Fethiye is one of the 13 districts of Muğla and its history dates back to ancient times. Lycia, known as the land of lights, is the region located between Fethiye and Antalya. During the time of the Lycians, who shaped history, Fethiye was an important center. It was named Telmessos at that time, taking its name from the son of Apollo. Although Fethiye was later ruled by different powers such as Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, it always preserved its unique texture. After falling under Ottoman protection in 1424, it was renamed as Meğri. In 1914, in honor of Fethi Bey, one of the first pilots to become a martyr during wartime, the city was renamed Fethiye.
Historical Sites in Fethiye
An ancient city with the same name that dates back to the time when the city was called Telmessos still awaits visitors in Fethiye. Telmessos Ancient City is one of the rare structures where settlement has continued to this day. Of course, the structure has been deformed quite a bit. Wars and natural disasters throughout history have resulted in only a certain part of the structure remaining today. There is no precise information about the exact date of the first establishment of the ancient city. When the ancient city was first discovered, there was no trace of a theater. However, archaeological excavations were later carried out, and the theater was uncovered from under the ground. Today, only the structures from the Roman period remain, bearing traces of the Hellenistic period. Rock and sarcophagus tombs can be seen inside the ancient city. Rock tombs date back to ancient times. One of the most striking tombs directly visible inside the ancient city is the magnificent King Amyntas Tomb. We highly recommend seeing it. The history of the tomb dates back to the 4th century BC. It belonged to Amyntas, the son of Hermapias.
Patara Ancient City, another important ancient structure of the city, is located in the embrace of the sun on an unique beach. Similarly, it is one of the important centers of Lycia. It was the first ancient city located on the seaside when it was built. The expression "in the embrace of the sun" also contains a mythological aspect. According to legend, Patara is the place where the sun god Apollo was born. Patara Ancient City, Ören Yeri and Saklıkent Canyon are close to each other and must-see places that you should add to your travel guide. Tlos Ancient City, another Lycian city, is also one of the structures worth seeing. As the oldest settlement of Lycia, it also has a mythological value as the place where the owner of the Pegasus horse lived. Agora, church, tombs, and theater are some of the Roman ruins that have survived from the city to the present day.
Fethiye Castle, one of the most beautiful examples of castles that have an important place for each city, stands out with its magnificent history. Although its exact date is unknown, it is very old. The castle, located on a high hill, hosts the city's unique beauty and holds a magnificent view. Just looking at the castle is enough to fall in love with Fethiye.
Natural Beauties of Fethiye
Discovering cities with valuable and unique natural beauties all around Fethiye is quite different. It is often difficult to explore these cities in only 3-5 days, and they can only be truly understood and enjoyed by living there. Therefore, a list of places to visit during limited vacation time is made. When we list the natural beauties, we sorted them according to the most popular ones. Of course, there are many more alternatives to visit and see in Fethiye. For most people, the first thing that comes to mind when Fethiye is mentioned is Ölüdeniz. It was registered worldwide in 2006 and was chosen as the best beach in the world. Its sand and sea are clean, and it has a blue flag. You can find many bays to discover in Ölüdeniz. After leaving Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley can be added to the route, followed by Kabak Valley. Butterfly Valley, surrounded by steep rocks, was declared a protected area in 1995. After a small climb, you will be enchanted by the show millions of butterflies perform in the valley. The sound of the butterflies covering the entire area is an unforgettable experience. After passing through Butterfly Valley, you should visit Kabak Valley, which hosts one of the few scenic views in the world. Although Kabak Valley is especially a favorite spot for campers, it is one of the places that every person should see with its natural beauty.
You can reach Kabak Valley and Kabak Bay, which is an unique bay, directly from Butterfly Valley with boats. Turunç Pınarı Bay is another beauty of the city that is rich in the direction of the bay. While benefiting from its clean air and water, you can also taste Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine and participate in water sports activities in the bay. The bay takes its name from the orange tree that is spread throughout the area. Transportation is difficult and only possible by sea. Katrancı Bay, which has sweet winds for those who do not like humidity and heat in summer, also serves as a campsite. Babadağ, located opposite to Ölüdeniz, is an area that adds sports and adventure to beauties such as sea, beach, and sun. It is also an ideal area for extreme sports such as paragliding, along with Ölüdeniz.
Günlüklü Bay, which combines two magnificent regions like Fethiye and Göcek on a common ground, stands out with its long beach, cool and shallow waters. The water is so clean and shallow that you can swim for meters, but it won't exceed your height.
Sports and Adventure in Fethiye
Fethiye is one of the first places that comes to mind in Turkey for those who want to combine their summer vacation with sports, adventure, and adrenaline. Especially when it comes to paragliding, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz come to mind. Babadağ, one of the highest points of Ölüdeniz, is one of the most beautiful paragliding jumping points in the world. You can perform your first flight with a professional instructor and witness the view of Ölüdeniz like a bird. After parachuting, you move on a flight route for about half an hour. The flight ends at Belcekız Beach.
You can reach Kabak Valley and Kabak Bay, which is an unique bay, directly from Butterfly Valley with boats. Turunç Pınarı Bay is another beauty of the city that is rich in the direction of the bay. While benefiting from its clean air and water, you can also taste Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine and participate in water sports activities in the bay. The bay takes its name from the orange tree that is spread throughout the area. Transportation is difficult and only possible by sea. Katrancı Bay, which has sweet winds for those who do not like humidity and heat in summer, also serves as a campsite. Babadağ, located opposite to Ölüdeniz, is an area that adds sports and adventure to beauties such as sea, beach, and sun. It is also an ideal area for extreme sports such as paragliding, along with Ölüdeniz.
Günlüklü Bay, which combines two magnificent regions like Fethiye and Göcek on a common ground, stands out with its long beach, cool and shallow waters. The water is so clean and shallow that you can swim for meters, but it won't exceed your height.
Sports and Adventure in Fethiye
Fethiye is one of the first places that comes to mind in Turkey for those who want to combine their summer vacation with sports, adventure, and adrenaline. Especially when it comes to paragliding, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz come to mind. Babadağ, one of the highest points of Ölüdeniz, is one of the most beautiful paragliding jumping points in the world. You can perform your first flight with a professional instructor and witness the view of Ölüdeniz like a bird. After parachuting, you move on a flight route for about half an hour. The flight ends at Belcekız Beach.
