A Fairy Tale in Turquoise: Fethiye

If you dream of a holiday where you escape the exhausting crowds of the city and enjoy the harmony of green and blue in natural beauty, losing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of historical touches, then you are in exactly the right place. Our destination is Fethiye, a city with turquoise-colored waters. The city, which takes its name from Lycian legends, was believed to have been founded by Apollo, the Sun God. The Lycians named the city Telmessos. The city was an oracle center at that time. The oracle was a privilege and passed from father to son. The priests of Telmessos would climb onto rocks to make their prophecies and draw inspiration from the blue waters of the Mediterranean. For this reason, there are quite numerous legends about Fethiye. I would like to share one of these legends with you. The legend is called the Princess of Ships Island. In Gemiler Cove near Kayaköy, young girls used to wash the fabrics they had woven. This fabric-washing time was a form of entertainment and celebration for the young girls of the region. The young girls would play in the sea with the fabrics thrown into the water; the fabrics held at one end would be extended to the island, and whoever's fabric touched the island's shore first would have their wish come true. Many years ago, there lived a young girl on the island whose beauty was legendary. This girl, whose father was a king, was loved by the young men of the kingdom upon seeing her beauty. These young men, whose love was unrequited, took their own lives. The king was so saddened by this situation that he eventually forbade his daughter from being seen by the public. The beautiful princess, who loved the sea dearly, would descend to the sea through a covered gallery built by her father and swim. Wooden houses with bay windows and authentic character, which best reflect the city's history and spirit, and its colorful bazaar. Paspatur Bazaar is a colorful marketplace with souvenir shops, bars, and cafes. Among the works from the Ottoman period, the Old Mosque dating from the 18th century and the Fethiye Bath, which still serves today, are located within the bazaar. You must visit the shops on 95th Street, known as the Umbrella Street. If you wish to end your exploration with a nice dinner, the Fish Market would be an excellent choice.

Telmessos Ancient City:

The King Amintas Tombs found here allow you to feel all the mystery of the city; you enter the aura of ancient touch at that very moment. The city continued to exist during the Byzantine period but lost its importance after the 7th century A.D. due to Arab raids. In the 7th century, Anastasius II gave his own name to Telmessos; the city's name became Anastasiupolis; however, this name did not stick. When Telmessos came under Ottoman rule in 1424, it was called Makri, meaning "distant city," and later Megri. The name Megri was changed in 1934 to Fethiye, the name used today, in memory of Fethi Bey, Turkey's first pilot. According to C. Texier's report from the 1850s, after seeing Telmessos, the Apollo Temple and theater in the city were visible at that time. After C. Texier, a major earthquake in 1856 caused the collapse of these structures, and with a second major earthquake a hundred years later, these remains, like Fethiye, were destroyed.  

Ölüdeniz:

Ölüdeniz, distinguished by its turquoise-colored sea, was known as the "Land of Light and Sun" in the Ancient Age. Having the title of "The Most Beautiful Beach in the World," Ölüdeniz was known as the "distant sea" during the Middle Ages. Ölüdeniz, one of the formations of lagoons or sea inlets, is quite calm and still. The most important characteristic of Ölüdeniz is that it renews itself, and consequently its sea is very clean. Ölüdeniz is also fed by spring waters, and the salt content varies. It is surrounded by forests; the enchanting beauty of green and blue can create a dependency in you. When Ölüdeniz comes to mind, the first activity that comes to mind is undoubtedly paragliding. If you want to take a blue journey in the sky and feel free like a bird, I suggest you try paragliding. It can be done all year round; I recommend doing it at sunrise or sunset; it will remain in your memory for years as an unforgettable moment. Ölüdeniz, where transportation is quite easy, is 1 hour away from Dalaman Airport.

Belceğiz Beach:

It is one of the most famous beaches in Fethiye with its turquoise blue color and pristine sea. In the area belonging to the Ölüdeniz neighborhood of Fethiye, there are many boutique hotels, pensions, apartments, cafes, and restaurants. This is a complete holiday destination in itself. Those who wish can sunbathe; those who wish can enjoy water sports. The walking trail right behind it is used as a paragliding landing strip. Cafes and restaurants stretching parallel to the beach are among Fethiye's best venues. During the day you can swim in the sea, eat in charming and authentic places, and relax.

Butterfly Valley:

Its original name is Güdürümsu. Opened to tourism in 1987, the valley's name was updated to "Butterfly Valley" due to the butterfly population in the region. Declared a first-degree natural protected area in 1995, the valley is one of the most important addresses for nature and camping tourism in our country. It ranks among the 10 most beautiful natural wonders of our country. It takes its name from more than eighty butterfly species it contains. You can see butterflies around the river and waterfalls. It is particularly an ideal place for tent camping. Those unfamiliar with tent life can choose bungalows. Baba Mountain, listed among the 100 mountains that need to be protected by the "World Heritage Protection Foundation," is located here. The water accumulation seen in the lower part of the region is not a waterfall. A steep climb is required to reach this area. During the climb, the area can be reached first by ladders attached to the rocks and then by using climbing ropes. For that enchanting view, all these difficulties are truly worth it.  

