2 Best Sights in Marmaris, The Turquoise Coast

Sedir (Cedar) Island, also known as Cleopatra Island, is about a 30-minute drive north of Marmaris, and then a boat ride into the Gulf of Gökova. Here you can explore the ruins of ancient walls and a Roman theater, but you can't walk or lounge on the island's beach, which is now fully protected. Local tour guides will tell you that its rare sand–made from tiny egg-shaped, luminously white pearls–was brought here by Marc Antony for Cleopatra. Enjoy views of it while swimming before the impressive escarpments of Mt. Kavak. Various Marmaris-based tour operators run day trips here; prices run around 140 TL a head. Alternatively, drive to Çamlı village and catch one of the "dolmuş boats" (80 TL return) that shuttle back and forth to the island.

Marmaris has its own crowded beach, but many prefer to take a water taxi or minibus to this cleaner, somewhat quieter stretch in the nearby resort town of İçmeler, 8 km (5 miles) down the coast and backed by high, tree-covered mountains. Rent a beach chair and sit amid the palm trees for only 15 TL on the public beach, or nab a spot at one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.