There is no shortage of things to do in Marmaris, Turkey’s largest resort. From partying in town to a full raft of water sports to enjoy, a group holiday here has plenty to keep you entertained.
Marmaris has something for everyone. So even if you’re holidaying with a group of mates who all want different things, you’ll all have the time of your lives.
Set on the south-west coast of Turkey and nestled against the sparkling Mediterranean, Marmaris is the biggest resort town on the country’s Aegean coast. During the holiday season, it attracts a whooping 400,000 visitors every year. There is a huge range of companies that cater to the resort’s visitors, offering thrilling activities both on and off the water. In fact, the sea sports scene here is so lively that even the most active visitors may find it tough to fit everything in just one visit.
Can’t wait to party in Marmaris? Check out our guide to experiencing the resort’s nightlife in the best way possible here.
Water Sports in Marmaris
With so much fun on and in the water to choose from, your first decision will be which of the town’s two beautiful beaches to base yourselves on. The good news is that both Marmaris Urban Beach and Marmaris Long Beach offer an equally extensive range of sports. Another great base for sports in the area is Icmeler Beach, which is a mere eight kilometres from Marmaris.
Look out for the yellow tents and flags on the sand, which designate the sports centres on all three beaches.
Here’s a glimpse of some of the must-try activities on offer.
Jet Skiing
There are few things as exhilarating as speeding across the crystal waves in the Mugla Province. Discover hidden bays and secluded beaches, or just cruise around at top speed for the fun of it. Jet skiing is a great group excursion if all of you are ready for some high-speed fun.
Water Skiing
Whether you’re a beginner or an old hand who wants to show off some tricks, you’ll have a blast at Marmaris. There are tons of instructors and trained staff on hand to help you start and/or improve, as water skiing is one of the resort’s most beloved activities.
Wakeboarding
For those looking to boost their adrenaline levels after perfecting water skiing, wakeboarding is a good next step. The team will take you away from the busy beaches so that you can catch some serious air on your wakeboard.
Parasailing
For a thrilling experience, – not to mention stunning views of the Mediterranean and surrounding pine forests – try parasailing on your next holiday to Turkey. While you’re strapped to a parachute, a speedboat will lift you into the air, where you will see the resort from a completely new angle!
Paddleboarding
Like surfing, just without the waves, paddleboarding is all about balance and footwork. Enjoy exploring the local coastline under your own steam (and keeping fit at the same time) by trying this increasingly popular sport.
Kayaking
Another relaxing and fun way to explore the local area is to hire a kayak from one of the sports centres on the local beaches. To top off this adventurous experience, try to find a private beach or hidden cove where you can take a dip before paddling back to the resort.
Banana Riding
If you want to laugh until it hurts, get a bunch of mates together and go for a banana ride off the coast. You’ll be laughing from the minute you set off to the moment you can’t cling on any more and you all end up together in the sea!
Speedboating
A great activity for a group of mates who all enjoy adrenaline-pumping and high speed action is a ride in a powerful 115-horse-power speed boat along the coast. You’re sure to scream with delight as the speed-boat driver spins and swerves around the area.
Hydroflying
A relatively new addition to the resort’s sea sport roster is hydroflying. For this sport, you’ll stand on a platform called a Flyboard, which is then propelled into the air by water that’s been sucked into the device. It takes a little while to master the Flyboard, but when you have, hydroflying offers a thrill like nothing else.
Chariot Warbird
This vibrantly-coloured and inflatable ‘chariot’ seats up to three people, who are dragged along behind a speed boat. This is a whole lot of fun, and will certainly get your pulse racing.
Scuba Diving
Whether you are a beginner looking for your first scuba diving experience or an experienced diver, Marmaris offers a wonderful submarine world to explore – there are no fewer than 52 dive sites in the vicinity! These centres generally offer PADI (Professional Association of Driving Instructors) courses, which will guide you from your first dive to more challenging underwater excursions in the area.
How to Get to Marmaris
The closest airport is the busy Turkish airport of Dalaman, which welcomes a range of international flights from across Europe. Flights from the UK take around four and a half hours and are offered by a number of budget and premium airlines.
If you’re travelling in a group, save yourself the hassle of organising taxis or getting on public buses at the airport by booking an economical group transfer with Shuttle Direct. Depending on numbers, you and your mates can share the cost of a private minibus or opt for a ride with other passengers. Either way, you’ll discover that this airport transfer it’s a very convenient and quick way of getting to your destination.
Where to Stay
Karakas Apart Hotel – The Karakas Apart Hotel is a great budget option with a communal pool, bar and restaurant downstairs. The apartments are basic, but very clean and comfortable. All have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Highlife Apartments – If you’re looking for something a little closer to the beach, then check out the modern Highlife Apartments. Each apartment has its own balcony and, if you don’t want to cook, there’s a restaurant downstairs. Guests can use the communal pool and sun terrace. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout.
Amphi Apartments – With their own pool and palm-thatched pool-side bar, the Amphi Apartments are a great place for a group holiday. The apartments are stylish and modern and are just a ten-minute walk away from the beach. There’s free Wi-Fi and, if you’re here to party, you’ll also love the free shuttle service to Bar Street in the evenings.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is the foremost airport transfer service in Europe and North Africa.
Our group airport transfers are a great, economical way of getting from the airport to your holiday destination. Choose between a shared shuttle bus or your own group transfer for you and your mates, and you can be sure that a driver will meet you at the airport and drive you straight to your resort.
