What to do
DAILY BOAT TOURS: It is possible to reach all the islands and coves in and around our town by boat. During the summer season boats of daily tours with lunch depart from the Fethiye Harbour, Göcek and. Ölüdeniz-Belceğiz Beach around 10.00-11:00 a.m. which have a special space among unforgettable memories of holiday
BLUE VOYAGE.It is no longer a dream to set sail on the blue waters of the Mediterranean to discover the charming coves and the islands where nature hugs history. Forty years ago only the local sailors were familiar with these beautiful sights; but now whoever wishes to have a specially memorable holiday can reach them either by a sailing boat or by a traditional schooner. You can either form your own group of friends and rent a gullet following your own route, or you can share cabins with your new acquaintances and go on a blue voyage going on a pre-established route discovering the blue paradise. At stop-overs you can enthuse with various water sports, lie underneath the Mediterranean sun on deck, dreaming of new holidays and alternative route in quietude. Going on a blue voyage in a traditional Turkish gullet is something else. The gullets, built of chestnut, mahogany, teak and pine wood, with their comfortable cabins, showers, toilets and sundecks are very serviceable. The offer you various alternatives suitable to your holiday budget,. With their variable standards and passenger capacities. Another wonderful feature of the Blue Voyage is adding colour to your holiday with various water sports in addition to benefiting from the sun and the sea...Activities such as underwater diving, water ski, parasail, jet ski, wind surf, banana , ringo are awaiting you at the charming coves. For sailing addicts, sails hoisted in favourable winds transform your trip in absolute quietude to a romantic pleasure.
UNDERWATER DIVING: The crystal clear water along the shores of Fethiye is ideal for underwater diving which is one of the fast-developing and most enjoyable type of sports. There are no detrimental conditions along the long coastline makes işt possible to be trained in this field with ease and in safety. The experienced diving centres in the region organize large-scale courses for beginners and experienced divers day and night, based on PADI, CMAS and BSAC methods. Twenty diving points are selected for experienced divers where there are shallow rocks, impressive caves, walls and tunnels. Furthermore, archaeological diving is also possible to observe some amphora from 334 B.C. when Alexander the Great conquered Asia.
You can participate in weekly diving tours organized on traditional gullets and improve your skill at diving points on route to Fethiye-Kaş or Fethiye-Marmaris. Weekly tours also afford you training courses on board at the end of which you receive your certificates. While you are being trained by experienced divers, you can have a rest against the fascinating backdrop of the Mediterranean. Experienced diving teams will be at your service with contemporary and safe diving and sailing equipment...Anyone who is in good health and feels comfortable at sea, older than 12 years of age can easily participate in this activity. To discover the wealth of underwater and acquire the skill of diving, it is sufficient to participate daily diving tours. Immediately after formalities are carried out in the morning, your boat reaches the diving point after a short trip. Pursuant to an introductory course of professional diving teachers about equipment and rules, it is time for your first dive in shallow waters. The second dive you will perform together with your trainer and guide in the afternoon will add to your pleasure... Life in the Mediterranean includes varied species ranging from fish to octopus, crawfish, lobsters, eels and, less frequently tortoises and dolphins. The fauna and flora awaits the flashes of underwater photographers to display their magnificent colours... Come to Fethiye and the Mediterranean in your next holiday and, while enjoying the beautiful sights, also see the fascinating life underneath the clean and warm waters which you have missed until now.
LYCIAN PATH - TREKKING: The Guarantee Bank organized a project competition covering environment, education, sports and industrial planning entitled "Four Lights for the Future,. Where the first prize was given to Kate Clow's project called "Lycian Path from Fethiye to Antalya, which was the longest path in Turkey. Within the framework of this project supported by the bank, road signs were prepared. A documentary in 9 parts with the title of "Lycian Path, describing all the tracks between Fethiye and Antalya was also prepared, supported by the Bank. A team of Turks and expatriates walked in the region for more than a month and prepared this documentary, which displays the daily life-style and culture of Lycian cities, as well as the natural panorama.
The first settlers in this region were known as Lycians, influenced at first by the Hitites and later by Greek, Persian and Roman cultures. On the Lycian Path, one comes across sarcophagi, city wall of antique cities and the interconnections on the hills, public baths, fountains, and theatres. The Lycian Path is is also a natural wonder, covered with forests. Paths consist of various trees and flowers, seasonal shallow ponds,.plateaus and magnificent fauna and flora. The Lycian Path is a communication system connecting 45 Lycian cities recorded in history.
