If you’re spending a few sun-soaked days on the beautiful island of Rhodes and looking for a fun little international adventure, let me introduce you to the ultimate mini escape: a day trip to Marmaris, Turkey. Yup, one day, two countries, and a whole lot of Mediterranean vibes! We did it last week, and honestly, it felt like squeezing a mini vacation into an already amazing holiday. This was definitely one of the most spontaneous and exciting parts of our days here. Imagine waking up in Greece and having lunch in Turkey—how cool is that?
The day started bright and early at the Tourist Port of Rhodes. We didn’t have time to grab a coffee, but no worries! We would have time to get and enjoy a cold coffee on board. So, we headed for KING OF RHODES of Sea Dreams. We had bought our tickets the day before, so the staff had already informed us that we had to be here really early because of the customs and passport control. At least an hour before departure time! Even though it’s just a short hop (about an hour by ferry), we were crossing an international border. The border between Europe and Asia!
Book Now Your Trip to Marmaris
Fortunately, customs were pretty quick as we are EU citizens (check ahead if you need a visa!) and in about an hour, we arrived in a whole different world. First impressions? The second we stepped off the ferry in Marmaris, we felt the shift from Europe to the East. The architecture, the language, the scents, and even the buzz in the air—totally different from Rhodes, from Greece, and from the whole of Europe!
Marmaris is the perfect mix of beach chill and bustling bazaar energy. Right near the harbor there is the old town, the beach promenade, and the famous Grand Bazaar. Everything is in walking distance, so no need to stress about transport.
We started the day with the optional free guided tour offered by Sea Dreams. We were driven around Marmaris by coach and had a few minutes’ stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the town. Instagram photos! We also visited the top jewelry emporium and admired the local jewelers transforming gold into marvelous earrings, bracelets, and rings. Interesting and unique experience! At around noon, the coach dropped us in the heart of Marmaris for a four-hour personal exploration.
Next stop: the Grand Bazaar Marmaris. I adore shopping, so this was my place to be! I spent way too long (and maybe too much money) wandering through the maze of stalls filled with spices, lamps, leather goods, Turkish delight, fake designer bags, and the softest scarves I’ve ever touched. The shopkeepers love to chat and offered us apple tea and water. I have to admit that some of them were more persistent than I would like, and they were trying too hard to persuade us to shop (hopefully we were informed about that when we purchased our tickets). I can say that bargaining is more than expected here, so I wore my best smile, I unfolded my negotiation skills and started asking for much lower prices. It worked out, to be honest!
Around midday, we walked along the beach promenade—gorgeous views, beach bars, and that salty breeze. The sea is on the one side and palm-lined cafes on the other. Super relaxing!
Time for lunch! I couldn’t leave Turkey without trying a doner kebab. I went for the wrap version with garlic sauce, fresh veggies, and a side of fries. My friend preferred kokorec (a dish made of lamb intestines) and gozleme (Turkish flatbread stuffed with a variety of toppings). And of course, we didn’t forget dessert: baklava really hit the spot. Prices were generally cheap, so we treated ourselves to a second coffee while tasting the best Turkish Delight (lokum). Then it was time for a final stroll through the old town, where narrow alleys and stone houses give you a peek at Marmaris’ quieter side. Naturally, we didn’t miss the chance to visit Marmaris Castle, a five-minute uphill walk, and the stunning marina, filled with private yachts and gulets (sailing boats).
By late afternoon, it was time to board the coach and head back to the ferry. As we were advised by Sea Dreams, we returned early enough so as to have plenty of time to get through customs, especially since we did some shopping—our bags might be checked. We had also kept all receipts and documents and were ready to show our passports again. Re-entry into Greece wasn’t particularly quick, as lines get long during peak season. Any delay is normal, but we didn’t care! Besides, we were on holiday; we had time to spare!
Tip! In both ports there is a duty-free shop. There is always something there for a last purchase!
This day trip from Rhodes to Marmaris felt like pressing the “bonus round” button on our holiday. One minute we were sipping ouzo by the sea in Greece, and the next we were bargaining for spices in a Turkish market! And the best part? We were back in Greece in time for a sunset dinner!
So if you’re in Rhodes and craving something a bit different, hop over to Marmaris. It’s like a sampler platter of Turkey: flavorful, vibrant, and just exotic enough to make you feel like you’ve gone far—even if it’s only for a day!
