Budget Travel to Marmaris 2024
Welcome to Marmaris
Marmaris is one of the leading resorts on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and is known for its stunning beaches, clean beaches and turquoise waters and it is popular destination for both foreigner and Turkish holidaymakers.
This budget-friendly travel guide is aimed at giving you advice and tips for exploring Marmaris without breaking the bank. It will cover affordable attractions and accommodation, and tasty and affordable eating options. As well as how to get there on a budget and the best times to visit the city.
In fact, the guide has everything you need to help you plan an affordable stay in Marmaris
Key Takeaways
- You can explore the charming Old Town, visit Marmaris Castle, and discover more about its history at the Archaeology Museum.
- There are plenty of great beaches, from the lively Long Beach to the more tranquil Turunc Beach, there is something to suit every taste.
- For the kids, you can spend a day of excitement at Aqua Dream Water Park or Atlantis Water Park, with plenty of slides and pools to keep you entertained.
- There are several nearby and not so nearby attractions like Pamukkale, Ephesus, Fethiye and Datca.
- There are several budget hotels and apartment rentals available.
- You can enjoy delicious Turkish street food or dine at traditional restaurants without breaking the bank.
Where is Marmaris?
Marmaris, a charming and popular seaside resort situated on on the Aegean coastline. It is located in the southwestern part of Turkey and is a major town in the province of Muğla.
The distance from Marmaris to¡ Istanbul by road is approximately 660 kilometres, and it a similar distance from the capital Ankara. Antalya is nearer at 300 km.
Map of Marmaris
What to Do in Marmaris
Marmaris Old Town
Marmaris Old Town centre is a charming area that is full of narrow, cobbled streets, boutique stores, and historical sites.
You can experience the lovely atmosphere of the Old Town as you walk through the streets that are lined with white-washed houses, cosy coffee shops and reasonably priced restaurants.
There are some great views of Marmaris bay, and it´s an ideal place for taking photos and people watching. There is also a nearby bazaar filled with Turkish souvenirs and handicraft to browse at.
It is located near the centre of town, not far from the castle and harbour. It is especially nice in the evening time in the summer months, although it can be quite busy with tourists.
Marmaris Castle
The castle is strategically located on the peninsula just next to Marmaris harbour. It´s the town’s oldest landmark, and dates back to 1044BC when it was built by the Ionians.
The history of Marmaris is fascinating and the town was called Physkos by the ancient Greeks. Unfortunately, many of the Greek ruins have been destroyed over time due to earthquakes and wars.
The castle has been in the hands of many empires over the years, including the Carians and the Romans. The original castle was rebuilt by in 1522 by the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent during his campaign to capture Rhodes. He also renamed the city and called it Mimaras. (Mimar being the word Architect in Turkish)
The views of Marmaris bay and the harbour from the castle towers are stunning. You can really appreciate the beauty of the town and the coastline from the top.
The Archaeology Museum
This is the only museum in Marmaris and it’s situated within the castle.
There is a very big collection of artefacts from the Greek, Lycians, Lydians, Roman and Byzantium empires. Artefacts include coins, pottery, sculptures, and glass objects, etc.
Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about the fascinating past of Marmaris and the surrounding regions. If you like history, then it is worth taking a look around.
The opening hours are 8.30 to 19.00 during the summer and the entre fee is just a few euros. You should spend between one and two hours to see everything.
Beaches of Marmaris
Marmaris is famous for its beautiful clean beaches, trendy beach clubs, and exciting water parks. If you’re looking to relax on the sandy shores, swim in turquoise water, try out some thrilling water sports, or simply soak up the sun, Marmaris has it all.
In Turkey some beaches are called public beaches, these are free to visit and often provide sunbeds and beach umbrellas. For that reason you need to arrive early in order to get a place.
Other beaches are private beaches, this means that the beach belongs to the beach bar, and to go to this type of beach you need to buy drinks and snacks to be able to stay there. Waiters will often come and ask you what you want to drink. It sounds a little intimidating, but drinks are generally inexpensive in normal private beaches.
