Fethiye

Fethiye sits on the site of ancient Telmessos, the most important city of ancient Lycia, a civilisation that flourished along this coastline from the 5th century BC. The Lycians were a remarkable people with a unique culture, language and democratic federation — considered by some historians to have influenced the framers of the American constitution.

The hillsides above Fethiye are carved with spectacular Lycian rock tombs, the most famous being the Tomb of Amyntas (4th century BC) — a monumental Ionic temple façade cut directly into the cliff face, visible from across the town. The ancient theatre and the ruins of the Telmessos acropolis add to the town's extraordinary historical depth.

Ölüdeniz — the 'Dead Sea' — is one of the most photographed natural landscapes in the world: a sheltered turquoise lagoon of impossibly still water, backed by pine-forested mountains and a long sandy beach. It is also the world's premier paragliding destination, with flights from the summit of Babadağ Mountain (1,969m) offering breathtaking views over the lagoon.

The Lycian Way, a 540-kilometre waymarked trail along the ancient coastline, begins near Fethiye and is rated one of the world's great long-distance walks. Gulet cruises departing from Fethiye marina explore the 'Turquoise Coast' — visiting ancient ruins, hidden bays and the famous Butterfly Valley — making Fethiye the perfect base for nature, culture and adventure programmes.