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Marmaris: a piece of Europe on the Turkish Riviera

20.05.2016
Homesoverseas.ru editorial office
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Marmaris is located in the southwest of Turkey, at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, is a chain of resorts so-called Turkish Riviera; the lack of new buildings in the city, and tougher sanctions for felling of green space in the construction led to an increase in the cost of the secondary housing, making property in Marmaris, one of the most expensive on the Turkish Riviera.

Geography and more

Marmaris is a port city and resort on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. A picturesque bay surrounded by mountains, paradisiacal landscapes, always calm waters, an abundance of forests distinguish Marmaris from other parts of Turkey. No wonder this city is compared to the Cote d'Azur of France and is even informally called "Turkish Nice", and for the abundance of nightclubs Marmaris was named "Turkish Ibiza".

The area is located on a peninsula separating the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, while Marmaris is framed by a mountain range from the mainland. Such a successful geography has determined the popularity of Marmaris as one of the main tourist destinations in modern Turkey. At the same time, the resort itself is located on the shore of a cozy bay sheltered from all winds. The mountains and surrounding islands protect it from strong winds, storms and bad weather.  

The construction boom came to the small fishing village that was once Marmaris in the 1980s, and by the end of the 20th century, the resort with a population of 30,000 people was able to accommodate more than half a million travelers in one tourist season. However, you should not associate Marmaris exclusively with beaches, bars and superficial tourist attractions. There is a place for historical fortresses and modern infrastructure, as well as clean nature with lush vegetation and many opportunities for outdoor activities. So, it is here that the richest National Park with an area of almost 30 hectares is located. This is a unique piece of land filled with a variety of flora and fauna, and the paved trails for traveling by jeep and horse are an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with all the splendor of this area. In addition, all lovers of Turkish culture know what a hammam is. And it is in Marmaris that you can enjoy a traditional procedure in a 16th-century Turkish bath, which was built during the time of Suleiman the Magnificent. Spa treatments in the historic 450-year-old building are an experience that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

How to get there

The nearest airport to Marmaris is located in the city of Dalaman (about 90 km). You can fly from Moscow to Dalaman with at least one transfer, most often in Istanbul. The cost of round-trip tickets on the Moscow-Dalaman route (by Pegasus Airlines, Aeroflot or Turkish Airlines) starts from 16,000 rubles.

You can get from Dalaman to Marmaris by regular bus company Havaş. The travel time will be about an hour and a half (depending on the intensity of traffic), with a ticket price of 15 liras.The cost of a comfortable taxi ride from the airport to the resort will exceed 160 Turkish lira (50 euros).

Why Marmaris

Marmaris, one of the pearls of the Cote d'Azur of Turkey, offers an endless variety of opportunities and entertainment for vacationers: here natural beauty goes side by side with a rich history and developed infrastructure. A modern marina, an impressive castle, vibrant nightlife, dancing fountains and endless sands of local beaches create a special charm, but Marmaris also hides such precious stones that not even all locals know about.

  • Marmaris is a diver's paradise, with 52 dive spots scattered along the bay. One of the most popular places is considered to be the Baka Cave, which has the shape of a pipe and a depth of 5 to 50 meters. This is a great place for both beginners and experienced divers, and the riot of colors of the underwater world attracts many photographers here.
  • The Marmaris promenade extends all the way to the neighboring Icmeler district, a quiet, compact and environmentally friendly resort. This means that travelers can get two vacations for the price of one, regardless of whether they live in Marmaris with its modern amenities and marina, or in Icmeler with its charming old village and a bay framed by mountain ranges.
  • Arriving in Marmaris, you can visit not only two resorts, but also two countries: the Greek island of Rhodes is less than an hour away by ferry. Here you can wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town or through the ancient ruins, or just enjoy a delicious Greek meze in an authentic tavern.
  • Marmaris is a great place for shopping. For a resort town, there is everything here to make a true shopaholic happy. At the Grand Bazaar, you can bargain for jewelry, leather goods or clothing, and the Mallmarine shopping center is described as a place with excellent service and high quality goods.
  • Despite the worldwide fame of Marmaris as a seaside resort, there is plenty to do on the mainland. For example, you can climb mountains, go fishing or kayak on the Dalyan River.
  • Despite the developed nightlife in Marmaris itself, the green, clean, environmentally friendly suburbs of the resort are great for family holidays and accommodation.
  • The gastronomic delights of Marmaris are represented by both traditional Turkish and Greek dishes. The local cuisine is an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood, bright spices and unforgettable flavors.
  • Due to low construction activity, prices for secondary housing are rising in Marmaris from year to year, which guarantees the resort facilities a good investment potential.

The situation in the real estate market

The cost of real estate in Marmaris may seem high compared to other resorts in Turkey, and with good reason. The primary factor in the high cost of local real estate is the lack of places for new development, so the bulk of the housing offered for sale are secondary market facilities. In addition, Marmaris is a very busy resort, and therefore local real estate can become a source of stable rental income. High demand and limited supply sometimes provoke unreasonable prices.

The average cost per square meter varies from €850 to €3000. The cost of apartments on the secondary market starts from 50 000, and high-quality two-bedroom apartments will cost an average of 120 000.Prices for luxury properties start from 200 000.

