Marmaris has had no shortage of trouble lately, and with the holiday season coming up, can we be certain that we can holiday without worrying about crime, covid, or the risk of fires?
To answer this question, we reached out to the mayor of Marmaris town council, Ufuk Beytekin. Mr. Beytekin was kind enough to inform us as to the current state of affairs in Marmaris regarding safety.
Content Guide:
Is Marmaris Safe for Holidayers?
Is Marmaris safe for holidayers? In a word, yes. The crime rates in Marmaris are meager compared to most other popular tourist destinations. In addition, the municipality has taken extensive measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and the nearby forest areas now have significantly improved monitoring systems and equipment on standby to put out fires before they become a problem.
Is Crime High In Marmaris?
Crime can be a big problem in popular holiday destinations. There is nothing worse than going on holiday and having a negative experience befall upon you, the worst of these being crimes.
Luckily, Marmaris has been relatively crime-free for the last ten years. It is very strictly monitored, and the municipality has taken many extra precautions since the terrible events that occurred in 2016 when an attempted coup d'état saw military personnel enter the city center.
"Since then," Mr. Beytekin explains; "We have led an extensive effort as the town council to increase preventative measures against crime, such as the placement of new cameras, increased the number of reserve policemen, and built awareness among the local populace on how to prevent crime. I can earnestly say that right now, crime is at an all-time low."
All visitors coming to Marmaris should be aware of one thing, though, and that is the traffic. The amount of traffic is relatively light, but some drivers may disregard the rules and endanger the people out on the street. "It is very important that everyone should be careful when going into town, especially during the nighttime".
What Measures Has The Government Taken To Reduce The Risk Of Covid-19?
Covid-19 has taken its toll on holiday resorts and Marmaris has also felt the sting of this since the breakout of the pandemic. As with all other towns, the locals of Marmaris have lost many loved ones in the last two years and are very particular about taking precautions against it to eliminate the threat of illness from Marmaris.
The municipality and town council have also led very extensive efforts to ensure that all visitors will be safe to spend their holiday in Marmaris in 2023.
"This year, we dedicated a great number of resources to reduce the rate of Covid-19 in Marmaris. Establishments are being regulated and restaurants have redesigned their dining areas to leave more room between tables. Complementary disinfectant is being supplied at regular intervals, and as with the rest of Turkey, regular vaccination is encouraged and I am happy to say that 92% of the local population have had their two doses of covid vaccine as of now."
Is There A Chance Of Forest Fires This Season?
A succession of forest fires ravaged Marmaris this previous summer. Many of the forested areas around the holiday town were burned down, and the rest were saved with the aid of outside help from Greece and other EU countries. The whole town was incredibly distressed due to rapidly spreading fires, but luckily they were put out before any damage to property was done.
"The fires were overwhelmingly a result of poor management of the forested areas around Marmaris. Precautionary measures to stop forest fires were also lacking, and the number of fire helicopters was not enough, which meant that a larger portion of these forested areas was destroyed, which could have otherwise been saved."
As of now, though, the chances of another series of forest fires are close to zero. In addition, both the federal and municipal governments have taken vast precautionary measures to reduce the risk of more fires.
Health and Safety in Marmaris
Marmaris has a modern healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics that can handle most medical emergencies. However, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance and to carry a basic first aid kit with you in case of minor injuries or illnesses.
The beaches in Marmaris are very safe, and manned by experienced teams of lifeguards/hotel employees. Nevertheless, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with swimming in the sea.
Strong currents and undercurrents can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Always swim at a beach with a lifeguard on duty and heed any warning flags or signs that may be posted.
Thank you for reading our Is Marmaris Safe? guide. If you enjoyed this article you might also be interested in our incredibly helpful insider booklet containing all the inside knowledge you need to save tons of money when travelling in Marmaris. From hotel discounts to where to shop for best prices, and even free tours, check out our full offer here!