 The
popular resort Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris,
boasts an important marina at the head of a
beautiful bay strewn with islands. A hill crowned by
the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the
Knights of Rhodes overlooks the little port. Above
the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity), numerous
Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of
ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face. The
Tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the
fourth century B.C. is the most remarkable. Swimmers
head for the popular Çalis Beach, four kilometres
west of town, or to Sövalye Island, opposite the
harbour, which blazes with flowers in the spring.
The road to
Belcegiz Bay takes you through the
mountains where cozy guest houses cater to those
seeking mountain scenery. Ocakköy is the mountain
village that is a must see, stay in one of the
lovely guest houses, and enjoy the numerous trekking
possibilities. Hisarönü, also in the mountains, has
very nice hotels. 4 km from Hisarönü, Kayaköy is a
picturesque ghost town of old houses and churches -
all empty. Explore the bay and the beautiful Blue
Lagoon, Ölü Deniz, where the calm, crystal clear
water is ideal for swimming and other water sports.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the best places in the
world to do absolutely nothing except soak up the
sun amid stunning natural surroundings.
At Mt. Baba
(1,969 m), you can paraglide into the Blue Lagoon.
For those who' prefer accommodation facilities, Belcegiz beach is recommended. Intoxicating scenery
surrounds Kidirak's beach and shady park. On
Gemiler
Island (St Nicholas's Island), Byzantine ruins lie
tucked among the pines. South of Kidirak beach,
Kötürümsü Bay is reachable only by boat. Beyond the
idyllic beach, a forest, waterfalls and a valley
filled with hundreds of varieties of butterflies
await the explorer. High in the mountains above
Fethiye rushing torrents cut a narrow gorge through
the mountains, creating Saklikent (Hidden City). A
cool refuge on hot summer days, Saklikent is a
favourite picnic spot, with rustic restaurants
serving delectable fresh trout. 36 km south of
Fethiye, Yakaköy (Tlos) is the Oldest city in the Lycian region. The home of the
Lycian Hero
Bellerophon, visitors can see the remains of a
castle, agora, necropolis, theatre, Roman baths and
a good view of Esen Valley. 2 km east of the
villages is Tlos Park, ideal for picnicking. Pinara,
49 km south of Fethiye, is another ancient mountain
city; it is ideal for trekking and visitors can see
the remains of a theatre, agora, rock tomb, baths
and ancient brothels. |
