Fethiye’s natural harbour is perhaps the region’s finest, tucked into the southern reaches of a broad bay scattered with pretty islands, including Şövalye Adası, glimpsed briefly in the James Bond film Skyfall. Fethiye also makes a good base for visiting Ölüdeniz, one of Turkey’s seaside hot-spots, and many interesting sites in the surrounding countryside, including the ghost town of Kayaköy (also called Karmylassos or Levissi) just over the hill. – Lonely Planet
Fethiye, where pine clad mountains meet the brilliant turquoise of the Mediterranean, is breathtakingly beautiful as well as being conveniently situated centrally to Çalış, Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü and Kayaköy, and affording easy access to other resorts and historical sites in the area.
If you don’t know much about the area, here’s a whistle-stop tour to help you plan your holiday.
Fethiye – a prosperous hub of the western Mediterranean
Fethiye, wrapped around a natural harbour and set against a backdrop of the magnificent Taurus mountains, is a working town and, unlike some of the other Mediterranean resorts, hustles and bustles all year round.
Telmessos was the ancient name of Fethiye and its history can be traced back to the 5th century BC. The ancient city was founded on a large area running from the foot of the mountains all the way down to the gulf of Fethiye. You can see evidence of the ancient city today. Look up and you will see the iconic tomb of King Amyntas.
You will come across many more tombs dotted around the town, the most important one being the monumental Lycian tomb situated next to the PTT (post office) in the town centre. On the hill that rises to the south of the town there are also the ruins of a castle believed to have been built by the Knights of St. John.
Fethiye’s old town, known as Paspatur, with its narrow, shady streets and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, has a delightful atmosphere that will soon make you feel as though you’ve been visiting for years. At night, the nature of Paspatur changes as the heat of the day is left behind and restaurants and bars gear up for an evening of great food and entertainment.
Fethiye harbour is lined with boats providing daily 12 Island tours or gulet cruises for those who want to spend some time on the water. Spend some time wandering along the harbour and have a look at what’s on offer.
Çalış – a beach with a breeze
Çalış is the better-known beach resort of Fethiye. 5km from Fethiye, the beach is a firm favorite with regular visitors as it enjoys a cooling sea breeze. This also makes it great for wind and kite surfing.
You’re never far from facilities in Çalış as the beach is backed by a promenade with a selection of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
If you want a change, 15km from Fethiye is Ölüdeniz, with its world-famous blue lagoon.
The road to Ölüdeniz takes you up and over the mountain towards Hisarönü. As you climb the mountain, just as you reach the top and the road flattens out, you’ll see a side road to the right. If you take a detour down that road, you’ll discover a hidden gem…
The Yakamoz hotel and restaurant – a hidden gem
Hidden away, just off the main road, is the Yakamoz Hotel and Restaurant. This charming, traditional hotel provides an oasis of calm and relaxation, ideal for those who want to escape from the rat race and enjoy a tranquil, restful holiday.
This hidden gem is nestled far enough away from the busy resort of Hisarönü but near enough to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy to make them easily accessible to guests.
The hotel also has a popular restaurant serving a mix of Turkish and International cuisine. The restaurant consists of an indoor area, very traditional in appearance with a log fire for those chillier autumn evenings and an outside terrace shaded with vines for the summer months.
The restaurant is open to non-residents so why not drop in for lunch or dinner when you are out and about.
You can also take the opportunity to meet owner, Mehmet and have a look round the hotel.
If you want to have a sneak peek or even book a holiday, click on the link below to see more about the Yakamoz Hotel.
The Yakamoz Hotel – making a difference to your holiday
Let’s resume our tour and have a look at Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz – a holiday dream
Ölüdeniz has, without doubt, one of the most beautiful settings in Turkey. Bright golden sands end in a teardrop beach protecting the blue lagoon. This, in turn, is sheltered by a back-drop of mountains, one of which is the world famous Babadağ (Father Mountain) from which paragliders from all over the world enjoy the wonder of Ölüdeniz from over 1900 meters above.
Also near Ölüdeniz is the starting point of the Lycian Way, acclaimed as one of the world’s top-10 long-distance walks.
Back up the mountain from Ölüdeniz is the resort of Hisarönü.
Hisarönü – for those who like to party
Hisarönü was originally intended to provide accommodation for nearby Ölüdeniz (where new building work is quite restricted), but Hisarönü has now become a holiday resort in its own right and is popular with British holidaymakers in particular.
Kayaköy – an eerie, timeless village
The “Ghost Village” of Kayaköy is situated 8km from Fethiye in a valley with a skyline dominated by the mountain peaks of Babadağ and Mendos. The abandoned village fascinates and intrigues many thousands of visitors every year and inspired the book “Birds Without Wings” by Louis de Bernieres.
The 3500 abandoned houses, two churches, 14 chapels and a school evoke powerful emotions in those who visit along with an irresistible urge to understand what must have happened to the Christian and Moslem people leading up to the population exchange in 1923.
Today’s Kayaköy is a thriving village with restaurants and shops, but the abandoned old houses above, with their broken doors and windows, are a lonely reminder of Kayaköy’s turbulent past.
This is a sponsored advertorial brought to you in association with the Yakamoz Hotel and Restaurant
For more information about the Yakamoz Hotel and Restaurant, click on the advert on the right of this page to visit their website. Whilst you’re browsing, check out the special offers for 2020.
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