Spend a day at Atlantis Water Park
Head over to Marmaris’ seafront, just a 15-minute drive, and you’ll find this great big waterpark. You’ve got nine twisty-turny slides to tackle here with names like Black Hole and Kamikaze, as well as a wave pool and a shallow spot where the little kids can make a splash. After that, there’s minigolf and bowling to keep the action going. And for a spot of R&R, there are bars, restaurants and even a stretch of private beach.It’s a bit of a steep climb to this bar-restaurant, but the fantastic view over the bay makes it well worth it. You can relax on the al fresco terrace with a chilled Efes beer or a margarita, and the chill-out soundtrack adds to the laidback atmosphere. If you’re eating, the seafood pizza is very popular.
Read MoreThis canal-side restaurant is set back a bit from the path, so it’s easy to miss. It’s a small, cosy place in a traditional Turkish house and comes with a suitably credible menu. The slow-cooked lamb is a real favourite, as is the Turkish-style pizza and meatballs. Owners Yesari and Leyla will happily tweak dishes to suit you – but be sure to leave room for Leyla’s famous lemon cheesecake.
Read MoreIcmeler may not have the late-night bars and clubs of Marmaris, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. The bars here have karaoke and live music, and some have small dance areas, too. You’ll also find that many restaurants double up as entertainment spots, putting on a good show of traditional dancing.
Read MoreIcmeler has the best beach around and it makes the most of it. As well as soft golden sand and safe shallow waters, snorkelling and diving, there are plenty of thrills to be had on top of the water. Waterskiing, banana boats, pedalos and paragliding can all be booked right on the beach.
Read MoreDon’t be fooled by the name – it’s true the wine here’s good and you get to sit on a terrace with a canopy of vines. But the star turn has to be the tasty traditional food. The mushroom and onion-stuffed lamb surpriz borca is a real winner, and the grilled sea bream is enormous and delicious. Casseroles and kebabs make an appearance too. Friendly service and gentle music top things off nicely.
Read MoreFor an intoxicating blast of colour, spice and noise head for Wednesday’s market on the outskirts of Icemeler. There’s everything here from leather, lace and football shirts, to souvenirs, fresh produce, and local fave apple tea. And you’ll be haggling all the way – it’s almost rude not to round these parts. The good news is you can expect to pay around a third of the asking price, as long as it’s not food or drink.
Read MoreHaving a Turkish bath, or hammam, is practically compulsory round these parts. This relaxing treatment involves being steamed, exfoliated and massaged with oil – leaving your skin squeaky clean and super-soft. Some hotels have their own Turkish baths, or you can try a hammam in a bigger town like Marmaris.
Read MoreA tad calmer than its noisier neighbours like Marmaris, Icmeler still knows how to have a good time. Nightlife is centred around bars which compete for custom on the waterfront. In the narrow streets nearby, live music and karaoke nights are always on the agenda. If you’re after foam there are a couple of clubs that can sort you out, and Marmaris’ all-nighters are just a 25-minute drive away.
Read MoreOver in Marmaris, just a short drive up the coast, the Maritime and Spring Festival is a sports event, regatta, fishing competition and massive picnic all rolled into one. You can watch the parades and street performances, catch the concerts and enjoy plenty of tasty Turkish treats while you’re at it. It’s either a celebration of all things maritime, or a good excuse for a party. Or possibly both.
Read MoreEvery night is show night at this lively bar. Right on the beach, the cabaret includes snake shows, robot displays and break-dancing, not to mention the hugely popular karaoke and dancing Turkish waiters. They make life easy here with free sunbeds and waiter service during the day, and they’ll even pick you up from your hotel for free – no wonder it’s one of Icmeler’s most buzzing spots.
Read MoreEat where the locals eat and you won’t be disappointed. For an authentic – and affordable – Turkish experience, try out one of the little cafés or restaurants a few minutes from the main drag down by the waterfront. Pace yourself when you order though – a mixed meze starter can be a meal in itself. Slow-cooked leg of lamb is another tasty traditional option.
Read MoreThe town’s diving schools will help you earn your PADI qualification – there are a few dotted along the coast. Then you can explore the craggy rocks, chimney caves and giant boulders under the surface. Look out for scorpion fish and octopus living among the rocks and shipwreck fragments on the ocean floor. Dive boats leave from the beach.
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