Why is Marmaris a great winter destination?
Marmaris might not be the obvious choice for a winter getaway. But this summer haven for sun seekers and party lovers reverts to its roots as a sleepy fishing village in the winter, and its traditional charm shines through.
Avoid the crowds
If you prefer to avoid the crowds you’ll enjoy the relative quiet the winter months bring here. Tourists do still visit, but not in the huge numbers they do in summer. There’s an air of peace about the town in winter and you can walk the streets and sit in cafes and bars totally undisturbed.
The old town is especially lovely to wander around out of season. The narrow streets can sometimes be difficult to negotiate in summer months with so many people squeezing through, but in winter you’re treated to the cobbled walkways in a more relaxed fashion.
Mild winters
Although the weather might not be up to the high standards of summer, winter in Marmaris is still mild. The locals will tell you it’s freezing cold and will wrap up in thick jumpers and coats, but the reality is, although there is always the risk of rain, the winter in Marmaris is similar to spring in the UK. It’s quite possible to eat your meals al fresco and enjoy the outdoors throughout the day. Evenings do get a bit cooler, but take a jumper and you’ll find conditions are perfectly comfortable and pleasant.
Mingle with the locals
Package holidays to Marmaris in winter offer a different perspective on the town. If you like to discover the true identity of a place the best way to do that is to spend time with the locals. Winter in Marmaris enables you to do just that. There’s something about the low season that changes the inhabitants of a town.
The locals in Marmaris reclaim their streets, cafes and bars in winter. You’re more likely to find yourself sitting on a next table to a Turkish couple or family in a restaurant; you’ll shop alongside them in the grocery store and you’ll pass them in the street when you’re out walking. With a calmer atmosphere, the locals are more relaxed and you’ll find them chatty and warm and with more time to while away the hours along with you.
While many of the bars and restaurants are closed for the winter, the ones the locals use stay open. This means you’re truly living like a native while you’re here and because the restaurants and bars the locals choose to eat and drink in are generally of a high quality, it also means you’re getting the pick of the best.
Traditional Turkey
To really get the most out of your winter package holidays to Marmaris, we’d recommend hiring a car for a couple of days and visiting some of the villages in the area. There’s a fantastic example of traditional Turkish life out in the surrounding villages and some of the architecture and scenery is breathtaking.
Our pick is Camli, which is famous for serving the most wonderful breakfasts. The way of life here doesn’t stop for the winter and visitors will be treated to a morning meal of pancakes, farm eggs, and warm baked bread with locally grown cucumber and tomatoes. Camli features buildings dating back to 1850 and is a beautiful village to stroll around. The atmosphere is laid back and of another time. Take note of the large expanses of pine trees here which gave the village its name, ‘cam’ being a translation of ‘pine’ in Turkish.
Marmaris has a lot to offer, no matter what time of year you travel. The summer has long days of sunshine and a vibrant nightlife. But the winter has a sleepy charm that lets the true character of the town shine through. If you like your trip relaxing, quiet and with lots to discover, package holidays to Marmaris could make the perfect winter choice.
