Places to See
Historic city Urbanization in Marmaris developed around the fort and spread.The part of Marmaris which spread out a rather wide area today, from the ridges of Beldibi and Armutalan to the sea, to Içmeler limited by the pier and the marina is named as the historic city center. All of the historical buildings in this area belong to 16 – 20th century, the Ottoman period.The historic buildings around the fort have been protected and restored.Most of them are used as restaurants, bars and shopping centers.There is also very little residental use.The streets are narrow, wooden buildings are furnished with balconies, just like the other Ottoman cities.

Marmaris Fort and Archeology Museum
The only written reference mentioning about the construction of Marmaris Fort that is located at a high point at the back of the Yatch Harbor, is the travel book (Seyahatname) of Evliya Çelebi.Evliya Çelebi, who visited Mugla and its surroundings in 17th century says that Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Süleyman the Magnificent) had ordered the repair of the fort before his Rhodes campaign and that the fort was used as a base during the campaign.In his Seyahatname Evliya says that “the fort was constructed on the main rock having four emplacements, that there were 400 foot walls made of smooth stones with an inscription on the entrance door, that there was one room for each of warden, imam, mosque caretaker and the guardians.”Some sources on the other hand say that Kanuni had ordered teh fort to be built after his return from the Rhodes campaign. The inside of the fort that had been destroyed during the First World War with the cannon balls of a French destroyer, had been used for settlement beginning from he pre – Republic period until the 1970’s.Until recently 18 houses remained.Marmaris Fort was restored between the years 1980 – 1990 and has been opened to service as Marmaris Museum in 1991.It has seven closed places.The cradle vaulted entrance is opening to the inner garden.The stairs on the right and left of the courtyard provides access to the city walls.Watching the environs and taking pictures from the city wall is pleasurable. Two of the closed areas that are entered through the garden are arranged as archeology halls.In these halls and in the garden, the stone opuses collected from the region, amphora belonging to Helenistic, Roman and Byzantine Periods, candles, bottles, figurines made of baked clay, various pots and glass opuses, arrow ends, coins and ornamental goods found in Knidos, Burgaz, Hisarönü excavations are being exhibited.In the ethnography hall, weavings, carpets, kilims, furniture, copper kitchen utensils, guns and ornamental goods dated to the end of the Ottoman era are exhibited.The other places are used as an art gallery, office and depot.The museum is open for visiting between the hours 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:30 everyday except Mondays.

Hafza Sultan Caravanserai and Bedesten
Hafza Sultan Caravanserai Another Ottoman building in the city is Hafza Sultan Caravanserai.The inscription on it tells that it was built in 1545, in synchronization with the fort.The Caravanserai covered with arches right at the entrance of the narrow street with steps leading up to the fort.The seven small rooms and one large room of the Caravanserai are private property and allocated to gift shops, cafe’s and bars.

Bedesten (Vaulted Bazaar)
The Historic Bedesten within the Market is still a shopping center just like the old days.Only the shoppers and the products have changed, everything is for tourists.The Bedesten was restored true to the original.A one piece three storey marble pool has been placed in the middle.There are 32 shops and a cafe interesting for all, with its nargile and Turkish coffee.

Iyilik Kayaliklari (Rock of Goodness)
Archeological Park Marmaris has gained a new park.This archeological park, 8,342 m2 in area is known as the Iyilik Kayaliklari (Rock of Goodness) and the 2100 m2 area on the slope of the hill in the town center has been declared as a 1st degree protected are and has been opened to the public.The “Iyilik Kayaliklari Archeological park”, has some remains from the 4th century BC on exhibition. There are other works belonging to the Ottoman period near the area of Marmaris.Ibrahim Aga Mosque in Kemeralti district was built in 1789.The Tashan (stone inn) and Kemerli Bridge on the 10th km of the Mugla road were built in 1552.The turbe of Sariana famous for her prophecies, whom Kanuni Sultan Süleyman visited before his Rhodes campaign is in the street named after her.According to legend all of the soldiers of the great Ottoman army getting ready for their Rhodes campaign had breakfast with the milk of Sariana’s only cow.

