Marmaris Bay resembles a calm lake and offers ideal mooring for yachts.

Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes­Egypt trade route. In the 16th century, Süleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill just behind the harbor; today, its remains house the Marmaris Museum. Pine forests cover the mountains which surround Marmaris; on shore a white line of sand and rock separates green from blue. The beach areas sparkle, and provide visitors with a perfect opportunity to dive, snorkel and swim in relaxing conditions.

Yachts and boats decorate the coast of this lovely tourist center where thousands converge to enjoy a fun-filled, self-indulgent holiday. Those who surf and water ski will thrill at the possibilities in Marmaris. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar, or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated discotheque can end an ideal day.

There are many good buys in Marmaris boutiques, colorful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewelry, and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey called "Çam balı" is superb.

The Marmaris Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris Yacht Marine, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast.

In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportun ity to meet the captains and their crews. With plenty of provisions aboard, you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey. At Ekincik, a delightful yacht-mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area and the friendly hospitality of its people. Delikli Island lies right off the coast, southeast of Ekincik.

Yachtsmen enjoy a change of pace when they anchor at the ishand and take a smaller craft excursion into the Dalyan Delta. The Delta, with a long, golden, sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature­conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (Caretta Caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river, high on the cliff face above the fascinating ancient harbor-city of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rock. From Delikli Island, sailing southeast, you arrive at Sarigerme with its pleasant holiday complexes, nestled in cozy pine forests. Yachtsmen will want to anchor at Baba Island, across from the pristine sandy beaches.

The Gulf of Göcek, with well-equipped marinas set in a beautiful pine forest, is one of the Mediterrariean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many, coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island stand Byzantine ruins including those of the ancient shipyards. From the Gulf of Göcek sail on into Fethiye.

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