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FETHIYE
One is
at a loss for words to describe the beauty of Fethiye. If you are
incurably addicted to exploring new horizons and are a lover of nature, this
is the destination for you… What is it that makes these shores so
delightfully indented with innumerable coves and the unbelievable beauty of
nature. What makes it so alluring? Perhaps it is a bit of everything, who
knows?
To
wander through the bays of Fethiye is an adventure, an exuberance, a spring
of joy. While passing from one to another, the grandeur that spreads out
before your eyes is enhanced by the silhouettes of tiny islands, which lead
you astray.
Fethiye is located in
South—West Mediterranean Turkey, connected to all other cities by three
highways and reached very easily. Dalaman
International Airport is as close as 50 km. to the town centre. During the
tourist season one can find many flights from major European cities to
Fethiye besides the domestic flights throughout the year by Turkish Airlines.
Additionally Antalya Airport, three –hour drive to Fethiye, is another
departure point.
Fethiye seaport with its sheltered natural structure is an important
stop for yachtsmen. A new
modern marina project will be realised soon for a large number of yachts
with all facilities on the other end at the bay.
The whole region
excluding Fethiye and Eşen lowlands is covered with high mountains forming
the southwestern spurs of the Taurus Range. These mountains exceeding 2000
meters extend the coastline. On a sunny winter day it is a real pleasure to
view the pines and snow decorated peaks intertwined with the blue sky.
Besides the refreshing woody slopes with thyme, sage, laurel and pine trees
the exceptional incense forest is another peculiarity of the Fethiye region.
Covering a 100-hectare area the incense forest is an ideal campsite and a
picnic area. Balsam obtained from incense trees has pharmaceutical and
cosmetic value and it is also used as a fumigate in mosques and churches.
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters
prevails in the region temperatures are approximately 30°C in summers and
usually not less than 12°C in winters. Seawater temperature is hardly below
17°C all year round.
In Fethiye, with its abundance and
fertile land, agriculture is of major prominence. Therefore whilst in other
holiday resorts it becomes quiet at end of the season, life in Fethiye flows
on throughout the 12 months.
Such farming for vegetables and
industrial plants as cotton, sesame, tobacco, and aniseed
are the major agricultural income sources. Yearly about 250.000 tons
of tomatoes are produced and exported.
In bee-keeping and honey production, the potential is on a large
scale. Furthermore, there is large supply of Chromium ore and Fethiye is an
important export part of this mineral in Turkey.
The climatic conditions permit almost all kinds of vegetables and
fruit to be cultivated. The special nature of contact between the producer
and the consumer may be witnessed in the town market, is most fascinating on
Tuesdays. Life at the market and the shops are located around starts early
in the morning and gives opportunities to locals and tourists during the
daytime. Souvenir shops are located around the Turkish bath and the old
Mosque. During the peak season one can buy leather-goods, carpets, rugs,
jewellery and the other souvenirs as well as Turkish fashion cloths from
these shops which stay open until the late hours. When you walk around, have
a break at one of “Paspatur”
Cafes for a cup of Turkish coffee or apple tea, it
will keep you relax and keep your mind on Fethiye as “the
shining light of eco—world, worth discovering”
HISTORY
Fethiye
is located on the Lycian and Carian border and was called Telmessos
in ancient times. The city was very prominent and a centre of prophecy,
pledged to Apollon. That the city life was rich and highly cultured during
the Hellenistic and Roman periods is evident from the existing monuments.
Today the majority of ancient ruins in Telmessos are rock-tombs, Lycian-type
sarcophagi, the fortress and the Roman Theatre.
The
peninsula lying between Fethiye and Antalya was known as Lycia in the
ancient times. Lycians were natives of
Anatolia and sea-faring people as mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and
Kadesh War Peace Agreement document.
The
tomb of Amyntas, which could be considered as the insignia of Fethiye,
strikes the eye with its grandeur on the slope as you enter the bay. This
tomb, whose façade was built as an Ionic temple based on the plan of in
antis, belonged to Amyntas is
believed to be a king or a governor of Telmessos during the Hellenistic
period.
Within
the city there are quite a number of Lycian-type sarcophagi.
On these there are epitaphs in the Lycian scripture. Especially the
sarcophagus near the government house is worthy of notice, with its relieves
depicting warriors.
The
fortress stands where the city was first founded and the existing
walls are from the 11th Century. At same places, portions of walls from the
Roman period can be seen. The fortress was repaired by the Rhodesian Knights
during the 15th Century and was used as a naval base.
