About Fethiye & Lycia
One is at a loss for words to describe the beauty of Fethiye. If you are
addicted to exploring new horizons and you love nature, this is the
destination for you… Fethiye combines the charm of an everyday Turkish town
with an extraordinarily beautiful coast indented with coves and littered
with tiny islands, set against the magnificent backdrop of luscious pine
forest covered mountains. Perhaps it is allure: a unique combination of
everything you could possibly want in a perfect holiday.
To meander through the bays of Fethiye is an adventure through complete
peace, at the same time exuberance, and a spring of joy. While passing from
one bay to another, the grandeur that spreads out before your eyes is
interrupted only by the silhouettes of tiny islands to distract you from the
horizon and the crystal waters of every hue of blue.
Fethiye is located in South-West Mediterranean Turkey, connected to all
other cities by three highways and reached very easily. Dalaman
International Airport is as close as 50 km. to the town centre. During the
tourist season one can find many flights from major European cities to
Fethiye besides the domestic flights throughout the year by Turkish
Airlines. Additionally Antalya Airport, three -hour drive from Fethiye, is
another departure point. Fethiye seaport with its sheltered natural
structure is an important stop for yachtsmen. To complement what nature has
provided, a new modern marina complex project, with the capacity and wide
range of facilities for a large number of yachts, will be realised soon. The
whole region excluding Fethiye and Esen lowlands is covered with high
mountains forming the southwestern spurs of the Taurus Range. These
mountains exceeding 2000 meters height the coastline. On a sunny winter day
it is a real pleasure to view the pines and snow decorated peaks contrasting
with the blue sky. Besides the refreshing woody slopes with thyme, sage,
laurel and pine trees the exceptional incense forest is another peculiarity
of the Fethiye region. Covering a 100-hectare area the incense forest
provides an ideal campsite and a picnic area. Balsam obtained from incense
trees has pharmaceutical and cosmetic value and it is also used as a
fumigate in mosques and churches.
Dry, long, hot summers and short, warm, rainy winters are climatic
characteristics of Fethiye. The temperature, which is around 86-105 F (30-40
C) during the summer, is usually above 55 F (10 C) in the winter.
Considering the fact that in these turquoise-coloured seas that in no season
falls below 60 F (17 C) temperature, swimming is possible for nine months of
the year, we might as well conclude that there are only two seasons in
Fethiye: Spring and Summer!
In Fethiye, with its abundance and fertile land, agriculture is of major
prominence. Therefore whilst in other holiday resorts it becomes quiet at
end of the season, life in Fethiye flows on throughout the 12 months.
Farming for vegetables and industrial plants as cotton, sesame, tobacco, and
aniseed, providing the major agricultural income sources. About 250.000 tons
of tomatoes are produced and exported annually. Bee-keeping and honey
production is another high potential activity. Furthermore, there is large
supply of Chromium ore and Fethiye is an important exporter of this mineral
in Turkey.
The climatic conditions permit almost all kinds of vegetables and fruit to
be cultivated. The special nature of contact between the producer and the
consumer may be witnessed in the town market, on Tuesdays. Life at the
market and nearby shops starts early in the morning and offers plenty to
locals and tourists alike through the day. Souvenir shops are located around
the Turkish bath and the old Mosque. During the peak season one can buy
leather-goods, carpets, rugs, jewellery and the other souvenirs as well as
Turkish fashion clothes from these shops which stay open until late. When
you walk around, have a break and relax at one of "Paspatur" Cafes for a cup
of Turkish coffee or apple tea. |