Around the Pier and Marina
Marmaris Netsel Marina is the largest and most modern marina of the Southern Aegean.All types of service are provided to yatchs in the 720 yatch capacity marina.Blue Cruise and daily tour boats dock to the Municipality pier which is between the marina and the market. If you go inwards from the marina following the Degirmençayi Brook you end up in the streets of bars.Bars for all kind of music are on boths sides of this street. Most of them were converted their present function, by the restoration of old Marmaris houses.There are also entertainment complexes with high walls in this area.Entertainment lasts until the early hours of the morning.The bars and restaurants lined along the pier start filling up by sunset.Streets parallel and vertical to the pier are the most colorful part of Marmaris’ night life.There are all kinds of music and fun. The old city is like a huge shopping center.Shops and stalls lined in street closed to traffic covered with tents display a most colorful view.Even if you do not intend to shop you will enjoy walking through these streets.

Bazaar Places
Marmaris is full of markets but the biggest bazaar of the region for those looking for the traditional bazaar is set up in the modern bazaar building of the Marmaris Municipality on Thursdays.Stalls open in the same building on Sundays, only there are somewhat less stalls.Moreover, the traditional bazaars in Içmeler on Wednesdays, Armutalan on Thursdays and Beldibi on Sundays attract locals and tourists.Marmaris’ famous pine honey, regional hand made carpet–kilim-weaved products, all kinds of spices and healing herbs, souvenirs are sold in the bazaars.

Günnücek; Yalancı Boğaz, Cennet Island
Günnücek It would be a nice change to have a break from the hot summer and spend a day in the Günnücek picnic area, passing by Netsel Marina.There is a brook in that area with little water left in the summer, between the sweetgum (günlük) trees where a special oil called sweetgum oil used in perfumery is obtained from.

Aktas Is a small settlement on the 3rd km of the road from the beach to the Fake Strait.In the north its surrounded by forest hills, a peaceful point away from all the noise.It has fine sand on the beach.It takes its name from a high white rock near the sea.There are a few motels there.

Adaagzi The road from Aktas passes through Adaagzi 2kms further.This place is about to become a new settlement.It is a suitable point of the Marmaris cove for sea sports.

Yalanci Bogaz (Fake Strait) A 800 meter long natural formation which resembles a strait when viewed from Marmaris is called the “Yalanci Bogaz/Fake Strait” (8 kms to center) by the locals connects the Nimara Peninsula (Paradise Island or the Star Island) to the mainland.This set of bays is being used as a yatch port and slipway operations today. -Cennet(Paradise) Island (Nimara Peninsula/Star Island) Now an Island but actually a peninsula, the Paradise Island (Nimara Peninsula) lies along the Marmaris coast.The peninsula is a popular destination point for daily boat tours.Boats leaving Marmaris every morning stop by Paradise Island on the way back.Some remain all day. You can also visit the Fake Strait by bus or car which is only 8km from the town center and walk to Paradise Island.The footpaths on the Island form an ideal nature walking track away from the crowds.The view is beautiful.There are harbor restaurants and cafes around the dock which is a stopping point used by boats coming from Marmaris. There is an impressive cave in the Island not known by many.The forest road that begings after passing Fake Straits into Paradise Island forks right ad left.1km on the road to the left and you are near the cave that does not even have a name.A guide is needed to find tha cave because there are no signs.Once you reach the cave first by climbing then by walking among bushes which can be quite difficult, the view you will see may fascinate you.The cave’s gallery is pretty wide and its full of eye-catching stalactite and stalagmite.

Around Marmaris: on the shores of the Gökova Bay
Çamlik The road turning left on the 12th km along the Marmaris-Mugla road leads to Gökova Bay and 6km further on you arrive at the Çamlik bay.It is an area abundant with pine trees. It is a stopping point for boats going to Sedir Island.There is a buffet, an open cafe in the Bay’s square and a restaurant among the trees.The name of the beautiful bay 3km away, just opposite Sedir Island, is Çamlik.The bay after Çamlik is called Bead Bay.These are ideal places to swim and rest under the shade of the pine trees.There are some small establishments for food and drinks as well.

Çamli Köy (Çamli Village) There is one Caria’s archaic settlement areas 3kms from Çamlik Pier across from Sedir Island.A corner with nice weather, clean waters and a nice view.It is known as a preferred beach and resting place.