Kabak Cove:

It is located on the Lycian Way. With its cove stretching for 200 meters, this is a corner of paradise. It consists of a deep valley in the form of a canyon surrounded by mountains on three sides and a beach where the valley opens to the sea. Special tour boats provide access to the cove, which is a first-degree protected area, from Ölüdeniz. You can also drive by car from the land to a certain point and then walk from there. Aladere Waterfall is located here; you can take a pleasant walk here from the Lycian Way. Its proximity to nature and tranquility will bring you peace. The Blue Cave is another natural wonder of this place. Light enters the cave, which has a connection to the seabed, through this opening. It takes its name from this blue light. There is also a pool inside the cave where you can swim.

Kayaköy:

Kayaköy, an old Greek village, was formerly called Levissi. The village, built on the ancient city of Karmilassos, is located on the slope of a hill. It is a few kilometers away from Hisarönü. After being abandoned due to the population exchange, Kayaköy stood empty for many years. Now it is coming back to life with its narrow streets stretching between pine, pomegranate, and fig trees, its stacked houses, churches, chapels, and extraordinary scenery. Soğuksu Cove is a place you must see here. You can reach it via a stone-paved path. Kayaköy Art Camp, another place that can attract art lovers with yoga, workshop activities, organized tours, and camping areas, is definitely worth visiting.

Lycian Way:

A world-famous trekking route stretching between Antalya and Fethiye gulfs. With its 535 km length, it is Turkey's first long-distance hiking trail. It was used as a trade route by the Lycians in the Ancient Age. You reach the Lycian Way, which nature lovers admire for its sea-blue coves and quiet and charming villages, passing through many ancient cities such as Idyros, Phaselis, Olympos, Limyra, Myra, and Simena. This is one of the rare places where natural beauty merges with historical character. Pınara Ancient City is also one of the ancient cities on the Lycian Way. The ancient city, found near Minare Village, takes its name from the words "Pinale" or "Pinara," which mean round in the Lycian language, because it is built on a round hill. Although Pınara has been damaged by earthquakes, many rock and sarcophagus tombs, baths, theaters, agorae, and odeums worth seeing have survived to the present day.

Ships Island:

Its other name is Aya Nikola Island. It is located on the back ridges of Kayaköy, approximately 1 km off the coast of Gemiler Beach, west of Ölüdeniz. Access to the island is by boats departing from Ölüdeniz and Gemiler Beach. The waters around the island are full of day-trip and blue cruise tour boats. Even if you don't go to the island, when you go from the Kayaköy side and look down from the hilltop, it has a magnificent view. Aya Nikola Island (St. Nicholas Island), considered one of the important religious centers of the Byzantine period, held an important position from the 5th century A.D. onwards. It was one of the places where Christians stopped in Anatolia while traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage. Sailors used to visit the churches on this island and pray before setting sail. On Karacaören Island, 150 meters west of the island, there is a chimney thought to have been used for signaling with smoke, which is believed to have been built to warn both the people of Gemile Island and the people of Kayaköy against danger in the event of an attack.

Saklıkent Canyon:

It is approximately 45 minutes away from Fethiye. Despite being close to ancient sites, it was discovered 26 years ago thanks to a shepherd. In the month of May, the melting snow from the mountains flows like ice through the rocks into heaven. Saklıkent National Park is also located here. The canyon hidden between the rocks has a rather enchanting view. As you wander over the canyon, you walk on the rocks; therefore, I recommend wearing appropriate shoes.

Çalış Beach:

It is quieter compared to other beaches in the area. It is located 5 km away from Fethiye town center. This wide, sandy beach stretching for kilometers with easy access, its clean sea, and the unique views of Fethiye Gulf are among Fethiye's best beaches. At the same time, the beach is also home to loggerhead sea turtles and provides suitable facilities for water sports activities through its facilities. One of Fethiye's most famous beaches, Çalış Beach, you will be mesmerized by the light show that the setting sun creates in all shades of red over Fethiye Gulf during the evening walk along the beach. The beach is quite lively at night, with live music and colorful atmosphere bringing all the joy of summer nights.

Knight Island:

It is located within viewing distance from the shore in Fethiye, Muğla. The island, which takes its name from the Knights of Rhodes found in the region in the 15th century, is accessible by boats departing from Çalış Beach in Foça neighborhood. The structures were used as material during the Byzantine period, and these structures belong to the Late Roman period. The church, chapel, cisterns, and all building remains found on the island belong to the Byzantine period. After the fall of the Menteşe Beylik, the Knights of Rhodes lived in the region. The island was declared a 3rd-degree archaeological site in 1982, a special environmental protection zone in 1988, and a 3rd-degree natural protected area in 1994.

Famous Delicacies of Fethiye:

• Seafood, • Homemade gözleme, • Yeşil Üzümlü's house wines, • Kuzu Göbeği's mushroom delicacies, • Arapaşı soup.

Important Festivals of Fethiye:

• Yeşil Üzümlü Kuzu Göbeği Mushroom Festival, • Fethiye Culture and Arts Days Festival, • Ölüdeniz International Air Games Festival, • International Göcek Regatta Prepared by: Nükhet Sezer

Sources http://www.fethiye.bel.tr/ https://www.muglatatil.com/