Telmessos
Ancient Theatre
stands
opposite to the commercial quay at Fethiye town centre. Typical Roman type
theatre was built in 2nd. Century on the remains of a Greek style
previous one. The site was escavated by the Fethiye Archaeology Museum in
1993 and a restoration project was made to renovate the theatre’s cavea
and stage.
Fethiye
Archaeology Museum
exhibits
numerous Archaeological findings from the Lycian, Hellenistic, Roman and
Ottoman periods as well as ethnological works of art typical of the region.
There
is a new project to be realised in 2001—2002 for a new “open-air Museum
complex with the ancient theatre”. Fethiye Municipality and the Directory
of Museum are leading this project to reform the centre of town with the
idea of protecting natural and cultural environments of Fethiye.
The
Teke Peninsula of our times, lying between Fethiye and Antalya was
known as LYCIA in the ancient
times. In fact the Lycians participated in the Kadesh War together with
Hittites, Which indicates that they were one of the oldest tribes of
Anatolia. All through the history, Lycia was invaded by the Persians,
Alexander The Great, Romans and Byzantines but was never evacuated. Fethiye
is an appropriate centre for excursions into Lycia. Either on your own or by
organised daily tours, you can pay visits to major Lycian cities in the
region.
Cadianda
: The
ancient city of Cadianda is
located at Üzümlü Village, about 20 Km. from Fethiye. Best samples of
Cyclops Walls of the ancient ages, a sport complex, theatre and Heroon like
temple type tombs are all worth to see.
Tlos:
Located at 28 km. from Fethiye, Tlos is one of the oldest residential areas
of Lycia and one of the few cities, which continued its existence up to the
19th Century. Tlos is known as “the sport centre” of Lycian Federation
and was the home of mythological winged horse Pegasus
and his hero Bellorophonte. Acropolis,
temple type tomb of Bellorophonte, Stadium—bath complex, and theatre are
some of the structures coming from early periods of Tlos.
Pınara:
“Beauty
Center” of Lycians, 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
Holes like simple tombs carved on the slope of the Hill and a hearth planned
Aphrodite Temple are probably the
most interesting remains of Pınara to see.
Xanthos:
Political
capital of Lycian Federation, Xanthos is known as the place of people who
committed suicide all together for peace and freedom when Persians invaded
town in 546 BC. Sir Charles Fellows first discovered Xanthos in 1838 and all
relieves and unlikely beautiful Nereid’s Monuments were carried to London—British
Museum. The ruins still standing in the city, which is at present location
of Kınık Village
on the road from Fethiye to Kaş Town, are splendid samples of the
Lycian Civilisation.
Letoon:
Letoon
is a holy city, dedicated to Goddess
Leto, located at the Kumluova Village and 4 Km. from Xanthos. It is
known that all holy ceremonies were held here with the priests of the
temples of Leto, Artemis and Apollon.
Oenanda:
recently
excavated city of Oenanda is located near İncealiler
Village, about 88 Km. to Fethiye. British and Turkish archaeologists
discovered about 300 scribed tablets of Lycian Epicurean Philosopher Dioghenes.
Fethiye
is surrounded by Toros (Taurus)
Mountains, which are fully decorated with pine and cedar trees in addition
to about 10.000 sorts of floral components. Ecological life of Fethiye is
waiting to be explored by the people who are the lovers of nature, culture
and history.
Blue
Lagoon (Ölüdeniz):
Explore Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz)
where the calm crystal water is ideal for swimming and other water
sports. Blue Lagoon is located near the famous tourist resort of Fethiye, Belcekız Beach and protected as one of the natural parks of Turkey.
Butterfly
Valley:
Pieri Rapos, Euglapia Quadripunctia, Danaus Chtsippus and
others… Butterfly Valley is placed at the bottom of deep and sharp of a
Valley, which is one of the most beautiful bays around Fethiye. Starting
springtime for about 9—10 months more than 40 kinds of butterflies can be
watched in the valley.
Saklıkent
Gorge:
High
in the mountains above Fethiye rushing torrents cut a narrow gorge / canyon
through the mountains, creating Saklıkent Gorge. A cool refuge on hot
summer days, Saklıkent Gorge is a favourite picnic spot with rustic
restaurants serving delectable fresh trout.
Gemiler
Bay & Island:
Following
the road leading from Kaya Köyü, you end up at a beautiful beach
surrounded by pine and olive trees. Gemiler bay is facing you to the small
Island where Byzantine ruins lie tucked among the pines. A Japanese team has
carried on archaeological excavations for 10 years.