Boncuk Cove The road from Çamli Köy reaches Boncuk 9kms further.Boncuk is one of the most popular coves of the region.Its waters are crystal clear and relaxing.There is a resort on the beach with regularly spaced palm trees.A very convenient cove for those seeking peace and quiet and who enjoy swimming among the rocks. An ancient ruin right next to the resort is attractive for history fans. The area between Boncuk cove and Karaburun is the only known mating place of sandbar sharks where these sharks, that can reach up to 2m in length, can be observed.Diving tours may be arranged to observe and photograph these sharks especially in May and June.

Sedir Island Kedrai Sedir Island is famous for the archaic city of Kedrai and the Cleopatra Beach.There are regular boat tours to the island from the Çamlik Pier.The boats leave once they are full any time of the day.Return is the same way.Its golden sand beach, shallow sea is especially suiatable for families with children.The island has it all for a fun exploration as well as its sea.Kedrai was established as a Carian city and its ruins are spread all over the Island.Later the city went under the control of the state of Rhodes.Kedrai means “cedars.”This is the meaning of the word in ancient Greek, although there are no remnants of the cedar tree on the island, which is durable tree, used in building the skeleton of ships.Kedrai, one of the most important settlements of Rhodes Karsiyaka (opposite shore) was surrounded by city walls.While the tower and the city walls could be seen from the shore, today only the foundations of the Apollo Temple in Doric style remain,which is located in the middle of the city. As well as the agora and various remains of the city necropolis at the eastern end of the city, facing north, is a theatre in rather good condition. There are only three theaters from the ancient times in the Marmaris

Bozburun region similar to those on the opposite shore of Rhodes, if we exclude big urbanizations like Knidos. The Spartan General, Lysander, took the island in BC 405 attacking the city during the Peloponnesus Wars between Athens and Sparta, because it was on Athens side and made its people slaves.Historian Ksenophon explains this in detail and mentions that the people of the Island are semi-barbarian.Marmaris’ first private Etnography and Archeology Museum on the Mugla Road Marmaris finally has its private museum.The works on display in the museum, which is on the Marmaris – Mugla road, 10km from Marmaris, set up in a covered area of 3000 m2, belongs to a collector named Ahmet Urkay who is in the tourism and carpet business.The museum has two parts; in the archeology section of the museum there are all kinds of archeological works like ancient bowls, eartenware pots, water jugs, statues and coins.In the etnography section of the museum the carpet, kilim, wooden ceiling carvings, marble fountain heads, guns and regional costumes which Urkay has put together in 50 years going from village to village.The museum is open 7 days a week and entrance is free.

Karacasögüt The waterfall, cave and ancient settlements. There is a junction at the 11th km of the Marmaris – Mugla road.The diverting road at the junction leads to the unique Gökova shores.The Karacasögüt Port is one of those not to be missed stopping points of the blue boat tours.Although the signs of a fire that destroyed a large part of the forest are still visible, it is still popular. To get to Karacasögüt Waterfall and Karacain Cave you will need to make a right 2–3 kms further on the way to Okluk bay from Karacasögüt.Ask the villagers around since there are no signs.The waterfall drops from 25 meters.It has a natural pool below. The cave has two parts.Somalikaya Dudeni (Sink) and Suçikti Cave.One of the main entries to the caves is here.Only dinghies can move in the galleries of the cave.The cave is 421 m long and 15.5 wide.While accommodating two lakes, only 342 meters of the cave can be seen.Amateurs can go in to the cave only with guides and are should not go further than 10 m unaccompanied. Only 1 km of the Suçikti Cave, 1km west of Somalikaya Dudeni (Sink), has been explored by cavers.The cave and the waterfall have been declared as protected areas.Works to open the cave to visitors are in progress. About 2kms southeast of Karacasögüt village on the Altinsivri Hill there are remains of the Ancient City Euthena.Those daring to climb the hill, which is 700 meters above sea level, will come to Karacasögüt village in the Ovacik neighborhood, the climb follows a narrow and steep path.Those not familiar with the area shoulkd ask for help from the villagers.The City Necropolis, whose walls remain, rock graves and cisterns can also be seen as you get closer to the hill.There are remains of the ancient period temple at the top of the hill and next to it the hut of the forest ranger.if you are lucky there will be a glass of tea waiting to relax you. Euthena is believed to be a small city under Rhodes in the archaic period.There is another archaic city near Karacasögüt.Remains of the Ancient City of Amnistos are located on a promontory close to the village.On ly the city wall remains from the ancient city and the old port wall exist today.