If you are on a budget, you should try to spend most of your time on free public beaches, and perhaps experience one day of luxury in a beach club.
Long Beach
Long beach, called “Uzunyali Plaj” in Turkish, is the biggest and most famous beach in the town and is located more or less in the centre and within easy walking distance to the marina.
It´s a public beach and is free to visit and during the summer it can get very busy. It is a nice sandy beach and it´s great for families with children.
However, if you are looking for quieter beaches, don’t miss the beauty of Turunc Beach. This peaceful beach offers a great escape from the busy beaches of Marmaris.
Turunc Beach
Turunc village is beautiful, and the beach is picturesque. There are sunbeds and beach umbrellas, but you will need to buy the occasional drink from the adjacent bar.
It has a laid-back atmosphere and is has a mix of Turkish and Foreign holiday makers. The beach tends to appeal more to older tourists who want to relax and experience the authentic way of life that this part of the country has to offer.
Turunc is situated about 20-25 minutes by road from Marmaris. To get there you can easily catch a public bus or shared minibus to get there for less than a euro. A taxi will cost you about 7 euros each way.
Içmeler Beach
About half way between Marmaris and Turunc is the village of Içmeler. It also has a lovely sandy beach with great views of the bay. However, this beach is bigger and busier than Turunc.
However, it is very well organised and there are a lot of sunbeds. That is good if you don´t want to arrive early to find a place on the beach.
It has a mixed crowd, younger, older and families all enjoy this beautiful spot on the Aegean. There are some parts of the beach that belong to hotels. However, other parts of the beach belong to beach bars. where you will need to buy the occasional drink.
Waterparks in Marmaris
For a day of thrilling adventures between June and the end of September, you should head to one of the water parks in Marmaris.
Aqua Dream Water Park (18 Euros) and Atlantis Water Park (19 euros) are two popular choices, offering a range of waterslides, pools, and attractions for all ages. Take your own snacks and drinks to help keep the costs down. The prices are quite reasonable compared to waterparks in other seaside resorts.
You can enjoy a fun-filled day with your friends and family and create unforgettable memories. Both parks are located not far away from Marmaris town centre and there are public buses, minibuses that will take you there for less than a euro.
Marmaris Harbour
Marmaris harbour is a charming place to walk around and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It is located near to the castle and the old town. There are plenty of expensive fish restaurants, but if you just want to drink a Turkish coffee and enjoy the views there are reasonably priced cafes too.
Boat Trips
There is a wide selection of boat trips, full day, and half day, from Marmaris Marina, prices start from around 25 euros.
Many of the full-day boat trips are all-inclusive packages and include snorkelling, swimming and lunch. Make sure you take plenty of sun cream and a hat.
If you don´t want to listen to loud music onboard all day, you should choose a tour that doesn´t play music. Ask when buying your ticket. Trips usually start between 9 and 10 and return at around 5.
Boat Trips on a Budget
If you like boats but don´t want to spend a lot of money and time on one there is the perfect option for you. The water taxi service between the harbour in Marmaris and Içmeler village.
It takes about 15-20 minutes and cost just a few euros. It is a lovely experience and gives you a chance to see the coastline from a different perspective.
This is also a good option for families with small kids who are not old enough to spend many hours on a boat trip. It gives them the excitement of being out to sea, but not so long that they get bored.
Boat Trip Marmaris to Rhodes
If you want to take advantage of the proximity of Marmaris to the Greek Island of Rhodes, it is possible to go on a day trip. It costs between 50-60 euros and you get to explore the island for about 7 hours before returning to Marmaris.
The crossing takes around an hour and there are several companies offering the service by fast ferry from the Marina. You should shop around for the best deal.
Remember that you may need to have a visa to enter the EU, check this before buying the ticket. You should also remember that there is a one hour time difference between Türkiye and Greece, so don´t miss you boat back to Marmaris.
Marmaris National Park
Marmaris is surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty, including the Marmaris National Park. It is a haven for nature lovers, with its diverse ecosystem and stunning landscapes.
