Gunnucek Forest, which is also part of the great Marmaris National Park, is only 2 km away from town center. It is easily accessible by car, by bicycle or even on foot. It is also possible to take the pink coloured Yalancıboğaz public mini-buses (dolmush) for transportation. The park is open to for public from 8 am to 5 pm, and it's free of charge.

​

There are mostly pine and incense trees (sweetgum, Liquidambar orientalis) in the park. In Turkish these trees are called "sığla" or "günnücek", which the park has been named after. Incense trees are endemic in Fethiye, Köyceğiz, Marmaris and Milas regions. Leaves of incense trees resemble that of plane tree's, but they are a bit smaller. A special oil is obtained from the body of incense trees. This adhesive fluid is used as raw material in the cosmetic industry, additionally it has remedial features. It has a healing effect for skin wounds and stomach disorders such as ulcer. Sığla oil was also used for mummification in ancient Egypt.

​

If you ask what’s there in Günnücek Park? Our answer is: information boards about the flora and the fauna of the region, open educational areas for children, an educational centre, incense tree museum, walkways, camping area, biodiversity track, toilets, fountains, benches and a parking lot. In the biodiversity track, there are different kind of trees, and a wooden observation platform. On the east side of the park there is a small pond, which is a small habitat for fish, frogs and turtles. The surrounding area of the pond is full of reeds. Additionally, there is a little stream passing through the park and flowing into the sea. 

​

The bridges on the stream, the wooden walkways, benches and the large platform by the seaside are pretty well designed to comply with the nature. That gives a very photogenic feature to the park, making it an irrevocable place for wedding photoshoots.

​

The sea of the park is very shallow and the pebbly bottom is a bit muddy. So, it’s not a very good place to swim. But, the seaside has a beautiful view of Marmaris Bay. You can sit on the benches and read your book for hours. There are numerous picnic tables all around the park. Since it’s a national park, it is prohibited to make any kind of fire inside. But you can bring your food and hot drinks in flasks from outside.

​

In sum, the Gunnucek National Park offers you a shady and cool environment under giant trees, bird calls, turtles, squirrels, sea and forest view, and serenity. 

​

If you are waiting for the weather to cool off before you go to the beach in hot summer days, do not steal from your vacation time by chilling in your hotel room. It’s better evaluate your time by hiking, biking, picnicking or resting under the cool and natural umbrella made of incense trees. 

​

Bonus: A new recreation area is being built between the national park and Coast Guard area, named “Burunucu”. In this new park there will be a beach, tartan track, mountain bike training track, and game areas for children. You can click for details.