“Blue Cruise” in the Gökova Bay by Land Gökova Bay is the most preferred route of the blue cruise.The most pleasurable cove of this route is between Karacasögüt and Bördübet Cove.These coves respectively are Karacasögüt, Okluk Cove, English Pier, Löngöz, Seven Islands, Gücük Pier and Bördübet.There are no other various sized coves between these coves, but there is no transportation.Only proceed on this earth road if your car is high from the ground or if you have a jeep.One of these routes of the travel agents organizing jeep safarisin Marmaris is along this earth road which connects these coves. The English Pier is one of the stops and it is one of the world’s most beautiful coves hidden behind pine trees that reach down to the shore.You will read what the famous sea traveler Sadun Boro wrote for the protection of the natural beauty of this magnificent cove there. There are restaurants serving boats on the English Pier. Löngöz one of the more popular coves for boats is suitable for camping.You can order stuffed vine leaves, salad, French fries, fish grilled on wood and cold drinks at the restaurant in the cove. There are camping opportunities in the Seven Islands but no eating facilities.If it is the right season you can try and taste the prickly pear. Fish and grilled food is recomended at the Ayin cove. Amazon camping on the Bördübet Cove is your last stop.Then you can return from the same road back to the Marmaris-Datça road.

Turunç and Kumlubük

Turunç (Seville Orange) If you are going to Turunç by bus or car, you will pass through a winding road between the pine trees.The climb begins after you pass Içmeler.If you are on the driver’s seat be careful of the winding road and do not get carried away by the beauty of the environs and Marmaris.If you are not into speeding, you can make the 20 km asphalt road in half an hour.But if you like you can take the 15 mile sea road. However you get there, go to Turunç.If you are staying in Marmaris, take a day off from the big city like atmosphere of Marmaris.Uphill, downhill, winding roadswith the pines always next to you, Turunç will pop up infront of you suddenly.Below there is a sea almost as if dyed with a special shade of blue.Indigo and clear blues, with the reflection of the sky on the sea; all shades of blue can be seen in it. A coolness falls from the hills surrounded by high hills of pines; the sun is always bright but never suffocating.Pomegranates, mulberries, figs, plums,carobs,and ofcourse Seville oranges.Turunç Municipality is planting Seville orange trees in the region,named after these trees and which have decreased in numbers in the recent years.Moreover, the colorful geraniums, oleanders, begonvil’s are everywhere. A district in Marmaris.It is one of the 5 municipalities in Marmaris.Turunç is 20 km away by land and 15 miles by sea.It can be reached in half of an hour using the asphalt but through a curvyroad crossing the forest in Içmeler. Turunç is one of the very popular stopping points for blue cruise boats.When evening falls, songs are heard from restaurants on the shore and boats anchored in the bay.Also, “Blue Flags” are swaying in the Turunç bay, just like in Marmaris and Içmeler.The Blue Flag is put up by an international organization to coves with clean water, sand and environment and which have the necessary infrastructure for yatchs.There are options other than the sea and sun in Turunç.Those interested in a walk in nature and jeep safari tours will find accommodating routes. For hiking the Palamut hill path and the 3-4 hour long scenic walking trail that used to connect Turunç and Içmeler before there was a road may be considered. The water is very clear for diving and observing the underwater life.The Rocks are also rich with underwater caves. There are operators organizing water sports on the bay.Only boat free water sports are allowed to avoid noise pollution.You can rent all the equipment you need and there is also training available if desired.You can take a daily boat tour to the neighboring coves.Coves and beaches such as Kumlubük, Çiftlik and Gebekse are included in the trip.You can go to Dalyan and Iztuzu beach through an extended daily boat tour.You can rent a private boat and plan your own trip.You can also fish in the cove.Let us note that the fish are especially plentiful between October and April.

Kumlubük is famous for its restaurants as well as its beach.Kumlubük may be reached by land from Turunç, where you can find the regions tastiest and best-cooked seafood.The scenery is impressive.Kumlubük shpre and hills have the best tracks for nature walks and eco-tours.It can be done in the heat of the summer but the best time for this are the other seasons.The cave which is reached when walked towards southeast from the Kumlubük shore dazzles everyone.It is believed that 5 thousand years ago this cave witnessed the first settlement.Its entrance is about 4 meters.There are galleries, stalactite and stalagmite inside.Since it has just been explored there has not been any scientific research done yet.Just like the Paradise Island cave.

