Ruins of Kayakoy close to Fethiye
Fethiye is a gem of a town on the turquoise coast of Turkey, in a bay within the gulf of the same name where large and small islands are scattered. You can still see a few Roman ruins around the town, but it is the quaint old quarter and yacht-filled harbor that draw people in. The town has grown rapidly from a modest fishing port and fertile tomato growing area, to a vibrant town and holiday destination.
It offers everything from interesting history to nature and great food. The tourist town with an international atmosphere has an excellent marina and good night life.
The view of Fethiye
A Little Bit of History
This town was known as Telmessos in the ancient times and it was an important harbor in the Lycian and Karyan border.
A Lycian legend says that at the outset of the Trojan War the almighty god Apollo fell in love with the daughter of King Agenor.
To trick her into liking him, Apollo disguised as an irresistible puppy. Once the girl was attracted, he revealed his true self and the rest is ancient history. 🙂
They had a son, Telmessos, and this town was founded in his honor.
Oludeniz coast and beach, Fethiye
Telmessos came into existence in the fifth century BC and was an independent city for a long time.
The city then changed hands between the Lycians, Alexander the Great, Romans, Pergamene Kingdom, Byzantines and the Arabs.
It was called Megri by the Ottomans and it was named Fethiye in 1934 to honor the Turkish pilot, Fethi Bey.
The town’s festivals burst with color and life, and the major celebrations are the International Childrens Festival, Cala+A Carnival and Tomato Festival.
The small and varied shops are in the town center, in the cooling shade of Paspatur, where you can also buy your local souvenirs.
The Tuesday market is also a nice place to buy textiles, clothing, jewelry, spices, bags, honey, leather goods, and more.
Where is Fethiye?
- 121.7 miles/ 196 km from Antalya, Turkey
- 144.1 miles/ 232 km from Bodrum, Turkey
- 27.8 miles/ 44.9 km from Dalaman, Turkey
- 39.5 miles/ 63.7 km from Xanthos, Turkey
- 27.4 miles/ 44.2 km from Dalaman Airport, Turkey
- 128 miles/ 206 km from Antalya Airport, Turkey
Things to See
- Amphitheater
- Rock Tombs
- Museum
- Crusader Fortress
- Hamam
- Old Town
- Kayakoy
- Calis Beach Sunset
Beaches
- Calis Beach
- Oludeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon
- Gemiler Bay
Excursions
- Boat Trip
- Saklikent Gorge
- Butterfly Valley
Although Fethiye was shaken to its roots by the fifties earthquake, it has built its way up to become a thriving holiday resort. Despite its size, this destinations is an incredibly relaxed place.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
