Fethiye is a Mediterranean town of unique beauty with its climate, natural attractions, cultural heritage and fertile soil. As you get better acquainted with the town and its environs with numerous bays of various sizes, the coast line, islands, mountains, ruins of antique cities, interesting cultural mosaics and warm-hearted people, you will feel yourself transported to another world of fascinating colours.
Some define Fethiye as an agricultural centre due to its fertile soil, fruit and vegetable cultivation in hot-houses, production of grains and industrial plants. Some others name the town as a prospering centre of tourism with accommodation facilities, beaches, islands and bays. Actually, Fethiye deserves to be considered as a “place to live” with its 9.000 kinds of flora, its historical background from antique Lycian period to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, many-collared cultures living in peace and brotherhood over centuries, the ever-present sun in 300 days of a year and the fundamental facilities for a modern life-style.
Agriculture is the largest source of income in the economy of Fethiye as the climatic conditions are ideal in the region. In green houses and on the farms, tomatoes are the major agricultural product. Tourism is the second major economical source. Considering the indirect contribution of this field to other sectors, it is feasible to state that tourism plays just as important a role as agriculture. The town is abundant with opportunities for new investments and projects in the fields of popular mass tourism and alternative eco - tourism activities, which is the major factor in the continuous development of this sector. Other prominent sources of income in Fethiye, besides tourism, commerce and agriculture, can be listed as follows: forestry, cattle-raising, fishing, bee-raising and mining. The chromium veins around Göcek are considered as the fourth largest reserve in the world.
Throughout history, Fethiye has been a growing city, enriched by traces of settlements around this port of call. At present, while projects are drawn up to protect the historical and cultural heritage, renovation efforts are carried out, in line with the development of a modern city, in infrastructure, transportation, education, health and other social services. Fethiye is proud to have acquired almost all the fundamental facilities of a modern city, continuously endeavouring to improve and attain even more.
The south-western end of the Taurus Mountains covered by pine trees surrounds Fethiye. The altitude of these mountains reaches 2.000 meters. Even in summer months, it is possible to see snow on high hilltops beyond the pine forests. However, the Fethiye Plain and the settlement are subject to typical Mediterranean climate. In hot summer days the temperature averages at 30 degrees centigrade. During warm and rather rainy winter days it is around 12 degrees centigrade. The seawater is never below 17 degrees centigrade. The average temperature of seawater in summer months is 23 degrees centigrade.
In addition to pine trees, the rich flora along the slopes ranging from thyme to sage, from citrus fruits to liquidiamber oriantalis / incense trees add to the beauty of Fethiye... The incense trees covering approximately an area of 100 hectares also give rise to camping and picnic sites. The resinous oil of the incense trees is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products while the dried barks have served as incense since the Ancient Period.
Ölüdeniz
The Ölüdeniz Lagoon and the Belcekız Beach are known as “the blue paradise” all over the world due to their natural beauty. Ölüdeniz is 14 km. far from the center of Fethiye and has a significant status in national tourism with its modern and colourful holiday villages, hotels, boarding houses and camping sites.
Babadağ, rising immediately behind Ölüdeniz is included in the list of “World Heritage” of UNESCO with its rich flora. Recently one of the most popular activities is paragliding from Babadağ to Ölüdeniz. Babadağ is recognized all over the world as one of the few places most suited for this sport as far as the take-off and landing facilities are concerned.
Ovacık Village: Ovacik is a delightful holiday centre located 4 kilometres from Ölüdeniz on the Fethiye road. Cool breezes and beautiful mountain views enchant guests staying at hotels, boarding houses and holiday villages. Located at the foot of Babadag Mountain, there is always a refreshing offshore breeze, even during the hottest days of summer.
Hisarönü Village: Hisarönü Resort is between Ovacik and Ölüdeniz. Hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centres and the other activities offer tourists a very busy, exciting and colourful time. Easy transportation to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz is provided by a minibus (dolmus). It takes only 5 minutes to Ölüdeniz and 20 minutes to Fethiye from Hisarönü and Ovacik.
Çalış Beach: The Çalis Beach, which is at a distance of 5 km. from the centre of Fethiye, is one of the prominent regions of accommodation and entertainment. It is opposite the Sövalye Island, which may be deemed as the entrance to the Port of Fethiye. In addition to Municipality buses and dolmus, Çalis Beach can be reached with small dolmus boats by sea, which offer great facilities to holidaymakers. The cool evenings of hot summer days is a privilege of those choosing to spend their holidays at Çalis.
The shoreline of Çalis, which is 6 km. long, is also a significant reproduction area for Caretta-Carettas existing in the Mediterranean for 95 million years. The eggs laid by Carettas into the sandy beach at nights in the months of May through September are continuously watched and protected by volunteers of nature and other organizations concerned.
