That was an interesting link - thanks. I know how easy it is to hop on an organised trip but sometimes it's nice to go it alone and be a bit adventurous. One really nice and very cheap excursion from Marmaris would be to take the bus from the bus station to Datca and back. You travel on a comfortable coach through the most amazing mountain scenery. Cost is about 7 lira each way and journey time around 1hour 20 mins. They depart from both ends every hour or two starting very early and last one back 19.00. Datca is totally different to Marmaris and makes a refreshing change. You can shop, walk, laze around and swim without any hassle. If you get there before about 9.30 you can take a boat trip to the ancient city of Knidos. Should you feel you wanted to spend the night there it is easy to find accommodation any time of the year and restaurants are very good.

I agree JMK the trip to Datca is stunning, Best bit for me was when the tar roads then become dirt track roads I couldnt believe it.

Oh that's all in the past now. The road is now complete and the journey very comfortable. You should have tried that road 15 years ago though. OMG I was terrrified and vowed never to return - but I did, many times!
Seriously though all you Marmaris bound folk do try it it's a great day out and shows you another, gentler side of Turkey.

Last time I drove was in October 2006 and I really thought I was seeing things with this road, It was amazing scenery which I still have stunning pictures still on my computer.

Yeah it was awful then and it did take a long time to complete. They were trying to get the travelling time down from the airport to attract more tourists. I suppose it's been OK since last year and has cut the time down a bit. The problems come though after heavy rains and then sometimes parts are washed away. At the moment though the big travel companies have not been enticed in, something I'm pleased about but something I think the businesses there want.

Having been to Datca in 2006 I personally think they wouldnt want to operate to Datca as it is rather small and detached from everywhere really and as you said the transporting of the Tourists would be a big issue.

Sadly I think it's on the cards. There are one or two small operators that do go now along with First Choice who operate the Sunsail club there. The transportation is no longer an issue as the new road has brought the trip down to only just over 2 hours from Dalaman. Recently there has been a lot of new building to include smart new shops and hotels, a water park and also a new sewage system. Around 20 years ago several of the big operators did go there despite the roads. I've heard several reasons why they all pulled out. The beauty of Datca is it's remoteness and the best beaches for miles, not everyone wants a built up town like Marmaris. It also retains that Turkish feel. A hotelier I know is negotiating with some of the German and UK operators but I don't know if he has succeeded and in a selfish way I hope not. Any way if anyone wants to visit a typical resort used mostly by Turks in an area of outstanding natural beauty - go for that day trip.