People have lived in the area of Turunc since Hellenic times, much like many of the other towns and villages in this part of Turkey. Formerly mountain dwellers, the locals made their way down to harvest the fruits of the sea during the Byzantine period, and their ancestors still live in Turunc to this day.

 

Fishing was the mainstay of the village for hundreds of years, and although tourism development is now taking place it’s still fairly unobtrusive. Fishing remains an important part of everyday life yet the locals are also embracing tourism with open arms, proud of the interest that’s being shown in their village.

 

Holidays in Turunc became popular as visitors wanted a quieter alternative to some of the region’s busier resort towns. Marmaris became a busy destination, and so the tourists moved south to Icmeler in search of quieter times. Now even though Icmeler remains significantly smaller than Marmaris, Turunc is Icmeler’s quieter alternative!

 

The recently awarded Blue Flag Beach will mean that holidays in Turunc become more popular too, though currently the small number of hotels and apartments in Turunc will keep the village small and authentic, as many visitors prefer to see it!

 

You don’t have to travel far from your hotel in Turunc to find evidence of ancient history, though this is true of holiday destinations all around the Aegean Coast of Turkey!

 

Just a few miles up the road from beautiful Turunc you’ll find the ruins of the ancient city of Amos. It’s quick to get here if you’ve got a hire car, or you can take a dolmus that travels from Turunc village to the next coastal village, Kumlubuku, and passes right through Amos.

 

Exploring the ancient city of Amos you’ll discover a hillside amphitheatre which is in surprisingly good condition. Take a seat and imagine the performances that went on here thousands of years ago as you look down at the stage. There are also the remains of a temple and statue pedestals, and in 1948 excavations uncovered inscriptions that are thought to date back to 200BC.

 

Don’t forget that even nearby Marmaris has some historical attractions. Though not nearly as old as Amos, there is Marmaris Castle. The current castle dates back to 1522 when it was built by Suleyman the Magnificent, and it’s been restored in recent years. You should also check out the historical Bazaar for a taste of history and a unique shopping experience, highly recommended when you’re on holiday in Turunc!