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Marmaris Harbor

Marmaris

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Marmaris

If there is a town to avoid in Turkey, than that would be Marmaris. We had docked there on the last day of a Gulat trip and for some reason we had thought it would be a great idea to have a wander through the town. It was, I recall a very hot day and Marmaris’ harbor fans out and is full of bars, restaurants and a very cheap and tacky arcade.

Marmaris Gallery

Marmaris Gallery

The shops sell soccer shirts and awful souvenir trinkets and the tourists are decidedly a blend of Brits and general Euro northerners; most of them sporting tattoos, tank tops and walking with their kids while smoking cigarettes. Cheap cruise ships dish out the hordes, every few hours or so.

Marmaris Harbor

Marmaris Harbor

As one departs, another seems to pop up in the harbor, as everyone heads to the fake bazaar to buy souvenir fezes and tacky shawls. No cappuccinos along this waterfront; it’s all pints of lager. Marmaris is about as Turkish as Turkish Delight. We didn’t stay long. It was so scary to my upper class English friend that he thought it was one of the most terrifying experiences of his sheltered life! We fled to our boat and retreated to a distant cove. We would come back under cover of darkness to grab some grilled octopus. Late at night, after a glass or two of wine, it seemed decidedly less tacky.

Bodrum is a short distance down the coast from Izmir and a 45-minute flight from Istanbul. In late September the weather is absolutely stunning. The last time I was in Bodrum was around 15 years ago; it was a lively town, I recall, some nightlife, a castle by the harbor and a few restaurants dotted here and there. So the change I saw was significant, it was surprisingly moderated by taste and relatively careful development.

 

 

Bodrum

Bodrum

 

Bodrum is a port city. It is the hub way of the Gulet boats and although there are few beaches within easy access, once you have driven around the bay, the inlets and coves provide spectacular settings for the hotel industry. And what better hotel to have nestled about 30 minutes away from Bodrum center, than the Kempinski Hotel? There is an incredible swimming pool, a wonderful spa, fabulous views and a strip of private beach that looks as though it has been painted onto the landscape.

If you like swimming, the large infinity pool is as good as it gets, and the water in the Mediterranean in late September is perfect for long swims or short splashes. I would return to this hotel anytime. The rooms and service were brilliant. It’s a pity we had to work.