The panorama is further enhanced with the rich flora and fauna, as well as pine forests, reaching out to the sea, with the ruins of antique cities on your way. The affable, hospitable residents of mountain villages on your route make you forget your weariness and introduce a new mode of life to you with their interesting culture. The Mediterranean region and Taurus Mountains are covered with about 10.000 species of vegetation with most striking flowers, trees and endemic plants, causing you to feel as if you have just discovered a natural museum. The Lycian Path has recently opened up to the world from Fethiye as a popular alternative tourism activity...Trekking on the Lycian Path starts at the Rock Tombs at Fethiye, goes behind the Kaya Village, up from Ovacık to Babadağ at an altitude of 1974 metres, and then down to the Village of Faralya (Uzunyurt) following the signposts at every 100 metres. Boots suitable to climbing conditions, trekking equipment, sufficient water until you reach a stop-over point where you can find food and water are essential especially in the first part of trekking, The section after Faralya is through the forest, again indicated with signposts and on easier ground. You have no problems about water and food in this part. Swimming at Kabak Cove is another pleasant experience...On the way, you will call at Sydima, Pinara, Letoon and Xanthos antique cities which are fascinating samples of Lycian settlements. After you go past Patara with a beach of 18 km., you can stop and rest at Kalkan and Kaş. The route of trekking on the Lycian Path is on a string of paths providing communication between the antique cities and the Lycian League thousands of years ago. In other words, trekking on this path is like a walk taken in a time tunnel between the depths of history and the present day.
PARAGLIDING: The imposing Babadağ to the east of Ölüdeniz is considered as one of the best locations of the world for paragliding. With its wealth of rich flora, Babadağ is listed on the "world heritage", displaying the magnificent panorama of Ölüdeniz and its environs from a different dimension. Paragliders wishing to make single jumps can procure the equipment and transfer services from the travel agencies in the region. Jumping with a pilot and shooting the sights at Ölüdeniz as you glide in the blue sky is an experience which will add colour not only to your holiday but to all aspects of your life...
The summit at 1975 is reached by a trip on rough mountain road. All the preparations are carried out prior to the jump. After the parachute is inspected, you pilot will furnish you technical details and tell you what to do. All you need to do is run a few steps with the win and let yourself go up to the sky. When your parachute opens, you will pass through the clouds and reach the sea. Now relax and enjoy this wonderful flight. Adrenalin and freedom in the sky...All you need to do is to say, "I want to do this!"..
On of the most important factors for your landing is the variable thermal inversions in the sky. For about 25 minutes the route of your flight will take you to an angle of vision ranging from the Valley of Butterflies to the Kaya Village and the impressive panorama of the region. Your hands are free to record them all with your camera...Your flight comes to an end on the soft sands of the Belcekız Beach... Your heightened adrenalin and the enthusiasm of being free will accompany you throughout your holiday.
ROWING: Since Fethiye has a sheltered harbour, the climate is mild, and the sports centre is easily accessible from the accommodation facilities, it is one of the most suitable locations in the world for rowing contests and camping. The rowing track and the boathouse built by the Fethiye Municipality are at the service of incoming teams. The Rumanian National Rowing Team, the holder of the Olympic cup, and others which have been successful in world championships have their long-term camps here which has enhanced the popularity of Fethiye, Every year our town plays host to national and international contests, and the Rowing Team of the Fethiye Municipality, established in 2001, has also participated in these contests with a team of about 50 rowers and has been quite successful.
WIND SURF: The Surfing Centre at the Çalış Beach, at a distance of 10 km. to the city centre is an ideal location for those wishing to be trained in this field and to participate in wind surf. Experienced and licensed trainers hold courses here Every year many sportsmen coke here from Europe, especially from Switzerland, Germany and England to be trained in wind and parachute surfing. Those keen on wind surf can achieve results after working with experienced and licensed trainers for a minimum of 3 hours.
The wind blows in Fethiye from March to the end of October. It is both thermal and quite regular. There are no currents, rocky formations, sand hills and medusas here. The sea traffic is not hazardous. The centre is within the preservation area for crette carettas...
HORSEBACK RIDING: Rides on horses on the paths within the forests and along the shore on different routes from Yanıklar, Kaya Village and Ovacık enhance the happiness of becoming one with nature and heighten the pleasure of a holiday. Upon demand, training courses are provided by experienced riders. Furthermore, it .is possible to have the benefit of hipotherapy.
