Marmaris

As your ship enters Marmaris' sheltered bay, pine-covered mountains drop steeply toward a marina packed with yachts. The town's palm-lined promenade follows the curve of a natural harbour where the smell of grilled seafood mixes with the salt of the Aegean. A few steps from the cruise terminal, a waterfront square opens onto both the Old Town and the bazaar, where haggling over spices and ceramics is half the fun. The Old Town climbs uphill in narrow lanes of whitewashed houses, leading to a small castle with views across the bay. Restaurants along the promenade serve fresh fish, meze plates, and strong Turkish coffee. Boat trips run to nearby coves and the mud baths at Dalyan, and water taxis cross to the Greek island of Rhodes. Carpets, leather goods, and hand-painted ceramics are common buys in the bazaar. The Turkish lira is the currency, though euros are accepted in tourist areas.