Fethiye – Great Seaside Views, Enthralling Historical Heritage
Fethiye, one of Turkey’s most popular tourist centres is situated on the ruins of Telmessos, an ancient Hellinistic city. Its vibrant nightlife and excellent marina has earned it the reputation of an international tourist destination.
History
Fethiye’s history goes back to the 3rd century B.C when it was called Telmessos and served as a harbour along the Lycian-Karian frontier. It existed as an independent city, but was very similar to other Lycian towns in political values. It was occupied by the Persians in 545 B.C but always retained a good amount of independence under them as well. The Romans captured it in 443 A.D followed by the Byzantines, Ottomans and Venitians. Peace prevailed in the region only after Suleiman captured it in 1473. The Greeks came here in the 19th century because of its highly fertile land. The migration of Fethiye’s Greek population after Turkey’s independence is considered a painful event in its history.
Popular Places and Attractions
The city’s scenic charm is its real wealth. Belcegiz, Kidril Park, Gemiler Islands, Katranci Bay, Koturumsu, Ouyktepe, Patara, Gunluk and Gocek are few of the region’s well-known beaches and bays. The region’s underwater walls, reefs, archaeological finds and cavers make it a diver’s delight. Baba Dagi Mountains are quite popular amongst visitors for their Paragliding event arrangements.
Some other popular attractions in the city are the Cave Tombs, Amnytas Tomb with its Doric style, Lycian Sarcophagus, Blue Lagoon, Lycian ruins, Fethiye Museum, Fethiye Tower and Hellinistic Antique Theatre. Letoon and Xanthos are also located nearby Fethiye and contain important relics dating back to the Lycian times. Temples of Leto, Apollo and Artemis can be seen here. The city also hosts a magnificent fortress built by the Rhodesian Knights.
Getting Around
Buses, taxis, rental cars and cruises are the various modes of transportation available for tourists to help them
guide their way around the city
Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and live performances are the usual places for entertainment in the city. Fethiye also has good facilities for water sports, especially its Blue Lagoon region. Parasailing, water-skiing, wind-surfing, snorkelling and diving facilities are provided here.
The city also provides facilities for mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, lounging, fishing, boating and horse-riding because of its surrounding mountains, forests and shores. Lycian Way, the 500 Km long hiking trail starts in Fethiye itself running all the way into Antalya. Kayakoy village and Saklikent Gorge are two popular hiking sestinations around the city.
Accommodation
Beach hotels, apartments, campsites, boutique villas,
budget hotels, B&B’s (
bed and breakfast), vacation rentals, resorts and
guesthouses are available for fulfilling tourist accommodation requirements.
Currency
The Turkish Lira (TL) is the Turkey’s official currency. Currency can be exchanged in authorized banks, hotels and currency exchange offices of the city. Traveller’s cheques and credit cards also have decent acceptability. Latest exchange rates can be known by browsing the relevant internet and local
news publications.
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