SURROUNDINGS OF GÖCEKİNLİCE BEACH (5km) Whereas Göcek can be very hot in the summer months, İnlice offers a refreshing coolness and in the evenings there is the heady scent of thyme and pine forest. There is a temperature difference of nearly 5 degrees Celsius between the two locations. Because there is no light pollution the starlit night sky is a wonderful sight. İnlice Beach is approximately 800 metres in length with a deep stretch of dark coloured sand. The sea is safe for bathing in calm conditions and during windy periods the sea can be quite wavy. Along the beach you will find a café operated by the Göcek Municipality, which offers reasonably priced drinks and refreshments. There is an official car park, shower and WC facilities, changing cubicles and lounging chairs and umbrellas for hire along the beach. In addition there are camping facilities behind the beach. 300 metres away from İnlice Beach you will find ‘Günlük Grove’ – a very special shady area - where Günlük trees (Liquid Amber trees) provide shade. The resin from these special trees has medicinal qualities and it is believed that apart from a small part of India, these Günlük trees only grow in this area. For this reason these trees must be protected and not damaged, so that future generations can enjoy them. GÜNLÜKLÜ BAY (12km)
KATRANCI BAY (14km) ÇALIS BEACH (22km) In the opposite direction from Göcek you will find the resort of Sarıgerme. With its close proximity to Dalaman International Airport and with the development of modern accommodation facilities, it has rapidly become an internationally popular tourist centre. The fine sand and beautiful pine clad backdrop give this area a particular appeal, as it has done for centuries past. Sarıgerme stands on the site of the ancient City of Physilis, a city that has long been buried under the shifting sands. As a result of modern developments in this area carried out before excavations had taken place, the history of Physilis will remain a hidden secret. Sarıgerme is the name given to the coast near the village of Osmaniye, 850 metres from the shore. The name is linked to the Sarıcay stream that divides Osmaniye and the coast. This stream was once used for the transportation of timber that was brought from the forest to the sea. To prevent the timber from escaping into the sea, the stream’s outlet into the ocean was closed during times of transportation. Thus the name ‘Germe’ (which means tightening or fencing) was added to the name. Sarıgerme with its 7 km of coastline, shallow sea and the island of Baba Ada in the near distance provide a truly perfect holiday haven. There is an active environmental association in the region ensuring that its beauty is protected and there is a small entrance charge for the beach that goes towards the upkeep and services provided. There are facilities for food, drinks, showers, toilets, beach chairs, umbrellas, changing rooms, 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole golf academy facility as well as a dinghy service across the water to Osmaniye. There is a large selection of accommodation available in the area ranging from luxury hotels to modest pensions, with full services being provided by the village of Osmaniye. The sheltered side of the island of Baba Ada provides a haven for boats and yachts plying between Marmaris and Göcek. The other side of the island is rocky and offers possibilities for diving. Confident swimmers can easily reach the island, climb up to the top and have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful surrounding scenery. There are also long walks along the coast, which can be cool and pleasant at the water’s edge, with the fine sand offering a massaging effect whilst relaxing he muscles and strengthening them. FETHİYE MUSEUM (28km)
FETHİYE (28km) Once you get to Fethiye and check into your accommodation, get out and see the bazaar. In the town’s pleasant bazaar, you feel as if everything has been planned and preserved for you, with its narrow and shady streets and tiny squares. You will forget about being a foreigner and feel as if you have lived here for years. However, once it is evening, the colour and nature of the bazaar will suddenly change. It is now time for the restaurants and bars. The fish start sizzling on the grill and the aniseed scent of Turkey’s national drink, rakı, can be smelled. The heat of the day is left behind and the coolness of the evening settles in. It is not easy to visit the region surrounding Fethiye in just a few days. Here is all you will need and want for a holiday. History, culture, nature, beaches, aqua sports, the best paragliding in Turkey, the most impressive historical sites, coves, cuisine and shopping. The numbers of places where you can get such a full-on, enjoyable holiday, other than in Fethiye itself, are