KINGFISHER MEDIA £15 | € 18 WHERE SOLD PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
FIRST LOOK
Paragliding above the mountains of Fethiye
MOST HAUNTED CASTLE
THE COUNTRY?
Managing Director Ian David Heads ian.heads@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
DESIGN
Commercial Director Ian Sinclair ian.sinclair@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
Creative Director Paul Pensom paul.pensom@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION
Production Manager Ashleigh Walker ashleigh.walker@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
ACCOUNTS
Head of Accounts Joanne James joanne.james@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
Production Assistant Lizzie Lawrenson lizzie.lawrenson@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
SALES
Head of Customer Care Amy Robson Amy.Robson@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
Advertising Account Managers
Riyaz Bhana • Jo Hunter Gemma Marrin Hannah Osborne • Elenya Petrou • Lynne Walls
General Enquiries
info@kingfishermedia.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 482 5799 kingfishervisitorguides.com
This publication, its title and content, is wholly owned by and the copyright of Kingfisher Media Ltd. It is entirely independent and does not endorse, and is not supported or endorsed by, any official or private body or organisation. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission from the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions or the consequences thereof. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisements appearing in this publication. Stock images have been used in this publication for illustrative purposes
A Kingfisher Media publication. KVGWTF-0325-XX-BIS Printed and bound in Great Britain by Bishops Ltd
offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
RAMADA
Your health is important to us
General examination
Nursing services | Wound care and dressing | IV/IM
Injection | Booster treatments for your immune system | Minor Surgery (Stitching, Foreign Body Removal, Nail extirpation) | Ear Syringing
Ölüdeniz Mahallesi
Cumhuriyet Caddesi
No:4/B Fethiye Muğla. +90 (252) 616 6518
Explore a paradise loved for its natural and historic wonders
Welcome, visitor!
Fethiye is a unique holiday destination with its many accommodation facilities, historical and cultural sites, natural wonders and lively evening entertainment. There is something for every budget from luxury and boutique hotels to holiday villages and campsites.
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz, Babadağ mountain draws adrenaline enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Take the cable car to the summit for the most impressive sunsets and to watch colourful paragliders taking to the skies.
Spend the day on exquisite Calis, a 4km beach blessed with beautiful sea views and a gentle breeze. Visit laid back Göcek, a charming former fishing town that’s now one of the country’s foremost sailing hubs with a wealth of authentic restaurants,
boutiques and marinas. Or explore Kayaköy, an atmospheric ghost town dating back to the 15th century with over 800 tumbledown roofless stone houses and two churches built into the mountain slope.
There are also many natural wonders to visit from Kumburnu Beach, a 2km stretch of sand known for its pristine natural beauty, to Butterfly Valley, an untouched canyon and beach where over 100 butterfly species have been recorded. There’s a wealth of ways to explore the region from trekking and jeep safari to paragliding and underwater diving.
Whether you’re visiting for the region’s rich cultural and historical sites, delicious local cuisine or to experience some of the world’s finest beaches, Fethiye will make you want to return again and again. ■
Discover beautiful bays and beaches on a boat trip from Ölüdeniz
Discover rich history and natural wonder on Turkey’s exquisite Turquoise Coast
Great days out
Fethiye is a unique holiday destination located at the intersection of the Mediterranean and the Aegean loved for its climate, nature, historical riches, beautiful bays, sports activities and delicious local cuisine. It is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year and we’re here to tell you why!
Ancient wonders
The thriving modern city of Fethiye has a rich and fascinating history. Known to the ancient world as Telmessos, the land of light and sun, it was said to have been founded by the Sun God Apollo and was once the most important city of the ancient Lycian civilisation. In Roman times, it was called ‘Makri’ then
Fethiye was known to the ancient world as Telmessos
‘Meğri’ during the Ottoman Empire. The name ‘Fethiye’ is named after ‘Fethi Bey’, one of the first pilots in Turkish aviation history who died in 1914.
