Fethiye has unique possibilities for those who want to spice up their holiday with alternative tourism. You may experience the blue freedom by flying in the sky with paragliding from the 1975 meters Mount Babadag -situated just behind Oludeniz - or with scuba diving in the crystal clear blue waters of Mediterranean. Rafting and Kayaking in the white foamy waters of Dalaman and Esen rivers; trekking at the "Lycian Way" path, which is situated on the Taurus between Fethiye and Antalya and marked with a sign in every 100 meters are some of the most popular activities of alternative tourism.
These two typical Turkish village within Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) borough, have turned their these most particular characteristics into dense accommodation, shopping and amusement center. Ovacık and Hisarönü, which have become the most active focus points of tourism, are holding another importance with their being near to attraction areas such as Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), Babadağ, Kaya Village (Karmylassos).
Fethiye reminds most of us of; ÖLÜDENIZ. The world famous and one of the most beautiful wonders in the world Ölüdeniz, worths travelling miles and miles, for the turquoise blue waters wonderful lagoon. The crysyal pure water of Ölüdeniz is so clean that it is almost cleaner than the water you drink at home -if we omit the salt-. Ölüdeniz consists of two parts: First part is Belcekiz or Belcegiz which lies too long through the bay to the lagoon. This part is the wavy part of Ölüdeniz. The second part is the real Ölüdeniz with the lagoon inside. This part is the calm and shallow part.
Ölüdeniz is 12 km. from Fethiye. Here, with all kinds of water sports (canoe, surf, skiing, banana, parashute), you can also play beach-volley.
All along the Belcekiz beach you can find everything to eat and drink. The bars and restaurants are everytime ready for your service. The place which is called the Blue Lagoon is a National Park, which is fee-payed passing. Again, there are lots of things to eat, drink, and again, full of entertainment like water sports and beach volley, showers and WC. Besides, Ölüdeniz, is one of the most ideal places in the world for Paragliding. To make this sport, you don't have to be experienced. All you have to do is, to choose which company to fly with, among lots of the agencies including Turkish Aeronautical Association. If you don't have a licence to fly, you will have your first experience with a licenced and experienced pilot. The pilots do everything for you. All you have to do is just to enjoy the beauties of Ölüdeniz and take lots of photographs from 1400-1700m. height. The flight takes about 30-45 mins. And will cost you about $100.
Ölüdeniz is the most beautiful beach of 2006, which has been proved by votes up to 82%...
This interesting canyon, surrounded by 350 m. high mountains, 3 - 4 seamiles away from Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), took its name from butterflies named "Jarsey Tiger" seen between July and September months. Arrival to bay, which is an earth paradise with pink oleander flowers adorning environment and small fall flowing for summer and winter, wide coast, clean sea, glittering pebbles, is maintained from Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) via ships. Camping area with tents, restaurant, bar, roof, shower, changing cubicles, etc. possibilities are submitted within the valley which is the meeting place of world wanderers
Daily 12 Islands Boat Cruise in Fethiye
Once you come to Fethiye, you have to go on 12 Islands Boat Cruise. The hundreds of double-Decker boats you see in Fethiye as you wonder around the marina and the harbour, are ready to take you to this tour. Each has a capacity from 50 up to 150 people and all of them has toilets and a self-service bar; and most of them are built in the dockyards in Fethiye. They depart between 10:00-11:00 every morning and come back to Fethiye harbour about 17:30 - 18:30 in the evening. The lunch is included in the tours which is usually pasta -meatballs (sometimes chicken or fish)- salad and fruit (water melon) (a good menu if you think that you're on water). If you want to enjoy the sun, then your place is upstairs; but be careful because, the sun burns you a bit too much and you don't feel it since it will be quite windy on the sea. You'll feel it at night after the shower, which usually ends up with the creams and lotions the doctor gives. But if you want to enjoy the tour in the shade and watch around, you'd better stay downstairs drinking your tea, coffee, or a cold drink (maybe playing backgammon with the crew).
I suggest you to look around carefully in this tour. Because you have the chance to see the dolphins, flying fish, and even the sea turtles!
The first stop, Gobun bay, is placed in the south-western coast of the Fethiye Gulf, and is a very calm bay with the crystal clear water, 7-10m. depth, and the quietness of a lake; just like all the other bays in the Fethiye Gulf. In this bay. There is also a small cafe-restaurant which is run by a local family, and the bay is one of the certain places where the sailors stop for an overnight. Gobun has another alternative called the Cavy Bay which is just next to the Gobun Bay. Here is also a fascinating place with its pure waters, and calm sea which will charm everyone who sees. On the shore, there is a small cave in the rocks, and a stairway leading the cave the strange thing is both of them are natural. So, you can now understand why they called here the Cavy Bay.
