“Those who don’t drink” Population: 6.700
Market day: Wednesday
İcmeler is little more than a westerly extension of Marmaris although it sits on its own pretty mountain-backed bay. Unfortunately this is solid package-holiday territory with sunbeds covered every inch of the thin strip of sand and giant hotels looming at the western end of the beach. The many restaurants tend to be of the “proper English breakfast” variety while the Irish bars proudly boast that they sell DVDs of Riverdance.
It’s not my kind of place since there are no historical buildings kind although if you’re just after a family holiday retreat in a place that’s smaller than Marmaris but within easy reach of it then this might just suit you. Marmaris has more to offer in the way of things to see though.
Pay no attention to the sign pointing inland to the “Eski Köy (Old Village)” – the buildings there are as uniformly new as those by the waterfront albeit slightly more spread out.
What to do while you’re here? Well, the standard boat trips run round the bay or take you further east to Dalyan, Kaunos and İztuzu beach.
Sleeping
If you want to stay in İçmeler you will almost certainly get a better deal booking through a package-holiday operator at home.
Holiday heaven? Holiday hell? Looking from İçmeler to Marmaris
Transport info
Frequent minibuses with orange livery plough the road between Marmaris and İçmeler. Alternatively, from the waterfront you can pick up the pricier but more enjoyable water taxi that also sails to Turunç.
Day trip destinations
