an excellent sandy beach. Icmeler does have a handful of discos and night clubs as well as bars and restaurants, but a short trip to Marmaris will give a wider choice. Having said that, in our experience most people find Icmeler offers all they need for a great holiday. Travel between all these resorts is simple, either by road with a dolmus taxi or by water taxi. For example a water taxi from Turunc to Marmaris takes about 45 minutes and the dolmus about 30 minutes. Everyone loves a bargain so try shopping at the covered bazaar market in Marmaris for your souvenirs, leather goods and clothes. Otherwise visit the outdoor market in Icmeler (Tuesdays) and Turunc (Mondays). Excursions and day trips from these resorts include a visit to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Also worth a visit is Pamukkale, one of nature’s phenomena where hot mineral waters flow down the mountain and have solidified to form snowy white pools .holidays4u