The history of Marmaris begins with the arrival of the Carians to the area in 3400 BC. After them Marmaris has been under the rules of Egypt, Ionia, Lydia and Persia in turn. Ancient Marmaris was an important stopping place on the trade route from Anatolia to Egypt. The only historical sight in the city is the fortress built by Sultan Süleyman in the 1500s. However, the surroundings of Marmaris are full of historical sights. Marmaris is located on a bay surrounded by mountains full of pine trees, in a place where Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean meet. The city is a lively and relaxed holiday town with modern hotels, restaurants, beaches and nightlife. As Marmaris has been a favourite destination for some while now, it is not difficult to find English speaking people among the locals or the personnel of the hotel.

Waters in Marmaris are excellent for swimming, diving and yachting. The beaches are suitable for children thanks to their sheltered location. The city has many local and international restaurants. You can enjoy your Turkish specialities in a harbour restaurant and watch the sun disappear into the sea. Beach Boulevard is a popular walking street. After an evening walk you can drop into a bar or restaurant to listen music and watch folklore show or you can dance in a disco until dawn. Bar Street in the Old City is a must. You can make a two days tour to Efes and Pamukkale. On the tour you will see the House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, 200 years old amphitheatre. You can also swim in Pamukkale, where the waters of which are believed to have remedial qualities, to help you feel younger and healthier. Fast ferry takes only 45 minutes to Rhodes. It leaves in the morning and returns in the evening. But, you have time to see the Old City of Rhodes before travelling back to Marmaris.

Dalyan beach is one of the rare breeding areas of Carretta Carretta turtles. During a boat trip to Dalyan you might see turtles swimming and you surely see the Kings' Tombs up on the rocks. You also can take a refreshing mud bath in a small spa. Marmaris is a good starting point for a Gulet cruise either to the Aegean Sea in the west or to the Mediterranean in the southeast. If you enjoy shorter cruises, you can take a taxi boat to Icmeler, a small town near Marmaris or to the quiet beaches of the Paradise Island. Or you can make a jeep safari up to the mountains. You can buy leather goods of good quality, copper and brass items, jewellery, carpets, textiles and embroidery and also famous Marmaris honey, cambali.