Turquoise Coast/Lycia

There is something for everyone in Fethiye and the surrounding area: beaches, scenery, historic sites. There are long hot summers and short mild winters. In summer, spend your days lolling in the gorgeous turquoise waters of the confluence of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas - swim, snorkel, scuba dive.

In spring and autumn, try paragliding, trekking, climbing; investigate Butterfly Valley and the Sea Turtle nesting beaches. In winter, explore historic sites, go horseback riding, mountain biking, and wind down in the evenings sipping your favourite tipple while soaking up spectacular views of the coastal snow-capped mountains which lie to the north of the Bay of Fethiye. Not much remains of ancient Telmessos, atop which modern-day Fethiye is built. In spite of centuries of destructive earthquakes, the cliff-side Lycian tombs and majestic sarcophagi never fail to draw a gasp. The antique theatre in the centre of town dates to Roman times, although its open disposition on the hill indicates Greek influences. The amphitheatre was picked apart for the reconstruction of the city after the devastating earthquake of 1957, and in 1994 restorations and further excavations to the site were begun.