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Fethiye
 The popular resort Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris,
boasts an important marina at the head of a beautiful bay
strewn with islands. A hill crowned by the ruins of the
crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes overlooks
the little port. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity),
numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient
buildings, were cut into the cliff face. The Tomb of Amyntas,
which probably dates from the fourth century B.C. is the
most remarkable.
Swimmers head for the popular Зalis Beach, four
kilometres west of town, or to Sцvalye Island, opposite
the harbour, which blazes with flowers in the spring.
The road to Belcegiz Bay takes you through the mountains
where cozy guest houses cater to those seeking mountain
scenery. Ocakkцy is the mountain village that is a
must see, stay in one of the lovely guest houses, and enjoy
the numerous trekking possibilities. Hisarцnь,
also in the mountains, has very nice hotels. 4 km from Hisarцnь,
Kayakцy is a picturesque ghost town of old houses and
churches - all empty. Explore the bay and the beautiful
Blue Lagoon, Цlь Deniz, where the calm, crystal
clear water is ideal for swimming and other water sports.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the best places in the world to
do absolutely nothing except soak up the sun amid stunning
natural surroundings. At Mt. Baba (1,969 m), you can paraglide
into the Blue Lagoon. For those who' prefer accommodation
facilities, Belcegiz beach is recommended. Intoxicating
scenery surrounds Kidirak's beach and shady park. On Gemiler
Island (St Nicholas's Island), Byzantine ruins lie tucked
among the pines. South of Kidirak beach, Kцtьrьmsь
Bay is reachable only by boat. Beyond the idyllic beach,
a forest, waterfalls and a valley filled with hundreds of
varieties of butterflies await the explorer. High in the
mountains above Fethiye rushing torrents cut a narrow gorge
through the mountains, creating Saklikent (Hidden City).
A cool refuge on hot summer days, Saklikent is a favourite
picnic spot, with rustic restaurants serving delectable
fresh trout. 36 km south of Fethiye, Yakakцy (Tlos)
is the Oldest city in the Lycian region. The home of the
Lycian Hero Bellerophon, visitors can see the remains of
a castle, agora, necropolis, theatre, Roman baths and a
good view of Esen Valley. 2 km east of the villages is Tlos
Park, ideal for picnicking. Pinara, 49 km south of Fethiye,
is another ancient mountain city; it is ideal for trekking
and visitors can see the remains of a theatre, agora, rock
tomb, baths and ancient brothels.
About 65 km from Fethiye, to the southeast, near Kinik,
are the ruins of Xanthos, an important Lycian capital in
a splendid natural setting. Letoon, nearby, was formerly
an important religious cult center where three temples dedicated
to Leto, Artemis and Apollo stood in ancient times.
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