When staying in the popular resort town of Marmaris in Turkey, there are plenty of nearby islands that you could visit during your stay—including the beautiful and fascinating Cleopatra Island. Named after the legendary Queen of Egypt, who allegedly once visited the isle with Mark Antony during their famous love affair, Cleopatra Island is home to ancient ruins, heavenly beaches and lush vegetation. Cleopatra Island day trips from Marmaris allow you to explore one the most stunning islands in the Aegean Sea as you escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy resort town for the day.
(0/24) checking Musement...
When staying in the popular resort town of Marmaris in Turkey, there are plenty of nearby islands that you could visit during your stay—including the beautiful and fascinating Cleopatra Island.
Named after the legendary Queen of Egypt, who allegedly once visited the isle with Mark Antony during their famous love affair, Cleopatra Island is home to ancient ruins, heavenly beaches and lush vegetation.
Cleopatra Island day trips from Marmaris allow you to explore one the most stunning islands in the Aegean Sea as you escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy resort town for the day.
Here's all you need to know about Cleopatra Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Marmaris.
Cleopatra Island, also known as Sedir Island, is located in the Gulf of Gokova, roughly 18 kilometers north of Marmaris.
If you want to travel to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris using public transport, you’ll first need to make your way to the village of Camli. You can get to Camli Village from Marmaris via bus or taxi, which should take around 30 minutes.
Once in Camli, you can get a water taxi to Cleopatra Island, which should only take around 5 minutes. These water taxis typically run between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Guided tours provide the easiest and most convenient way to get from Marmaris to Cleopatra Island as a professional local guide will handle all of your travel arrangements for you. You’ll enjoy hotel transfers and a fun-filled itinerary that ensures you see the very best of the island.
Most Cleopatra day trips from Marmaris are full-day excursions, lasting between 6 and 8 hours including travel time.
The entrance fee to Cleopatra Island and its archeological site costs around TRY250 (US$10) per person. This fee goes toward conservation, as well as maintaining and upgrading the facilities on the island.
A typical Cleopatra Island day trip itinerary begins with a complimentary pickup from your hotel in Marmaris. You’ll meet your guide and get into an air-conditioned shuttle that will take you to the bay from which your adventure begins.
You’ll board a boat that will set sail in the Gulf of Govoka, taking you to the legendary Cleopatra Island. Once docked at Cleopatra Island, you’ll get to spend 3 to 4 hours soaking up the sun and exploring the ancient ruins.
Lunch is provided on board the boat and as you make your way back to the mainland, you may stop at an idyllic swimming spot to cool off. At the end of your adventurous day on the Aegean Sea, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.
When looking for a tour to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris, you have two options to choose from—tours that just visit Cleopatra Island and tours that make a few additional stops along the way.
All tours to Cleopatra Island are guided tours, which means you’ll get the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers and make new friends as you cruise through the stunning turquoise waters of the Gulf of Gokova.
Maximize the time spent on Cleopatra Island when you choose a day trip that doesn’t include any other islands or beaches. You’ll get at least 3 or 4 hours to explore the island and its picturesque beaches and ancient Roman ruins before returning to the mainland.
See more of the Gulf of Gokova when you choose a tour that stops at Fenerli Island and Incekum Bay, which are both perfect for swimming! Some other stops on your itinerary may include Doplin Bay, the English Harbor and Çanak Bay.
All Cleopatra Island day trips from Marmaris cost within the region of US$30 and US$45 per person, making a trip to the island an affordable full-day excursion. Prices differ slightly based on whether or not they include entry fees and any additional stops along the way.
All day trip prices are inclusive of hotel transfers and lunch, with some tour operators also including soft drinks in the cost of the tour. You may also be presented with the opportunity to purchase a DVD full of professional photos and footage at the end of the trip.
Home to a Natural Habitat Area as well as a first-degree protected beach, Cleopatra Island is the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Even though the uninhabited island is small in size, there is still plenty to see and do.
Cleopatra Beach is probably the island’s most popular attraction as this is where Cleopatra was rumored to have swum with Mark Antony. The sand granules are completely round, unlike other beaches in the area, and it is said that the sand was imported from Egypt!
The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing thanks to the crystal-clear water and the sunchairs that are available to rent. There are also changing rooms and a small restaurant at Cleopatra Beach.
The ancient city of Cedrae, located on Cleopatra Island, was once a buzzing Roman city and the ruins can be seen throughout the island. Some of the most famous and impressive ruins include the antique theater, which is incredibly well-preserved, as well as the remains of the old city walls.
Exploring the ruins allows you to step back in time and imagine the major commercial center that the island once was. Most of the ruins date back to the Byzantine era.
Cleopatra Island is open to visitors daily from 9 AM until 6:30 PM during the warm summer months of May through to October.
The best time to visit Cleopatra Island is generally from late spring to early autumn, roughly May to October. The temperatures during this period range from the mid-20s to mid-30s degrees Celsius, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
July and August can get quite hot, and these are also the busiest months in terms of tourism. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons.