Top 10 Amazing Facts about Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey. Photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Fethiye

Fethiye is a popular port city on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is known for its beautiful natural harbor, white sand beaches, and ancient rock tombs. An incredible beach holiday vacation destination if you ask me!

Situated on what was once the site of an ancient Lycian city, Fethiye boasts of rich history and antique features that are an attraction to many.

We could call it a product of successive numerous civilizations, and what a beautiful result it is! Have a look at some of the top amazing facts about Fethiye.

1. Fethiye is located on the site of an ancient city

Lycian tombs at Fethiye. Photo by angelius1979. Wikimedia Commons.

That city is the ancient city of Telmessos. It was the largest city in Lycia, a region in Anatolia. Anatolia is now the province of Antalya and Mugla in Turkey.

A Lycian legend explains the origin of the name Telmessos as follows. The god Apollo fell for the King of Phoenicia’s daughter.

He transformed himself into a dog and won the shy daughter’s affection. He later reappears as a handsome man, the two fall in love and have a son, Telmessus.

Some of the ruins of the ancient city are still on site! These include the Hellenistic theatre. There are also ancient Greek tombs.

2. It is named after a Turkish Captain

1914 Constantinople-Cairo Flight, left to right: Sadık Bey, İsmail Hakkı Bey, Fethi Bey and Nuri Bey. Photo by Turkish Air Force. Wikimedia Commons.

From its ancient name ‘Telmessos’, it was then called ‘Makri’ by the 10^th century. Makri is the name of the island at the harbor’s entry point.

The city then fell to the Turks in the late 12^th century, becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1424.

In 1934, it was renamed Fethiye, after Turkish Captain Fethi Bey. Captain Bey was one of the first pilots of the Ottoman Air Force.

In a tragic turn of events, he died in a plane crash on 27 February 1914 while attempting a first flight from Istanbul to Cairo.

Alongside him was Lieutenant Sadik Bey, who also died in the crash.

3. Fethiye has survived many earthquakes

Fethiye has survived some of the most destructive earthquakes in history. Perhaps the most notable one was the 1957 Fethiye earthquake.

It destroyed 90% of the city’s buildings, having destroyed more than 3, 000 structures.

Again, in January 1969, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the city and damaged buildings.

In June 2012, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake caused considerable damage to the city. Fethiye has been rebuilt time and again, and it proudly stands against all odds!

4. It is popular for its beautiful beaches

An aerial view of the archipelago beach in Oludeniz – Fethiye – Mugla – Turkey The picture shows the shore of the Aegean Sea, flanked by a winding road and trees at the top. Photo by Muhammad Sabah. Wikimedia Commons.

A vacation in Fethiye is incomplete without having visited its beautiful beaches.

Situated along the sunny ‘Turquoise’ coast, the city boasts of white sand beaches, with calm, blue waters perfect for yacht trips, or just a relaxing beach day.

One of the most popular ones is in Oludeniz, a tourist town in Fethiye.

The Belcekiz Beach, also referred to as Oludeniz beach, offers you the blue lagoon, crashing waves, and a chance to paraglide over the spectacular beach views from Mt. Babadag.

Enjoy the aerial views of the lush forested hills in the area. You can also opt to swim in the calm, shallow waters of the lagoon.

There are numerous boat trips across the stunning natural harbor and beaches at Fethiye. The eight-hour 12 Island Boat Trip cruises around the islands of Fethiye bay.

There are shorter trip options as well, with swim stops at beautiful locations. Sunset trips are probably the best.

5. It is home to the ‘Ghost town’; Kayakoy

Abandoned Kayakoy village, Fethiye area. Photo by Nikodem Nijaki. Wikimedia Commons.

Well, this is a sad one back in time. Kayakoy stone village ruins are still on site in the Fethiye area. In 1923, a traumatic population exchange between Turkey and Greece right here.

Greeks living here were deported to Greece, and the remaining ethnic Turks abandoned their lives in the village.

Kayakoy ruins serve as a sad reminder of the once happy village life in this beautiful countryside.

The site is however perfect to walk through and take in the refreshing countryside air, while enjoying the beautiful nature views below from the top of the village.

There are places to eat and drink in Kayakoy, so you can take your time while you’re there. There is a dolmus (share taxi) station to take you to and from Kayakoy to Fethiye town.

6. The popular Butterfly Valley is located in Fethiye

Butterfly valley, Fethiye. Photo by Claus P. Heibel. Wikimedia Commons.

Just as the name suggests, Butterfly Valley is home to over 100 butterfly species! It is rich in flora and fauna, with about 140 flora species.

It is located at the foothill of Mt. Babadag, and is secreted between two sharp cliffs. It is a perfect spot for nature hiking trails and splendid views.

The valley is a worthy ecotourism attraction in Turkey. Take a boat or trek from Faralya village.

Enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach.

7. Fethiye has an ancient museum

Fethiye Museum exterior from south. Photo by Dosseman. Wikimedia Commons.

The Fethiye museum takes you through the several civilizations that the town went through. It contains ancient artifacts from the 2^nd Century BC Telmessos theatre. The Roman statues unearthed at Tlos in 2011 are also on exhibition.

8. It has an old shopping town

Paspatur town is the typical old rustic town at Fethiye that has so much to offer. Its streets are full of small shops and open-air stalls.

Buy a souvenir while walking through the ancient alleys of the town. There is a variety to choose from including traditional Turkish carpets, jewelry, and herbs. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

9. The Xanthos ruins in Fethiye are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Xanthos was the capital city of ancient Lycia. It is incredible that the ruins of this historic town can still be seen at Fethiye, centuries later.

Xanthos has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Tourists get to not only view the rugged remains of ancient history but also appreciate such resilient architectural constructions.

10. The tomb of Amyntas still stands in Fethiye

Tomb of Amyntas, Fethiye, Turkey. Photo by Alexey Komarov. Wikimedia Commons.

Fethiye has several ancient Greek tombs, having once been home to a Greek population. One of the most popular ones is the tomb of Amyntas.

It dates back to the 4^th century BC. It is carved into the foothill of a mountain. You can climb up the rock tomb and enjoy the view of the Fethiye marina.