Marmaris

Cruise ships berth at Marmaris's ferry and cruise terminal, beside a small square and terminal building.

From the terminal, walk around the yacht harbour and its smart shops, passing a small citadel with outdoor cafes, to the old-town bazaar and centre. It takes about 15 minutes.

Cruise lines often provide town shuttles, also taking about 15 minutes because they must drive around the town.

Marmaris Bay is a highly sheltered natural harbour, with deep-draft ship piers and marinas for hundreds of yachts from around the world. Be on deck as you enter or leave: the scenery is spectacular.

At the end of the ferry pier, the Passenger Terminal provides WC, public phones, a tourism desk, immigration, health, security and customs offices, plus well-priced tax-free shops. Passengers are x-rayed on entry, making this the time to buy alcohol, as there is no further check when boarding the ship.

A taxi rank stands directly outside the Passenger Terminal Building.

Take a printable map along.

Marmaris is an attractive natural harbour beneath rugged pine-covered mountains. A palm-lined promenade leads to a busy marina, fine beaches and a clear, calm sea ideal for sailing and water sports.

Summer population rises to around 200, 000, mainly package holidaymakers; winter is far more relaxed.

Catamarans for Rhodes do not run from November until mid-April, and Greek cargo boats are unavailable.

With a full day, take a boat trip to pretty fishing village Turunc or Paradise Island and its Blue Cave.

Cleopatra's Island is 12 km away by minibus or a short boat journey. It is known for clear water and powdery sand, and can be booked with a local port operator.

Families have plenty to do in Marmaris. Low-cost boat excursions visit the bay, Icmeler and Turunc with all-inclusive food and drinks for as little as 25 TL, and there are two water parks.

Cruise lines and local operators run trips to Knidos and Aphrodite's ruins.

The Dalyan river delta has lovely beaches where turtles can be spotted.

Kaunos, with ancient Lycian tombs cut into its cliff, is best seen from a boat.

The large bazaar mainly sells fake designer items, though their quality is generally good to excellent.

The shopping centre closest to the cruise terminal is very upmarket and expensive.

Popular purchases include carpets, copperware, painted ceramics and jewellery, alongside abundant leather goods, sandals and beachwear for visitors to choose from.

Serious haggling is worthwhile in souvenir stalls and shops. Local mini-markets cover food essentials, while supermarkets are much like those at home for everyday shopping.

Turkish food is regarded among the world's best, with a broad range of locally grown ingredients from many climate zones. Beyond kebabs, choose from numerous traditional dishes. Turkey's celebrated meze are hundreds of small dishes, from cheese with melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables, usually served in restaurants with Raki, a clear anise-flavoured spirit claimed as the national alcoholic drink and enjoyed with meals throughout the country.

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. Coastal-resort and big-city shops and restaurants often take foreign currency, but carry Lira when travelling elsewhere in the country. Credit or debit cards can withdraw local cash from the many machines found everywhere throughout Turkey for visitors and residents.

Free WiFi is available in the cruise/ferry terminal.

Restaurants and cafés have free wireless connections.

Emergency ambulance: 112 throughout Turkey. Police: 155 throughout Turkey.

In summer, tourist and coastal areas have flexible hours, with many shops open late seven days each week so visitors can browse in the cooler parts of the day.