Selimiye is the bay that locals keep to themselves. A tiny village of fewer than 800 people tucked into a perfect horseshoe bay 35km south-west of Marmaris, accessible only by a single winding mountain road or by sea. No hotels larger than 15 rooms, no nightlife, and some of the most extraordinary water clarity you'll find anywhere in Turkey. If you've ever wanted to feel like you've genuinely discovered somewhere, Selimiye is your answer.
What is Selimiye?
Selimiye sits on a naturally sheltered bay on the north side of the Bozburun Peninsula. The village has one main street, a small stone harbour, three fish restaurants, two pensions, and almost nothing else — which is precisely the point.
The bay is one of the most sought-after anchorages on the Marmaris–Fethiye Blue Cruise route. In July and August, 20–30 gulets and private yachts anchor here overnight, filling the bay with masts and fairy lights. In May, June, September, and October, you may have it almost entirely to yourself.
The water colour at Selimiye is unlike anywhere nearby — a striking deep turquoise that becomes crystal clear at depths of 3–4m. The bay is almost entirely enclosed, which keeps it calm even when the open sea is rough.
Things to Do in Selimiye
Swim in the bay
The bay offers some of the clearest swimming water near Marmaris. Enter from the small stone beach at the village edge, or swim directly from the small wooden jetties. Visible depth of 8–10m.
Hire a rowing boat
Small wooden pedalos and rowing boats available from the harbour from £10/half-day. Row to the caves on the far side of the bay or simply drift in the middle to watch the fish below.
Eat at the harbour tavernas
Three restaurants serve fresh fish — the proprietors will show you the catch and let you select your fish by weight. Meals including mezes, salad, and drinks average £20–25/person.
Walk to the ruins
A 30-minute uphill path leads to partially excavated Hellenistic ruins overlooking the bay. Unmarked on most maps and usually completely empty. Bring water.
Watch sunrise over the bay
The bay faces almost due east. From the hill above the village, the sunrise over Selimiye Bay is one of the most beautiful sights in the area. Set your alarm for 06:00 in summer.
Day boat to Bozburun
A local fisherman runs a small boat between Selimiye and Bozburun harbour three times a week in summer for £6 each way. The only way to visit both villages without a car.
Where to Stay in Selimiye
Turgut's Pension
The best-known guesthouse in the village. 8 rooms in a restored stone house, a terrace breakfast looking directly at the bay, and an owner who has lived in Selimiye his entire life and speaks excellent English.
Selimiye Bay Otel
12 simple rooms in a two-storey building directly on the harbour front. Sea-view rooms available from £85. Breakfast not included but the restaurant downstairs opens at 07:30.
Important: Book Early
Selimiye has a total of only 25–30 bookable rooms in the entire village. Both properties above are booked out by April for July and August. For peak season stays, book 4–6 months in advance directly with the owners (email the pension; they rarely appear on major booking platforms).
Getting to Selimiye
By car from Marmaris
Take the Bozburun road south from Marmaris, then turn off at the Selimiye sign after 40km. The last 8km is a narrow mountain road — suitable for small/medium cars.
Private taxi
No public dolmuş runs directly to Selimiye. A private taxi from Marmaris is the only public transport option. Ask your hotel to arrange it in advance.
By gulet / boat
The best arrival. Several Marmaris Blue Cruise routes stop at Selimiye. Day boats from Marmaris also occasionally anchor here in calm weather.
Selimiye on the Marmaris Blue Cruise
The Most Coveted Overnight Anchorage on the Route
Among gulet captains, Selimiye Bay is legendary. The perfectly enclosed horseshoe shape protects boats from swell in almost any wind direction — making it the most sought-after overnight anchorage on the entire Marmaris–Fethiye Blue Cruise route.
In July and August, 20–30 gulets anchor here every night, turning the bay into a floating village of masts and string lights. The water is so calm and clear you can see straight to the bottom at 8–10 metres even at night.
In May, June, September, and October the bay is often shared with just 3–4 other boats — an unforgettable level of peace and privacy. Blue Cruise guests consistently rate Selimiye as the highlight of their entire voyage.
Classic Marmaris–Fethiye Blue Cruise Route
Full route: 7 nights · Selimiye is typically Night 1 or Night 2 — the first real wow moment after leaving Marmaris
What It's Like to Arrive at Selimiye by Gulet
Afternoon arrival
Dropping Anchor
Most gulets arrive 14:00–16:00. The captain reverses into the bay, drops anchor mid-water, then ties the stern to the village dock with a line. You step off directly onto the harbour stones.
Late afternoon
Swimming Platform
With the gulet stationary in 8m of water, the stern swimming platform becomes one of the best swim spots you'll ever experience — crystal clear, calm, and with fish visible below.
Evening
Dinner Ashore
Walk 2 minutes along the dock to one of the three harbour restaurants. The proprietors bring fresh fish to your table and let you choose by weight. Exceptional value vs Marmaris restaurant prices.
Night
Sleeping Under Stars
Selimiye's sheltered bay means zero swell — the calmest sleep on the entire route. With no light pollution, the stars are extraordinary. Gulet guests often sleep on deck here rather than in their cabins.
Captain's note: securing a spot in Selimiye
In July and August, the bay fills quickly — gulets that arrive after 16:00 sometimes have to anchor further from the dock or miss the village entirely. If Selimiye is important to you, tell your charter company when booking and ask them to prioritise an early afternoon arrival on the relevant day.
Visit Selimiye the best way — by gulet
The road journey to Selimiye is fine, but arriving by sea with your gulet swinging at anchor is something else entirely.
Our Honest Take
Selimiye is genuinely one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in Turkey. The water quality, the silence, the kindness of the locals, and the sheer perfection of the bay make it worth every effort to get here. If you visit Marmaris and don't make the trip to Selimiye, you've missed the best thing in the area. Just go.
Sarah Mitchell
Travel writer and Aegean coast specialist who discovered Selimiye on a gulet voyage in 2020. She has returned four times since and considers it the single most beautiful small bay in Turkey.