Günlüklü
(Küçük Kargı):
This
site is also operated as a camp-site by the Directorate of National Parks
and renewed for its incense (Sytrax) trees (Liquidi-Ambar
Orientalis) which grow only
in Muğla region.
Katrancı:
The
Muğla—Fethiye highway branches off to this campsite at a point 15 km.
from Fethiye and there are numerous little bays around this spot. Katrancı
is an ideal place with camping facilities where pine trees stretching right
to the shore.
Gebeler
Spa:
The
Gebeler Spa is a thermal spring recalling Tlos baths. The spring, that
content high Chlorine and sulphate cures many ailments. The 15 meters deep
hot water wells are most efficacious remedies for rheumatism, sciatica and
skin diseases.
From
the coastline to the mountains—pastures, Fethiye is the place where
different cultures are mixed and coloured the life. Yörük (Nomads) and
fishermen come together easily in a typical Fethiye picture. Folkloric
values as folk music, folk dances, and handcrafts, local cuisine
are all different than the other regions of Turkey.
Kaya
Rugs: Kaya Village rugs have been made
for centuries with specific designs and colours and specially used technique
for the dyes.
Dastar:
Dastar
is hand-craft more specifically seen in Üzümlü
Village. Cotton is used for these scarves and they are hand made either
in plain weaving or with designs in white—on—white.
Kilim:
Flat woven carpets as well as saddle—bags are hand—made at Seydiler,
Atlidere, Karaçulha and Eldirek
Villages with specific designs.
Kolan:
These
are thin, long belts woven from wool dyed in various colours.
KAYA
KÖYÜ—MOSAICS OF CULTURES:
Beyond
the Fethiye fortress going south, if you follow the road climbing up to the
slope some 7 km. you can come to a magnificent lowland where Anatolian
Greeks had lived until 1922. Greeks called the town
Levissi in the past. Kaya
Köyü in the year 1922 during the exchange of Turks in Thrace with
Anatolian Greeks was evacuated and the new residents did not take up the
existing houses. Kaya become a “Ghost
Town” as an abandoned town after 1923.
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churches, chapels, numerous houses, schools, library, hospital, work—shops
and the other structures will be renovated soon according to a project which
is made by The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies and The Chamber Of
Turkish Architects. After the renovation, Kaya Köyü will serve as the
place of “ Piece & Friendship Village” and be protected forever.
Fethiye’s
magnificent mountains and forests are mostly undeveloped, existing as
wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of life a culture,
flora and fauna.
For
centuries nomads and semi—nomadic people have migrated annually to the
fresh pastures of the higher elevations in summer.
Seki
and Girdev Pastures are two of magnificent picturesque areas on Taurus (Toros)
Mountains about 80 km. to Fethiye Town centre and famed for their horses and
Juniper trees. At Boğalar Village, there is a nomad museum worth seeing,
immortalising the traces of culture at pastures.
BAYS &
ISLANDS
It
is not a dream anymore to discover the lovely bays and islands hugging
nature and history by a boat in Mediterranean's blue waters.
Everybody can arrive by yachts or traditional wooden Gulets
into these bays that want to keep their holiday full with beauties,
which were known only by the seamen until 40 years ago.
For
lovers of active life, sailing in the clear waters provide great
opportunities for swimming, fishing, water—skiing, snorkelling, surfing
and scuba—diving.
The
borders of blue heaven of Fethiye provide various choices from north Aegean
to east Mediterranean. By starting from the Göcek islands and bays as you
wish, on Marmaris route; Tersane
Island (Dock—yard), Lycian Bay, Cleopatra’s Bath, Ağ Limanı,
Ekincik Bay and Dalyan’s famous Turtle’s Beach or instead; you can sail
on Antalya Route to see Gemiler Bay, St. Nicholas Island, Ölüdeniz—Blue
Lagoon, Butterfly Valley, Kalkan, Kaş and sunken city of Kekova.
Gulets:
The
singular design of Gulets, Turkey’s indigenous sea—going vessels, blend
practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies a “Blue
Voyage”.
Gulets
have evolved from traditional crafts for fishing and transport into their
present profile with a beam and a wide deck.
Travel
agencies can arrange charters free style or fixed trips for specific groups
of people for you individually. On
a Gulet you can explore the
secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coast—line. Ready
yourself to rediscover the blue paradise of eco—world in Fethiye waters...
ÖLÜDENİZ—BELCEKIZ:
Ölüdeniz
Lagoon and Belcekız beach are are known as “Blue
Paradise” in the world.