Amos Spare either a morning or an afternoon in Kumlubük or Turunç for a walk to the ancient city of Amos.Amos can be reached in one hour from Turunç on foot and half an hour from Kumlubük. Although one of the most important cities of the archaic period, not much is remaining there today.On the narrow and long plain of the hill where a small pebble stone cove known as Hisarburnu stretches on the one side and the Kumlubük shore on the other you can see the theater and city walls.The city’s Necropolis is spread towards the slope of the small cove to the north.You will be impressed by the view laid out under your feet rather than the ruins. From Marmaris to Bozburun

Bayir is one of the favorite stops of recent, “safari” tours.Do not forget to have tea or a frothy yoghurt drink (ayran) under the shade of the big, historical plane tree at the village square.Those who are hungry can also order gözleme ( a thin börek cooked on sheet).The rumor is that walking once around the old plane tree prolongs life.Habitants of Bayir have written this on the identity disc of the plane tree.The icy water of the square’s fountain will refresh and relieve you.It is claimed that the Bayir village is founded on the ancient city of Syrna and there was a temple dedicated to Aslepios, God of Health, in place of the mosque today.There are almost no remains left from the the temple.The acropolis of the city of Syrna in on Yancagiz Hill, 2kms northeast of the village.The acropolis may be reached from Bayir, through the ancient stone road which is still used.The climb takes about half an hour.You will see a part of the city walls, tomb cover stones and structure remains in the acropolis.The ancient stones in the Bayir cemetery are most probably from the city of Syrna. The road divides into two after Bayir.One goes down to Turgut village from the right.The other one heads towards Bozburun. We will take the Bozburun road first and turn to Çiftlikköy 1km further down.We leave descending to Orhaniye and Selimiye via Turgut for later.

Çiftlik be careful not to miss the Çiftlik fork about 1km further down on the asphalt road from Bayir up to Sögüt.There is a hardly visible sign.After the fork, there is a short plane than the descend to Çiftlik cove begins.Rest for a while and fill your lungs with the clean mountain air where you can see Çiftlik cove on one side and Hisarönü cove behind.All around there are pine forests.The road down to Çiftlik is a windimg one.You are at the beach 15 minutes later.Çiftlik cove’s coarse sand beach is popular.There are not many beaches like this in Marmaris and the surrounding coves.We must add that the sea is always crystal clear.Let yourself float on the cool water.Swim for as long as you want and then stretch yourself out on the sand.The beach surrounding the cove is not really crowded other than in the lunch hours when daily boat tours from Marmaris stop by.Yet, Çiftlik cove is not as peaceful as it used to be. A summer house complex, two hotels, one bigger than the other, and a facility providing water sports are some of the possibilities one may find at the cove.A half built holiday village with only its restaurants and entertainment facilities completed, and the intense traffic of the beachside restaurants, can be felt. There is a small island at the entrance to Çiftlik cove.The island is private property and cannot be accessed without permission.Let us remind you that the rocks on either side of the cove are suitable for diving but now its very difficult to find fish and go spear fishing.You may go to the nearby Gebekse cove to dive or to swim.You will ruins on the beach at the far end of this cove.It is believed that the Gebekse ruins are that of a church.The Gebekse cove is among the preferred places for blue cruise boats to spend the night in.A small number of daily boats also stop by.Gebekse cove has a small beach and a beachside restaurant.You will enjoy diving with googles and watching the thousand and one colors in the under waters.

Selale (Waterfall) We return once more to Bayir village.This time we head downwards towards the Turgut village.You will see the “Selale” (waterfall) sign 5.5 km further from Bayir.It is possible to drive to “Selale” which is 200m in from the road. “Selale” is not one of the majestic waterfalls we know.It was formed by a brook,which flows through thick plants and looses its waters significantly in the summer months, flowing down from 3-4 meters.The brook’s water is ice cold.If you have your swimming gear with you, you may swim in the pond created by the waterfall which is about 2-3 meters deep, chill out from the suffocating heat for a while.There are beachside restaurants around and near the waterfall.The gözleme (a thin börek cooked on sheet) are cooked infront of your eyes by the village women, the ice cold ayran (yoghurt drink) will make you feel good after an ice cold shower.If you wish you can also order trout, meat or chicken. If you can spare the time, you can walk by the brook and into the valley.Do not forget however that the thick layer of plants can sometimes make walking very difficult.

