INTRODUCTION

One is  at a loss for words to describe the beauty of Fethiye. If you are addicted to exploring new horizons and are a lover of nature, this is the destination for you. What is it that makes these shores so delightfully indented with innumerable coves and the unbelievable beauty of nature. What makes it so alluring? Perhaps it is a bit of everything, who knows?
     To wander through the bays of Fethiye is an adventure, an exuberance, a spring of joy. While passing from one to another, the grandeur that spreads out before your eyes is enhanced by the silhouettes of tiny islands, which lead you astray.
      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 to Fethiye, is another departure point.
     Fethiye seaport with its sheltered natural structure is an important stop for yachtsmen.  A new modern marina project will be realised soon for a large number of yachts with all facilities on the other end at the bay.
     The whole region excluding Fethiye and Eşen lowlands is covered with high mountains forming the southwestern spurs of the Taurus Range. These mountains exceeding 2000 meters extend the coastline. On a sunny winter day it is a real pleasure to view the pines and snow decorated peaks intertwined 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 is 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.
      Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters prevails in the region temperatures are approximately 30°C in summers and usually not less than 12°C in winters. Seawater temperature is hardly below 17°C all year round.
      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.
      Such farming for vegetables and industrial plants as cotton, sesame, tobacco, and aniseed  are the major agricultural income sources. Yearly about 250.000 tons of tomatoes are produced and exported.  In bee-keeping and honey production, the potential is on a large scale. Furthermore, there is large supply of Chromium ore and Fethiye is an important export part 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, is most fascinating on Tuesdays. Life at the market and the shops are located around starts early in the morning and gives opportunities to locals and tourists during the daytime. 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 cloths from these shops which stay open until the late hours. When you walk around, have a break at one of  “Paspatur” Cafes for a cup of Turkish coffee or apple tea, it  will keep you relax and keep your mind on Fethiye as “the shining light of eco—world, worth  discovering”

Fethiye, one of the oldest towns on the Lycian Coast, is also one of the most preferred and frequented towns on Turkey's Mediterranean shores. The town is situated on a very secluded bay, which is a natural marina, strewn with islands. The marina shelters large and small leisure and charter boats as well as fishing boats, and is visited by numerous cruise lines. During the summer season, a ferryboat makes round trips to Rhodes, only one and a half hours away.

The town, now spreading towards east and west, is a typical Aegean Coastal village with the old city right at the center. The old city is now "downtown" - narrow streets opening to small squares full of various shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants serving anything from fish to kebabs to pizzas and all of them open until the wee hours.

The market of Fethiye is held once a week, and is another sight to visit and to shop. The visit means a long walk through stands selling everything imaginable including souvenirs, cotton clothing, leather goods, hand woven goods, perfumes, shoes, spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits and even tablecloths and duvets.

Late afternoon and nighttime is perfect for a walk along the promenade of Fethiye by the Marina, and sipping some good Turkish coffee or beer at one of the many street cafes awaiting you there.