Yachts and boats decorate the coast of this lovely tourist centre where thousands converge to enjoy a fun-filled, self-indulgent holiday. Those who surf and water-ski will thrill at the conditions in Marmaris. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar, or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated discotheque can end an ideal day.

There are many good buys in Marmaris's boutiques, colourful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery, and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey called çam balı is superb.

The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatros Marina, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the captains and their crews. With plenty of provisions aboard, you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.

At Ekincik, a delightful yacht-mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area and the friendly hospitality of its people.

Delikli Island lies right off the coast, south-east of Ekincik. Yachtsmen enjoy a change of pace when they anchor at the island and take a smaller craft excursion into the Dalyan Delta. The Delta, with a long, golden, sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature-conservation area, and a refuge for sea turtles (caretta caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river, high on the cliff face above the fascinating ancient harbour-city of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rock. From Delikli Island, sailing south-east, you arrive at Sarıgerme with its pleasant holiday complexes, nestled in cozy pine forests. Yachtsmen will want to anchor at Baba Island, across from the pristine sandy beaches.

The Gulf of Göcek, with the friendly Club Marina set in a beautiful pine forest, is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymexa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards. From the Gulf of Göcek sail on into Fethiye.