What Is Icmeler?
Icmeler is Marmaris' smaller next-door neighbor. It is set in a small bay that faces the region's many mountains on one side and its famous waters on the other.
For about eight months every year, Icmeler provides thousands of locals and holidayers with some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities available in this part of the Mediterranean.
The city center circumnavigates a large canal that flows through Icmeler (yes, you can sometimes see fish). On both sides of the channel, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, accommodation, and pretty much anything else you can do on holiday.
There are so many things to do in this bustling holiday town. From checking out its famous beach to filling up your suitcases for practically free, you will indeed find what you are looking for here. And this Icmeler travel guide is here to help you do just that. Here are some of the reasons that make Icmeler so enjoyable.
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1. Icmeler Beach
Icmeler's biggest selling point is arguably its gorgeous beach that covers one entire side of the city center. During the day, the beach is frequented by a swell of locals and holidayers looking to enjoy the water or do some quality sunbathing. And at night, it serves as a lovers' lane.
The tranquility, lights, and relaxing sound of waves truly bring out an uncommon beauty in this newly-discovered Mediterranean resort.
On the beach, facilities such as showers, cabins, toilets, loungers and umbrellas are all offered free of charge. To satisfy your appetite, you can choose from a wide variety of food options, including pubs, cafes, and takeaways.
The minibusses that leave from the city center of Marmaris make getting to the beach a breeze. Icmeler can be reached in ten minutes by car from Marmaris city center by following the ‘Icmeler’ sign on Cumhuriyet Boulevard. The beachfront pedestrian path is an absolute treat, especially for early-morning and late-night strolls and workouts.
2. Reasonable Shopping
Icmeler is located in quite a favorable location for those looking to do some reasonably-priced shopping. You see, it is just enough of a distance away from Marmaris to make everything in it much more reasonably priced.
Whether you are into designer handbags and footwear or handcrafted Anatolian leather, you will be sure to find it here, for about half the price that you would anywhere else.
The main shopping hub is, of course, the main street. Along the roughly 1km boulevard that runs through the whole of the city center, and is dotted with shops specializing in all kinds of clothing items, along with those selling holiday necessities.
The prices here are much cheaper than those in Marmaris. This is because the rents in Icmeler are much cheaper, especially compared to some of the more well-known shopping locations in the area like the Grand Bazaar, or Marmaris Main Street.
Head over to our Marmaris Shopping Guide for more tips and information on what kind of shopping opportunities you can find here.
3. Icmeler Bars, Pubs, and Clubs
Tiki Beach and Scotia, two of Marmaris' best-known pubs, are located in Icmeler. Compared to bars in the city, the bars here are much more spacious and offer a tranquil ambiance in which you can take in the surrounding scenery.
Most of the pubs in Icmeler are situated right on the beach, which is deserted at night and lends itself to a romantic atmosphere for couples wishing to dine together. Bingo night and the Marmaris trivia quest are two of the most family-friendly events held regularly here.
Drink prices in Icmeler tend to be a little lower than they are in the city center because of the additional distance. In most beachside pubs, a drink will set you back between 40 and 60 Turkish lira.
4. Icmeler Dolphin Park
Icmeler Dolphin park, or Dolphinarium, is a huge favorite for families. It’s immaculately clean, the staff are lovely and always there to lend a hand, and the prices are very very reasonable.
There are three large dolphin pools in the park. Animal cruelty is one of the biggest taboos in Turkish culture, so the dolphins here are looked after very well, meaning that you and your family can meet, interact, and have fun with Flipper with peace of mind.
Professional photographers stationed in the park may also aid you in capturing these beautiful moments for you to take home as memories. The meetup package includes a 15-minute dolphin swim. If you visit this wonderful destination, it will be the cherry on top of your Marmaris holiday.
5. Reasonable Accommodation
This entry is perhaps not as fun as some of the others on this list. Yet, for many, the ample opportunity in Icmeler in terms of reasonably-priced but luxurious hotel stays is among its most significant selling points.
Especially for those more interested in the city and its activities than the hotel itself, staying in Icmeler is ingenious. This is because, due to the little bit of extra distance between Icmeler and Marmaris city center, most of the hotels here are so much cheaper than in Marmaris.
It is not surprising at all to see price markdowns of between 30% - 50% for a typical 4-star hotel here compared to one in Marmaris. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that the hotels in Icmeler are inferior. On the contrary, the price decrease is simply down to the extra distance. The hotels themselves are absolutely gorgeous and serve a wide range of budgets.
As a matter of fact, many of the hotels in our Top 10 Best Hotels in Marmaris list were located in Icmeler. Considering how much smaller Icmeler is compared to Marmaris, it can easily be compared to it, not the least in terms of hotels.
