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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 at the other end of the bay.   The whole region excluding Fethiye and Eşen lowlands is covered with high mountains forming the south western 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 of 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 relaxed and keep your mind on Fethiye as “the shining light of eco world, worth  discovering”. EXCURISIONS & PLACE TO VISIT Gemiler Island Following the road leading from Kaya Köyü, descend to the beautiful Gemiler beach, surrounded by pine and olive trees. Gemiler bay faces St Nicholas Island where the Byzantine ruins of a monastery lie tucked among the olive trees. A Japanese team has carried out archaeological excavations at intervals over the past 10 years and confirmed that this is the once residence of St Nicholas. Araxa Founded on the Antic Xanthos Stream ascended, it is 40 km. away from Fethiye.This extraordinary water spring is subjected to mythological stories. Rampart ruins, Turkish baths and aqueduct of Bizantium period are remaining from the city, placed within  territories of Ören Village today. Tlos Located  28 km. from Fethiye, Tlos is one of the oldest residential areas of Lycia and one of the few cities that continued its existence up to the 19th Century. Tlos is known as “the sports centre” of the Lycian Federation and was the home of the mythological winged horse, Pegasus, and his hero Bellorophonte.  An Acropolis, the temple type tomb of Bellorophonte, the Stadium, the Roman Bath complex (with its great views), and amphitheatre, are some of the structures that remain quite well preserved. The nearby trout farms are an oasis on a hot summers day, serving delicious lunches. Oenanda A recently excavated city, Oenanda is located near İncealiler Village, about 88 km from Fethiye. British and Turkish archaeologists discovered about 300 scribed tablets by the Lycian Epicurean Philosopher, Dioghenes. Letoon Letoon was a holy city, dedicated to the Goddess Leto. Located at Kumluova Village and 4 km from Xanthos, it is known that all holy ceremonies were performed here by the priests of the temples of Leto, Artemis and Apollon.   Pinara The Lycians’ “Beauty Center”, 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 Hole type simple tombs carved into the cliff faces, a hearth planned Aphrodite Temple with fine friezes and a well preserved amphitheatre are probably the most interesting remains of Pınara. Cadianda The ancient city of Cadianda is located near Üzümlü Village, about 20 Km. from Fethiye. Fine examples of Cyclops Walls, a sports complex, theatre and Heroon like temple tombs are all worth seeing, as are the magnificent views out over Fethiye.   Üzümlü Uzumlu village (grape village) is 18 kilometres from Fethiye, nestled in foothills. Here the quality variaties of grapes are still grown, as the name of village suggests. On looms found in most homes, a local pure cotton material (known as ‘Dastar’) is woven by the village women. Table clothes & curtains are among the finished products available. Kayaköy It is a Greek settlement founded around the 14th century over antic Karmillassos, fully destroyed excluding a few house type tombs as a result of earthquakes the foundation period is not known definitely.Its former name is Levissi. Kayaköy, teaching humanity on the concepts of friendship, brotherhood and peace, and united with five Turkish villages during its lifetime, is one of the pride resources of our region. According to a "population exchange" agreement signed between Turkish and Greek governments on 1922, Greek population of Kayaköy was exchanged with Turkish population residing in Western Thrace. Telmessos Antic Theater Antic sources are mentioning that there was a huge theater at Telmessos.On 1993, during the drilling excavations, performed by Fethiye Museum Directorate, sitting lines of the theater were found under 3 - 4 meters of soil stratum filled with erosion. As a result of studies continued till 1995, all ruins existing from theater are revealed today. It is understood that early Roman period constructed, IIth century BC repaired theater has 5000 persons capacity and used as an arena during Bizantium period.Up to 1500 people can be seated at the present time. Caunus The city is situated on the land across the Dalyan strait at Ortaca. According to poet Ovidius, Miletos had twins, Caunus and Byblis. During adolescence, Byblis felt an enormous love for her twin and grew most possessive. Though well aware of the unnatural aspect of her love, Byblis sent a letter of declaration to Caunus whereupon the mythological King was both enraged and disgusted. To avoid meeting her, he escaped from Miletos, to the Carian and Lycian border where he founded the city of Caunus. Mosques Cezayirli Mosque Mosque was constructed by Cezayirli Hasan Pasha in 1791. Hasan Pasha had also acquired various works of art such as Kemer Köprüsü (Arc Bridge), Pasha In at Yayla road, Aqueducts within Yaka village to Fethiye. Inns Main inns of Fethiye; are Ilıca Inn (on the Üzümlü road), İncir Inn, Karatoprak Inn (on İnbecik road), Pasha Inn on Kemer - Seki road, Daydur Inn and Naldöken Inn. Rock Tombs Likya Rock Tombs 4th century B. C. monuments from Lycia period within city are drawing interest. These are the tombs excavated to natural rocks, which became the symbol of the city.Amintas, most beautiful and most magnificent one of the tombs, can be reached via lots of regular stages. This tomb can also be seen from the below plains, and when you come near, the admiration for its greatness increases. At the middle part of the left column, "Herparnias's son Amintas" is written with 4th century B. C. alphabet. Identification of this person is not clearly known. There are lots of tombs, worth seeing, within the province. Most important one of these is the one which belongs to Lycia period.   