Marmaris Village Tour with Waterfalls & Visit Jesus Beach

Explore Marmaris’s Countryside and Local Villages for Just $30

The Marmaris Village Tour with Waterfalls & Visit Jesus Beach offers an authentic glimpse into Turkey’s serene rural life just outside the bustling resort town. Priced at $30 per person and lasting approximately 6 hours, this guided trip combines scenic drives, cultural encounters, and stunning natural sights. The tour departs from Marmaris around 9:30 AM, with hotel pickup included, making it a convenient option for visitors looking to escape the tourist crowds and discover a more laid-back Turkish lifestyle.

What makes this tour stand out is its well-balanced itinerary: visits to a famous water feature, a local village renowned for pine honey, a mosque, a carpet weaving school, and Jesus Beach—known locally as Kizkumu Beach. Its moderate pace and inclusive pricing, covering entrance fees and a traditional local lunch, appeal to those seeking an enriching day trip without extra costs. However, be prepared for a fair amount of walking and some exposure to religious sites where modest dress is expected.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $30, including lunch and entrance fees
• Approximately 6 hours covering diverse attractions
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience
• Visit Jesus Beach (Kizkumu), a unique natural phenomenon
• Experience local village life and pine honey tasting in Bayir
• Tour includes stops at Turgut Waterfalls and a carpet weaving school

Starting the Day with Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour begins at around 9:30 AM with a pickup from your hotel in Marmaris, provided by the tour operator Payless. Once aboard a full air-conditioned bus, travelers can relax and enjoy the scenic journey out of the lively town towards the Turkish countryside. This initial drive provides a glimpse of the landscape and sets a relaxed tone for the day, with plenty of opportunities to admire the views en route to each stop.

Visiting Jesus Beach: The Unique Kizkumu

The first major stop is Jesus Beach, also called Kizkumu Beach, located 36 kilometers southwest of Marmaris. This natural attraction is famous for a long sand wall that divides the gulf, allowing you to walk across the shallow waters. The 45-minute visit offers a chance to experience this unusual natural phenomenon, which is a favorite photo spot and a highlight of the tour.

While at Jesus Beach, travelers can walk across the gulf and enjoy the serene setting. The calm waters and expansive sand wall make this an ideal place for relaxing or capturing memorable photos. Since admission is free, visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras and take advantage of the stunning scenery before moving on.

Bayir Village and Pine Honey Tasting

Next, the tour heads to Bayir Village, renowned for its production of pine honey. Here, the focus is on understanding Turkish rural life and enjoying a visit to a local household. Visitors are invited into a local cafeteria where they can taste this delicious honey, a specialty of the region.

Spending about an hour in Bayir offers a quiet, intimate experience with village life and local traditions. The visit to this village allows for a genuine connection to local culture, with the opportunity to see how pine honey is produced and to appreciate the slower pace outside tourist-heavy areas.

Midday: Traditional Turkish Lunch in Turgut

At midday, the tour includes a delicious open buffet lunch in Turgut, featuring starters and salad included in the price. Visitors should note that drinks are charged separately. The lunch break provides a welcome chance to rest and enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Following lunch, the group visits Turgut’s mosque, where modest dress is required for entry. The guide provides insights into Islamic culture and religion in Turkey, adding an educational element to the visit. This stop is both a cultural and spiritual experience, offering a glimpse into local religious practices.

Discovering the Art of Turkish Carpet Weaving

While in Turgut, visitors also explore a small carpet school, where locals weave carpets and teach young people the craft. Witnessing the weaving process firsthand provides insight into a traditional Turkish art form with centuries of history behind it. The 45-minute visit allows for close observation of artisans at work and offers a deeper appreciation of Turkish craftsmanship.

Relaxing at Turgut Waterfalls

En route from Bayir to Turgut, the tour makes a scenic stop at Turgut Waterfalls (Selale). Spending about half an hour here gives time to rest, capture photos, and admire the powerful waterfall amid lush vegetation. The waterfalls are a popular natural feature and a peaceful setting to unwind before the final stops of the day.

Final Stop at Turgut and Return to Marmaris

The tour concludes with a 30-minute visit back in Turgut, allowing travelers to take in the local scenery or browse at a relaxed pace. Afterward, a driver returns guests to their hotels in Marmaris, with free hotel transfer included, ensuring a comfortable finish to the day.

Practical Details and Tour Features

The Marmaris Village Tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, and a local guiding service. The bus is fully air-conditioned for comfort.

Important considerations include moderate physical activity, as some walking and modest dress for religious sites are expected. Since drinks are not included, visitors should plan to purchase beverages separately during lunch or at other stops.

Highly Rated Guides and Positive Feedback

This tour enjoys a 5.0/5 rating from 52 reviews, with 96% recommending it. Reviewers frequently praise the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized pace. The friendly and careful drivers, along with the stunning scenery and authentic experiences, contribute to its popularity.

Many reviewers highlight the value for money, with the included lunch, entrance fees, and hotel transfers. The tour’s balance of cultural, natural, and leisure stops creates a satisfying day trip for those seeking a break from typical tourist spots.

The Sum Up: A Rich, Relaxing Day Out in Rural Marmaris

The Marmaris Village Tour with Waterfalls & Visit Jesus Beach offers a budget-friendly way to explore Turkey’s countryside, local traditions, and scenic water features. The $30 price point covers a comprehensive itinerary including waterfalls, a beach walk, visits to villages, a mosque, and a carpet weaving school.

The tour’s well-paced schedule and personalized group size make it suitable for anyone wanting a deeper look into rural Turkish life. While the waterfalls and Jesus Beach are highlights, the cultural stops and local lunch enrich the overall experience. The positive reviews and high recommendation rate reflect its appeal, especially for those interested in authentic encounters and natural beauty.

Despite some minor limitations—like shorter time at the waterfall during busy periods—this tour offers great value and memorable sights. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, informative day in and around Marmaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
Approximately 6 hours and 7 minutes, including travel time and stops.

What is included in the price?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, a local lunch, a bus with full A/C, and guiding service.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are charged separately during lunch or at other stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves some walking and modest dress at the mosque, so it’s best suited for children with moderate physical fitness.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Many find Jesus Beach (Kizkumu) and the scenic waterfalls to be the most memorable stops.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is hotel transfer included?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off from your hotel are included in the tour.

How many people typically join this tour?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring camera gear for photos, modest clothing for mosque visits, and comfortable walking shoes.

Who provides this tour?
The tour is operated by Payless, with a reliable guide team and well-maintained transportation.