FETHİYE, TURKEY

Fethiye... where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean; where the waters are clear, the sea warm, the beaches lazy and where there is amazing archaeology in abundance.

Fethiye is not just a wonderful holiday destination for sun-loving, surface dwelling, beach experts, it also happens to be one of the best diving locations in Europe.

Although only known as Fethiye since 1934, this pretty town has a long and interesting history dating back to the 5th century BC. Nestling below the Mendos mountains of the Teke peninsular, Fethiye occupies a narrow stretch of land around the edge of the bay. The Persian, Roman, Lycian and Ottoman civilisations have all left their marks on the town and surrounding countryside. Remains of their presence can be traced in the many impressive archaeological sites.

The local climate is characterised by long dry summers and short rainy winters. In summer the temperature ranges between 30°C and 40°C, while in winter it seldom gets below 15°C. These conditions favour the growth of the forests of Silver Fir, Scots pine and Norway spruce that spread across the hills. Other local flora include olive, acacia, myrtle, poplar and frankincense trees.

Owing to the climatic conditions, all kinds of fruit and vegetables are grown locally. Seasonal fruits and vegetables can be bought each day at the market place. You can also buy butter, milk and yoghurt from local villagers who come here to sell their farm produce and handicraft work.

Land Visits

To give a more complete picture of Turkey, land visits can be part of your holiday. These include: the historical sites of St.Nicholas Island, which has ruins of fourth, fifth and sixth century houses and churches; and Aga Bay with unexcavated ruins dating back 2000 years. Evening tours of the harbour towns Kalkan, Gocek and Fethiye are also made allowing time for shopping or just taking in the atmosphere.