Мармарис - райский уголок Marmaris - paradise

Marmaris is a paradise! Preparing for a vacation, we went through several countries, and again settled on Turkey (they were in Alanya in 2006). Satisfied with the price, conditions and range of services and entertainment. We decided to go to the western coast of the Mediterranean Sea, or rather, where the other Aegean sea begins, this is the place of Marmaris. A small town that was a fishing village 30 years ago is now rightfully considered the Turkish Riviera! The combination of blue-green mountains, quiet bays, clear sea makes this place unique and ideal for yachtsmen and windsurfers from different countries. Every year from April to the end of May, international sailing regattas are held here. This place is also interesting because while relaxing here, you can visit 2 countries at once: Turkey and Greece. The island of Rhodes is not far away - 40 min by boat. Who has a Schengen visa can take a full day tour. The influence of Greek culture is felt in everything - buildings, history. places and sculptures. This is not the Turkey that we are used to, resting in Antalya, it looks more like the south of France or Italy. The Aegean Sea is considered one of the cleanest seas in the world! Many pensioners (from northern countries) buy real estate here, so villages of unusual beauty appear, reminiscent of the scenery for the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. They are called "Pensioner's Dream", for example, the village of Akyaka. Each house is unusual in the style of architecture, cute little things in the design of windows and walls. Yes. . . It would be nice to spend the rest of your days here! The hotel "Marmaris Resort and Spa" (where we stayed) was located outside the city. A large park area was a plus compared to city hotels, which are literally squeezed between each other. Nearby was the bay "Devichya Kosa". An interesting place, remember the movie "The Diamond Arm". Andrei Mironov (during fishing) walks on the water with a log in his hands, as if on land. . . and around the sea! This story was filmed here on the shallows, which goes several hundred meters into the sea. The highlight of the hotel was the dolphinarium. For an additional fee, children could swim and play with dolphins, or just take pictures. Our choice fell on several interesting excursions. One of them is the "Aegean Islands" - a full day trip around the islands and coves the name itself, which speaks for itself: aquarium, lilac, azure, monastery, baked, "pirate" island. All the islands are different in color and shape, and all are beautiful in their own way! On the island of the Monastery, hermit monks once lived. In the courtyard of the chapel there is a tree of "Desires". You need to go around it 3 times clockwise and tying a string or ribbon on a branch, make a wish. And it will definitely come true! We made a wish to come back here again! The next excursion is "Dalyan". He amazed us with the beauty of the cliffs with the tombs of the ancient Lycian princes and wealthy citizens built into them. The skill of the masons is amazing, they cut down the whole "City of the Dead" in the rocks. Once Dalyan was a sea strait, with ports and marinas. But the sea gradually receded, a wide sandy strip of beach several kilometers long was formed. This place is a state reserve. Dalyan was chosen for spawning (many centuries ago) huge turtles "Caretta". During the spawning period, every night, "from dusk to dawn", overcoming the sand, they crawl out of the sea and waddling through several tens of meters in the warm water of Dalyan lay their eggs. Visit these places and you will never forget them! A lot of positive emotions and wonderful memories are guaranteed! Turkey Marmaris June-July 2008