One of the most important symbols of Fethiye is the Amyntas Rock Tomb, located on the east of the city acropolis and overlooking the city in all its glory. Built in 350BC, this impressive tomb takes its name from the inscription ‘Amyntou tou Ermagiou’, meaning ‘Amintas, son of Hermias’.
On the city’s southern fringes, the Telmessos Theatre dates back to the early Roman Period. It once had capacity to seat 6,000 people and is known as the closest ancient theatre to the sea. l
This spread: Fethiye is loved for its beautiful bays and sports activities. Overleaf: goat feeding in the moutains
This region has many natural wonders to explore; it’s the only registered bird sanctuary in SouthAnatolia
Seven kilometres south of Fethiye, Kayaköy (once known as Levissi) is an atmospheric ghost town of 800 tumbledown roofless stone houses and two churches built into the mountain slope. The ancient Greek settlement dates back to the 15th-century; after the Greeks living in the region migrated to Greece with the Turkish-Greek exchange, the region was mostly settled by Turks from Greece. It’s a popular spot for hiking, relaxing and simply spending time in nature.
South west of Kayaköy, the road leads to Gemiler Bay, a glorious beach surrounded by olive and pine trees. The bay is ideal for relaxing and swimming in the sea. On the tiny island of St Nicholas, you will find ruins of houses, warehouses, cisterns and churches from the Byzantine and Roman era. The island was an important visitor centre during the early Christian period.
Natural delights
The region has so many natural wonders to explore. Located 5km from Fethiye city centre, Calis is a firm favourite with visitors. A 4km beach with beautiful sea views and a gentle breeze, it’s one of the most romantic places to watch the sunset in the Mediterranean. It’s also the entrance to the only registered bird sanctuary in the southwest of Anatolia, home to around 220 species, and one of the 17 Caretta Caretta turtle breeding areas in Turkey.
The other end of Calis Beach provides ideal conditions for sea sports such as wind and kitesurfing. This is one of Fethiye’s oldest resorts, and it has accommodation facilities suitable for all with lively restaurants and bars lining the long coastline.
Nestled on the stunning Turquoise Coast south of Fethiye, with Babadağ rising at an altitude of 1,965m nearby, Ölüdeniz is known as “paradise on earth”. Most accommodation is found at Ovacik, with everything from luxury hotels to caravans, while Hisarönü l
Discover unforgettable adventures at
Babadağ Cable Car, Fethiye Ölüdeniz
Live your best life and indulge in a unique blend of taste, entertainment, adventure, and breathtaking views at Babadağ Cable Car. With four distinct stops, Babadağ promises surprises and unforgettable moments at every altitude.
• 1200 Altitude - Anatolian Cuisine Restaurant: Begin your journey with exclusive Anatolian cuisine while taking in the stunning view of Fethiye. Add excitement to your visit with vibrant events at our open-air theater.
• 1700 Altitude - Grill & Wine Bar: Relish custom-made wines and a rich menu as you enjoy an enchanting sunset Watch paragliders soar into the skies, making this stop a feast for the senses
• 1800 Altitude - Burger House: Savor mouthwatering burgers in the heart of nature. Access this spot via a scenic walking path or the ski lift line from 1700 Altitude.
• 1900 Altitude - Sandwich Bar: Conclude your ascent with delicious sandwiches and a panoramic view of nature’s brilliance. Enjoy the summit air and capture stunning vistas from our observation terrace.
Babadağ Cable Car offers a new experience at every step of your journey. We invite you to join us and create memories that will last a lifetime.
We can’t wait to see you!
www.babadagteleferik.com.tr Ölüdeniz Mah. Ölüdeniz Cad. No:31/1 Fethiye, MUĞLA
The Lycian Way has been named one of the top ten walking routes in the world by numerous authorities
resort is also well-known for its entertainment and facilities. The region is home to some of the world’s most popular beaches, especially Kumburnu, Belceğiz and Kıdrak.