Colourful holiday complexes with lush gardens, camp—sites and hotels
provide a large capacity of accommodation for tourists. “World Heritage”
Babadağ hugs the area with its floral richness. After half an hour
driving to the summit of Babadağ, you can have an opportunity to fly single
or tandem, do paragliding and land softly on Belcekız Beach. Babadağ and
Belcekız is becoming a centre for paragliders .
OVACIK
VILLAGE:
Ovacık
resort is located 4 km. from Ölüdeniz on the way to Fethiye. Cool breezes
and common Fine Mountain & forest view caress its hotels and holiday
villages.
HİSARÖNÜ VİLLAGE:
Hisarönü
Resort is next to Ovacık Resort in the area. Hotels, restaurants, bars,
shopping centres and the other activities describe a very colourful life for
tourists. Easy transportation to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz from Hisarönü
& Ovacık is provided by dolmuş, which takes 5 min. to Ölüdeniz and
20 min. to Fethiye centres.
ÇALIS
Çalis,
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, Çalis is especially noted for
its unique sun—sets. Further down from Çalis, Kargı, with its beautiful
beach and the incense trees, is a newly developing site with a number of
hotels and holiday villages.
OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
Fethiye
is situated in the heart of Lycia, and an ideal centre for visiting the
ancient cities surrounding the town. Also Fethiye is quite close distance to
Turkey’s famous sites as Ephesus,
Pamukkale, Antalya, Patara
and Dalyan—Turtle’s
Beach.
There
are various alternatives for daily activities besides enjoying sun—bathing
on the beach.
Paragliding:
Flying
tandem with high experienced licensed pilots from Babadağ (1975 mt.) to
Belcekız Beach in 30—40 minutes with enjoying fantastic view of Ölüdeniz.
From the hotel to the take off place is about 45 min. Jeep ride on the slope
of the mountain. After getting your equipment on, all you have to do is to
run a few steps along with the wind and than let yourself go in to the sky.
Adrenaline and freedom. Live it...
Diving:
The life in the sea has a rich variation from fish, octopos, eels and
dolphins. Lots of fauna plants and coral is waiting for underwater
photographer’s flashes to show the marvellous colours.
Trekking—LYCIAN
WAY:
Walking
on nomad trails and ancient Lycian paths is best way to see flora richness
of Fethiye. Lycian Way starts from Babadağ in Ovacık Village. You just
need usual soft—walking material with you. Every hundred meter special
boards will show you the right direction and give basic information about
the area. Little mountain
villages will be on the way, to meet you with their friendly people, even
semi—nomads. You can try this year the path from Fethiye to Kaş and see
Faralya Village, Pınara—Letoon—Xanthos ancient cities on the way and
next year from Fethiye to Marmaris to see Caunos ancient city, Turtle’s
beach, etc… Spectacular views will
highlight your holiday on the “Lycian Way”.
Water
Sports: Wind—surf,
water ski, parasail, ringo, banana etc… Have fun, get relax and feel happy
with such enjoyable water sport activities.
Canoe—Kayaking:
Canoeing experience is not essential after instruction take the current down
stream. Drift past green meadows, eucalyptus forest, cliffs and finish at
Patara Beach, where is 18 km long.
Horse
Riding: Daily rides around the local
countryside or Kaya Village. Horses and ponies are for all standards.
Fethiye is a unique holiday resort where the majestic Anatolian
Taurus mountains, enamoured with the Mediterranean, dole out fertility along
the ridges and where blue transforms to green, butterflies to corals, music
to dance and the nomads to fishermen, and where, throughout the history,
different cultures, enhancing with the exuberant rhythm of the light and
water, maintain their co-existence in friendship and peace.
You may wish
to take advantage of various services offered by local authorities and
various civilian organisations to have an enjoyable holiday in Fethiye.
REDISCOVER
THE LIGHTS OF NATURE, CULTURE AND HISTORY IN FETHIYE.
HOPE
TO SEE YOU …
FETHIYE TOURISM INFORMATION DIRECTORATE
Tel: 0252.6142527
Fax: 0252.6141527
FETHIYE
TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Tel: 0252.6141051
Fax: 0252.6141051
TURSAB REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tel: 0252.6120974
Fax: 0252.6120975
FETHIYE HOTEL ADMINISTRATORS’ ASSOCIATION
Tel: 0252.6123795
Fax: 0252.6123096
OLUDENIZ TOURISM PROMOTION
COOPERATIVE
Tel:
0252.6170438 Fax:
0252.6170135
ÇALIŞ TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Tel:
0252.6221501 Fax:
0252.6221505
SKAL CLUB FETHIYE
Tel: 0252.6122207
Fax: 0252.6144674
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