295km (183 miles) southwest of Antalya; 170km (106 miles) southeast of Marmaris; 290km (180 miles) southeast of Pamukkale; 15km (9 1/3 miles) north of Ölüdeniz
Fethiye is much more than just the Blue Lagoon, that spectacularly turquoise poster child of Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Fethiye is rocky cliffs, pine-clad mountain ranges, offshore islets that speak of ancient civilizations, and dusty villages where tourism is still a twinkle in the locals' eyes. It's the quiet serenity of a sunset over the ghost village of Kayaköy, set in a valley amidst the piney mountains. And it's the blissful solitude of a swim in one of the innumerable unspoiled crystalline coves, many inaccessible by land. The combination is winning: The ample natural environment inspires physical activity as much as the sun-kissed coastline encourages sloth. Scuba diving, paragliding off a mountain peak, hiking ancient mountain paths, or wading slowly through an ice-cold gorge are just a few of the activities possible in and around Fethiye. From the curvaceous ranges enfolding Göcek to the picturesque coves of Ölüdeniz, the Fethiye Gulf encompasses some of the most sublime scenery in all of the Turkish Riviera. Fethiye is a truly unbeatable holiday destination, offering leisure and sporting activities, ancient history, local culture, and pristine waterways. And of course, there's the Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, one of the most astonishing natural beauties in all of Turkey. If you have a week, spend it all here and more.
