The archipelago has one small central town called Marmara (population 2000) and 13 villages.
The island has beaches, hotels and pensions although it is not a popular tourist spot.
Avşa is a smaller island with less vegetation, less mountainous landscape, more beaches, more nightlife alternatives and is bustling during the summer season.
Pasalimanı and Ekinlik Islands have few tourists, less vegetation and minimal facilities for travelers.
The distance from Istanbul to Marmara Island is 76 nautical miles (141 km; 87 mi).