By Asta Simkaityte
Labas! Welcome to my first travel blog post! I am a Lithuanian lady living in the UK for the past 15 years. My usual Turkish escapades have taken me to various breath-taking destinations such as Mersin, Ankara, Gocek, and Marmaris. However, this time, I want to recount my unforgettable experiences specifically from my recent trip to Marmaris in August 2023.
Living in the UK, we had booked the hotel months in advance before our trip. With a group of friends and my partner, we set off for Marmaris. The hotel, known as the ‘Romance Hotel,’ was our abode of choice due to its fantastic location by the sea and its proximity to the Atlantis water park. The hotel room was spacious and tidy, providing a splendid view of the sea through the window. It was meticulously cleaned every day, and we were treated to delightful Turkish breakfasts.
Adjacent to the hotel was a beach and a restaurant with an attentive staff, offering complimentary sun loungers. My partner and I visited our friends who were vacationing in their own summer apartment. I considered it a fantastic investment, enjoying a leisurely stay in a place like Marmaris by the Mediterranean Sea. The area was adorned with numerous shops, cafes, water sports facilities, restaurants, bars, and clubs. We had the pleasure of enjoying live music at one of the bars, celebrating my friend’s birthday.
Interestingly, our British friends of Turkish origin had a flat in Marmaris, which brought an unexpected dimension to our Turkish gastronomy experiences. This fortunate circumstance allowed us to immerse ourselves further in the local lifestyle, relishing the comfort of their pleasant apartment. Graciously, they invited us to a splendid dinner, preparing a delightful variety of local dishes. As we savoured each flavour and shared laughter around the table, we felt an even stronger connection to the rich Turkish culture and the welcoming community. This intimate gathering added an extra layer of warmth to our already unforgettable journey, leaving us with cherished memories that will remain close to our hearts for years to come.
After a memorable evening, we explored the club complex, which catered to diverse musical tastes, bustling on weekends and quieter on weekdays. While local minibuses ran all day, we also utilised taxis for transportation.
Later on, we were fortunate enough to have access to our friends’ car, allowing us to venture out and explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and mountains surrounding Marmaris. The natural beauty of each corner was truly breath-taking. We visited the Kizilkum area, which was suitable for both active and tranquil relaxation. Our first stop was the salty sea, where one could walk and continue to explore the paths linked to the history of Prophet David.
In addition, we visited Selimiye, a quaint fishing village, known for its romantic and serene ambiance, luxurious yachts, crystal-clear bays, and charming taverns. It was an idyllic place to unwind and reconnect with oneself. Our journey also led us to Bozburun, a larger village that exuded a cosy charm. Here, we savoured some homemade pastries and relished exquisite Turkish coffee.
Image: Selimiye
Back in Marmaris, we spent time swimming in the sea, honing my swimming skills with the help of friends, and witnessing a mesmerising sunset. Conveniently, we indulged in snacks at the hotel restaurant. Later that evening, we visited the Grand Bazaar Marmaris, a four-star attraction boasting an extensive selection of items, ranging from delectable cuisine to clothing and spices. I must note the presence of some local clothing stores offering reasonable prices, as well as several restaurants catering to British customers, with prices listed in pounds. The days and nights were perfect for leisurely walks along the Marmaris promenade, relishing the views of the sea.
One day, we visited the private Yucelen hospital as my partner was experiencing a blocked ear. The visit didn’t cost us much, especially since we had purchased private insurance as European citizens. The process was smoother once we provided comprehensive details and parental information.
While my friend dared to try paragliding as a water sport, I spent time shopping at the Migros market, savouring the wide array of Turkish spices, delightful nuts, sweets, crackers, and other essentials for home. Packing our luggage was a challenge because I had accumulated numerous delicate sweets and memorable souvenirs during my stay, leaving me with limited space. I tried to squeeze some items into my partner’s luggage, testing the limits of its capacity. The task became a playful game of strategic placement, ensuring that each precious item found its place without exceeding the weight allowance. Despite the slight hurdles, the excitement of bringing a piece of Marmaris back home with us was undeniably worth the effort.
As with any journey, it had a delightful beginning and a fulfilling end. We bid farewell to our friends, cherishing unforgettable memories, and concluded our trip by visiting an authentic fresh fish restaurant, Turgut Reis, known for its gourmet offerings. The portions were generous, with one serving of fish easily satisfying two individuals, not to mention the scrumptious meze and vegetable dishes on toasted bread, which were a hit among us and our friends.
In the final days in Marmaris, my partner and I enjoyed lazy moments on the beach, relishing the present and reminiscing about the wonderful time spent with friends. Several mornings, I awoke to witness the sunrise in Turkey at 7 am, an experience that left me in awe. Some were swimming, some were jogging, and others were simply strolling, all enjoying the easy, light-hearted ambiance. We immersed ourselves in the tranquil water, despite the scorching August weather.
Our night flight was punctual. We took a taxi from the hotel to the bus station and then boarded a bus to the Dalaman Airport. Reflecting on the journey, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and memories that Marmaris had offered us.