You can easily discover the picturesque trails that run through the park, offering spectacular views, plants and wildlife.
The cheapest way to get there is to catch a local minibus to Yalanci Boğaz, which is just located a few kilometres from Marmaris town.
Here is the entrance gate to the National park (Marmaris Milli Parki).
After paying the entrance fee which is just a few Turkish lira per person, you can go in and explore the park.
Remember to take some good hiking boots, a hat, sun protection cream as well as plenty of water during the summer months, as it can get very hot.
Marmaris to Datca
Datça is a beautiful town located just over 70 km down the peninsula from Marmaris. It is an ideal place for a pleasant day trip.
Datça is a great place to walk around the charming streets of this peaceful town. You will enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of this wonderful Aegean destination with its uncrowded beaches and affordable fish restaurants. It is like going back in time 20 years to a less developed era of Turkish tourism.
There are buses that can take you everyday from the Marmaris bus station to Datça in just over an hour.
If you are thinking about going to Bodrum from Marmaris, this is also a great option. There is also a regular ferry connecting Datça to Bodrum that takes about 2 hours.
Trips to Ephesus, Pamukkale & Fethiye
If you are considering doing some day trips from Marmaris, then there is a lot to choose from, and many of them are affordable.
Many of the organised excursions on offer will last between 10-13 hours. The most popular places for day trips are Pamukkale, Ephesus, or Fethiye.
Generally, these types of day trips are difficult to do using public transport. The bus schedules and connections are far from ideal. Even if you have a rent a car to go to one of these locations and back within a day, the drive would be tiring.
From the three locations, Fethiye is in many ways similar to Marmaris, so is probably not the best choice for a day trip.
Pamukkale is great if you arrive very early in the morning, but as it is quite far and you won´t arrive there till around midday. It is very hot and busy at that time of day in the summer. Pamukkale is probably the best option for its unique scenery.
However, if you enjoy history and architecture, then you will probably want to travel to Ephesus. It can also be busy and hot in the summer, but it is an amazing ancient city that is truly unmissable. A trip to Ephesus can cost around 50-60 euros.
Excursion Mania is one of the cheapest online tour excursion companies based in Marmaris. It offers very affordable day trips without having to use a credit card or giving any deposit at the time of making your online booking. Of course, you should always shop around for the best deal when choosing excursions.
Budget Accommodation in Marmaris
Budget Hotels and Guesthouses
There is a wide range of budget hotels in Marmaris offering affordable rates without compromising comfort. These establishments offer a budget-friendly and sociable atmosphere for travellers.
There are no hostels in Marmaris as such, but budget hotels offer a good alternative, especially in the low season. Here are a few options:
Maltepe Pansiyon – highly recommended and close to the town centre.
Ozcan Pansiyon – Well priced and located near the beach area.
Hotel Caprea – By the beach but out on the edge of town.
Hotel Pineta Club – Located in Armutalan at the back of Marmaris.
Apartment and Room Rental
If you’re looking to save even more on accommodation expenses, you might consider exploring the options for apartment rentals and sharing.
Renting an apartment gives you the opportunity to have your own space and cook your meals, which can significantly cut down on costs.
Finding a decent place to stay located in the centre of Marmaris is possible by checking websites such as Airbnb,com, booking.com and Agoda.com.
Additionally, renting a room in an apartment with a Turkish host on Airbnb can help you reduce your accommodation expenses significantly.
It can make your stay even more interesting by getting to learn more about authentic Turkish way of life. Remember to check out reviews made by previous guests and make sure that the location of the property is suitable for you.
Eating on a Budget
When it comes to enjoying delicious Turkish food without breaking the bank, Marmaris has plenty of options. The street food scene in this coastal town offers a lot of affordable dishes to satisfy your taste buds.
If you want to learn more about the local culture and experience some of the true flavours of Marmaris, you can start by trying street food.
- Börek is a favourite snack among Turkish people, these small pastries made of phyllo dough can be filled with minced meat, spinach, cheese, etc. They are best served warm and are cheap, delicious, and filling.
