Best Time To Visit: Turkey offers the longest sailing season in the Mediterranean, with ideal conditions from April to October.

Key Cruising Areas: Marmaris is perfectly located in the middle of the Turquoise Coast, with the ports such as Fethiye, Gocek, and Antalya a short sail away. It is also a great base to explore the Greek Islands.

Don’t Miss: Marmaris is famous in the diving world, with over 50 world-class dive sites. For a unique dive, head to Baca Cave where the conical cave is home to shoals of cardinalfish. Depths range from 5 to 50m making this an excellent dive site for all levels of experience.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The port has long been a stop for superyachts and celebrities, and the dining options cater perfectly to a discerning clientele, with a large range of high-quality restaurants offering Turkish and international food. Many of the hotels have excellent restaurants, and the waterfront is lined with eateries and bars. Try Kahveci Alibey for fine dining, a beautiful wine cellar, and delicious cocktails.

Best Local Dish: Mezze is a stable Turkish cuisine. Plates of aubergine caviar, stuffed vine leaves, and selections of goat and sheep milk cheese complimented with nuts and dukka make a delicious light dinner washed down with local raki. In the back streets of the marina, Dedes is touted as the best Mezze in Marmaris!

Local Culture: The iconic Ottoman castle and fortress are must-dos for the area and an impressive example of the Turkish past. Visit the perfectly preserved constructions, then take a trip to the historic Bedestan covered market.

Best Beach: The long beaches of Marmaris offer soft sands and clear waters, but for a short day trip sail to Cleopatra Island. Dip your toe in the waters with an interesting story – the famous golden sands were, according to legend, brought here from Egypt by Antony and Cleopatra who used to swim here.

IYC recommends: Marmaris is the place for adventures and experiences – as you sail into the port you will see the sky above the mountains dotted with the tiny forms of paragliders. As one of the highest commercial take-off points in the world, this is the place to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime flight over the stunning forested mountains of the national park. Look out over glittering coves and green hills then, with the adrenalin still pumping, immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere as the evening warms up in the waterfront bars.