As I prepared to leave the sub-zero temperatures of Kar, located in the far northeast of Turkey near the Armenian border in November, I had one thing on my mind: 

I need to get warm. 

And with that, I headed to Turkey’s southwest corner of the Mediterranean — to Fethiye. 

Oh God! What a wonderful place it was!

I first read about Fethiye in one of the blogs on the Turkish Airlines Official Website. They described a beautiful seaside city filled with friendly people that was more pleasant in the winter than in the summer. The latter factor sealed it for me — I wanted a town that didn’t die out when the temperature dropped. 

Summer is a busy time for British tourists in Fethiye. The local told me that 1 in 20 residents in Fethiye are foreigners, and Britons make up the largest foreign group. As a result, there has been a strong British influence in Fethiye, with some people referring to Fethiye as Little Britain in Turkey, or Little England. The town has become so synonymous with its Britishness that it has become a popular destination within Turkey for those wanting to learn English, with local schools advertising the opportunities to practice English with local British residents. Although the town itself does not have a beach, it is close to the Oludeniz (Turkey’s “Dead Sea”). Fethiye also is at the end of the Lycian Way, and many people come for hiking. 

I didn’t see a single foreigner during my November visit. We would take a few long walks around the marina and through the town. We saw families strolling together, children playing on the playgrounds, and groups of teenage boys trying to look tough while commandeering a block. 

Fethiye, to me, was pure sunshine. It’s hard to elaborate beyond that – the town simply made me smile. Any town that does that is a special place. But I can pen down 5 things that made me fall in love with Fethiye & I bet you would too once you visit during your trip to Turkey. 

1) Fethiye is a town full of history 

Fethiye is a fascinating town that’s been home to many civilizations, and the majority have left their mark on the landscape. From the ancient Lycian rock tombs on the cliffside above the town center to the amphitheater, a ghost town and crumbling remains of a fortress, Fethiye is a destination filled with historic charm and a location that never ceases to amaze those who visit.

2) Friendly Locals 

Fethiye is a friendly place full of warm and welcoming people. It’s refreshing to walk around the town or sit in a café to see people smiling with open eyes and eager to chat with a stranger no matter how broken their English. The Turkish people are well known for their hospitality, and it’s one of the main 

reasons to love Fethiye. I was mesmerized by their warmth & friendliness as there was never a moment when we felt like outsiders, especially us being the only Indians around during that time. Oh did I forget to mention, their undying love for Bollywood music? We danced on chammak challo with the cruise owner while we were out in the sea cruising through the day, such a delight! 

3) A mesmerizing coastline & beautiful beaches 

The turquoise coast around Fethiye has been a magnet for sailors for years. Cool off with a boat trip and discover Fethiye’s glorious 12 Islands, pay a visit to a valley full of butterflies, hire a speed boat to explore the bays yourself, or catch a water taxi from Calis to Fethiye center to see if you can spot a sea turtle – the kids will love it! 

Most that visit Fethiye have seen the glorious blue lagoon’s photos of Oludeniz, and it is spectacular. But there are also many other beaches around Fethiye. From quiet open stretches like Kidrak with hardly a tourist in sight to bar-backed beaches like Calis are ideal for those who want to mix sunbathing, refreshments, and dips in the sea, there’s a beach in Fethiye for everyone. 

4) Fabulous open markets and great shopping 

If you’ve never visited a Turkish open market, make sure you do so on your trip to Fethiye. Both Calis and Hisaronu have weekly markets, but the largest and most impressive is the main Fethiye market held each Tuesday. A variety of stalls selling an eclectic mix of goods are shaded by awnings. From beautiful mosaic lamps, leather goods, traditional clothes, and genuine-fake t-shirts, to household goods and a vast selection of seasonal fruit and veg – it will amaze you what the traders sell. Head along and try your hand at haggling if you want a real bargain. 

If traditional shopping is more your style, you won’t be disappointed in Fethiye. The shops in the resorts and town center stay open until late evening, so there’s plenty of chance to treat yourself.

Browse the vast array of boutiques, jewelry shops, souvenir stores, and brand names. Buy spices and Turkish delight, or simply browse the outlets and people-watch during your evening stroll. 

5) Delicious local food 

Turkish food is delicious! Fethiye and its resorts are jam-packed full of great restaurants and street-side takeaways, so rest assured you’re never far from something fabulous to eat. There are restaurants, cafes, and takeaways suiting all tastes and budgets, from fine eateries with fresh seafood dishes and sea views to cheaper haunts selling a wide selection of local and international dishes. Tip: Take a look online for reviews and pointers on where’s best to eat in Fethiye. 

When thinking of Turkey, most people think of famous destinations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Antalya, or Izmir… However, sometimes great travel experiences come from places that are not so well-known and you have never heard of before. Fethiye is such a place. A fascinating region of Turkey that mesmerized all of us, and now keeps calling me back again & again. 

After reading this, if the wanderlust in you tickles, wait no further & plan your trip to Turkey with Travel LYKKE. Use my code TMV2000 to get a flat discount of INR 2000 on any package you book with them.

For any further queries, please reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

Credits:

Blog post is written by: Mohana