Activities
There are many different activities and places to visit within the area, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Some include:
Saklikent Canyon - On the Fethiye to Antalya road, approximately 50km from the town of Fethiye, Saklikent Canyon is a natural wonder. It is 300m deep and 18km long, and acquired its present day appearance as a result of erosion of rocks by rivers flowing down from the mountains for thousands of years.
Yaka Park & Yaka Village - Located approximately 28km from Fethiye is Yaka Village where the ancient city of Tlos is located. Yaka Park has been created in natural surroundings with original water mill, waterfalls, and parkland. There are open air bars and a restaurant with a swimming pool for those ready to brave the cold water.
Gocek - The picturesque harbour of Gocek is principally a yachting centre and attracts many visitors. Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat, as the bays of Gocek are some of the most beautiful and historical sites in the region.
Kaya Village - Kaya Koyu is an old Greek settlement 13km from the centre of Fethiye. It is built on the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Karmylassos, and the history of the city dates back to 3000 BC. The village was vacated due to a population exchange treaty signed between Turkey and Greece in 1922. The empty buildings still stand, giving the appearance of a ghost town. There are several restaurants and wine houses where you can taste and enjoy local wines.
Gemiler Bay & St Nicholas Island - Immediately behind the hills of Kaya Koyu is Gemiler Bay and St Nicholas Island (said to be the birth place of Father Christmas). On the road to Gemiler Bay from Kaya Koyu the Afkule Monastery is carved into the rocks, and has wonderful views over the bays.
Dalyan-Caunos - Just about one hour’s drive from Fethiye on the Mugla road is the pretty village of Dalyan. This small town is situated on the long river by which the Koycegiz lake is connected to the sea. From the waterfront at Dalyan, you can take a water taxi down the river to the beautiful Istuzu beach, which is a conservation area for loggerhead turtle. Along the river, you will pass the rock tombs of Caunos, and boat trips to visit Caunos and the hot mud baths are run by the Dalyan Sea Co-operative.
Boat Trips - Many boats in the Harbour at Fethiye offer boat trips which visit the islands which stretch out from the Sovalye Island at the west and north-west of Fethiye bay. There are various types of trips which offer anything from a peaceful cruise to a fun-filled day of water sports and activities. Water sports in the area include deep sea diving, water-skiing, parasail, jet-ski, windsurfing and sailing.
Rhodos -There is also a regular hydrofoil service to the Island of Rhodes which departs from Fethiye Harbour.
Diving - There are diving schools which offer introduction dives, PADI courses and dive trips. For more information please visit
www.mermaiddiving.net
Other activities in the area include horse riding, canoe and rafting, aerial sports - paragliding, parascending, trekking, truck & jeep safaris, water parks, and ten pin bowling. There are traditional Turkish baths, markets, museums and internet cafes, as well as many historical sites and places of interest to visit.
