Marmaris has one of the world's largest natural harbours, a sweeping bay that has attracted everyone from Mark Anthony to the Crusaders and the gin palaces of today's international yachting fraternity. Behind the harbour, the town has always existed as a resort and market, a lively town with a buzzing bazaar and noisy bar scene, sandwiched between the sea and steep pine-clad mountains. Many of the larger hotels are actually in Icmeler, a few kilometres from the centre in the next bay or in nearby Turunc.

Marmaris lies on the southwest coast of Turkey, just beyond the point where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, roughly halfway as the crow flies between Bodrum and Dalaman (although a lot further by road). The resort lies on a sweeping bay backed by steep mountains.

The weather in Marmaris is mild year round. The best time to visit is between the months of May and October when the average temperature is 25°C (77°F). In the months of July and August the temperature often exceeds 30°C (86°F).

Marmaris is one of the oldest and most sophisticated of Turkey's resorts, and offers a great place for a laid back holiday with a wide range of activities on, off and under the water. This is at the heart of the Turquoise Coast and there are numerous boat trips along the coast, to outlying islands to snorkel, dive and bask on deserted beaches, visit the phosphorus caves and even moonlight boat trips. On shore there are wonderful walks up through the heavily forested mountains and a huge range of sports and activities including horse riding, mountain and quad biking, jeep safaris and village tours. The only historic monument in town is the Ottoman fort, heavily rebuilt in recent years and now home to an archaeology museum.