The lagoon of Kumburnu Nature Park, which includes Kumburnu Beach, hidden behind pine trees, is connected to the open sea by a narrow passage where green and blue meet. Belceğiz Beach, which is located right next to Kumburnu, dazzles with its 3km sandy beach and turquoise blue and white sparkling waters that visitors can’t get enough of. Here you can pick up boat tours to Butterfly Valley.
Taking it’s name from the 80 plus butterfly species it hosts, is one of the most well-known and desired places to visit in Fethiye. The valley resembles a garden of paradise with its butterflies that can be observed in spring, a waterfall pouring from a height of 50 meters, a white beach and a turquoise sea. Butterfly Valley feels truly untouched; there is no land transportation and electricity is limited, so it’s a great option to isolate from the world for a few days. Visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, Butterfly Valley is one of the places that should definitely be included in your plans during your Fethiye holiday.
Saklikent Canyon, located in the Saklikent National Park 45km from Fethiye, is a rare natural wonder. The canyon reaches up to 400 meters in places. It’s a wonderful hiking area for nature lovers with its strong and fast-flowing spring waters and steep cliffs. There are many local restaurants around Saklıkent, plus daily jeep safari tours and adrenaline-filled water sports for those who like alternative trips.
The Lycian Way, Turkey’s first official longdistance walking route, has been selected as one of the top 10 walking routes in the world by various international publications. It’s possible to start the 509km route, which usually begins in the Ölüdeniz District and ends in the village of Geyikbayırı in Antalya l
CASA DE LIVISI HOTEL
province, from the old Kayaköy road in Fethiye city centre. Along the way, the Lycian Way boasts breathtaking views, passing through many popular destinations in the region such as Kayaköy, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay and Yediburunlar before reaching Antalya with such beauties as Patara, Kalkan, Kas, Kekova and Gelidonya Lighthouse.
Action packed activities
At 1,965m, Babadağ Mountain offers breathtaking views over a sea that’s every shade of green and blue. Watch magnificent sunsets from the summit and take in incredible views over Ölüdeniz, and as far as Rhodes in Greece, Seydikemer, Dalaman and Ortaca in Muğla and the Kaş district of Antalya.
Babadağ is also one of the world’s most important centres for paragliding, welcoming thousands of enthusiasts every year. Hop on the Babadağ Cable Car and you can reach the top of the mountain in just 29 minutes.
Lively resorts and ancient cities
Famous for its resorts and accommodation, Hisarönü is a region that lives until the first light of the morning with its shopping venues, restaurants serving world cuisines and live entertainment.
Once a charming fishing town, Göcek began to be discovered in the 1980s and has become one of the country’s foremost sailing hubs. Laid back Göcek is 30km from Fethiye, on the Fethiye-Muğla highway, and only 20km from Dalaman Airport. The town is a popular tourist destination with a wealth of authentic restaurants, modern accommodation, boutiques shops and marinas.
As well as its beautiful natural harbour, the natural setting delights visitors with its pine-covered hills, nearby ruins and numerous islands and bays embroidered like lace. Some of the most interesting bays and islands include Yassıcalar, Cleopatra Bath Bay, Aquarium Bay, Bedri Rahmi Bay and Tersane Island.
The quiet neighbourhood of Yeşilüzümlü attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists alike with its ancient streets, unspoiled village houses and friendly people. Located 20km from Fethiye, it’s home to weaving, agriculture and winemaking cultures.
The ancient city of Kadyanda, an important Lycian city, is 7km from the centre of Yeşilüzümlü. It has become the centre of attention of the region in recent years with its theatre, agora (a public open space used for assemblies and markets), stadium-bath complex and mausoleums, which emerged after the excavations carried out by the Fethiye Museum Directorate.