rare. KAYAKÖY (35km) Now there is a population of 2000 people living in the area, but the old houses above are abandoned and sad looking with their doors and windows broken. All of the houses are now protected but you will see that this decision was taken a bit too late. In the village, whose old name was Levissi, there were two churches and 14 chapels. The Taksiyarhis church is now derelict, its wooden door on display in the Fethiye Museum. The Panagia Pirgiotis Church (the Church beneath) is in better condition and has interesting frescoes that are worth seeing. In 1990, a priest from Rhodes and the Muslim İmam Ali from Fethiye held a joint prayer service in the Shrine of Virgin Mary in the name of peace and friendship. The Galata Group, founded by the Chamber of Architecture and students studying architecture conducted some significant work in the old village. Sectoral organizations such as TÜRSAB (The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies) have given support to the restoration work. The restoration of the two churches continues despite financial problems. Before the population exchanges the village were a very lively settlement with two schools, one for girls and one for boys, a doctor and pharmacies and an abundance of shops. In the Greek time the village even had its own paper. The Muslim refugees that came with the population exchange did not like the place much and moved to other locations like Thrace and Manisa. Those Greeks who moved back to Greece were located in a remote wild area near Athens. They made this place prosperous and named it "Neo Makri", in other words New Fethiye. Some of the houses in the lower part of the village have been restored. One of the residents of these restored houses is a photographer from İstanbul who spends half of the year in the village. The other inhabitant is a captain who lives here with a dog and chickens. The project to reverse Kayaköy into a village of "Peace and Friendship" is now being processed by the civil organizations but there is the "Kayaköy Arts Camp", established as a part of the wider project. Here students, including foreigners, study the arts of sculpture, ceramics and photography. You can also make pottery in the Pottery House workshop. There are also small gifts and souvenirs on sale and a display of some old tools, to be found in the garden of the Poseidon Restaurant. Climbing up the stone paved road you get to the chapel on the hill and can enjoy a panoramic view overlooking Soğuksu Cove. Even if the weather is very hot elsewhere, on the top of this hill there is a constant breeze that makes you feel cool. On your left is an old village house, which was restored and converted into a restaurant called Dibektaş. Afkule In Kayaköy there is always a constant breeze and there are no mosquitoes. Following the side path next to the old village, you can get to Ölüdeniz. The road within the forest is seven kilometres through the pine trees and marked by orange points up to Ölüdeniz. Three kilometres to the west (in the Gemile direction), and 400 metres above the sea level, on a hill that slopes into the sea you will see the remains of a monastery. According to the legend, the 10 metres square monastery, known locally as Afkule, was carved into the rock at a cost of a lifetime of suffering by a monk named Ayios Elefeterios. This location has a spectacular view, from which you can see İblis Point, Kurdoğlu Point and, if the weather is fine, even the island of Rhodes. The nearest location where you can swim in the Kayaköy region is Soğuksu (Cold Water) Cove. Its name does not refer to the temperature of sea but possibly to the spring water boiling into the sea. You can walk from the church following the path up the hill and then down to the water, the stroll taking half an hour. Walking to Gemile CoveThere is a six kilometres long road linking Kayaköy to Gemile Cove. Those who have cars can take this road to get to Gemile Cove and have a swim. Since the beach is in a sheltered area it is highly popular. Right opposite of the cove is Gemile Island. (You can find necessary information on the Gemile Island in the Fethiye section of boat tours in the vicinity.) How to get there? In summer, minibuses run from Fethiye to Kayaköy regularly from 7:00 am to 22:00 pm and the last return trip from Kayaköy is at 23:00 pm. Other tan the summer times, the minibuses run until 17:00 pm. If you travel with your own car follow the Ölüdeniz road, through Ovacık to get to Hisarönü, the distance being 16 kilometres. There is also a shorter way where you drive from Fethiye to the hill where there are the rock tombs and follow the road below the castle, going over Şıkman Hill. The distance on this route is seven kilometres. Please note, being an open-air museum, you are charged an entrance fee in the entrance to