The Marmara region of Turkey is located in the north of the country and is named after the Marmara Sea, the body of water that is almost entirely surrounded by the province, aside from the entrance into the Mediterranean and the narrow Bosphorus Straits into the Black Sea.
The most visited part of Marmara is undoubtedly the capital city of Istanbul, a vibrant and lively city with a rich culture and history and plenty of excellent restaurants where you can sample the best of Turkish cuisine. Elsewhere, you can visit ancient ruins, World War I battlefields or take a boat out to one of the many islands in the Marmara Sea, which are popular with locals as summer destinations.
Often described as the gateway between Europe and Asia, the ancient city of Istanbul offers visitors the best of both worlds. Not only can you see fine examples of ancient Ottoman architecture and beautiful works of art in the city's museums, but you can also enjoy Istanbul's very lively and very European nightlife. City highlights include the majestic Hagia Sophia Orthodox Church famous for its large dome, and the whirling dervishes, which practice their art in the Galata region of the city.
Another must-see id the Grand Bazaar, a confusing network of streets and market stalls selling anything locals or tourists could ever want to buy, from daily items to souvenirs like Turkish carpets. Haggling is essential and if you get tired of window-shopping, you can always take a break at one of the Bazaar's many restaurants.
If the bustle and noise of Istanbul gets too much, take a pleasure boat from the port out into the peace of the Sea of Marmara. Here you can make a stop on one of the Princes Islands, many of which have seaside resorts and pleasant beaches, though they do get busy in the weekend when locals from Istanbul head out to escape the heat of the city.
Back on the mainland, history lovers are spoiled for choice with a huge selection of ancient ruins and remains to choose from, including what is left of the fortifications that surrounded the legendary city of Troy.
Visitors can also take a day trip to the World War I battlefield of Gallipoli, an emotional experience, and one, which is easier to enjoy with a guided tour. Winter sports enthusiasts may not immediately think of Turkey as the ideal destination, but Mount Uludag, outside the town of Bursa, is a popular skiing resort in winter and an excellent venue for hiking and cycling in the summer.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in the Marmara region? Then below is a selection of apartments in the Marmara region and villas in the Marmara region that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