The ancient city of Tlos, located within the borders of Yaka District of Seydikemer, is one of the six largest cities of the Lycian Civilisation and a sports centre. It is referred to as Dlawa in Hittite documents of the 14th century BC and as Tlawaa in Lycian inscriptions. It is known as the city where the mythological hero Bellaforente, famous for his flying winged horse Pegasus, lived. It has been determined by archaeological excavations that it is the oldest city in the Lycian region and its establishment dates back to 2000 BC.
The ancient city of Araxa was established 40km from Fethiye, at the source of the ancient Xanthos stream. This extraordinary water source has been the subject of mythological stories about Leto being the source from which he blessed Artemis and Apollo. The city now lies within the borders of Ören Village, and you can see the remains of the city walls, baths and waterways from the Byzantine period.
The ancient city of Letoon, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is 55km from Fethiye and is known as the religious centre of the Lycian Civilisation. It’s famous for its three temples dedicated to the Goddess Leto, the Goddess Artemis and the Goddess Apollo. Archaeological excavations have been carried out here since 1962; there’s a large ancient theatre among the ruins as well as churches belonging to the early Christian period.
Located on the outskirts of Akdağ, 55km from Fethiye, the ancient city of Pinara is one of the largest cities of Lycia. It’s known as the city where the first beauty contest was held in the region and it gained importance with its fascinating temple dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Hundreds of folk tombs prepared in the form of ‘pigeon nests’ make the Necropolis unique.
From ancient cities and atmospheric ruins to glorious bays and breathtaking natural wonders, the region surrounding Fethiye has so much to offer. ■
Previous page: The Lycian Way. Above: the small fishing town of Göcek
DOVIZ VE ALTIN
BEATLES TRAVEL
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this beautiful region
1
The Blue Cruise
The Blue Cruise is a wonderful experience where you will discover every shade of blue and green while exploring the magnificent bays and islands of Fethiye. You can even immerse yourself in the coolness of the turquoise waters from a traditional Turkish wooden boat.
2
Babadag Cable Car Trip
Taking the cable car to Babadağ mountain, home to some of the world’s most important paragliding tracks, is such a special experience. You can reach 1200m and 1700m by cable car, and go on to 1900m by chairlift. At the summit of Babadağ, you will be greeted by magnificent views over Ölüdeniz where you can watch colourful paragliders dancing in the sky.
3
Go on a Cip Safari
Jeep safari tours are a great option for those who want to explore the natural beauty surrounding Fethiye and Seydikemer in an open top four-wheel drive vehicle. Tours take in many historical and natural wonders such as the ancient city of Tlos, Gizlikent Waterfall and Saklikent Canyon. An essential part of the tour is a mud bath made with natural sulphur water.
4
Sea & sun in Kumburnu I
With its turquoise sea, long beach and endless sunshine, Ölüdeniz Kumburnu Beach has it all. Come here for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in blissful surroundings.
5 Fethiye Fish Market
At Fethiye Fish Market, you’ll see so many different kinds of fish and seafood
exhibited in stalls and made into magnificent dishes. This is where to take specialities unique to the Aegean and Mediterranean, and it’s famed for its distinctive architecture and welcoming service.
6
Visit Paspatur Bazaar l Paspatur Bazaar, Fethiye’s Old Town, is at the top of the list of ‘must-see places’ thanks to its unspoiled architecture, mosque, Ottoman bath and traditional market. It offers a different experience with its authentic shops and restaurants and colourful lights in the shop windows. According to legends, those who drink from the ‘Paspatur Water’ in the centre of the bazaar are destined to return to Fethiye.
7
Underwater worlds
You can dive all year round at Fethiye, and at any
According to legend, those who drink the Paspatur Water are destined to return to Fethiye
level from amateur to professional. Those who want to explore the endless blue of beautiful bays can take part in trips led by professional instructors. Üçtüneller, Dalyan, Aquarium and Sarıyarlar bays are the most popular spots with daily underwater tours available.
8
Water sports at Calis Beach
Calis Beach is a very convenient spot for water sports due to its long
beach and the prevailing winds blowing in from the sea. Windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, parasailing, canoeing, catamaran can all be done in Calis and water sports trainings can be taken in various activity centres.
