Fethiye holidays

Set within a beautiful natural harbour, Fethiye has a pleasingly bustling and cosmopolitan atmosphere. That’s not surprising, as it’s a popular stop for people on small-scale gullet cruises around the Lycian coast, as well as a handy base for hikes into Turkey’s hinterland. It’s also the gateway to some of the Turquoise Coast’s loveliest beaches, notably the exquisite Olu Deniz.

Holidays in Fethiye aren’t just about its fantastic outdoor offerings; the city attracts foodies, too. Swoop in on the huge Tuesday market, as well as the farmers’ market every Friday, browse the dozens of stalls that are set up along the canal on the city’s south side, and take in the scent of fresh produce from local farms. Treat yourself to a lunch of grilled meats from one of the food stalls, or buy fresh fish from a fishmonger and take it to one of the nearby restaurants to have it grilled for you. If you’re after a bargain, visit the stalls selling clothing, accessories and household goods.

History buffs can explore the past just by ambling around Fethiye. Look out for the Lycian sarcophagus near the city hall, then pop in on Fethiye Museum. Here you can discover the region’s ancient Lycian history that goes back to the 15th century BC.

Travelling to Fethiye is straightforward, as there are direct flights to Dalaman Airport less than an hour away and shuttle buses straight to Fethiye.

Although Fethiye has a distinct tourist season from April to October, it’s a working city that’s open all year round. Not all activities will be running throughout the year – and be prepared for winter rains – but the temperatures from December to February are in the mid-teens if you’re in the mood for a cheap Fethiye break with spring-like weather.

May and June are the most pleasant months to visit: temperatures range from 25C to 30C, the July and August crowds haven’t arrived yet and you can usually snap up a cheaper holiday. They’re also popular months for gullet cruises, so ports and marinas will be quite lively.

July and August will be very hot and dry, with highs nudging 40C, and even in September you can bask in 30C-plus heat. October is still comfortably in the mid-20Cs, as is November, but that’s when many of the beach facilities wind down. Autumn in Fethiye is particularly appealing, as the sea will have kept its summertime warmth.

Holidays in Fethiye give you the chance to combine fascinating cultural sights with lazy days on the beach. There’s plenty in the city to keep you busy – its colourful marina, its broad range of restaurants and bars, not to mention the shopping – but it’s easy to strike out and explore the region.

Olu Deniz

The poster child for beaches of the Turquoise Coast, Olu Deniz beach curves around a sheltered bay and around a thin strip of land into a blue lagoon and a nature reserve. The main beach is actually in Belcigez, but it’s more often referred to as Olu Deniz.

It’s only about 13km (8 miles) south of Fethiye, and there’s a good number of restaurants, beach cafés and hotels. If you’ve ever wanted to try paragliding, this is the place to give it a go.

Amyntas rock tombs

Follow the winding road that bounds the southern edge of the city and you soon come across one of Fethiye’s most dramatic sights. Carved into the mountainside in 350BC, the Amyntas tombs were built by the Lycians and are an impressive sight.

Wedged into the mountainside are three Ionic columns and a portico in the ancient Greek style. Admire them from the road or pay a nominal fee to climb the steps to the tombs and have a look inside its unexpectedly large interior.

Island cruises

Strung out along the coast around Fethiye are no fewer than 12 islands, all begging to be explored on a leisurely cruise. Various agencies around Fethiye offer day cruises to the islands on a traditional Turkish wooden boat (gullet), and it’s an idyllic day out.

You’ll slowly cruise around the uninhabited islands, have lunch and drop anchor now and again to swim in tiny coves.

Kayaköy

Back in 1928, the Greek Orthodox inhabitants of Kayaköy were forced to leave during a population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Since then, the evocative ruins of 600 roofless stone houses of this “ghost village” have become one of the region’s top attractions.

While a new village has been growing just north of Kayaköy, the original place has remained eerily empty – apart from visitors. If you’re there in the summer, come first thing in the morning to avoid the tour groups.

Lycian Way

Hikers have one of Europe’s greatest long-distance walking trails right on their doorstep when they visit Fethiye. Starting in Olu Deniz, the Lycian Way meanders for 540km (336 miles) past Fethiye and around the Lycian coast until it reaches Geyikbayiri near Antalya.

Along the way, you’ll soak up sublime views of the Mediterranean as well as the pine-covered mountains of Turkey. The whole route is a bit of an undertaking but you can get a taste of it during your Fethiye holiday.