FETHIYEIn history
Fethiye was known as the "Untouched Virgin of the Lands Lights"
and today it is as if all the magnificence of the entire
Mediterranean was concentrated in the bay of Fethiye : Its islands
,coves, long sandy beaches, and the entire riches of its history
and natural beauty are before yopu to explore .With its excellent
seas, highly developed facilities, and entertainment beyond
belief, it is a paradise that caters to your possible requirement
for remarkable holiday. The most impressive ancients ruins, the
best sites for pragliding and water sports, most magnificent bays
and beaches come together at Fethiye, along with mouth watering
gastronomy.
Fethiye is a traditional market town set around a beautiful
natural harbour. It is a large centre for scuba diving. Boats
depart from here for day trips around the stunning coastline. The
most popular boat trip is the twelve islands boat trip, which is
an extremely relaxing way to spend the day, touring the beautiful
coves and islands of the Gulf of Fethiye, with breaks for lunch
and swimming. Life here continues all year around, and recently,
many British nationals have chosen to make this relaxed area their
home. There are a number of hotels in the town itself, which
mostly attract older couples, who enjoy the traditional lifestyle
and also like the fact that it is flat and easy to get around.
There is a greater variety of shops in the narrow streets of the
bazaar area, Paspatour, offering more competitive prices than
those in any of the resorts. This area is also lively in the
evening with a multitude of Turkish bars and live music. There is
no beach in Fethiye itself although there are hotels which have
access to the sea for swimming. Once the site of Telmessos, all
that remains from this ancient city, are the Lycian rock tombs
which overlook the modern town, a couple of Lycian sarcophagi and
a small Roman theatre.
 Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz is the archetypal picture-postcard beach backed by
dramatic pine-clad hills. Literally translated as 'dead sea', the
stunning lagoon is a protected area, ensuring that its natural
beauty is preserved. There is a small entrance charge to use the
lagoon beach and only non-motorised watersports are allowed. The
main resort beach is a long stretch of coarse sand and shingle
beach known as Belceğiz. Most of the houses, built in the
traditional local Muğla style, are set back from the beachfront.
There is a strip alongside the seafront promenade with a number of
relaxing bars and restaurants, serving local and international
cuisine. Shops stay open well into the night. It is a perfect
family resort, great for a laid-back beach holiday, with plenty of
facilities but not too much development. Boats depart from the bay
for trips around the surrounding coast. Paragliding is a big draw
with the descent from the Babadağ mountains to land on Belceğiz
beach, rating as one of the best in the world.
Hisarönü
Fifteen years ago there were only a few houses here but now it
is a lively resort in its own right. Due to the planning
restrictions and lack of space to expand in Ölüdeniz itself, many
holidaymakers now stay in this lively village. It is in a stunning
location, surrounded by stunning pine-clad mountains, and hotels
are all built in the local style, low rise, mostly with rooms set
in villa-style blocks and decorative wooden balconies. The beach
of Ölüdeniz is just a short dolmush ride away (approx. 15
minutes), and the town of Fethiye is also very close,
approximately the same distance away in the opposite direction.
You can, however, easily spend your time in Hisarönü , lazing by
the pool, and venturing out at the night to sample international
or local fare in one of the many restaurants or visit its lively
bars playing music well into the early hours. There are plenty of
shops with a wider range on offer than in Ölüdeniz itself.
Ovacık
Just a short distance from Hisarönü, is the newer resort area
of Ovacık, which is essentially a collection of hotels and
apartment buildings, blending in with the stunning mountain
scenery. It is more peaceful than its neighbour, and all
facilities are in the centre of Hisarönü just a short walk or
dolmuş ride away. Ovacık makes a good base for those who want to
walk in the surrounding countryside.
Çalış Beach
The nearest beach to Fethiye is Çalış beach, a pebble and
coarse sand beach in a beatiful setting, which can be reached by
boat or dolmuş from the town center. The seafront promenade with
its hotels and restaurants is closed to traffic during the summer,
making it safe for children. The resort has expanded around the
beach, and has a relaxed feel popular with families and older
couples.
Kayaköy
One of the highlights of a stay in this area is a visit to the
eerie ghost town of Kayaköy, literally 'stone village'. Once the
Greek town of Karmylassos, it was abandoned in the 1920's. It has
recently been the subject of renewed interest as it features as
the setting for Louis de Bernières novel, 'Birds without Wings'
which provides a fascinating insight into life here and the period
of dramatic social change which took place in the time leading up
to the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. There are around 400
houses here together with churches and other public buildings. It
can be visited by dolmush on foot from Hisarönü or even on
horse-back.
