This City In Turkey Is The Budget-Friendly Destination For A Unique Vacation

You don't have to break the bank on a trip to the Mediterranean. You can lounge on beaches and cruises, tour historic landmarks, participate in water sports, dine on delicious, traditional food, and experience the rich cultures of the Mediterranean for an affordable price — depending on where you visit. If this sounds like something you're interested in, check out the bustling city of Marmaris, located along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It's the perfect getaway for any group or solo traveler, so if you're looking for a romantic weekend or a family vacation, you can tailor your Marmaris experience to fit your needs.

Marmaris is home to a population of just under 100,000 and has been around since before the sixth century. Nowadays, it has a big tourist industry and is nicknamed "the Monaco of Turkey," according to Marmaris Info. It offers a large variety of splendid and adventurous things to do for its visitors, so no matter your interest, you're more than likely to find something that suits you.

Marmaris is considered one of the cheapest European vacations. The average hotel cost is $50 per night in a no-frills location. You can find boat and full-day tours for about $20 and $50, such as the Marmaris Ephesus Tour through Excursion Go, which starts at €34 (about $37 USD). It lasts approximately 13 hours and takes you to various historic sites with a tour guide. The Marmaris Jeep Safari with Lunch Tour through Tourmania takes you on an adventure through Turkish villages to beautiful summits. It lasts around seven hours and starts at €29 (about $32 USD). If you want to spend your day at sea, look into the Marmaris All-Inclusive Boat Trip With Lunch & Drinks by Excursion Mania. Feast while taking in the natural beauty of the coastline and shimmering water, all for the low cost of €15 (about $16 USD).

If you prefer to do things on your own rather than go with a tour agency, there's still plenty for you to choose from. As a history buff, for example, you'll want to stop by the Marmaris Castle and Museum, which was originally built around 3000 B.C.E. and then rebuilt in 1522 C.E. There's also the amphitheater, located in the center of town, which has been around since ancient Roman times. For those into ancient history, Ephesus is a must. It's about a three-hour drive, but it's more than worth it. In fact, you'll probably want to spend an entire day there.

We'd be remiss not to mention Marmaris' gorgeous beaches. Its location between the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas means you have multiple beautiful beaches to choose from. For example, there's the conveniently located Marmaris Downtown Beach, where you'll find warm water and sun beds. There are also plenty of other beaches in the surrounding area, including Çiftlik Beach, which is surrounded by gorgeous mountains.

In addition to beaches, food is another highlight in Marmaris. You can dine on spectacular traditional foods with sweeping views of the coast at restaurants like Güneş, which serves Mediterranean food and seafood and has stunning views of the ocean from its grounds, and O'yes, which also has beautiful views and international cuisine.

Other fun options in Marmaris include indulging in relaxation via mud baths and hammams. The Dalyan Mud Baths are the perfect way to care for and rejuvenate your skin. A variety of spas offer hammams, which are Turkish baths that heavily rely on steam in their cleansing tactics. One such spa is the Kirke Spa and Wellness, which has five stars on Google. Whatever you decide to do, the budget-friendly tourist destination for Marmaris is a beautiful location with options that are sure to leave you delighted.