Cleopatra's Baths, (actually The bay of Cleopatra's Baths), is a large bay full of lots of pine trees, and has a dark blue sea which goes to light blue, as you reach the shore. In the south western part of the bay, there are some ruins which came down because of the earthquakes in Fethiye. According to the myth, in one of the visits of Cleopatra to Anatolian coasts, her close friends decided to build a Roman Bath for Cleopatra as a present. Because, they found a hot water spring in this part of the bay. The water here was very good for the skin, with the minerals and elements it contained like Calcium, Magnesium, etc. Some say that the mystery which lies behind the beauty of Cleopatra is the water here (however, it may be true). The water here, was coming from a crater lake (dry now) which was behind the mountain you see at the northern side of the bay. Even today, if you look at the bottom of the sea, where the ruins are, before the wind starts very early in the morning, you can see the sands at the bottom are still a bit moving. This means that there is still a bit amount of hot water coming out today. If you want to try your chance to be as beautiful as Cleopatra and to look 10 years younger, you are allowed to swim around and in the ruins!
The next stop, Dockyard Island, is the first Island you'll see in the tour which is called the 12 Islands Boat Cruise (the ones before were semi-islands). Here is a shallow bay where the water comes towards the land, just like a lake, and you can not realize that there's bay in the island unless you approach. On the land, there are some ruins which belong to the early Greek people lived here in peace during the Ottoman Empire times. The bay on the island was used to build ships by the people lived here (also Turkish), because the shallow waters were very suitable for this purpose. That's why this island is called the Dockyard Island.
Flat Islands, are a group of islands so close to each other, ocated just at the opposite of the Gocek town. The property here, is the salty lake in the middle of the long sandy part of the biggest island in the group. Here is also a charming place with the clear, dark blue, and very deep waters. But there's a passing from the biggest island to the smallest, which you can easily walk (1.5m depth). On the biggest island, further to the north, there's a long, sandy beach leading to the lake. On the shore, there are two families selling pan-cakes and pastries, who come every morning from the Gocek town, and leave in the evening. And there's a big boat used as a restaurant on this island. And if you want, banana, ringo and water skiing is available.
On the way back, your captain will choose one of the two suitable bays. If he chooses the Red Island, enjoy the clear sea and the clean shore of this red ground of the island. Anyway, you won't be able to resist its attraction. here, you can swim to the shore, which is only a few meter to the boat; and after getting on again, you can enjoy the sunset with a Nescafe or Sunset Cocktail. If you go to the Samanlik bay, it won't be more different than this. Again, you can jump (or dive?) from the top of the boat, and let the other watch you under the water just like an aquarium. Don't forget that this one is your last chance to swim, and you'll be back in the Fethiye Harbour 30 minutes later!
Çalış, which is one of the most striking residential and recreational centers in the region, is situated 5 km. North of Fethiye. With its kilometers of beach and cool evenings in the heat of the summer, Çalış is especially noted for its unique sunsets. Further down from Çalış, Kargı, with its beautiful beach and the incense trees, is a newly developing site with a number of hotels and holiday villages. Çalış is great for windsurfing as it has the best wind conditions in the area. The beach front road is closed to traffic to facillitate swimming and watersport activites.
Another day in Fethiye, (if you had enough of Ölüdeniz) you can choose a different place to see. This may be Saklikent. I advise you to be on your way in the morning time, because the roads really become bad with the sun above, and you may sweat as you never did before. Saklikent, is a huge valley and a canyon which goes inside 14 km. It is unbelievably high and narrow between two mountains. You'll have to walk through an ice cold waters to get to the other side of the river, if you want to see the beauties inside the canyon. You can also drink this ice cold water if you want to, because it is a very cold natural spring which comes out just where you walk through! It is so cold that you feel like you are loosing your feet inside the river, even in Summer time. This place was found about 15 years ago by a goat shepherd. And rented the place from the government for 49 years. Now, he runs the cafe-restaurant in Saklikent. On the way back to Fethiye, you can have a small break to taste the home made pancakes of the local villagers with the Ayran (a mixture of yoghurt, cold water and salt), and experience the Turkish village life. When you are leaving, do not forget to leave some tip for the children helping you to be in comfort in their houses, because they really show the best hospitality you may ever see.
You can spend another day in Dalyan, which is about 1 hour from Fethiye. It is near the pretty Dalyan River (the ancient Calbis River), which connects the Koycegiz lake to the sea. Most of the people don't know the name of Dalyan, even if they come to Fethiye for their Holiday. But Dalyan has a very pretty atmosphere with its ancient and natural beauties. As soon as you reach Dalyan, don't waste time and bargain with one of the local fisherboat captains to take you to places to see. First stop is the mud-bath which is said to be very healthful for your skin because of the minerals and the elements it contains like Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphure. It will take only 10 minutes from Dalyan by the boat which will take you there among the marvellous landscape of the ancient Calbis river. After that, you can go back to town center and have a good lunch including the famous fish which was caught in Dalyan river. After lunch, you take your boat to take you to the Iztuzu Beach (The Turtle Beach) after a 30 minutes boat trip among the plants, birds (and maybe the turtles!) of the famous Dalyan river. I am sure you will be impressed after your trip on this river. This beach is one of the rare beaches on the world where the Marine Turtles come and nest. Because of that, the beaches is seriously protected by the Turkish Association of Protection of the Natural Life. As you reach the beach, please obey the rules to use the beach which are written on big plaques on the beach, to protect the Sea Turtles and to let them live. The one side of this beach is the river (fresh water), and the other side is the Sea (salty water). So you can decide where to swim as you entered the beach. I can suggest you a long walk on the sands on the Iztuzu beach, to forget all your troubles and relax. After (or before) the beach, you can also visit the ancient city of Caunos on the way back to Dalyan town center. The place to see on this hill (10 mins walk) are, the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Bath, the Temple of Apollon, and the Acropolis up the hill. Also the Carian Rock Tombs which welcomes you as you enter the town, are really amazing.