Göcek
Göcek is popular with yacthing types who come here for its
excellent marina. It is a charming resort with a range of
sophisticated hotels and upmarket restaurants and boutiques.
Saklıkent Gorge
Known in Turkish as the 'hidden city' Saklıkent is a stunning
mountain gorge some 44 kms from Fethiye, a narrow opening
stretching an incredible 18 kms into the rockface of Mount Akdağ.
A wooden walkway has been constructed above the icy cold waters of
the mountain springs of Gökçesu and Ulupınar. If you are feeling
particularly brave you can take a dip here, but otherwise the
waterside cafes provide a relaxing break and a chance to enjoy the
spectacular setting
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Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon)
Ölüdeniz, described as 'the Eden bestowed by God to the
World', has a 3 km long beach. One can appreciate fully the beauty
of swimming in a colour harmony of light and dark blue combined
with light and dark green. Having an appearance of naturally
lagoon with its tepid and standing water during ten months of the
year, Ölüdeniz is one of the most preferred destinations by both
local and foreign tourists.
Kumburnu separates Ölüdeniz from Belcekız Beach which is at the
distance of 14 km from Fethiye. There are many boarding-houses,
camps, motels and restaurants that are open during each season of
the year.
Kıdrak
Kıdrak with its sandy beaches surrounded by pine trees and
crystal clear water is at a distance of 3 km from Ölüdeniz and
Belcekız Beach.
Faralya
Sweet coastal village at the end of Kıdrak road, is a resort
place for wanderers with its wild nature, appropriate climate,
friendly people and its attractiveness.
Kelebekler Valley (Butterfly Valley)
At a distance of 5-7 km from Ölüdeniz, this interesting canyon
is surrounded by approximately 350 meter high mountains. It takes
its name from the butterflies called as 'Jarsey Tiger' and seen
between June and September. Transportation to the bay, being an
Earth Eden with its waterfall flows both in summer and winter,
large beach, clear water, brightly shining pebbles and oleanders
decorating the environs, is provided by boats from Ölüdeniz.
Possibilities like a camping area with tent sites, restaurant,
bar, shower cabinets, changing cubicles, etc. are offered in the
valley which is the meeting place of world wanderers.
Saklıkent (Hidden City)
It is 50 km from Fethiye, next to the Karaçay Brook which
forms the province borders of Muğla-Antalya. It is a unique
natural wonder hiding within a 18 km long magnificent canyon of
which height reaches to 600 meter in some places. With its steep
rock cliffs, plane trees, clearly flowing spring waters, it is a
unique tourism centre which offers possibilities for nature lovers
such as mountaineering, trekking and swimming.
Yakapark
Yakapark, formed by the nature of human labour and creativity,
is a unique recreation spot where you will experience memorable
moments in a mysterious atmosphere with bird sings and sound of
water. It can easily be accessed via 2 km road from Yaka Village.
Göcek
It is 30 km far from Fethiye on Fethiye-Muğla highway. Having
an appearance of a small charming fisherman town, Göcek has
recently become one of the important centres of yacht tourism.
Besides its natural harbour, it is a unique tourism heaven with
its numerous islands and bays, ruin places and pine forested
hills. The town with its marina and increased number of modern
facilities, is at a distance of 20 km from Dalaman Airport.
Islands
Because of being one the important resort places of Blue
Voyagers, the region is named as 'Inside the Darkness' by
fishermen. It is consisted of islands and Kapıdağı Peninsula
adorned with numerous beautiful bays. Yassıca Islands, Hamam Bay,
Kurşunlu Bay, Yavansu, Bedri RahmiBay, Tersane Island, Göbün Bay,
Boynuzbükü, Göcek Island, Domuz Island, Zeytin Island, Kızıl
Island, reached via daily tours from Fethiye and Göcek, are also
named as "12 Islands" within the region.
Oyuktepe Bays
Besides two big holiday villages of the district, there are
also natural bays namely Mempaşa, Küçük Samanlık, Boncuklu, Kuleli,
Aksazlar, Akvaryum, Turunç Pınarı on the peninsula to where local
people have daily tours.
Katrancı Bay
It is 17 km far from Fethiye on Muğla-Fethiye highway. With
its frequent pine trees stretching to the sea, the bay displays a
beautiful harmony of blue and green. In the bay, there is a forest
resting area offering the services of car park, buffet, shower
cabinet and toilet. It is an ideal excursion place and a camping
area with tent sites.
Günlük (Küçük Kargı)
The bay is at a distance of 18 km from Fethiye on the Muğla
highway, and is ornamented with rarely seen sweetgum trees having
a nice smell. The daily excretion of sweetgum trees is used in the
treatment of itchiness, asthma, bronchitis, ulcer and gastric
diseases. It is also used in the industry of perfumery.