Kayaköy. Hisarönü-OvacıkThe Hisarönü and Ovacık hamlets are two nice spots inside the pine forests that have only become popular recently. Ovacık is nine kilometres from the town centre and five kilometres to Ölüdeniz. The hamlet has turned into a tourism centre with the construction of numerous hotels and holiday villages. This has made Ovacık an ideal place for those who want to stay away from the crowds in town, while still only being 10 minutes away both from Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. As for Hisarönü, you can get there by taking the road turning right at the end of Ovacık. In Hisarönü there are many small and large hotels, pensions and holiday villages, most with reasonable prices. Furthermore, the famous beaches of Ölüdeniz and Belcekız are nearby and you can go there for a swim. There are regular minibuses running to Hisarönü and Ovacık from Fethiye. DALYAN (35km) CADIANDA (40km) The city is 600 metres above the sea level and is surrounded by a wall that is made of fine stone. To the south of the entrance there are four Lycian tombs, believed to be from the 4th century BC. Three of the tombs are in the style of a house but are somewhat damaged. The fourth tomb is cut into a block of stone and has a relief of a man lying on a sofa on its south face and a mounted figure attacking an enemy with his spear and shield on the north side. At the northern entrance of the acropolis there are the ruins of what are believed to a part of a Doric style temple and also the remains of a stone-carved bath from the Roman period, believed to have been built by the Emperor Vespasianus. On the hill where the city is located, tucked into the slope, is a small theatre. The western part of the seating area is still firm though where the stage was it has been completely demolished. In the centre of the city the ruins that cover an area of nine metres in width and 900 metres in length are believed to be those of the stadium. However, there are lots of references made to athleticism tournaments held in the city of Cadianda. In addition, plinths of statues of successful athletes around the supposed stadium area strengthen the theory. BUTTERFLY VALLEY (45km) By renting or using one of the shared boats that work like water taxis, you can go from Ölüdeniz to Butterfly Valley beach. This is also known as Kötürümsü Cove. During this half hours trip you can also stop at the Mavi Mağara (the Blue Cave). You can cool yourself in the green and blue waters of the cave. There are two paths that lead you to Butterfly Valley and to the foot of the 2,000 metres high Babadağ. One goes through a waterfall and the other through the village of Faralya. If you have no trekking or natural sports experience you should not try to climb to the higher parts of the valley and just be satisfied by getting to the first water fall. Those with self-confidence and who cannot turn away from the extraordinary call of the valley should continue the trip up and will come across the stunning view we will now describe. Wearing professional trekking clothes or shoes and carrying professional equipments is highly advised. The path that leads up to the village is really steep and there are couple of points where you will need to climb up the path. Do not take this route if you don’t have mountaineering experience. However, the view from the village is really wonderful. Follow the signpost that says, "George’s House" you will get very nice village food with your ayran. There are no accommodation facilities at the Butterfly Valley beach. You can set up a tent or stay in makeshift bush and leaf covered shelters. There is one restaurant set up on the beach in summertime. The owners will help you, showing the paths to follow. ÖLÜDENIZ BEACH (42km) There is a story behind the name of Belcekız Cove. According to legend, ships in ancient times used to anchor in the open sea and the crews would come ashore in small boats to get drinking water here. One of the handsome sons of an old captain fell in love with a beautiful girl called Belcekız whom he saw on the waterfront. Belcekız too ended up with her heart beating faster and she fell in love with him. However, the boy had to get the drinking water and return to his father’s ship. Though the ship sailed away, Belcekız watched for her lover to return and every time the boy came to get water, they saw each other and made love. One day, as the boy and father were sailing nearby, a storm blew up. The son told his father that he knew of a cove where they could shelter that was as still as a pool. The old and cunning father thought the son's suggestion came from his desire to see his lover and that he was acting selfishly and did not care whether the ship sank or not. The dispute between the two kept on going, as the waves grew higher. As the ship was rocked