It is a Greek settlement founded beginning from 14th century over antic Karmillassos, fully destroyed excluding a few house type tomb as a result of earthquakes and foundation period is not known definitely.Its former name is Levissi. Kaya Village (Karmylassos), teaching humanity on the concepts of friendship, brotherhood and peace, and united with five Turkish villages during its lifetime, is one of the pride resources of our region. According to a "population exchange" agreement signed between Turkish and Greek governments on 1922, Greek population of Kaya Village (Karmylassos) is exchanged with Turkish population residing in Western Thrace.
Following the road leading from Kaya Köyü, descend to the beautiful Gemiler beach, surrounded by pine and olive trees. Gemiler bay faces St Nicholas Island where the Byzantine ruins of a monastery lie tucked among the olive trees. A Japanese team has carried out archaeological excavations at intervals over the past 10 years and confirmed that this is the once residence of St Nicholas.
Antic Theater Antic sources are mentioning that there was a huge theater at Telmessos.On 1993, during the drilling excavations, performed by Fethiye Museum Directorate, sitting lines of the theater are founded under 3 - 4 meters of soil stratum filled with erosion. As a result of studies continued till 1995, all ruins existing from theater are revealed today. It is understood that early Roman period constructed, IIth century BC repaired theater has 5000 persons capacity and used as an arena during Bizantium period. Relieve project for repair of Telmessos Theater, responding to the 1500 persons' usage with conditions of today, is completed.
The ancient city of Cadianda is located near Üzümlü Village, about 20 Km. from Fethiye. Fine examples of Cyclops Walls, a sports complex, theatre and Heroon like temple tombs are all worth seeing, as are the magnificent views out over Fethiye.
Founded on the Antic Xanthos Stream ascended, it is 40 km. away from Fethiye.This extraordinary water spring is subjected to mythological stories. Rampart ruins, Turkish baths and aqueduct of Bizantium period are remaining from the city, placed within territories of Ören Village today.
Located 45 km. from Fethiye, Tlos is one of the oldest residential areas of Lycia and one of the few cities that continued its existence up to the 19th Century. Tlos is known as “the sports centre” of the Lycian Federation and was the home of the mythological winged horse, Pegasus, and his hero Bellorophonte. An Acropolis, the temple type tomb of Bellorophonte, the Stadium, the Roman Bath complex (with its great views), and amphitheatre, are some of the structures that remain quite well preserved. The nearby trout farms are an oasis on a hot summers day, serving delicious lunches.
Letoon was a holy city, dedicated to the Goddess Leto. Located at Kumluova Village and 4 km from Xanthos, it is known that all holy ceremonies were performed here by the priests of the temples of Leto, Artemis and Apollon.
The Lycians’ “Beauty Center”, Pınara is on the way to Minare Village and can be reached by a short road branching off from the Fethiye—Kaş highway. Numerous Pigeon Hole type simple tombs carved into the cliff faces, a hearth planned Aphrodite Temple with fine friezes and a well preserved amphitheatre are probably the most interesting remains of Pınara.
Sidyma is located near the Dodurga Village, at a distance of 55 km. from Fethiye. It is one of the prominent Lycian cities founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountains. There are a small theatre, water cisterns, a temple, the ruins of a bath, and a magnificent sarcophagus. is a Greek settlement founded beginning from 14th century over antic Karmillassos, fully destroyed excluding a few house type tomb as a result of earthquakes and foundation period is not known definitely.Its former name is Levissi. Kaya Village (Karmylassos), teaching humanity on the concepts of friendship, brotherhood and peace, and united with five Turkish villages during its lifetime, is one of the pride resources of our region. According to a "population exchange" agreement signed between Turkish and Greek governments on 1922, Greek population of Kaya Village (Karmylassos) is exchanged with Turkish population residing in Western Thrace.
Xanthos is the administrative centre of the Lycian Federation. Located at a distance of 60 km. from Fethiye, it is within the boundaries of the Kınık Village. Its foundation dates back to 1200 B.C. Mass suicides were committed in this prominent city for the sake of freedom and independence. At present the Acropolis from the Lycian period, the theatre from the Roman times, a church from the period of Christianity and the remains of the gate from the Hellenistic period can be observed. The "Nereid Monument", carried away in 1838, and other major Lycian works of art are exhibited at the British Museum in London.
