Icmeler Travel Guide

Set on the southeast coast of Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the purpose-built beach resort of Icmeler has a distinctly European flavour. Luxury yachts bob in the bay, and a cosmopolitan crowd of holidaymakers enjoy cocktails at the seafront bars. While Icmeler exudes a relaxed atmosphere, its scenic setting, with steep hills draped in pine forests that plunge into the turquoise waters, adds a natural charm that's hard to beat.

Unlike its nearby neighbour Marmaris, just a few miles south, Icmeler offers a quieter, village-like ambiance, while still providing all the modern amenities visitors need. Its cleanliness and maintenance are a standout feature, from the regularly raked, shingly sand beaches to the litter-free promenade. The town is also graced with well-kept gardens that soften the lines of the numerous hotel and apartment blocks.

Shopping

Icmeler has a central shopping mall, which is perfect for acquiring essentials, and visitors can enjoy browsing for souvenirs in the area. For a more local shopping experience, there's a lively market every Wednesday, where bargain hunters and skilled haggling enthusiasts can try their hand at scoring great deals. However, serious shoppers looking for a more expansive experience should consider taking a short dolmus ride to nearby Marmaris, where they can spend hours exploring, especially in the fascinating covered bazaar of the old town.

Restaurants

Icmeler offers a wide variety of dining options, with a strong focus on local Turkish cuisine. Popular dishes include guvec, a clay-pot casserole, and flavourful kebabs, often accompanied by Turkish wine or raki, the traditional aniseed spirit.

Nightlife

While Icmeler isn't known for a vibrant clubbing scene, it offers plenty of lively pubs where visitors can enjoy drinks and entertainment until the early hours. The nightlife may be more low-key, but if travellers are looking for a bit more excitement, it's only a short dolmus ride to Marmaris, where the nightlife picks up. Bars in Marmaris feature discos, karaoke, and live shows. As in many resorts, the more popular bars in Icmeler are located along the beachfront.

Holiday activities

With its stunning beach, Icmeler is primarily a sun, sea and sand destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of watersports offered at the resort's hotels and along the beachfront, including sailing, scuba diving and waterskiing.

For those interested in excursions, there are plenty of fascinating destinations nearby. Popular trips include boat rides to Cleopatra Island, where ancient ruins and beautiful beaches await, as well as visits to the therapeutic spring waters of Pamukkale and the remarkable archaeological site of Ephesus.

Any negatives?

While the beach in Icmeler is clean and picturesque, it's made up of pebbles and small stones rather than soft sand. Visitors should be aware of this before booking, especially if they prefer sandy beaches for lounging.