by the strong wind and was about to crash onto the rocks, the father hit his son with an oar and he fell into the sea. After the father headed back to the helm and continued his voyage, he found himself in an extremely still cove and he understood that his son was right but it was too late. The son died, his body being found on the rocks. Belcekız, seeing that her lover was dead, committed suicide by jumping onto the rocks. From that day on the place she jumped from was named as Belcekız and the place the boy died were named as Ölüdeniz. Maybe the colours of the water that keep changing are fires of mourning, one for the boy and one for the girl. In Ölüdeniz you will find numerous hotels and restaurants and, on the beach you have access to aqua sports such as parasailing, water skiing and banana boats for those interested. There is also a handicraft shop that is associated with MELSA, where you find handcrafts unique to the Muğla region. Ölüdeniz is an extraordinary piece of nature, which is being fastidiously taken care of and cleaned, with a laboratory taking measurements of the seawater from parts of Belcekız Beach daily. The aim of this is to get the ISO 14001 Quality Certificate for the beach. In Turkey the first beach to get this certificate was Kıdrak Beach. For more information about Ölüdeniz please visit www.oludenizguide.com TLOS (63km) The historical site of Tlos is situated in the Xanthus valley, eight kilometres from Saklıkent and right next to the village of Yaka. Climbing up the acropolis hill the visitor will pass a number of Lycian rock tombs and sarcophagi. The ancient Lycian remains of a fortress are now overlayed by an Ottoman castle on the top of the hill, offering splendid views. Not in the vicinity of the acropolis but near the road is the most impressive tomb attributed to Bellerophon, with a fine bas-relief in its porch depicting Pegasus the winged horse fighting the Chimera, a three-headed monster. The tomb is constructed with a temple facade with columns and architrave and a central door entrance leading to the burial platform. The structures In the flat area below the castle are mainly of Roman and Byzantine date. The most notable buildings are the agora (market place) that still has six arched doors standing, the stadium, gymnasium and bath houses one of which has an apse with seven preserved windows known as "Yedi Kapı", as well as a very well preserved theatre on the other side of the road with 36 rows of seats. Tlos is one of the oldest settlements in the Lycian region. In Lycian inscriptions the city name is written as Tlawa and in the Hittites records from the 14th century BC the town is referred to as Talwa in the Lukka lands. One tip is to start your visit after having a very foamy ayran in the tea garden right next to the entrance of the historical site. As you have travelled to the village of Yaka, Yakapark, just a kilometre from the village, is worth visiting for a break. This is a stopping point for the jeep safaris from Kaş, Kalkan, and Fethiye and is wonderful with its century old trees, terraces, pool, water channels, hammocks and stone tables installed by the municipality. As the village women cook gözlemes, chicken and roosters scratch around your feet, lending a rural touch. The meat gets cooked on the barbeque, set up in the centre of the garden and trout dipped in corn flour is fried. Those in the tourism business have to be enterprising. Here you will see an example of that. There is the Balıklı Bar, which has an attraction that you would see nowhere else other than Yakapark. The bar is made of stone and on one side of it there is a small channel where the cold water flows. Inside this channel swim trout that act like they are used to human beings. They love being touched, caressed and don't swim away. Meanwhile, the providing of beer, cola and ayran goes on. SAKLIKENT GORGE(71km) Take the Göcek-Antalya road towards Kemer. After driving for 53 kilometres take the turn to Saklıkent and, once past the sign for Tlos, drive another 14 kilometres to Saklıkent. On the way to Saklıkent you will see lots of restaurants on both sides of the road and you can get a gözleme and ayran. After you get to the village of Kayadibi you leave your car at the canyon entrance and pay your entrance fee. The Eşen stream cuts through the canyon for some 100 meters. It flows so strongly in summer and winter that it makes it almost impossible to progress against the current. You walk on the wooden footpath attached to the canyon walls. You form a one-person line and go to the location where the stream erupts. When you watch the picturesque view of the furiously and noisily flowing stream you can enjoy a gözleme ayran or a trout dish in the restaurant. If you wish to do so you can cross the freezing water and progress towards the deeper