The Fethiye region boasts some of the most popular and established tourist resorts in South Turkey. Look at a travel brochure and you can’t help but marvel at the stunning image of the Oludeniz lagoon. Located just 20 minutes from Fethiye, this photo is undoubtedly the reason why many were first lured to coastal Turkey! Oludeniz really is that beautiful. It has been voted one of the top beaches in the world by The Times, featured on numerous travel channels, and put Fethiye on the map in terms of tourism and investment. The once hippy backpacker haunt is today a sophisticated place with a laid back feel. The bay is protected from residential building, so foreigners have looked to nearby areas like Ovacik and Hisaronu to set up home nearby. About Fethiye – The town of Fethiye, once known as ancient Telmessos, is a trading point and harbour town resting at the foot of the Mendos and Taurus mountains. Reached via Dalaman International Airport, it has grown considerably over recent years due to its great climate, stunning views, wonderful quality of life and inexpensive living. Paspatur Old Town is located to the rear of the main harbour and is an ideal way to spend an afternoon shopping, drinking in one of the cafes, and exploring. The newer streets home modern stores, banks, boutiques and bars. There’s a new palm and bar lined promenade running along the harbour front from the town centre to the beach resort of Calis, and for history buffs, an amphitheatre, Lycian rock tombs and areas like Kayakoy ‘Ghost Town’ are within easy reach. Fethiye is home to a number of popular resorts where the British, European, Russians and Dutch now happily live amongst the locals. Hisaronu is the liveliest tourist area with a 24/7 atmosphere and the closest residential area to Oludeniz. Its quieter neighbour, the residential village of Ovacik, is also popular with an established foreign community. Calis boasts the closest beach to Fethiye and some of the best sunsets, it is also flat so great for those with mobility problems. Heading out of Fethiye, the mountain village of Uzumlu has a wonderful wine house and feels a world away from the bustling crowds during the summer months. For those after something fancy, the highly sought after bay of Gocek is famed for its marina and is one of the most exclusive resorts on the Mediterranean coast. Fethiye offers something for everyone and rightly deserves its place as one of the most beautiful and popular regions in Turkey. Well worth a visit, it’s an area that’s very hard to forget – where one visit is simply never enough! LOCATION Fethiye is situated in the Mugla province, on the Aegean coast of South Turkey. In fact the location of Fethiye is unique in that it sits where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean providing the dramatic setting that is Fethiye. It has Aegean’s bays and coves as well as the Mediterranean’s sandy beaches. A four hour flight from the UK, it is reached via Dalaman International Airport offering many European and international flights during the summer months. Large and diverse, Fethiye is well renowned for its history, beauty and quality of life. POPULATION The main industry in Fethiye is tourism. The popular summer months from May to October see the numbers in resorts reach over 600,000. Many Turks travel from other areas to work in the region during the season, and it is also a very popular with Turkish holiday-makers and Istanbul and Ankara business people who buy homes in the region. The winters are quiet with a population less than 100,000. The Turkish Statistical Institute recently reported that the number of permanent residents registered in Fethiye grew in 2011 by over 5%, now standing at 81,467. CLIMATE The climate in Fethiye is Mediterranean. Summers are hot and humid with little wind and rain. Temperatures reach highs of 39*C in August, and average 34*C. The winter months of November to April are cool and mostly sunny with a daytime high of around 16*C and night time low of around 4*C. January and February the wettest months. The best time to visit Fethiye is early or late season; May, June, September and October. QUALITY OF LIFE Ask any ex-pat why they chose to live in Fethiye and most will reply, “quality of life!” Long hot summers and mild winters make the region ideal for year round living. The region is beautiful and diverse with an area suiting most tastes, needs and budgets. The transport links are excellent throughout Turkey, and the new airport runs regular domestic and international flights year round. Prices of everyday food, groceries and local alcohol are a fraction of that in many other Turkish and foreign destinations. THINGS TO DO IN FETHIYE 1. Oludeniz Beach – any trip to Fethiye without a visit to the world famous Oludeniz Beach is a trip not worth taking. Known for perfect white sand and one of Europe’s most photographed beaches, Oludeniz is a must see in the region. 2. Gemiler Island home of the original Santa Claus – a lovely island in Fethiye that is just a kilometre long by 400 metres wide, rich in history and a great tourist hotspot well worth spending a couple of hours exploring the ruins and pretty coves here. Not to mention, it was home to the original Santa Claus. 3. Sovalye Island the first of the twelve in the Gulf of Fethiye – popular amongst those seeking seafront properties in Fethiye, Sovalye Island is a charming island with no roads, no cars, and offers a highly private and exclusive lifestyle in a tranquil and quiet location. A favourite spot. 4. Butterfly Valley: one of Turkey’s most unspoiled spots – famous for its population of butterflies, this tourism landmark is accessed via a water taxi from Oludeniz and is a must see for anyone in the region. 5. Tickling trout at Yaka Park, Fethiye – just a short drive from Fethiye, This extremely popular restaurant and trout farm is the perfect spot to relax and rest to the sound of waterfalls and beautiful surroundings. 6. Fethiye rock tombs offer a glimpse into ancient Lycia – enjoy a glimpse into ancient Lycian times with a trip to the famous rock tombs in Fethiye, found within walking distance from Fethiye Town. You will find wonderful views from here. 7. The cool and mysterious waters of Saklikent Canyon – a stunning 300 metre deep and 18 kilometre long canyon for you to explore and enjoy. During the summer months, you can walk around 4 kilometres in length of the canyon, enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. 8. The captivating ancient city of Tlos – one of the largest and oldest settlements from the ancient Lycians, Tlos is thought to be around 4,000 years old – making this an absolute must see for anyone who has been or thinking of going to Fethiye. 9. Like to be beside the seaside? Calis Beach is the ultimate family shore – the perfect beach. Calis Beach appeals to people from all walks of life – travellers, families, tourists, locals – you will never find a dull moment on this gorgeous sandy beach.v