- Gözleme is a type of pancake that can be made using a lot of different types of fillings, such as cheese or spinach.
- Doner kebab, these can either be lamb or chicken slices served in pita bread together with some salad and sauce. Stick to the shops where most of the clients are locals. They know where to eat well for less.
- Midye dolma (stuffed mussels) – you can often see these on sale by street vendors. If you see a lot of Turkish people eating from the vendor you can be sure they are fresh. If not probably best to give it a miss.
Of course, we can´t forget delectable Turkish desserts, especially baklava, made of phyllo pastry with layers of nuts and honey.
Where to Eat in Marmaris
If you prefer a sit-down meal, Marmaris offers a wide range of good-value restaurants where you can enjoy a satisfying and inexpensive meal.
Within a short walking distance from the marina you can find many traditional Turkish restaurants offering fantastic food at great rates.
- Marmaris Kirtil Ev Yemekleri – This is a great choice for tasty kebabs and traditional Turkish dishes. However, you should remember that most local Turkish restaurants won´t serve alcohol,
- Kardeşler Restaurant – Another great restaurant offering local food at reasonable prices.
- Balıkçıl Balık Meyhanesi – An affordable fish restaurant with a wide range of fresh fish.
With a little research and local recommendations, you can discover lots of Turkish restaurants that offer delicious meals at pocket-friendly prices.
There is a huge number of British style restaurants offering fish and chips, burgers and other familiar foods at tourist prices. However, if you try some of the Traditional Turkish restaurants, they will leave you wanting to go back for more.
Nightlife in Marmaris
When it comes to affordable nightlife in Marmaris, there are plenty of options to choose from.You could enjoy a drink or two at one of the local Turkish taverns. These are called ‘meyhane’, in Turkish, you can try the local wine, beer or Raki (similar to Greek ouzo).
Meyhanes are often filled with locals and fellow tourists and they are usually pretty laid-back. Many of these bars also offer live music performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Bar Street
If you prefer a livelier scene, head to one of Marmaris’ budget-friendly bars and clubs. Bar street is the main bar and night club area of the city.
It is located in the Tepe district about 500m from the town centre. You will find all types of music, traditional, disco, rock and even live music.
Alcohol isn´t as cheap in Turkey as it is in many parts of Southern Europe. However, some establishments often have special offers on drinks and entry fees to discos. Buying local drinks is always cheaper than buying international brands.
Shopping in Marmaris
Shopping in Marmaris is a must-do activity for bargain hunters. You can explore the busy Marmaris bazaar, try to bargain for the best prices, and discover unique souvenirs and local products.
The Marmaris bazaar is a haven for thrifty shoppers, offering a wide range of goods at affordable prices.
There are also lots of souvenir shops in the Old Town district, where you can be either simple or more sophisticated gifts, but at a slightly higher price than in the bazaar.
Getting to Marmaris
Domestic Flights to Marmaris
The easiest way to reach this coastal gem is to fly to Dalaman Airport, which is located about 95 km away. If you are travelling from Istanbul there are plenty of flight to Dalaman each day.
The cheaper flights from Istanbul usually leave Istanbul SAW airport, with Pegasus Airlines. However, if you buy in advance even Turkish Airlines can have some bargain flights.
- Istanbul (IST) – Dalaman – – 1h.25m – Turkish Airlines
- Istanbul (SAW) – Dalaman -1h10m – Pegasus Airlines – Turkish low-cost carrier
There are many international airlines offering direct flights to Dalaman from European cities, making it relatively easy to access Marmaris from overseas.
International Flights
There are also plenty of international flights heading to Dalaman from all over Europe. If you are coming from Asia or other continents, you will need to fly to Istanbul and get a connecting flight.
- London – Dalaman – 4h.15m – EasyJet, Jet2 and British Airways
- Easyjet and Jet2 fly from cities across the UK to Dalaman.