Turgut 9km away from Bayir, has just started to develop because of tourism.The Carpet and gift shops provide liveliness in the village where tourists come in groups to shop.There are many decent restaurants at the entrance to Turgut.The carpeting in Turgut village, one of the must stops for those taking the jeep safari tours, competes with the activities of big cities.Most of the people working in export shops where carpets made all around Turkey are displayed and sold deal with production.The visitors that come for shopping see how a carpet is weaved as well as how the wool is turned into thread and dyed with madder.They watch with interest as the silk thread used in weaving the carpets is made from the cocoons thrown in a cauldron full of water.Village food is also available in the restaurants in Turgut as well as sea food, which attracts tourists with its beach, silk and wool carpets.Peanuts are one of the major products the villagers of Turgut have alongside of tourism, apiculture, fishing, raising livestock and agriculture.Remains of the archaic period attract the attention in one of the coves within the Turgut village borders.Remains can be seen on a garden wall at the seashore and further inside, on the Temenos wall which is thought to be surrounding the holy Ygeia area.Those remains are believed to belong to the ancient city of Hygassos.On the road to the waterfall from the village center, about 1km on the right slope, there is an ancient construction, not easily noticed.A short time ago archeologists determined that this was the mausoleum of a warrior named Diagoras, circa BC 3-4th century

Turgut Fort (Bybassos) There are stands the Turgut Fort on a hill of approximately 300 meters near the Turgut village.It is possible to drive on the dirt road up to about 300 meters near the fort.The second very steep part must be reached on foot.The walls of the fort believed to belong to the ancient city of Bybassos are still there although collapsed.The exciting part of climbing the fort is the amazing scenery that shows the Orhaniye and Hisarönü coves.

Orhaniye and Kizkumu Orhaniye is only 2.5km away from Turgut.The road divides in two after Turgut.The road to the right leads to Orhaniye and the road to the left to Selimiye. One of the important tourism centers in the Hisarönü Bay is Orhaniye.Yachts visiting the Hisarönü Bay always spend a night in Orhaniye.The sea is always very still in Orhaniye.The shade of the pine forest falls on the seas painting the sea a color unique to this place.It is so peaceful that you can only hear the noises made whilst swimming. You will see people walking in the middle of the sea.You will be surprised.As a result of the sand dune movements a high stripe of sand is formed starting from the land, dividing the bay in two. This strip, about 600m long, is called Kizkumu.There is also a legend: “The girl who wanted to meet her lover filled her skirt with sand, and walked filling the sea with the sand in her skirt.But she ran out of sand and drowned at the end this path standing in the middle of the sea.”There is an island in the middle of the bay with the remains of a castle on top of it.The fort is believed to belong to ancient city of Bybassos,which was established in that region.You can reach the island by renting a small boat and go up to the fort ruins following the path.The view is amazing.It will be worth your efforts. The people of Bybassos carried water to the fort by aqueducts and under water pipes from the waterfall.They have made use of the Laplace’s law.There are also boat tours from Orhaniye to Hisarönü bay.Stops are made at coves like Selimiye, Hisarönü and Inbükü and Dislice Island.The tour lasts until the evening and includes lunch.Dislice Island on the Hisarönü bay is interesting with its small canyons and rock formation.There are the ruins of a monastery near the Marti Marina and Hotel complex at Keçibükü, at the entrance of Orhaniye cove, where yatchs drop anchor and get maintenance summer or winter. The mosaics in the garden are worth seeing. It is possible to get on the Hisarönü and Marmaris-Datça road from Orhaniye.The distance between Orhaniye-Hisarönü is only 3.5km and has a wide asphalt road.Those wishing to stay in Orhaniye may stay at boutique hotels as well as modest places. How to get there; We came to Orhaniye via Bayir.But those wishing to get there directly can use the wide and comfortable Hisarönü road.To do that you need to turn into the Datça road from Marmaris and turn left at the Hisarönü-Bozburun turnoff (You can reach Turgut and Selale the same way).

