By Justin Mays:
Have you ever been to Fethiye? It is a beautiful city located in the province of Muğla, in the southeast of Turkey, which has privileged views of the Mediterranean. This metropolis, built on top of the ruins of the ancient port city of Telmessos, has a population of about 84,000. But this number increases when the good weather arrives, as it is usually an area where many move to during the summer.
Paradisiacal beaches, crystalline waters, huge forests... It is not surprising that Fethiye is one of the most tourist spots on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. In fact, it is usually one of the mandatory stops on most cruises that travel through this area of the Mediterranean. It is an ideal city to rest, relax and enjoy the good weather. The perfect place to spend the summer and to share quality time with our loved ones.
If you are thinking of living or spending a few days in Fethiye, here are some of the tourist and historical sites that you must attend. We are sure that none of these popular spots will leave you indifferent.
1. Amyntas Rock Tombs
The Amyntas Rock Tombs, also known as the Tomb of Fethiye, is an ancient Greek rock-cut tomb in ancient Telmessos, which at the time was a territory ruled by a satrap of the Achaemenid Empire. It is a truly spectacular place, which often reminds many of the interiors of the famous Petra, in Jordan.
2. Saklikent National Park
The Saklıkent National Park is located about 50 kilometers from Fethiye, but we guarantee that the trip is worth it. It is a national park full of green areas, popular for hosting the Saklikent canyon, which is 18 kilometers long and 300 meters deep. Again, it will give you the feeling that you are in Petra.
3. Fethiye Port
Another of the areas that you should visit if you are in Fethiye is its port, an ideal leisure area to walk during sunny days. The atmosphere is very welcoming, as the port has restaurants and cafeterias with a wide gastronomic offer. In addition, private boat tours are also usually organized at the port, a complementary activity that is usually quite in demand, as Fethiye is a perfect area for sailing.
4. Çalis Beach
Çalış Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Fethiye, also considered one of the best ecological beaches in Turkey. It is a truly spectacular paradise beach, almost five kilometers long, and with crystal clear views of the Aegean Sea. The beach is located away from the city center, offering its visitors a relaxed atmosphere. From Çalış Beach, you will also be able to see the Taurus Mountains and some of the islands in the Gulf of Fethiye.
5. Fethiye Market
On the other hand, you may also be interested in visiting the Fethiye market, which is organized every Tuesday. It is a fairly large market, where you will find everything: clothes, spices, vegetables, fruits, accessories, household products, some antique objects... The prices are usually very cheap.
6. Butterfly Valley
In Fethiye, there is also one of the most attractive places in Turkey: the Butterfly Valley. It is a nature reserve located near the famous Oludeniz Beach, on the western coast of the Belceiz Gulf. The valley is beautiful and has spectacular views, but this is not all. After walking through the valley, you can end the tour by bathing on the sandy beach of the Butterfly Valley.
7. Tlos ruins
If you are a history lover, you also have to visit Tlos, one of the six cities that formerly made up the state of Lycia. Currently, the ruins of Tlos lie about 35 kilometers southeast of Fethiye, offering visitors a picturesque view of its surroundings, accompanied also by the Esen River. Around it, you will be able to see ruins of the Roman Empire, Lycian tombs, and remains of the Ottoman fortress of Bloody Ali, among others.
8. Lycian Way
Last but not least, we recommend you visit the Lycian Way, a 500-kilometer-long trail that starts in Fethiye, in the Hisarönü area, and ends in Geyikbayırı, about 20 kilometers from Antalya. To complete this route by foot, you will need 29 days, but you can always take a short walk along the section closest to Fethiye. The path runs along the coast, offering hikers wonderful views of the sea. Without a doubt, a perfect plan to exercise and connect with the environment!