6. Icmeler Wednesday Market
An array of goods are available at the weekly Bazaar Market in Icmeler. On Wednesdays, the public market is held in the town center near the main street. Since the public market is much more popular, many retailers even choose to set up stalls in the bazaar rather than sell their products in their own shops.
Groceries can be purchased as well as a wide variety of imitation bags, wallets, and other clothing items. You can even go to the market just to experience the excitement of shopping there. As long as the quality of the imitation goods is as good as that of the real ones, so the shopping is fantastic.
But that is not the only reason Icmeler's market is worth visiting. You see, the weekly bazaar is one of the Turkish culture's most enjoyable occasions. Every week, hundreds of people from the rural parts of the region come together to socialize and sell their produce. It makes for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the authentic Anatolian culture, as well as meet some lovely locals.
7. Icmeler Goldsmiths & Custom-Made Jewelry
Getting your jewelry remade is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of holidays, but lately, it is becoming a popular activity for many couples coming to Marmaris together.
There are over ten goldsmiths in Icmeler alone, which is astonishing considering how small Icmeler is. But there is a reason why they have become so popular here. What makes the goldsmiths here special is that they are far more than just shop owners selling reasonably-priced jewelry, but they’re artists by all definitions of the word.
Most goldsmiths here have decades of experience in their art, and they are incredibly skilled at designing and forging new jewelry out of old ones.
They're always hard at work drawing up or forging their designs. It's fascinating to see how they repurpose old wedding bands into stunning new creations. And as with everything else in Icmeler, the price is a fraction of what you'd get elsewhere.
It’s a really fun and sentimental activity and a lovely addition to your holiday for families and couples.
8. Icmeler Turkish Baths
When you walk into a traditional Turkish bath, it feels like you're going back in time. These are generally very old and designed with very traditional Turkish architecture. Turkish baths are one of the oldest still-practiced cultural traditions of the East. And what's more, it is also great for your health.
Because of the heat, your blood flow will speed up, and your pores will open up. This will get your body ready for a deep cleanse and exfoliation. Heated air and water help relax your muscles, so you'll still feel great even if you don't get a massage.
During the exfoliation treatment to get rid of dead skin, your skin will become soft and more elastic. When your skin has been heated and scrubbed, it's in the best condition to soak up moisture, which gives it a noticeable shine.
And maybe the best thing about a Turkish bath is that it helps you relax both physically and mentally after a long trip. The steamy massage will relax your muscles and joints and let your body heal from jet lag, long periods of sitting, and the tension that can come from sleeping in a strange bed.
Most people wear different amounts of clothing to different baths, but it's fine to keep your bathing suit on if you don't feel comfortable wearing the thin disposable underwear they often give you. We also suggest that you bring flip-flops, which you can wear in the changing rooms and around the public pool.
9. Boat Tours
Another popular activity in Icmeler is going on boat tours. There are several excursion agencies that offer boat tours around the coast, which you can use to sign up to any of the daily or weekly tours to explore the beautiful bays and coves of the region.
You can choose from a variety of tours, ranging from half-day trips to full-day excursions. Some tours include stops at secluded beaches, snorkeling spots, and historical landmarks, while others focus on relaxation and leisure. No matter what type of tour you choose, a boat trip is a great way to see more of the region and enjoy the stunning views from the sea.
10. Visit the Waterfalls At Saklikent
Located just a short drive from Icmeler, Saklikent Gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The gorge is home to a series of stunning waterfalls, which you can explore by hiking along the trails or by rafting through the rapids. You can also take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters of the gorge or enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river.
One of the highlights of a visit to Saklikent Gorge is the chance to take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters of the river. The water in the gorge is crystal clear and extremely cold, making it the perfect place to escape the heat on a hot summer day. You can also enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river or relax in one of the many shaded areas along the trails.
In addition to the natural beauty of the gorge, there are also a number of cultural and historical sites to explore. The gorge is home to a number of ancient ruins, including the remains of a Roman aqueduct and a Byzantine chapel. You can also visit the nearby village of Yenice, which is known for its traditional Turkish houses and friendly locals.
A visit to Saklikent Gorge is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Icmeler. Whether you are looking to hike, swim, or just relax in the beauty of the canyon, Saklikent Gorge has something for everyone.
Have Fun!
Thank you for reading all of our list of some of the best things to do in Icmeler. Hopefully, with these recommendations, you should have a better idea of what to expect and what you can do in Icmeler.
Icmeler is one of the most beautiful places to go on vacation in the world. It has fully recovered from Covid-19 and is now ready to welcome visitors. Icmeler will have a big year in 2023, and we'd love to have you here.
Thank you for reading our guide to Icmeler. Head over to our Complete Marmaris Guide for more!