ABOUT GOCEK
Gocek is a picturesque village situated between Dalaman and Fethiye in south west of Turkey with an incredible backdrop of pine forested mountains. The town nestles in a tranquil bay on the beautiful turquoise blue 'mavi' sea. It grew up as a port for yachting fleets during Mediterranean blue voyages and was popular in 1970’s with visiting national diplomats. Now in Gocek you may meet some modern celebrities who enjoy relaxing in its bays, sailing to the beautiful offshore islands or soaking up the local culture with its friendly locals. The town lies 22 km east from Dalaman international airport. It has four marinas and attracts visitors from all countries who relish its rich sailing experience. The town itself offers lovely restaurants and bars, lining the promenade, specialising in local fish dishes or restaurants with all kinds of dishes offered in its main street and square. The pleasant atmosphere in the balmy evenings will surely ease away the stresses of work after your arrival. Gocek's narrow streets are filled with interesting boutiques, carpet sellers, antiques, ceramics and unique silver jewellery shops - possibly the best selection of hand made jewellery in the area.
Bazaar: There is a Sunday open air food market and bazaar held opposite the school.
Sailing: The Gulf of Gocek and its friendly marina bay is one of the best sailing spots on the Mediterranean. Dotted with islands and sculpted by many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. Sailing in Turkey allows you to experience a truly enriching cultural exchange with
the hospitable and gracious people of the coastal villages and towns. The tempered winds which generally blow from the west and northwest make the long summers ideal for cruising, and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From some of the turquoise coast's unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3,000 meters above sea level. There are sailing course establishments if you like to take a sailing course or revise some skills. You can partake usually in May/June in a major Yacht Regatta and the town organizes a festival.
Explore Ancient Ruins: Arymaxa – is an ancient city at southern tip of the gulf at the edge of azure waters. Opposite, on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards. There is the most unusual 'Yassica' island which has its own small lake in the middle. Sarsala is a striking pine-surrounded bay which is perfect to swim and kayak. It is also a convenient starting point for a 45-minute hike to ancient Lissa, noted mostly for inscribed walls dating from the 3rd century BC rule of two of Cleopatra's Ptolemy forebears. You can take a daily gulet trip or a longer charter tour from the many boats waiting on the quayside. Enjoy a pleasant lunch of BBQ fish or chicken on the tour.
Swimming: There is no real sandy beach in Gocek but you may swim off the nearby islands (water taxi service to Gocek Island) or from the close bays of Inlice or Katranci.
Alternative Holidays: A mountainside retreat centre with Yurt dwellings offers relaxation, yoga and therapy-based holidays.
Other Activities: A variety of activities are close at hand including walking, fishing, Turkish Bath, horse riding at Yaniklar Beach, sea kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, and jeep safaris to Saklikent Gorge and Tlos valley.
ABOUT DALAMAN
Dalaman is between Marmaris and Fethiye in south west Mediterranean of Turkey and has a large Airport out of town.
Dalaman is a diverse, real working Turkish town offering good shopping, a weekly market, excellent value prices; large shops and services for major furnishings and household items and a main Hospital. It offers its own long shingle beach and close by is a beautiful beach and nature reserve - Sarigerme. A car is highly recommened to get around the many areas of Dalaman. Dalaman town lies 5 km from the airport which was expanded in 2006 to add a new international standard terminal. The airport won an award in 2006 in London for its interior architectural functionality of design. It has come a long way from the dated miltary Dalaman airport it was previously, with queuing at the doors for the baggage xray machine! This will surely add to the low cost airlines competition and home owners and visitors will find continual good value flight tickets into Dalaman from your home country.
You can find regular buses to all parts of the country from Dalaman's bus station which has a second bus terminal on the main D-400 highway. You may visit a local weekly market (Pazar) and pick up some bargain purchases.
The town is mixed with young and old as there are students here from colleges which give the town a vibrant atmosphere. In the evening you can enjoy sports, eating out at some of the open grill restaurants, taking a Turkish Bath or partaking in some music bars.
Dalaman has been noted in 2006 as an area to invest in. Certainly infrastructures are being upgraded and land prices have been increasing. Near the airport and beach part there is some developments taking place to construct for tourism capacitiy. The local Government has designated large tracts of land for this function. Some developers are now in the process of making holiday apartment complexes with very nice facilities and shuttle buses to nearby beaches. There will also be land for new hotels and student accommodations being set aside. Near Sarigerme resort the construction of a world-class 18 hole golf course began in 2006 to be ready 2008. This will not only be a golf course but a luxury resort with hotels and shopping surrounding with beautiful landscaped areas. Lakes and water features are planned to be integrated into the golf course design and you will have a chance to own a villa beside one of these lakes, making it an ideal resort for keen golfers! There are proposals to build a large marina resort (Dogus Holdings) on the Dalaman beach side and this is planned to consist of jetties, shops and cafes and will cater for berthing of even the large cruise vessels. Homes close to this area should prove a good investment for the future.