CANOE-RAFTING: Canoeing on the Eşen River, accompanied by licensed trainers and guides, rowing along the currents surrounded by beautiful natural panorama, comes to an end at the antique city of Patara with a beach of 18 km. The route is about 15 km. with stop-overs for lunch, mud bath and swimming. Travel agencies take all the precautions for a safe journey, insuring the passengers and providing proper training for them before the start of the journey. The venture lasts about 6 hours on calm waters where small cascades and whirlpools add to the excitement. Rafting is done on the Dalaman River with a stronger flow. The river is very clear, fed by natural limestone, easily accessible and in close proximity to tourism centres, rafting can be carried out throughout the year.
The level of the water rises especially during September and October and small waterfalls occur. The river runs through mountain passes at certain points. The one at the Akköprü bridge divides the river into two sections. The higher section has a rank of 5 degrees in hardship while it is 3-4 degrees at the lower section, both of them an irresistible attraction to enhance adrenalin, which makes the Dalaman River a significant location.
JEEP SAFARI: It is a wonderful chance for those wishing to enjoy the astounding panorama of the region. The tours of jeep safari provide the opportunity to get covered with dust and play in the mud like kids, to dive into the water, taste local food, get familiar with the village culture, discover the historical sites and more. Jeep safaris organized by the travel agencies in our town offer various alternative routes. You can join a tour of the Kaya Village, the Valley of Butterflies and Kabak or Tlos, Yakapark, Saklıkent and Patara. If you are interested only history, you can participate in a tour to such antique cities as Letoon, Patarai Sidyma and Xanthos.
TRUCK SAFARI: The truck safaris were started in Fethiye for the first time years ago is most popular among adventure-seekers. The tours are organized four days of the week when the participants are collected from heir accommodations. The first stop-over is at the Animal Centre, a source of pride of our town... This exemplary establishment playing host to exquisitely beautiful creatures is worth a visit. The second stop is at the Uzumlu District...Here you re familiarized with a typical village life and a different culture. You can visit the houses with looms for hand-woven "dastar", buy some of the products and taste home-made wines. After a visit to the antique Lycian city, Cadianda, the Ören Canyon, which is a natural wonder, embraces you. You will never forget the delicious taste of the trout you eat here. You will be fascinated with the magnificent view and will remember this adventurous journey throughout your lives.
ATV TOURS: The recent popular tour for adventure-lovers who wish to discover the cultural and natural wealth in the vicinity is the ATV tours...Four different travel agencies in Fetjhiye organize these tours of these exciting and enjoyable tours on different path and the transfer services from the hotels are paid by the agencies. If you wish, you can participate the tour starting at the Çalış Beach, destined to the Karataş .Beach, Akmaz Beach and Karaot where the Kargı River joins the sea. Or you can choose the route of Ovacık-Hisaronu-Kaya Village,Gemiler Beach. The third alternative is being trained to use ATV. It is organized at the Kaya Village, providing information and training on a muddy, rugged terrain, with a stop-over at Kaya, swimming at the Gemiler Beach, a difficult journey in the forest, coming bach to the starting point.
KAYA ART CAMP: The art camp at the Kaya Village is located in a grassed garden with various plants and trees. The daily activities are carried out at the campsite and at the natural and historical sites in the vicinity. There are common grounds where meals are taken and activities are undertaken. There is a library with books on art, archaeology, nature and tourism, which is enriched continuously. Activities at the workshops last until noon daily. In the second half of the day, walks are taken to natural and historical sites in the vicinity. At the end of these walks everyone goes swimming. There are areas allocated for having a good time, reading, and dreaming in and around the camp. There are slide/film shows and informal chats in the evenings. The shows display renowned works of art from our country, as well as from the world. The nights continue with music and chats. WORKSHOPS: There are workshops of photography, ceramics, painting, wood-painting, carpet weaving, marbling, etc. All the courses are given at beginners' level and the products are exhibited at the end of the season. I N F O Kayaköy Art Camp... 0 252 618 00 13 www.sanatkampi.com. Workshop of photography 0 212 251 05 66...www.fotografevl.com.
HEALTH TOURISM FACILITIES: Girmeler (Gebeler) Thermal Spring: is located at the Girmeler Village in the Kemer District of Fethiye. It is at a distance of 38 km. to the city centre. The thermal waters contain sulphur, sodium chloride, iron, calcium and magnesium and can cure skin diseases (acne, burns, open wounds), rheumatism, lumbago, sciatic, intestinal infections, gynaecological disorders, haemorrhoid, stomach ailments and sterility. The thermal springs in three different caves, discovered ages ago, are at the disposal of both local residents and tourists. They can be reached by daily tours, as well as by regular dolmuş services.