Çalış Beach
Being one of the popular places of the district in respect of
tourism, Çalış Beach is 5 km from the district centre, opposite of
the Şovalye Island. Along the 4 km long beach, there are hotels,
boarding-houses, camp sites and restaurants. The Beach is well
known as one of the incubation areas of the sea turtles, Caretta
Carettas. It is also one of the favourite places to view the
sunset and play water sports.
Hisarönü - Ovacık
These two typical Turkish villages in Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon)
have recently become shopping and entertainment centres providing
accommodation. At present, these villages near draw the attention
of especially foreign tourists.
Shopping in Fethiye
The shopping venues in the centre are
Balikpazari (Fish market) and Paspatur Market. There you may find
any thing you like from hand woven textiles to pieces of art, from
clothing items to reasonably priced groceries. The Tuesday Market
of Fethiye is a must for shopping enthusiasts. There you can find
fresh products as well as gift items, and household goods. Similar
markets operate in Gunlukbasi and Gocek on Sundays and in
Hisaronii on Mondays. Hisaronu has lots of stalls and shops
squeezed between bars and restaurants selling small gift items,
carpets, leather goods, and jewellery.
Fethiye -
Activities and Sports
Paragliding
Interest in paragliding, being performed by 6 travel agencies
from the top of 1975 meters high Mount Babadağ in Fethiye, has
been increasing day by day all over the world. Because of its rich
and spread thermal points, characteristic of flying ascending
after jumping, vegetation diversity in the environs, beautiful
scenery of Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), slight slope to the sea and
many more reasons like these, Babadağ is a paragliding centre
unrivalled in the region.
Scuba Diving
Diving tours are being organised by many diving training
centres and clubs in Fethiye.
Rafting
Rafting and Canoe trips in Eşen and Dalaman brooks are being
organised by travel agencies.
Trekking-Safari
Trekking on the 504-kilometre long Lycian Way has become
popular in recent years and it is quite an experience. The network
of paths connecting Lycian cities during antiquity is known as "Lycian
Way". The trekking route starts from Fethiye, and crossing
settlements of antiquity such as Faralya, Dodurga, Pinara, Letoon,
and Xanthos, leaves the county boundaries to continue in the
counties of Ka§ and Kemer connecting several Lycian sites and
mountain top villages. The route reaches to Antalya. Trekking is a
unique opportunity to learn the rich flora of Fethiye. The jeep
safari and quad bike tours to the ruins and natural beauty spots
may remain the happiest memories of your holiday.
Fethiye - Eating and Entertainment The staple of the
local cuisine, spiced with the herbs and greens of the Aegean and
Mediterranean, is fish. Many of the local herb and wild plants of
Fethiye and its environs are used in dishes. Some of them are
kiyisak, labada (dock), kormen, gavirotu, ebegumeci (mallow),
turpotu (wild raddish), gimkisak, nunii, inek memesi, ecibici,
devetabani (foalfoot), esek turpu, kayazak (sickle weed) and
kokulu ot. These herbs and wild plants are sauteed in cooking oil
with onions, and served cold with tomato paste and ground pepper.
The Balikpazan (Fish Market) is the place at the centre where you
can find most variety in sea food and fishes. You buy your fish or
crustaceans from the stalls of the market, and small fish
restaurants are happy to prepare them for you in consideration of
a small charge. There are fish and grilled meat restaurants in
Paspatur Market. The Paspatur Stream, where ducks play their
antics under the thick shade of the large trees, makes your time
at those restaurants quite enjoyable. Another option is to have an
al fresco dinner in one of the restaurants sited along the beach
while enjoying the sunset.
Hisaronu and Oludeniz serve international cuisine as an
alternative to the traditional Turkish cuisine. Eating a few
gozlemes in small restaurants and stalls lining the roads around
Saklikent is also a pleasure. In small and large restaurants of
Yakakoy the main speciality is wild trout fried in butter.
Moreover, you could catch your own fish from the pond.
The bars and discos situated in the Paspatur Market in the centre
of Fethiye present varied options catering to all styles and
alternatives. Also you may have a drink or two in one of the bars
and restaurants sited along the Calis Beach during the sunset to
get rid of the tiredness of the day and get yourself invigorated
for the live music performance of the night. You may also enjoy
traditional Turkish music performances in a wool tent erected
towards the Fethiye end of the beach. Hisaronu is mainly
frequented by foreign visitors and has entertainment lasting till
sunrise. Belcekiz Beach of Oludeniz is a nice place to sit in the
fading light and watch paragliders coming down from Babadag,
preparing you for a remarkable evening.
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