|
Fethiye is the most important town on the Turquoise Coast, and occupies a
prime position on the western shores of the eponymous gulf, its almost perfect
natural harbour protected by a rugged peninsula jutting out from the town’s
southwest corner, and by the picturesque little island of Sovalye.
As this setting is as strategically advantageous as it is scenic, there
have been major settlements here since time immemorial.
The name Fethiye was only adopted in the 1930s to honour a local war
hero; prior to that the town was known as Megri (or Makri amongst the Greek
population). During the Byzantine
era it was called Anastasiopolis, whilst the original Lycian settlement went by
the name of Telmessos.
Fethiye
has a long tradition of reinventing itself and today presents itself as a place
that is modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan, yet it’s historic monuments bear
witness to the town’s ancient origins. Most impressive are the Lycian rock
tombs carved into the steep hillside just behind the town centre.
Nearby, the medieval Knight’s Castle boasts splendid views across the
rooftops of the town to the bay, whilst close to the port, a Hellenistic theatre
is still undergoing excavation.
Interesting
as these historical sites are, what makes staying in Fethiye so much fun is
immersing yourself in day-to-day life, as this is a place where tourism and
local life blend well together. With
a vast array of shops catering to both the essential needs of the local
population and the whimsical desires of souvenir-hunters, Fethiye offers
excellent shopping any day of the week, but never more so than on Tuesdays, the
main market day, when farmers from the surrounding villages all descend on the
town to peddle their wares. Eating
out in Fethiye is similarly enjoyable, with options ranging from a simple pide
for a couple of lira at the bus station (a local institution) to a sophisticated
fish dinner on the water’s edge by the marina.
Fethiye will suit those who prefer the authentic atmosphere
of a proper town to staying in a bland, purpose built resorts and although the
town itself does not have a beach, the pleasant promenade running along the
harbour and the rocky shoreline is perfect for a pre or post-dinner stroll and
several decent beaches can easily be reached by dolmus, or you could join one
of the many boat trips offered to the small coves of the Twelve Islands.
The town also makes a great base for
exploring many of the archaeological sites of ancient Lycia, and for visiting
the evocative ruins of the deserted village of Kaya, which lies just inland.
|
