# Çiftlik Bay (Çiftlik Koyu) — A Peaceful Haven with Coarse Sand in Marmaris

Çiftlik Bay is a picturesque sandy-pebble cove with a private islet, located about 30 km south of Marmaris near the mountain village of Bayır.

It attracts visitors with its exceptionally crystal-clear waters, a bay sheltered from open-sea winds, and a relaxed atmosphere away from city life.

Coarse Sand, Islet, and Infrastructure

The defining feature of Çiftlik is its beach surface. Unlike most of the rocky coves on the Bozburun Peninsula, the shore is covered in coarse, granular sand with a reddish-yellow tint. The sea in the bay is almost always calm and transparent because a small, private island (Çiftlik Island / Çiftlik Adası) sits at the mouth of the bay, acting as a natural breakwater against open-sea waves.

Several boutique hotels and seafood restaurants (such as Azmak, Mehmet's Place, and Pilos) line the shore, featuring wooden jetties that welcome private yachts. The bay is a favorite stop for yachtsmen and daily cruise boats from Marmaris. In the late afternoon, the crowds disperse, leaving the bay quiet and serene. The rocky edges of the bay are excellent for snorkeling, and the nearby wild Gebekse Bay houses ruins of an ancient Byzantine church.

Practical Information

• Location: Bozburun Peninsula, about 30 km south of Marmaris, past the mountain village of Bayır
• Road: Asphalt (paved road via Içmeler and Bayır). The final descent to the bay is a steep mountain road with sharp bends that requires cautious driving. Public transport is limited, so driving or taking a taxi is recommended.
• Infrastructure: Beach restaurants, cafes, mini-markets, and boutique hotels. Sunbeds, umbrellas, changing cabins, toilets, and showers are provided by the beachfront venues (free for diners or for a fee).
• Entrance: Free (public access to the beach is open to all). Sunbed rental or restaurant parking may require a charge or purchase.
• Tip: Spend a full day here. Rent a small motorboat to visit the nearby wild Gebekse Bay in the morning, and enjoy a seafood dinner on one of the wooden piers over the water at sunset.