Fethiye (Telmessos), Turkey

Fethiye (Telmessos) rests on a broad Mediterranean bay boasting some of Turkey's best beaches and yachting. Plenty of hotels provide a place to stay.

The wide swath of Çalis Beach, several kilometers long, is only 5 km (3 miles) northeast of Fethiye (maps). Ölüdeniz, perhaps Turkey's most beautifully-situated beach, is 8.5 km (5.3 miles) south of Fethiye, over the hills. Both beaches have their own selections of hotels and restaurants.

Besides the beach, visitors like the day-long 12-Island yacht cruise of the bay, especially the stop at Gemile Island, covered in unrestored Byzantine ruins. Boats depart every day in the warm months from Fethiye's busy yacht harbor.

Some 2400 years ago, Fethiye (FET-hee-yeh) was the prominent town of Telmessos, but earthquakes have left only a few Lycian stone sarcophagi from the old town, along with the dramatic Tomb of Amyntas carved into the sheer rock cliff high above the town.

Fethiye is the starting point of the Lycian Way, a 500-km (311-mile) footpath through the rugged mountains of the Tekke Peninsula to Antalya. Not far from Ölüdeniz along the Lycian Way is Tohum Eco-Center, a good spot for a meditation retreat.

Most people come to Fethiye by bus or car. The nearest airport is 50 km (31 miles) west at Dalaman.

From mid-June through August there is direct ferry service between Fethiye and the island of Rhodes, Greece.

Here are possibilities for inexpensive Fethiye Holidays.

Maps of Mediterranean Turkey

Fethiye Transport

Ölüdeniz

Lycian Way

Dalaman Airport

Mediterranean Turkey

Where to Go

Above, a 2400-year-old Lycian stone sarcophagus. Note the girl standing to the left of the tomb.

Below, a local family enjoys the evening air in front of the Tomb of Amyntas.

Family at Amyntas Tomb, Fethiye, Turkey