- Berlin – Dalaman – 3h.20m – Sun Express – Turkish low-cost carrier
Sun Express and Pegasus fly from several German cities to Dalaman
There are also direct flights from Central Asia and the Middle East to Dalaman. You can compare airline prices on Google flights, skyscanner and kayak. Check out the guide to Turkish air travel.
Getting from the Airport to Marmaris
Once you arrive at Dalaman Airport, you can easily make your way to Marmaris. There are several options:
The cheapest and most complicated option is to take a local bus from the airport to Dalaman bus terminal. From there you need to get a connecting bus to Marmaris bus terminal, and from there a bus or taxi to your accommodation.
The second cheapest and probably the best option is to take the Airport Shuttle bus (Havaş) from the Airport terminal to Marmaris. This will cost you just a few euros and will take you directly to the Marmaris bus station.
The trip takes about one and a half hours and runs regularly throughout the day and early evening. The bus is extremely comfortable, and you can pay onboard using cash or a card.
The easiest option is to take a taxi or a private transfer to Marmaris. There are available at the airport 24/7. However, this is the most expensive option, and unless you are travelling in a group and can share the costs.
Of course you can also rent a car, but unless you are travelling in a group or as a family this option may be expensive.
Intercity Buses to Marmaris
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option and you are already in Turkey, intercity buses are a great way to travel around and get to Marmaris.
Marmaris has a well-connected bus station that serves various destinations within Turkey. The bus station (Otogar) is located nearly 2 km from the city centre. You can either catch a taxi or local bus to get to the centre of town in a few minutes.
You can find comfortable and reliable bus services that offer regular departures and direct routes to Marmaris from major cities in the country. You can enjoy the scenic journey as you make your way to this coastal paradise.
You can buy the tickets at the bus station, but it is highly recommended in the summer to buy them in advance online. Busbud is a great app for planning your bus journey and buying tickets safely online. Check out the inter-city bus guide to Turkey.
- Istanbul – Marmaris – about 12 hours
- Ankara – Marmaris – between 10 and 11 hours
- Antalya – Marmaris – 6 hours
- Bodrum – Marmaris – There is no direct bus. You will need to get a bus to Milas bus station and then a connecting bus to Bodrum. Approximately 4h,30m.
Getting around Marmaris
Getting around Marmaris isn´t expensive. There are several affordable options for getting around this beautiful coastal city options.
One popular and cost-effective way to get around Marmaris is by taking a Dolmus. These minibus services operate like a shared taxi, they have a fixed route and are a convenient way of transport for both locals and tourists.
The Dolmus is known for its affordability and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers. You can easily hop on a Dolmus and reach your desired destination for less than a euro.
Make sure you have some small bank notes or coins, as they won´t accept large bank notes. Make it clear to the driver where you want to go. If you have a Turkish SIM card, you should use your GPS to make sure you are going the right way and to help you know where to get off.
In addition to Dolmus minibuses, Marmaris also has a reliable network of regular buses that connect different areas within the city and its surroundings.
These buses are an excellent option for longer journeys or when the Dolmus routes might not cover your specific destination.
If you prefer the convenience of a taxi, Marmaris has a lot of them. Taxis are readily available and offer a comfortable form of transport, especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or you are in a rush.
When to Visit Marmaris
The best months to visit Marmaris if you are on a tight budget is April and May or September and October. These months are not so crowded the weather is nice and prices are cheaper. June would have slightly hotter weather and be more comfortable for swimming and sunbathing and less expensive than July and August.
Many retired and older visitors prefer March and November as the weather is better than in Northern Europe and the prices in Turkey are a bargain for winter stays.
Is it Worth Visiting Marmaris?
Marmaris is a beautiful and enjoyable travel destination for people who are looking for somewhere to spend time on the beach and relax. At the same time the resort has plenty of things to do and see, including excursions and sightseeing tours.
There are are lots of options for budget friendly accommodation and inexpensive food and there is even some good nightlife for younger holiday makers.
In my opinion, Marmaris is one of the better seaside resorts on the Aegean, and I would definitely recommend it as a great family holiday destination.