Selimiye We go towards Bozburun from Orhaniye, following the shore.The road is wide asphalt.We are in Selimiye 10kms after Orhaniye and 7kms after the Turgut turn.Selimiye is one of the stopping points of blue cruise boats that cruise between Bodrum and Marmaris. The village is very green.The sea is clean and usually calm but there is not much of a beach.There are small but good restaurants gathered around the pier, providing service to boats and those that come from around.They have fresh fish on their menu.There is an indefinite peace ruling the environment.Something to note for those wishing to have a holiday away from the crowds. You can also find historic ruins around Selimiye.There are remains of three castles around Selimiye which was called Hydas in antiquity.On is on the highest hill of Selimiye, another on Sarikaya hill and the last one is Asarkale in the Kizilköy neighborhood.To the southeast of the bay Hellenistic age city wall remains are to be found.The watch tower, light house, 100 meters off the shore, built in order to guide the ships nearing Selimiye and the monastery and the theater are other interesting ruins worth seeing.The remains excavated from the sunken ships in the region are on display at the Bodrum Underwater Museum.If you are looking for a beach on Selimiye where the boats hide during stormy weather because it is a natural harbor, you can go to the “shallow harbor” 2kms further with glittering sand.There are hotels and pensions to spend the night. What to eat? There are many restaurants in Selimiye around the piers where the yachts drop anchor.Fish is plentiful.They cook it grilled or steamed, depending on the type of fish.Pure olive oil and laurel leaves add a different flavor to steamed fish.Stuffed courgette flower is a speciality of Aegean kitchen.Boat tour Kamelya and Dislice Islands Daily boat tours to nearby bays and islands are available from Selimiye.The first stop is the Kamelya Island, after a 45 minute trip, just like from Orhaniye.There is a monastery on the island which is easy to climb to.Black, white and gray sea stone mosaics decorate the base of the monastery. Another stopping point is the Dislice Island, where boats leaving from Orhaniye also stop at.The island has volcanic rocks with a monumental look.The rocks are so formed that the island is very convenient for lovers looking for a place to be alone, hence its name, “Island of love”.The back side of the island facing the Bencik cove has small beaches.

Bozburun Mostly yachters know Bozburun.Bozburun is one of the most secluded places of the region from the view of tourism.This place recomended for people who are after a peaceful, relaxing vacation.There are not any large tourist facilities, they are small but good.Bozburun is in one of the bays of the Sömbeki Bay.The environment can be considered as quite naked compared to other regions of Marmaris.There are small motels, pensions and good fish restaurants in the village.It is said that this is where the best schooners are made.There are many calm bays around it that can be reached by boat.There are boat tours from Bozburun pier to surrounding cove and small islands.There are the not so significant remains of Larymna settlement on the Asar hill near Bozburun.To climb up the hill takes about 45 minutes.Parts of the city wall and tomb remains are scattered around the area.Bozburun looks pretty from the hill. How to get there There are two ways to get to Bozburun from Marmaris.The first option which takes about 45 minutes is to get to the Datça road then to follow the shore road, from the Hisarönü turnoff.Hisarönü, Orhaniye, Selimiye are the settlements on this road.You can also reach Bozburun by heading south via Içmeler-Bayir.The 24km winding road after Bayir passes through the Sögüt village.There are regular minibus rounds between Bozburun-Marmaris.

Sögüt and Saranda Sögüt village may be reached from Bozburun or from Bayir village.Sögüt village is a bit of a out of the way and at the end of Bozburun peninsula.Therefore it has been left out of the tourism traffic to a great extent. Yet the village market is quite lively.The villagers are aware of tourism, then try to help, and they show an interest. 1km to the southwest of Sögüt village,on the hill a little behind the school there are ruins of the Thyssanos settlement.The ruins in the unexcavated city, the ruins consist of a few pieces of wall,signs of foundations and the remains of a wall at the back of the hill. The village is inland from the sea.Sögüt’s door opening to the sea is the Saranda bay.A striking view will greet you as you descend to Saranda, 3kms from Sögüt.Sömbeki bay and the green Saranda bay is under your feet.The big island covered in mist in the distance is the Greek Island of Sömbeki (Simi).Indulge in the scenery especially at sunset.Saranda is the newly explored center of tourism in the region.The single storey stone and briquette house of the Saranda villagers are turning into summer houses with pools and gardens and boutique hotels under their new owners.People from various nations who have decided to live in Marmaris are buying houses in this region.The organic agriculture in the gardens is effective in attracting people who enjoy organic food.

