Just about the best beach near Marmaris is Icmeler Beach Turkey set at the head of a long peninsula across the bay from Bodrum. Bodrum also sits at the head of another long peninsula, and both stretch almost to the island of Kos in Greece. The Marmaris peninsula also branches out nearly to the island of Rhodes. The waters off the Turquoise Coast here are dotted with other, smaller Greek and Turkish islands, making this area one of the best places for sailing and scuba diving.

Many people get to this beach near Marmaris on a sailboat (often a chartered traditional Turkish gullet) from Bodrum or Antalya, two of the country’s centers for shipbuilding and yachting. There are several excellent diving companies in the area, all PADI certified. Bodrum is also a center for cruises—look for the famed Blue Cruises that come into Icmeler.

Icmeler Beach is actually located in the village of Icmeler, which is about five miles southwest of Marmaris. This beach near Marmaris is part of a long stretch of beaches that form the curving outline of Marmaris Bay. The promenade that stretches the entire length of these beaches is reserved for pedestrians, making it great for those who like long walks in search of the most secluded sections of sand. If you’re not up for the walk, there is cheap dolmus (shared taxi) transportation between the two towns. The village of Iclemer is much quieter than larger Marmaris, although it does offer some more subdued nightlife and has some excellent shopping and dining of its own.

Turkey Map

The waters of the protected bay off Icmeler Beach Turkey are quite calm. While this is good for novice swimmers, be aware that the drop off comes quickly and it gets quite deep. The safest swimming areas are clearly marked. The golden sand and shingle of Icmeler Beach is open to the sea, unlike its sister beach in Marmaris. This means there are nice cooling breezes off the water during the hot summer months. It is also longer and wider, meaning you will find more space to spread out. This is a great beach for family vacations, and there are a number of all-inclusive hotels in the area that will include meals as wells as some complimentary activities and facilities. Children of all ages will enjoy the area’s water parks with wave pools and water slides.

Also good for families and children is the fact that Icmeler Beach is cleaned every night. This makes it one of the cleanest beaches in the popular resort areas. It is also a bit unusual, as it is one of the country’s beaches that is maintained by and operates under the aegis of the Turkish National Parks system, since the peninsula is part of Guzelcamli National Park. Typical all over the Turquoise Coast are the sun bed rentals. Those at Icmeler Beach Turkey come with wicker umbrellas to protect from the midday sun, and prices are quite reasonable. Also typical of Turkish beaches, you will find food and drink vendors operating up and down the beach.