The drive into Marmaris takes you along a scenic road that winds through pine covered mountains and through a series of valleys where fragrant sweet gum stretch out to form a leafy green canopy. The most attractive part of this busy tourist town is the marina area and the adjacent town quay with its line of shops and restaurants backing on to the town’s original settlement area. In amongst the tiny two-story Greek-style houses of the old town, you will find the renovated walls of Sultan Suleyman’s castle, built at the time of the Ottoman army’s assault on Rhodes, and now home to the local museum.

In ancient times, Marmaris was known as “Physkos” and was established as an important stage on the Anatolia – Rhodes – Egypt trade route. There are ruins to be found along the side of a small rocky outcrop close to the harbour as well as a small acropolis on the hill above the town.