Low-cost things to see and do in Marmaris

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Marmaris is a popular option for Brits booking a low cost holiday in Turkey – packages here offer excellent value for money and lots of sunshine in a scenic setting. You can save more cash by choosing free or cheap activities to do upon arrival – read our guide to get some ideas.

Beach relaxation

Of course, the most obvious way to enjoy your holiday in Marmaris without breaking the bank is by spending the bulk of your time on the beach. You’re unlikely to go broke by sunbathing and swimming to your heart’s content, although you will need to stock up on cheap sun cream beforehand thanks to the high summer temperatures the resort experiences.

Uzunyali Beach – or Long Beach, as it is also known – is probably the most popular stretch of sand here. It does tend to get very busy, so arrive early to claim your sunbathing spot. Bring a picnic to cut costs further; this can be much cheaper than eating at one of the local cafes or restaurants. If you do fancy going out in the evenings, the bars along the promenade here range from budget-friendly to pricey, so do your research beforehand.

Active fun

There are plenty of ways to get active in Marmaris without spending a fortune. Walking is one obvious option – go for a short walk along the beach you’re staying near, or head off on a longer trek if you like. One potential route to take goes along the coast from Marmaris to nearby Icmeler. This will take up to two hours depending on your speed, but you needn’t rush; go slowly to fully soak up the amazing coastal scenery.

If you don’t mind paying to indulge in other pursuits, consider going on a jeep safari tour, heading out to sea on a yacht or hiring some diving equipment to explore the underwater world. This type of activity can be well worth the money, as it gives you a completely different perspective on the area.

Local sightseeing

There are lots of free or cheap sights to take in during your stay in Marmaris. One of the biggest attractions is Marmaris Castle, which is believed to have been constructed by the Ionians before being attacked and repaired multiple times. You can still view some of the original fortifications and learn all about the castle’s history in the museum and galleries.

Other impressive structures you can see include the 18th century Ibrahim Aga Mosque – recognisable by its spectacular dome – and the Sariana Mausoleum. You can also head further afield to check out ruins at various sites, including the ancient city of Amos near Kumlubuk Bay and the famous Loryma ruins, which once formed part of the nearby island of Rhodes.

Bargain hunting

Even holidaymakers on the strictest of budgets won’t want to leave Marmaris without taking a souvenir or two home with them. Luckily, there are several markets where you can pick up a memento at a bargain price. Individual stalls line many of the streets in the historic quarter, while more organised markets open every Friday at a former bus terminal in town.

If you don’t mind doing a bit of travelling, you can also peruse a variety of goods at Icmeler’s street markets, which are open every day, and a larger one in the same area each Wednesday. You can expect to browse spices, clothing, rugs, carpets and much more at these stalls, so take the time to find the perfect souvenir and haggle for a better price if needed.

Greece most affordable holiday for October half term

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Tuesday, 16 October 2012 02:14

Greece is the most affordable destination for a half term holiday this October, according to the latest research released today.

M&S Bank studied the price of holidays in ten of the top family trip destinations and found that Corfu was the least costly choice at £662 per adult.

Alicante in Spain came a close second at £687 per adult, but third placed Turkey was a long way behind at a staggering £870 each.

The M&S figures placed Tenerife third in the table, costing £1,005 per adult, while Faro in Portugal stands to set holidaymakers back by £1,035 a person.

However, the survey also revealed that seven in ten of these holidays are less expensive this October half-term than they were a year ago, costing an average of £30 less per adult.

Researchers suggest this is largely due to favourable exchange rates as relatively low inflation (1.7%) and the increased strength of the pound against the euro (up 7.6 %) means the five most affordable holiday destinations are all in Europe.

With some of the shortest travel times, European breaks also mean families have more time to enjoy their holiday.

Those with young families will be pleased to hear that a holiday to France, including a day pass to Disneyland Paris, has seen the second largest price decrease this half-term with costs down by £49 per adult  However, it is still only the sixth cheapest location overall.

Despite being 6.7% more expensive this year and a decreasing exchange rate (down 1.2%), Turkey’s low local costs and flight prices mean it is still the third cheapest holiday destination overall.

Gill Roberts, head of travel money at M&S Bank, said the finding that 7 out of 10 foreign holiday destinations are cheaper this half-term compared to last would be welcome news for families.

She added: “With value for money increasingly important, the strength of the pound against other currencies and relatively low inflation rates may well enable more families to book a getaway in the sun this October.

“To maximise your holiday budget, be sure to take into consideration factors such as local costs and exchange rates as well as getting the best deals on flights and accommodation. A favourable exchange rate can make many destinations more affordable and could have a significant impact on how much money you can spend while you’re away.”

While Florida has low accommodation costs, flight prices make it one of the most expensive holidays you can take this half term (£1,734.61 per adult).

Florida is beaten only by Mauritius (£2,204.45 per adult), where both local costs and flight prices are high, despite the favourable exchange rate (up 7.4 %).

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