9
Sunset at Calis Beach I Whether it’s summer or winter, there’s no better place to watch the sun set than at Calis Beach. Hundreds of tourists come here to watch the
red-orange light painting the beach and to capture a photo of their silhouettes at the end of the day.
10
Daily boat tour
Taking a boat tour is an essential part of a holiday in Fethiye. Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Göcek all offer different options ranging from private tours to large communal boats. It’s an ideal activity for holidaymakers who want to spend a peaceful day explore the deep blue seas and unique bays of Fethiye. ■
EATING OUT
Explore the rich gastronomic culture of Fethiye and the surrounding region
In addition to historical and natural beauties, Fethiye also has a rich gastronomic culture, and fruit and vegetables and fruits are grown in the region all year round.
Fethiye is a wonderful place to experience the finest examples of Mediterranean cuisine with freshly picked produce; delicious dishes made from seafood such as fresh fish, shrimp and squid; and local herb and mushroom dishes.
Restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine offer a unique experience, too. In addition to the geographically recognised Fethiye Fig and Fethiye Tahini, the region’s olives and olive oil are a must for food enthusiasts.
For seafood lovers
Fethiye is a fantastic region to visit if you love Aegean cuisine. As a seaside destination, you might
like to start with seafood. There are so many places around the city where you can experience authentic cuisine, often at very reasonable prices. Fethiye Kordon is a picturesque promenade that stretches along the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean that’s lined with welcoming cafes and restaurants, where you can savour local seafood delicacies or sit with a drink. In the tea gardens on l
Dine al fresco in the Valley of Butterflies. Opposite: burrata, crispy zucchini chips and smoked salmon pizza; a typical meal from the harbour side
the promenade, you can watch the take in the view with a bagel and tea served in a tulip-shaped glass.
Fethiye Fish Market
Visit Fethiye Fish Market to see everything that’s on offer. Located in the centre of Fethiye, close to Paspatur (the Old Town), it’s a wonderful place to buy fresh fish while striking up conversations in the open air.
Established in 1957, it’s been a thriving market for decades. In the past, the watchman’s whistle would blow at 5pm each day to announce the end of trading but today it’s open until late. The Fish Market was restored in 2001-2002 and retains many traditional elements. After the restoration, stalls selling fruits and vegetables moved into the east of the market, while fish sellers moved into the west part and spice traders took up the façade facing the street.
As well as stalls, the market also has a wealth of restaurants. In fact, the fish market has a unique system in Turkey, with fish stalls arranged in a circle in the central courtyard with restaurants located around the edge. One of the most
memorable things to do is to take your fresh fish or seafood to any of the restaurants where they will cook it for you, for a small fee. While your fish is being cooked, you can order freshly-made salads and delicious cold appetisers to go with it and sip raki, a traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage made from grapes and aniseed. When the atmosphere begins to get lively, you might even find yourself singing along with your friends as singers come to your table to perform.
Road side pancake houses
If you’re visiting Kayaköy, an atmospheric ghost town of 800 tumbledown roofless stone houses and two churches built into the mountain slope, don’t return to the city without trying pancakes made by the women who pour ladlefuls of batter onto iron griddles in front of their homes. The traditional pancakes are made with brown flour and various herbs collected from the local area, and are often served with cheese or spinach.
If you’re visiting in April, don’t miss out on the Yeşilüzümlü Mushroom Festival. As well as
mushrooms delicacies collected at harvest time, you can try many traditional dishes plus local wines made by the people of Yeşilüzümlü.
