Fethiye

Fethiye is a city and district of Muğla Province in the Aegean region of Turkey, a transcontinental country, located mostly on Anatolia in Western Asia and on East Thrace in south-eastern Europe.

Modern Fethiye is located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, the ruins of which can be seen in the city (the Hellenistic theatre by the main quay).

There are a number of stone sarcophagii carved in typical Lycian style scattered around the town, with one of the most preserved ones in the yard of town governor's office (kaymakamlık) on the main street.

Fethiye Amphitheatre dates back to Hellenistic times.

Saklıkent Canyon, located 50km from Fethiye, is 300m deep and 18km long, one of the deepest in the world. As the level of water rises during winter months, visitors can only enter the canyon in the summertime when 4km is walkable, generally after April, when most of the snow has melted.

Kayaköy (or Karmylassos) is a village 8km south of Fethiye, where Anatolian Greek speaking Christians lived until around 1923. Today Kayaköy village serves as a museum and is a historical monument with around 500 ruined houses, 2 Greek Orthodox Churches and a private museum on the history of the town. Kayaköy was adopted by UNESCO as a World Friendship and Peace Village.

Activities here include swimming, parasailing, canoeing and paragliding. There are also daily boat trips exploring local lagoons, beaches and sea caves.

Fethiye marks the beginning of the 'Lycian Way', a 500km marked hiking trail which runs to Antalya.

There are many pedestrian only streets in Fethiye, souvenirs include carpets, jewellery, Turkish Delight and clothing.

Meze (many small appetiser dishes), kebabs and fresh fish and seafood, along with international options such as British, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine can all be found in local restaurants.

Most cruise ships anchor in the Bay of Fethiye and tender passengers ashore. The marina is located just front of town.

Taxis are cheap for short journeys, however negotiate fares in advance for longer outings.

Dolmus minibuses are also available, they depart when full and passengers are generally dropped off en-route at desired locations.