Blue Cruise Zones, Marmaris/Turkey

Marmaris; The history of Marmaris dates back to 12000 BC, which is confirmed by the materials found in the excavations of Nimara Cave in Bedir Island. Later the region was named KARIA meaning the country of snow. Fertility of the Aegean and Mediterranean shores always rendered the region attracting. The city is the most important bridge between the region and islands of Rhodes and Aegean.

Marmaris was home to many civilizations. Therefore it is possible to see the traces of Karia, Rhodes and island civilizations,as well as Egypt, Assyria, Ion, Persian, Macedonian, Syria, Rome, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations. Pyskos is the first name of the town. You may see the ruins of the town in Asartepe location. Ancient settlements within the borders of Marmaris are: Physkos, Amos, Bybassos, Kastabos, Syrna, Larymna, Thyssanos, Phoenix, Loryma, Kasara, Kedrai, Euthena and Amnistos.

All the towns, including Physkos, belong to little Karia. Kedari was more advanced than others, but what is left from other towns is unfortunately nothing more than some pieces of castle and walls.

The first settlement place in the region is Physkos and its history dates back to 3400 BC. On Asartepe, in north of the center of Marmaris, you may see the ruins of this important coastal town of Ancient Caria Region.

Only walls on the acropolis stand today. There are many beautiful bays surrounding Marmaris all of which are suitable fort he blue cruise. Let us continue further on our tour.
The first place to visit after Marmaris is the ruins of Ekincik (Kaunos); The first settlement in Kaunos is supposed to go back to 1000s BC. The Likya, Karya and Rome people settled down here.

What you will see here are the Acropolis and its walls, the Theatre, Roman Baths, the round tap found during excavations, a temple and agora. Kaya mezarlarý (Rock Tombs), near the Dalyan canal which connects the Koycegiz lake with the Mediterranean sea, were constructed by Karians in the 4th century BC.

One of the most spectacular places is Akkopru (White Bridge) due to its natural beauty and historic value. It was constructed on the Dalaman stream in the village with the same name. There are some water arches on the bridge which is supposed to be built by the Byzantines.

Sultaniye thermal facilities run by Kaunos people in 100 BC were enlarged by the Byzantines with new extensions, but unfortunately the ruins of these historic thermal facilities are under water today.

The hot springs here were recommended for rheumatic, nephrite, mental exhaustion, dermatologic and gynecological diseases, as well as kidney and urinary tract diseases.
One of the most important destinations of the blue cruise is Ekincik Bay which attracts attention from foreign and domestic tourists owing to its beach with coarse sand and its clean sea.

One can take a boat tour from Dalyan to the canal connecting the Koyceðiz village with the Mediterranean Sea and go through quite narrow passages which make one confused as you never know where you enter and where you go out and see long beaches on the right and left sides of the route and bays hidden among pinewoods.

We leave Ekincik now and continue southwards again towards our first stop Disi Bilmez Bay, and then we sail through Aga Harbor, Tersane Island,Yassýca Adalari, Domuz Adasi (Pig Island), Batik Hamam Bay, Binlik Bay, Boynuz Buku Bay, Sarsala Bay, Bedir Rahmi Bay, Gocek Island and Gocek Port and we decide to stop at Fethiye Harbor.