CASTLES Fethiye Castle It is thought that castle ascending at the south of the city belongs to the knights of Saint John.There are two simple and small rock tombs on the eastern face of the hill, and a cistern with indefinite history and a few writings carved on the walls.   BEACHES Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) - Belcekız Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), referred to as "The Eden bestowed by God to the World" according to Tourism authorities, is a tourism center  with its worldwide reputation.Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) with very green pine forests reaching its  shores, tepid sea and long beaches in which all tones of green, blue and violet color can be seen, is a wonder of the World. Recently parachute divers from the peaks of the 1975 m. height Babadag, are faced with the most breathtaking panorama in  the world. There are numerous touristic facilities, restaurants,and shopping centers,  within this unique bay, transportation to Fethiye center 14 km. away from province is supplied all day long via dolmuşes. Kıdrak Bay 3 km. south of Belceğiz, is an ideal relaxing place with its dense pine trees, clean beach and clear sea. Faralya A coastal village at the end of Kıdrak road, is a resort place for wanderers with its wild nature, appropriate climate, friendly people and its beauty.   Kelebekler Vadisi (Butterfly Valley) This interesting canyon, surrounded by 350 m. high mountains, 3 km away from Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), took its name from butterflies named "Jersey Tiger" seen between July and September months. Arrive by sea to the bayshore.This is a paradise on earth:with pink oleander flowers adorning the area  is maintained from Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) via ships. Camping area with tents, restaurant, bar, roof, shower, changing  cubicles, etc. possibilities are endless within the valley which is the meeting place of world wanderers. Saklıkent (Hidden City) It is 50 km. away from Fethiye. and within the territories of Kayadibi Village. It is a natural miracle secreted within 18 km. long, and its height reaching 600 m. from place to place, a canyon. It is an unique tourism center, offering mountaineering, trekking, swimming possibilities for people fond of nature with steep rocky mountains, plane trees and clearly flowing ebullient springs. Yakapark It is an unique refreshment place, in which unforgettable moments can be lived within the mysteries of voices of water and birds, formed together with wide wealth of nature with works and creativity of human. Transportation is maintained with a 2 km. road from Yaka Village. Göcek It is 30 km. away from province, and on the Fethiye - Muğla highway. Göcek, which has an appearance of a sweet fisherman borough, become one of the most important centers of yachting tourism recently. It is an unique tourism haven with its numerous  bays and islands, near ruins and surrounded by pine grove hills besides its natural harbour. All kinds of services are available to yachting people in the marinas, and if required, they can also be accomodated  small  facilities, and  enjoy fish restaurants and bars, and enliven their holidays with daily tours and water sports. Islands Part named by fishermen as "Inside the Darkness", composed of islands and Kapıdağ Peninsula, YASSICA Islands, Hamam Bay, Kurşunlu Bay, Yavansu, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Tersane Island, Göbün Bay, Boynuzbükü, Göcek Island, Domuz Island, Zeytin Island, Kızıl Island, reached via daily tours from Fethiye and Göcek, are also named as "12 Islands" within the region and holds the characteristic of most important  attraction area. Oyuktepe Bays Mempaşa, Küçük Samanlık, Büyük Samanlık, Boncuklu, kuleli Aksazlar, Akvaryum, Turunç Pınarı etc. natural bays on the peninsula where big holiday villages of the province are present, it is a daily promenade place to where local people frequently  visit. Katrancı Bay It is 17 km. away from Fethiye and on the Muğla Highway. A Bay surrounded by dense pine trees extending  to the sea is forest refreshment area, and is an ideal camp with tents and daily promenade place in which services like shower, WC, changing cubicles, drinking water, buffet, car parks are situated. Daily (Küçük Kargı) It is 19 km. away from the city on the Fethiye - Muğla highway. Bay adorned with dense daily trees faced very rarely in the world, is a camping and daily promenade area. It is drawing attraction of every national and foreign person with its perfect services and unique nature in which separate beauties are exhibited during each season of the year.  Çalış Beach Çalış, a suburb of Fethiye,is one of the best places to watch sun go down, is one of the most favorite places for tourists with its 4 km. of beach, cool wind during hot summer nights, "Caretta Caretta"s, sea appropriate for water sports, numerous qualified resort facilities, restaurants, bars, shopping and transportation possibilities. Hisarönü - Ovacık These two typical Turkish villages within Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) borough, have turned their these most particular characteristics into dense accommodation, shopping and amusement center. Ovacık and Hisarönü, which have become the most active focus points of tourism, are holding another importance with their being near to attraction areas such as Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), Babadağ, Kayaköy.