How to Spend 2 Days in Marmaris

Two days in Marmaris give you time to fully explore the resort’s bays, beaches, and caves, and to get a taste of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Mediterranean culture through food, dance, and nightlife. See below for our top tips on spending 48 hours in Turkey’s most popular holiday resort. 

Day 1: Sailing in the Sunshine

**Morning:**Without wasting a moment, head straight out to sea on a boat cruise. Whether you opt to sail on a catamaran or pirate ship, tours typically cover Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island)—famous for its crystalline waters and white sands—and offer unobstructed views of the Gulf of Gökova.    

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon going off the beaten path on a horseback safari or on a buggy tour, both of which reveals parts of the Marmaris countryside that are inaccessible by traditional vehicle. Alternatively, relax with a traditional Turkish massage and spa package, perfect for tired travelers. 

**Evening:**Get back out on the water to watch the sunset on a dinner cruise that reveals Marmaris Bay at the most magical time of day. Some tours combine dinner and Turkish dancing while you cruise the Aegean Sea and may include shopping stops at a handicraft factory and outlet. 

Day 2: Discovering Dalyan

**Morning:**Rise early for a day trip to Dalyan, a region that’s home to a wealth of natural and historical attractions. Tours, most of which transport you by boat, tend to cruise along Marmaris’ Turquoise Coast and stop in Dalyan.

**Afternoon:**Your day trip will continue on into the afternoon with visits to Dalyan highlights such as Turtle Bay (İztuzu Beach), a strip of sand between the river and the Mediterranean Sea that’s become an important spot for endangered loggerhead turtles; the Dalyan Mud Bath, home to therapeutic mud said to reduce signs of aging; and a series of Lycian rock tombs carved into coastal cliffs.

**Evening:**Most Dalyan day trips return in the late afternoon, which means you’ll have time to squeeze in a traditional Turkish meal in the evening. Packages tend to include a buffet-style or multi-course meal, with alcoholic and soft drinks offered, accompanied by a belly dancing performance.