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The Gulf of Fethiye & Yediburunlar Coast

ÖLÜ DENIZ, FARALYA, ŞÖVALYE, KAYAKÖY & YEDIBURUNLAR,

This region shows the diversity that makes the Lycian Coast so special. Dramatic mountains and beaches, cosmopolitan ports, rustic villages and the scattered islands of the gulf all combine to provide some of Turkey’s most impressive coastal scenery.

The journey from Dalaman airport to the Gulf of Göcek and Fethiye is one of which we will never tire. The road climbs into the mountains before revealing the most breathtaking views. The forest-clad mountain range reaches as far as the eye can see, providing the dramatic backdrop to the plains, coastal towns, villages and beaches that are scattered throughout the region.

This region is the heart of ancient Lycia and host to a number of historic sites amongst which Kadyanda, Kaunos, Tlos, Pinara, Letoon, Xanthos and Patara are particularly noteworthy. The Gulf is also rich in scenic opportunity with plenty to explore – including the stunning beaches of the Fethiye Peninsula, the market town of Fethiye itself, the fascinating ruins of the old Greek settlement at Kayaköy, and the remarkable Dalyan Delta together with the mountain ranges themselves.

Wonderful experiences can be had by simply meandering along the myriad of mountain roads, heading nowhere in particular, just soaking in the astounding scenery and happening across villages where time appears to have stood still.

Dramatic mountains, stunning beaches, cosmopolitan ports, rustic villages and the wonderful islands of the gulf all combine to provide a snapshot of the diversity thatmakes Turkey and in particular the Lycian Coast so special. 

FETHIYE
The bustling harbour and market town of Fethiye is on the south-eastern corner of The Gulf. It is the major commercial centre of the region and provides some fascinating sights and sounds, particularly on market day each Tuesday.

On market day the roads are full of vehicles of all types – from old American trucks, to horses and carts spilling over with all manner of produce destined to create the vibrant colours and smells of the market.

Fethiye retains a decidedly Turkish feel. Exploring the warren of shop-lined streets in the old quarter is a fascinating experience. Restaurants are abundant, and the authentic feel of Turkish life permeates the whole area, giving a real insight into town life in Turkey.

ÖLÜ DENIZ

Beyaz Yunus Ölü Deniz

A short journey from Fethiye is Ölü Deniz – the most famous beach in Turkey. The peak of the region's highest mountain, Baba Dağ, plunges down to the stunning lagoon which must have been photographed a million times and is a signature image of coastal Turkey.

The region around Ölü Deniz now has a distinctly commercial feel. However, this cannot detract from the stunning impact of the beautiful lagoon. A ‘must-have’ experience for the more adventurous is to enjoy the adrenaline rush of leaping from the top of Baba Dağ to paraglide over the lagoon before eventually landing on the water’s edge.

FARALYA

Beyaz Yunus Faralya

On the hillside overlooking the entire beach at Ölü Deniz is one of our fabulous hotel’s Beyaz Yunus Ölü Deniz. From here the road follows the rugged coastline past the untouched sands of Kidrak bay (and a less
untouched Holiday Village!) before starting a dramatic climb towards the village of Faralya.

The road clings to the side of the mountain providing the most amazing views across the Mediterranean - on clear days you can see all the way to Rhodes. After 15-minute you round a corner on a headland and come to the farming settlement of Faralya.

The village looks down on one of Turkey’s most picturesque bays – the turquoise waters of Butterfly Valley. Faralya has a small selection of lokantas (local cafés) which provide welcome refreshment for hikers following the renowned Lycian Way, justly famous as one of the world’s top walks.

A sleepy village, with the cleanest mountain air, most glorious location and – if you really want – access to the very much more lively and commercial temptations of Ölü Deniz! 

ŞÖVALYE

Ece on Şövalye & Alabanda Island Retreat

Ten-minutes across the water from the port of Fethiye lies the sleepy island of Şövalye.

It is entirely pedestrianised, and with shady walkways through scented pine forests. No traffic means no roads: you cross the land by tracks, beaten or otherwise.

A leisurely walk from end to end takes 45 minutes or so, along a coastline dotted with sand and shingle coves and overlooked by private residences. In the crystal-clear water you can make out the ruins of earlier settlements dating back to late Roman times.

Inland, hidden amid the pine and carob trees, are the remains of a crusader castle, built by the Knights of St John after they crossed over from nearby Rhodes. Legend has it that the island became a base in the Middle Ages for renegade knights-turned-pirates.

You can circumnavigate Şövalye by canoe in about an hour or swim in two. The experience is just unique – paddling or swimming over submerged houses, an old city wall, churches and a Roman cistern that was converted to a chapel during the Byzantine period. Elsewhere, old olive-oil pots and amphorae can be seen scattered across the seabed.

KAYAKÖY

Zakkum Evi, Levissi Lodge, Meryem Evi, Mehmet Ağa Evi, Tangala Evi & Bodoska Evi

The Kaya valley is just a ten-minute drive from Ölü Deniz yet a million miles away in terms of ambience and the typical visitor of this area.

The valley floor is surrounded by the peaks of the surrounding mountains which stretch to the very ends of the Fethiye Peninsula. Tracks and single-track roads wind along the valley floor through tiny hamlets, past fields full of wheat and tobacco and finally onto the region’s secluded beach at Gemiler.

Kayaköy is, of course, now famed for being the inspiration for Louis de Bernières novel Birds without Wings. The Greek village of Kaya was abandoned following the forced exchange of populations agreed between Turkey and Greece in 1926. Until then it had been a thriving community for centuries and at the time of the exchange had a population of 20,000.

In the intervening years the town has been left to crumble into disrepair leaving in its wake an eerie and fascinating ‘Ghost Village’ set in the most beautiful of rural valleys.

YEDIBURUNLAR

Yediburunlar Lighthouse

The reason most people choose to visit Yediburunlar is to explore and enjoy the remoteness and pure peace of the region. The famous Lycian Way – one of the world’s most famous trekking paths – passes through the area on its most dramatic section.

The closest village is perhaps a 20-minute walk and Leon and Semra (the property oweners) can arrange for you to have a village lunch – chicken or vegetarian – and a beer at the village Headman’s house whenever you wish.

Treks lead into the mountains and provide stunning sea and mountain scenery. The sea – although all around – is not easy to get to, though the deserted bays and azure waters provide considerable reward for your efforts when you do make it there! The trek is one hour down and a hard two hours back! 

GÖCEK & GÖKÇEOVACIK
Please click here for information on these beautiful harbour and mountain villages which are located in the Göcek area of the Gulf.