Marmaris: Turkish Coffee Making on Sand & Fortune Telling Workshop

We were looking for something authentic to do in Marmaris and this coffee workshop delivered perfectly. The setting felt warm and personal, with plenty of time to really get hands-on with the process. Making the coffee in the hot sand was fascinating, and I loved learning how the grind, heat, and timing all affect the taste. The fortune-telling part was such a fun twist, and we laughed comparing each other’s “future.” We left with a much deeper appreciation for Turkish coffee culture.

Helpful? Yes

As a solo traveler, I always look for experiences that connect me to the local culture, and this workshop was exactly that. The instructor made me feel instantly welcome, explaining each step in a way that made it easy to follow. Brewing over hot sand was unlike anything I’ve done before. The fortune-reading was surprisingly detailed, and I even learned some phrases in Turkish along the way. This is more than a coffee-making class—it’s a cultural immersion.

Helpful? Yes

Our teenagers are usually hard to impress, but they loved this workshop. Grinding the beans, watching the coffee bubble in the sand, and then hearing the old stories really kept them engaged. The fortune-telling was the highlight—our instructor made it lighthearted and fun while also explaining the tradition behind it. It’s rare to find an activity that works for all ages, but this one absolutely did.

Helpful? Yes

We enjoyed the workshop and learning the process, but the room was a little warm, which made it slightly uncomfortable at times. That being said, the cultural aspect and the chance to actually make coffee the traditional way was worth it. The fortune-telling part was a fun ending, and our instructor clearly knew a lot about the history.

Helpful? Yes

I went with three friends, and we had such a great time. The hands-on approach meant we were all involved from start to finish. The stories about Turkish coffee traditions were captivating, and the fortune readings had us in stitches. It felt relaxed yet professional, and we ended up talking about it for hours afterwards over dinner.

Helpful? Yes

This was one of the most memorable activities I did in Marmaris. The workshop was small, so there was plenty of personal attention, and I actually felt like I learned a skill I could take home. The fortune-telling was not only entertaining but also a great icebreaker with the others in the group. Definitely something I’d recommend if you’re traveling alone but want to meet people in a cultural setting.

Helpful? Yes

We booked this on a whim, and it turned out to be the best decision. Everything from the aroma of the freshly ground beans to the gentle bubbling in the sand made it feel like a sensory journey. The instructor shared so many small cultural details that made each step more meaningful. The fortune-reading was the perfect playful ending.

Helpful? Yes

Our family enjoyed every minute of this workshop. The coffee-making process was fascinating, and I loved that it wasn’t rushed. We got to hear about coffee’s role in Turkish history, which made the experience even richer. The cup reading was a hit—my daughter’s “predicted” trip abroad became a running joke for the rest of our holiday.

Helpful? Yes

The overall experience was great, though I wish there had been a bit more time to practice on our own after the main demonstration. Still, making coffee in the sand was so unique, and the fortune-telling was surprisingly detailed. Our group had a lovely time, and it was a nice break from the usual tourist activities.

Helpful? Yes

This workshop was a perfect mix of history, culture, and interaction. I’ve had Turkish coffee before, but making it myself in the sand gave me a whole new appreciation. The fortune-reading added a playful side, and everyone in the group got involved. It felt intimate and genuine, not touristy at all.

Helpful? Yes

We were impressed by how much we learned in just a couple of hours. The instructor was engaging and clearly passionate about the tradition. The fortune-telling was fun and lighthearted, but I also liked that they explained the symbolism behind it. We left feeling like we’d stepped into a piece of living history.

Helpful? Yes

We weren’t sure if our kids (ages 8 and 10) would enjoy it, but they were fascinated by the sand brewing and even got to help grind the beans. The stories kept them interested, and the instructor was patient and kind. The fortune-telling part was more for the adults, but the kids still enjoyed hearing the “mystery” in their parents’ cups.

Helpful? Yes

We wanted a hands-on cultural activity, and this was spot-on. The coffee smelled amazing from the start, and learning to brew it on the sand felt like a step back in time. The fortune-reading had everyone leaning in and laughing. It was well-organized but still relaxed, which made it even better.

Helpful? Yes

We enjoyed the workshop, but the group was slightly bigger than expected, which made it harder to ask questions at times. Still, the process was fascinating, and the instructor made sure everyone had a chance to participate. The fortune-telling was a nice cultural touch to wrap things up.

Helpful? Yes

I’ve done cooking classes while traveling, but never a coffee workshop, and now I wonder why. It was immersive, interactive, and personal. The instructor’s knowledge was incredible, and the fortune-reading felt like a special cultural gift at the end. I walked away with more than just coffee tips—I left with stories to tell.

Helpful? Yes

From start to finish, this workshop was warm and welcoming. Brewing the coffee on the sand was something I’ll never forget, and learning the meaning of the symbols in the cup gave me a new appreciation for Turkish traditions. It was educational but never dull, and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.

Helpful? Yes