Places to Visit
Historical Places of Interest
Patara
Patara, more well known for its sandy beach, was also the birthplace of St. Nicholas, the 4th Century Byzantine bishop, who passed into legend as Santa Claus. The ancient settlement at Patara has never been fully excavated and its ruins remain half buried under the sand.
Xanthos
Xanthos was once the capital and grandest city of ancient Lycia. Xanthos itself however was a settlement throughout the Roman, Lycian and Byzantine periods and remains from all three eras can be seen within the one site. A fine Roman theatre and Roman temple, 8m high inscribed Lycian pillar tombs, the remains of a Lycian royal palace, as well as remains of a Byzantine monastery can all be seen.
Tlos
Set on a rocky outcrop dominating the valley of the Xanthos river, Tlos was the site of an ancient Lycian fortress which could be viewed for many miles. Today the remain of the ancient fortress can still be seen along with many characteristic rock tombs cut into the rock below.
Kayakoy
Until the exchange of populations in 1923 between Greece and Turkey, the Fethiye area was largely Greek. The settlement of Kayakoy, once home to 3,500 Greeks is Turkey's largest Ghost town. Taking a walk through the deserted streets, houses and churches is an eerie but interesting experience.
Natural Places of Interest
Saklikent Gorge
Cut into the Akdoglar Mountains and measuring 18km in length is Saklikent Gorge, the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey. The limestone walls are so steep and narrow that the sun doesnt penetrate the gorge, making the water ice cold even in summer. The entrance to the Gorge is via a wooden boardwalk. To progress further up the gorge requires suitable footwear and some wading into the shallow water with a guide rope for support. For the less active small restuarants with pontoons at the water front offer food and refreshments.
Olu Deniz Sand Spit and Lagoon
Translating as the dead sea, Olu Deniz is a sheltered lagoon hidden by a long sandy spit from the open sea. Situated below pine-clad hills, this sandy beach is probably one of the most photographed in Turkey.
Coastal Drive Kalkan to Kas
The 27km road from Kalkan to Kas runs parallel to sea passing Kaputas Beach and the Blue Cave. Rated in the worlds top ten most beautiful coastal drives just be careful not to take your eyes too far from the road.
Rural and Traditional Turkish Life
Bezirgan Village
If you take the mountain road from Kalkan to Antalya, after about 20 minutes drive up the mountains you will arrive at a flat fertile basin ringed by the surrounding mountains. At the bottom of the basin is the traditional rural village of Bezirgan with is stone farmhouses with chickens and goats in the back yard. Take a walk through the village and be mindful of the fact this is a rural muslim community.
Islamlar village
About 20 minutes drive in the Fethiye direction is the village of Islamlar high up in the mountains. This area is wonderfully green even in summer with running mountain water flowing down to the sea. Trout fish are farmed using the abundant mountain water and this is a great place to get out of the summer heat and enjoy simple trout and salad at its best.
Village Trail
A mountain road connects Bezirgan and Islamlar villages. Continue past Bezirgan on the Antalya road. At is slopes uphill is a small turning off to the left signposted Islamlar. Take this road and follow it to come out at the top of Islamlar.
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