Areas attractive for investment

From an architectural point of view, residential buildings in Marmaris are a resort where the cost of an object is primarily determined by the proximity of the sea. As for the architectural value of the objects, experts note that it is not very high.

Marmaris itself is popular among Russians (the neighborhoods of Siteler, Hatipirimi, Tepe, Merkez), as well as its surroundings, such as Ichmeler, Turunch and Armutalan. The most expensive properties are concentrated in the city center, around the historical landmark of Marmaris Fortress.

District Siteler is located in the central part of Marmaris and is almost completely built up with hotels. One of the Atlantis resort water parks is located next to Siteler, which will undoubtedly appeal to those who are vacationing in Marmaris with their family.

Merkez – the central area of the city, in which buildings are dominated by four- and five-star hotels. By the way, this is how Merkez is translated from Turkish. Almost all the facilities in the area are within walking distance of the beach and are ideal for living. However, this is one of the busiest areas of the city, where life does not just die down at night, but rather flares up with renewed vigor.

Perhaps one of the main values of the Hatipirimi district, in addition to its central location, is the proximity of the amphitheater located here, which was built back in the V century BC. The ancient building continues to fulfill its main role today as a stage for theatrical and musical actions.

Icmeler today is considered a separate resort, the popularity of which is only gaining momentum, while those who like to relax near a noisy resort, and at the same time enjoy the silence, have long discovered Icmeler and regularly come here on vacation. The area was quickly built up with new hotels, however, competent point-by-point development made it possible to preserve the green spaces almost in their original form, so Ichmeler truly looks like a blooming botanical garden.

Armutalan is a residential area on the outskirts of the city. Its buildings are mainly represented by individual low-rise buildings with small plots of land. Perhaps one of the main advantages of this area isIt is considered to be the purest sea with a gentle entrance to the water and lush vegetation framing the beach strip. Nevertheless, the area is located a short distance from the sea, the path to which runs through a fragrant coniferous forest, so a walk to the beach, even in hot weather, will not be tedious.

Turunchus is about 20 km away from Marmaris. This town is comfortably located on the shore of a picturesque natural lagoon. On the one hand, it is washed by the purest sea waters, on the other, it is framed by rocks overgrown with dense coniferous forests. It is not surprising that some of the most luxurious villas are concentrated here. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the property is located further away than on the second line on a hill. This opens up panoramic views of the sea, but it can make life difficult for those who do not like to walk on devious trails.

Prices

In the Siteler district, located between the city center and the suburb of Icmeler, a one-bedroom apartment in a relatively new house (about 10 years old) The secondary market can be bought at a price starting from 50 000.

In the central areas of Hatipirimi and Tepe, an apartment located near the sea will cost from 60,000 euros.

In Armutalan, a suburban area of the city, a two-bedroom apartment 500 m from the sea can be purchased at a price starting from 50 000. Here, the cost of houses in a 10-minute walk to the sea starts from €100 000.

In the residential and industrial area of Beldibi, you can become the owner of a separate house for €80 000.

In Icmeler, a quiet, green suburb of Marmaris, spacious three-bedroom apartments and a five-minute walk from the sea will cost about ˆ100,000. The cost of luxury apartments starts from €200 000.

With all the limited properties, you can also find such unique offers as the sale of entire islands. And you can become the owner of one of them, with an area of 380,000 sq. m., for €35 million.

Rent

Of course, most of the guests of Marmaris prefer package tours, in which they do not have to solve a lot of everyday issues, and stay in numerous resort hotels. But there are also those who do not want to spend their holidays in a faceless hotel room and limit their vacation to the validity period of the voucher. Such travelers prefer to rent real estate here.

Renting one-bedroom apartments for a long time in the off-season costs about 400 euros per month. Seasonal rental rates for apartments start from 130 Turkish lira (about 40 euros) per day. Renting a three-room apartment for six guests in the city center, in a complex with a swimming pool and within walking distance from the sea costs about 80 /day in the season.

Long-term rental of a house in Icmeler, in a cottage village with a swimming pool, will cost from ˆ625 per month. Daily rent of a villa overlooking the marina of Marmaris can cost about 170 euros per day.

Purchase recommendations

Many travelers love Turkey for an inexpensive vacation, guaranteed sun and fantastic beaches, but Marmaris is more than just the sea, sun and sand. Marmaris itself is a very lively resort with a vibrant nightlife and crowded beaches. In addition, the city is the center of sailing: the largest marina for yachts is located here, so the resort is attractive for active tourists.

Buying local real estate can be recommended to those who love noisy resorts and want to feel at the epicenter of life's passions. For a relaxing family holiday, walks in nature and clean air, the surroundings of Marmaris, such as Icmeler or Turunch, are suitable.

When buying real estate in Marmaris for the purpose of subsequent rental, the yield can reach 8% per annum, however, it is worth remembering that the rental income of resort facilities has a pronounced seasonal character.

Portal HomesOverseas.ru thanks Marina Vasilyeva and Lidia Ivanov for their participation in the preparation of the article (Advex Corporation.Real estate"), as well as Irina Chashchina (ttEstate).

photocredits: flickr / skylife magazine / go2festival.com

Olga Shoshina

HomesOverseas.ru

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