Sultaniye (Kapniç) Thermal Spring (Köyceğiz): the Sultaniye Thermal Spring, at a distance of 6 km. to Köyceğiz, Mugla, served as a Health Clinic during the Roman, Byzanthian, Selchukian and Ottoman times and was a well-developed, prominent health centre especially during the Roman times. According to historical records, there was an inscription above the entrance of this health clinic, saying, "In God's name, death cannot enter here". The Ölemez Mountain nearby is named after this thermal spring. The waters of the Sultaniye Thermal Spring are used for the treatment of kidney and liver ailments. Gel Girme Mud Bath: The mud baths close to the cross-point of the Köyceğiz Lake and the Dalyan Channel are centres of attraction for visitors to the region. The material considered as Mud for Beauty, when spread over the body, softens the skin and eliminates wrinkles. It cures certain ailments such as rheumatism, hernia in the waist and sciatica. Those going on tours to Köyceğiz-Dalyan, organized by the agencies in Fethiye, can benefit from both of these thermal springs.
CULTURAL TOURS: The principal cultural tours organized by the travel agencies in our town are: Ephesus-Pamukkale (two days) - Tour of Ephesus - Tour of Pamukkale - Xanthos-Patara-Kalkan-Kaş Tour - Dalyan-Caunos Tour - Kaş-Kekova-Simena Tour - Tlos-Saklıkent Tour - Tour of Rhodes - Marmaris Shopping Tour. In addition, local agencies also organize tours to GP, Cappadocia, the Black Sea , the Dardanelles, etc.
SHOPPING FACILITIES: The Historical Paspatur Market, which symbolizes the town, offers various and colourful choices for shopping. With numerous shops displaying carpets, jewellery, leather-ware, outfits and all sorts of handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as many restaurants and bars, this area is a very lively centre of attraction, well-lit in the evenings. The historical bath, the Old mosque and the Paspatur Spring, after which the area is named, enhance the attraction and mystery of the location. The Market Place and Fish Market are another centre of shopping where the pulse of the city quickens. Everything can be found in this market where you can also enjoy the taste of seafood at dinners in the evening. Regional markets such as Tuesday Market at Fethiye, Monday Market at Hisarönü, Sunday Market at Günlükbaşı are centres of attraction both for local and foreign tourists, offering various types of products. The "Market Tours" organized from surrounding towns and districts continue throughout the year.
For those wishing to enjoy shopping and try different taste of food, as well as to enjoy themselves, we recommend visits to the Çalış Beach and Ölüdeniz-Hisarönü Markets.
Various Local Products: Handicrafts : Hand-woven "Dastar" of Uzümlü, rugs of the Kaya Village, carpets of Seydiler, Eldirek and Atlıdere Villages, Horsecloth of Karaçulha, girths traditionally woven in all villages, earthenware water jugs of the Don't (Esenköy) Village are among the principal handicrafts. In recent years the manufacture of "Dastar" has been supported within the framework of the project entitled "Contribution to the Economy of the Hand-Woven Textiles at Üzümlü" and it is being used in outfits and home textiles, as well as accessories. A visit must be paid to the Green Uzumlu District at a distance of 20 km. to the city centre, to see the workshops and looms at homes where the Dastar is woven and to buy samples.
Natural Products: Due to manifold natural varieties in the region, traditional beekeeping is widely spread and floral and pine honey are produced. Honey, royal jelly, pollen and other natural products can be found at the Cooperative and Beekeepers and other shops selling them. All kinds of medicinal plants growing on the mountains and plains such as sage, laurel, thyme carob; and ecological products produced in traditional methods such as tahini, molass, halva, astringent syrup, thyme juice, sage extract, thyme extract, liquid amber extract can be found at sellers of herbs and folk remedies at the market place.
Furthermore, you can buy hard candy with pistachio, a speciality of Fethiye, nd various kinds of Turkish delight manufactured in our town; home-made wide produced at Kaya, Yaka and Uzümlü, köfter (sweets made from starch and grape juice) and sucuk (sweets filled with walnuts or almonds) as souvenirs. The boutique wine, Clos Pinara, produced from the grapevines at the Demirler Village, has recently been added to the varied list.