Next, we come to Fethiye’s indispensable duo: Arabaşı and Keşkek. Arabaşı is a traditional Turkish soup unique to the Yanıklar neighborhood of Fethiye served with oven-baked dough. Keşkek is also distinct to the region, a traditional stew that’s rich in history and taste and a staple in Turkish cuisine. It’s a delicious and satisfying soup made with bulgar wheat and meat, which are thoroughly ground and pounded with a dibek stone (a stone mortar used to grind coffee beans in the traditional Turkish method) until they have the consistency of gum. The ‘bulgur gum tree sprouts’ of Fethiye are distinctive and have a unique flavour. As the name suggests, it’s a different dish formed by boiling gum tree grass thoroughly and adding bulgur. Mastic tree sprouts are also eaten in the region with garlic yogurt, and silcan sprouts, which are sold only in Fethiye Market, served with yogurt alongside many dishes. ■
Opposite: Fethiye is a fantastic choice for lovers of Mediterranean food. Above: some of the wide range of spices on sale in Fethiye’s markets
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Fethiye
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
After settling into your accommodation, get aquatinted with Fethiye by heading out to explore the Amyntas Rock Tombs, located on the east of the city acropolis and overlooking the city in all its glory.
After soaking up the region’s history, head down to the Fethiye Kordon, a picturesque promenade that stretches along the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean that’s lined with welcoming cafes and restaurants, where you can savour local delicacies at very reasonable prices.
In the afternoon, spend time on the beach or head to the city’s southern fringes to explore the Telmessos Theatre, which dates back to the early Roman Period. It once had capacity to seat 6,000 people and is known as the closest ancient theatre to the sea.
In the early evening, visit Fethiye Fish Market, a wonderful place to experience the hustle and bustle of Turkish bazaar. Spend time choosing the freshest fish and seafood from the wealth of stalls before taking your selection to one of the restaurants where they will cook it for you, for a small fee. While your fish is being prepared, you can order freshly-made salads and delicious cold appetisers and sip raki, a traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage made from grapes and aniseed.
DAY TWO
Get an early start with a morning trip to Kayaköy, an atmospheric
ghost town of 800 tumbledown roofless stone houses and two churches built into the mountain slope, which dates back to the 15thcentury.
After visiting Kayaköy, tuck into pancakes made by the women who pour ladlefuls of batter onto iron griddles in front of their homes. The traditional pancakes are made with brown flour and various herbs collected from the local area, and are often served with cheese
Drive 9km to Ölüdeniz, a beach resort on the Turkish Riviera, overlooked by Babadağ Mountain. Take the cable car then the chair lift to the summit for views over the sea in every shade of green and blue and to watch colourful paragliders take to the skies.
The rock tombs at Amyntas overlook the city in all its glory
explore the wonderful Butterfly Valley. Taking it’s name from the 80 plus butterfly species it hosts, is one of the most well-known and desired places to visit in Fethiye.
Once back at sea level, spend some time on the glorious Kumburnu Beach, then hop aboard the Butterfly Valley Shuttle to
Once back in Fethiye, settle into one of the city’s many authentic restaurants where you can experience the finest examples of Mediterranean or Turkish cuisine with the freshest seafood and local produce always on the menu. ■ or spinach.
The rock tombs at Amyntas
Fethiye offers high-quality healthcare at affordable costs, as well as providing a beautiful place to rest and recuperate
Health tourism
Fethiye is a city with unique natural beauty, incredible bays and beaches, unique historical and cultural attractions and luxury resorts. These features also make the region attractive for health tourism, as it offers a holiday opportunity alongside high-quality healthcare at affordable costs. International patients are attracted to Fethiye
for its modern private hospitals and clinics, as well as dental health centres. Being close to Dalaman International Airport means the region is also easy to reach.
Most of the healthcare providers in Fethiye, such as hospitals, dental clinics, and private practices, are authorised by the Ministry of Health and have high quality
standards. Health service providers in Turkey are required to obtain an ‘International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate’ from the Ministry of Health in order to engage in health tourism. Although the conditions of health institutions in Fethiye already meet the minimum requirements, they are mostly above world standards. ■
HDC KLINKI SAG HIZ
PHOTO-FINISH
