When people think of Marmaris, what usually comes to mind is its lively centre, long sandy beach and bustling harbour. Yet the real natural treasures of this popular resort reveal themselves as you move a little away from the centre, especially around its quieter neighbours such as Turunç. Turunç is a natural wonder in its own right, but it is also the perfect gateway to some of the most beautiful, most special and sometimes most hidden bays of the Aegean. Right next door to the glittering world of Marmaris, these bays sparkle like “neighbouring pearls”, just waiting to be discovered.
In this article, we will take you on an unforgettable journey that starts in Turunç and leads to the must-see bays around it. We will describe in detail what you can find in each of these bays, every one of which has its own character, history and natural beauty, how you can get there and why they deserve a place at the very top of your list. Come, let’s go beyond the familiar face of Marmaris and set off through Turunç’s neighbourhood to touch the purest shades of green and blue.
The Starting Point: The Unique Beauty of Turunç Bay
Before exploring the pearls around it, we must first give our starting point, Turunç Bay, its due. Embraced by lush, steep hillsides, this sheltered bay is an attraction in itself, with its sparkling Blue Flag sea, calm waters and peaceful atmosphere. While Turunç’s central beach offers relaxed seaside fun thanks to its easy access and amenities, the real adventure begins once you venture beyond the bay’s borders. Turunç is both a wonderful place to stay and an ideal base for discovering the other beauties around it.
1. Swimming on the Shores of History: Amos Bay
Set on the slope just west of Turunç and watched over by an ancient city, Amos Bay is a unique spot where history and nature intertwine.
- Features: The bay’s most striking feature is the ruins of the Hellenistic-era ancient city of Amos on the hill above it. The bay itself usually has a shore of small pebbles, and its water is exceptionally clear. This clarity makes it one of the best places in the area for snorkelling.
- Atmosphere: Swimming in Amos Bay is almost like travelling through time. The feeling of gliding through the deep blue water just below ruins thousands of years old is beyond words. And the view stretching from the ancient city on the hill over the bay and its surroundings is truly magnificent.
- Getting there: The most enjoyable and common way to reach the bay is on one of the day boat trips departing from Turunç.
2. A Stop for Flavour and Serenity: Kumlubük Bay
Turunç’s first neighbour, just to the south, Kumlubük is an elegant bay known for its calmer atmosphere and quality restaurants.
- Features: Despite its name (kum means “sand” in Turkish), its beach is usually more pebble and stone than sand. One of the things that makes Kumlubük special is the stylish, high-quality fish restaurants lined up along the shore.
- Atmosphere: Compared with central Turunç, it has a calmer, less crowded and perhaps slightly more sophisticated feel. It is a particularly popular destination for dinner.
- Getting there: You can reach Kumlubük from Turunç both by road (approx. 5–6 km) and by the water taxis that run during the summer months.
3. A Wide Embrace and a Lively Break: Çiftlik Bay
Continuing south from Turunç, you come to Çiftlik Bay, which stands out from the other bays in the area with its wider beach and existing facilities.
- Features: Its beach is longer and wider than those of the other bays, with a mix of sand and fine pebbles. The sea is clean, but because of its location it can sometimes be windy.
- Atmosphere and Amenities: Çiftlik Bay is not completely unspoilt; along the shore there are a few restaurants, cafés and small hotels or guesthouses. It is a stopping point frequently visited by boat trips.
- Getting there: The most common way to reach Çiftlik Bay is by boat trip. Although it can be reached by road, bear in mind that the last stretch of the road may be unpaved and in poor condition.
4. A Turquoise Oasis Where Time Stands Still: Gebekse (Gerbekse) Bay
If what you are looking for is absolute peace, untouched nature and the whispers of history, Gebekse Bay will enchant you. It is one of the most special and hidden pearls of the region.
- Features: Almost impossible to reach by land, this bay is tucked away between lush, steep slopes. Its water is an extraordinary turquoise, and because of its clarity it is often called an “aquarium”. What makes Gebekse truly unique, however, are the remains of a Byzantine-era church/monastery on its shore.
- Atmosphere: At Gebekse, time seems to stand still. With no facilities of any kind, all you hear in this bay are the sounds of nature. The presence of the historic ruins lends the place a special depth and serenity.
- Getting there: The only practical way to reach Gebekse is by sea. Almost all of the day boat trips departing from Turunç or Marmaris make sure to stop at this special bay.
5. The Lighthouse’s Neighbour: Kadırga Bay
Another beautiful bay that is usually on the boat-trip route is Kadırga. It takes its name from nearby Kadırga Point and the lighthouse standing on it.
It is a wide and generally sheltered bay. The sea is clean and clear, making it a real pleasure to swim in. It is a popular swimming stop for boat trips, and sometimes a lunch stop too. The rocks around it can be interesting for snorkelling. The view of the Kadırga Point Lighthouse in the distance adds a special beauty to the scenery.
6. Corners of Paradise: The Bays Around Cennet Island
Some boat trips departing from Turunç may also call at the small coves around the area near the entrance to Marmaris Bay that is popularly known as “Cennet Adası” (Paradise Island). This area is home to many coves, large and small, where lush pine trees often reach right down to the sea. The water is usually turquoise and clear, and there are plenty of lovely spots for swimming and snorkelling.
How Should You Explore These Bays?
The most practical and enjoyable way to discover most of these magnificent bays around Turunç is to join a day boat trip. Many different tour options depart from the Turunç pier. Alternatively, for a more private experience, you can also consider chartering a private boat with a small group. Kumlubük and, although the road is tough, Çiftlik Bay can also be reached by land, but for the others the sea is practically the only option.
An Invitation to Explore Beyond Turunç
While Turunç is a paradise in its own right, the bays around it, such as Amos, Kumlubük, Çiftlik, Gebekse and Kadırga, are like the hidden rooms of this paradise. Each telling a different story and offering a different kind of beauty, these “neighbouring pearls” reveal the natural and historical riches of the Marmaris region. During your holiday in Turunç, rather than staying only in the centre, setting out to discover these bays, especially on a boat trip, will show you a more unspoilt, calmer and more authentic side of the Aegean. This journey of discovery will add unforgettable memories and a deep sense of peace to your holiday. Be sure to set aside time to explore these unique bays where blue and green embrace!
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