What to eat, where to stay?
Saranda is among the unique place not yet discovered.There are restaurants around the pier.Prices are reasonable.The mezes (appetizer dishes) prepared from the village grown produce as well as the sea food are very tasty...it lacks comfort but it is clean.As well as the village pensions there are single storey villas with pool-gardens that can be rented for a night or for a longer period.

Taslica It is approximately 5kms from Sögüt to Taslica.The road is narrow but it is asphalt.The first one kilometer part has extraordinary scenery.Saranda beach, coves, promontory and the islands form an impressive view.Be careful driving. Ruins of the Carian city Phoiniz are 4kms out of Taslica on and around Asar hill.First you see the tombs on the path, which is probably from the archaic times, between the village and the ancient settlement.More or less around the middle of Taslica and Asar hill, there is the agora of the city in the hole, and then climbing up the hill you see the remains of a structure in rather good shape and then the city’s main necropolis (tombs).The acropolis of the city is in Asar hill.The view dominating the surroundings is more interesting than the ruins on the hill.The sea on the one side, the vacant and about to collapse houses of Sindili village deserted in the 1950’s on the other, Aziziye neighborhood of Taslica near Serçe pier 6km further in the southwest can be seen from the hill.

Serçe Pier The road turning right while entering Taslica leads you to a beautiful pier; Serçe pier.The pier offering a gleaming bottom, where Blue Cruise ships drop anchor is protected even in the harshest weather conditions.During an underwater research project glass ornaments were discovered in a sunken ship from the 11th century and these pieces were sent to the Bodrum Underwater Museum.Serçe pier is known as the place of these archeological finds.It is noted that Kasara city was also established here yet there are no findings related to the city. Taslica, Kirkkuyular on the first kilometer of the Serçe road, and little further ahead the ruined stone houses of the deserted Sindilli village can be seen.Kirkkuyular takes its name from the 40 cisterns are still used for raising livestock, agriculture and for use at homes, in the barren area that has water problems.Kirkkuyular and Sindilli is the new address for village and trekking tours.

Bozukkale (Loryma) If you want to reach Bozukkale pier and the nearby Loryma ancient city remains by land you have to drive from Sögüt to Taslica, then walk.Bozukkale pier is one of the important stopping points of blue cruise ships and yatchs with its position that provides protection from the wind.The bay had strategic importance in history as well because of this position.The fleet of Athens had stayed here in BC 1412, and recovered here again before the Knidos naval war in BC 395. There are restaurants serving blue cruise ships and yatchs at the cove.Ruins of the Loryma Archaic city established in BC 7th century are spread cross a wide area including the cove.The 120 meter long, 10 meter wide harbor fort in rather good condition is the most important ruin that reached our day from the city that was deseted completely after the Arab invasion in the seventh century.The fort that was under the rule of Rhodes and which was strategically important for the protection of the Union of Rhodes was deserted in time. There is an acropolis that can be reached by a 1 hour walk on the upper part of the city,on Karaburun.The three large cisterns on the acropolis, surrounded by walls and remains of a foundation belonging to one single structure show that this area was used for shelter at times of danger.Three churches and many houses were built in Loryma using the archaic time material which was used as a naval base and armony during Byzantine times.The houses are on terraces on the slope which are built with care.In the grassy plain to the west of the city there is the holy place of “Artemis Soteria.”The necropolis on the west reaching south is adjacent to the temple.In the grassy plain to the south of the necropolisis the holy area of Apollo.Moreover, it is known from the inscriptions that there is an altar dedicated to the Rhodes God, Zeus Atabyrios. Kiran Lake A small lake with a diameter of 30 meters, which fills up in the winter and dries out in the summer, next to the Loryma (Bozukkale) archaic city.As it is understood from the present day remains that like the other ancient cities around it there was a historical city under Rhodes next to this small lake.Since the location of the city is not easily accessible by land, you can reach the archaic area by first going to Bozukkale Pier by sea and then after a hard 2 hour long walk.Since there have not been any excavations yet, there is not sufficient information about the area.