Sarigerme Beach: A long and sandy beach with pleasant breezes, offers cafe facilities and beautiful shaded landscaped gardens to the background. The little village offers a sprinkling of small market shops and cafes for relaxing in and small hotels for the visiting holidaymakers. Some residents have now settled in a few villas built in the countryside. There is a night club on the outskirts for the lively. Beachside are a few large all inclusive hotel resorts which are popular with Russian, German and Scandinavian guests.
Rafting on Dalaman River: The river lies 30km east of Koycegiz which is west of Dalaman. It is very suitable for watersports. Rafting tours have been organised there since 1993 and will offer a wonderful trip through a virtually unspoilt and natural valley.
ABOUT KOYCEGIZ
Koycegiz town (pronounced like 'Koysheez') is situated between Marmaris and Fethiye in south west Mediterranean of Turkey and lies at northern end of a large lake of the same name. The lake is suitable for windsurfing, pleasure craft and watersports and has some small islands, each with interesting history. The town is 35 km from Dalaman Airport.
Koycegiz (and neighbouring Dalyan) are one of the few places in the world (and in the state of Mugla) where you can see the famous gunluk (Liquid amber) tree. The amber substance is collected in resin form and is used in the production of medicines and cosmetics. The bark itself is an ancient form of incense stick. It is known that some species of birds when feeling ill, will tap their beaks against the amber trees to obtain some resin which they find treat their ailments. Koycegiz and its natural environment is a protected area. At the opposite side you can find regular buses from its Otogar (bus station) to all parts of the country. Koycegiz is mainly fertile farmland and its honey, thyme and citrus fruits are famous in the region. You can visit the local Pazar (Open Air Market) on a Monday and meet the locals as this town is a true, working town, not only for tourists. There are many lovely, natural, lush green areas for walking and exploring. The lake itself has a small beach on one corner, and many tea houses line its promenade making for a pleasant stroll. In the narrow back streets you can find honey sellers and a few souvenir shops selling anything from woven bags to fused glassware. There is a town square with small restaurants, pide houses, a mosque and the town council buildings. Lying one lane back from the lake promenade, in the centre, across from the jandarme station is a small, central car park with the most spotless public toilets! On the corner of the square you will see a very old example of an Ottoman preserved house.
As well as the large Lake, there are many things you can do and see in and around Koycegiz.
Sultaniye Hot Spring: Lies south west of Koycegiz Lake and has been known of since Hellenistic period. The water is about 39 Degrees C and is reputedly a good treatment for dermatological and gynaecological diseases.
Mud Bath: The bath lies east of the channel, south east from the Sultaniye spring. This mud is reputed as a cure for dermatological diseases and rheumatisms.
Eski Koycegiz. 'Eski' means old in Turkish. This old settlement, lying far to the east side of the large lake, the site where the town was originally established. The site can be reached on a boat tour from Dalyan side of the lake or by a very 'un-made' road from Koycegiz. The old place has very tropical vegetation, a small community of villagers, and ruins of an old mosque. It makes an interesting walk and many wild birds can be seen here in natural habitat.
The Waterfall. Lies 1.5 km north of Koycegiz to Mugla road. When going on Koycegiz to Mugla direction, turn right at the sixth kilometre of the road. The path that climbs up the hill will take you to the waterfall. At the base is a natural pool, suitable for swimming in. Here the view is perfect and nature very relaxing.
Agla Plateau: The plateau of the mountain is 15 km north of Koycegiz. This wonderful plateau is 800 metres above sea level in height. You can be a guest at the 'Mahya Day', a celebration held every year on the Plateau on the second Thursday in August, whereby locals picnic and dance.
Yuverlak Stream. Lies 12 km east of Koycegiz. Is well known for its wooden bridged restaurants set over the stream which offer excellent meals like fresh river trout, kid roasts and various Turkish cuisine.
Ekincik Bay. Lies 40 km south of Koycegiz - a beautiful, natural harbour for yachts on the Mediterranean coastline. Ekincik can be reached by car or boat from Koycegiz and is one of the major resort stops of the wonderful 'blue voyage'. The bay has wonderful pine forest backdrops and clean, clear blue water. There is a nice restaurant beside the yacht moorings.