part of the canyon. Do not neglect to get a pair of cloth or plastic shoes. However, if you do not have them tourism is at your service, you can buy or rent them in the "Plastic Shoes Sales Shop" at the entrance of the canyon. The canyon is 18 km long, with the path at times being rough. If you try to walk it all the fun may turn into a trial. It is best to go for a few hundred meters and return after that. However, if you are brave, on your return throw yourself into the cold waters of the canyon and instead of using the walkway let the current carry you to the end of the canyon. PINARA (73km) Pınara, which meant "round" in the Lycian language, in some inscription is written as Pinale. The city was one of the important ones of the Lycian Union and had the right to three votes alongside the other major cities of Xanthos, Tlos, Patara, Myra and Olympus. The city was renowned for its relations under the satrap Piksodaros and gets a mention in campaign of Alexander the Great in 334-333 BC. The high rock area in the western part must have been the first settlement. In the Roman era the village moved down to lower ground and was situated between the rocks and the hill sloping down. The theatre was built out of town to the north east of the settlement. GÖKOVA BEACH (85km) As is written on the back of the canyons ‘do not cast an evil eye, work! You can get one as well’. Well, it is like that, do not get jealous, even though you do not own it you can stay in such a house for a couple of nights. Most of the hotels and pensions of Akyaka are a result of this beautiful architectural style and some are the result of Nail Çakırhan’s work. A babbling stream, where ducks and geese are at play, runs through the grounds of some hotel and house gardens, leaves and then flows into the sea where it starts a new adventure. By entering the Akyaka centre and walking towards the forest and then to the left the beach can be found. The sea is shallow and has waves and thus is a little hazy. Azmak is the place where the stream meets the sea. Azmak can be reached by boat and giant freshwater fish can be viewed in the clear water. The pine forest begins right at the city centre. This is a very green and beautiful forest. There is a restaurant at the picnic and camping area run by the Forestry Directorate. There are also bungalows for overnight accommodation. To enter the sea from small coves it is necessary to go a little further. It is possible to hire boat or walk to these coves. Where to stay? There are various good hotels and pensions in Akyaka. You can find these respectable establishments that have been built in the traditional local architectural style in the Practical Muğla-Ula section. What to eat? The restaurants at the entrance to Akyaka on the Azmak stream are a good choice to have a break for a fine meal. The fish that are caught by the local fishermen are delivered fresh to these restaurants. They are well prepared and accompanied by the best salads. In the restaurants along Azmak fresh fish is always available. Ask about the price before ordering as prices change every day depending on supply.
MARMARİS (103km) Marmaris, with its population increasing to 100,000 in the summer months, is now a huge holiday resort city. The bed capacity of the hotels has surpassed 60,000 and it is possible to find hotels that will suit all types of budget. There are hundreds of restaurants, cafes and entertainment places newly opened up. Marmaris is one of the rare towns in Turkey where you can swim right in the city centre, despite the increased construction, as environmental and water treatment facilities have been installed. For those who seek cleaner seas and quieter spots there are boats trips that go to other coves or you can get there by land. If you are interested in water sports and nature activities the hotels and travel agencies here provide you with many alternatives. The most important historic building in the town centre is the castle. The first castle built on this site was constructed up by the Ionians, with the present castle you see being built by the Ottomans in 1522. It was badly damaged by the shelling of a French battleship in 1914. The castle was opened to public in the Republican era and 18 houses and a fountain was constructed during this period. Inside the castle, which was restored in 1980-90, there is now a museum. The entrance of the castle opens right onto a garden. You can get to the top of the walls by staircases going up from either side of the courtyard. You should have a look at the view from the walls. Two of the indoors areas now house an archaeological display. In both the garden and these rooms there are pieces excavated from throughout this region: amphorae, earthenware pieces, glassware, coins and decorative pieces from digs conducted at Knidos, Burgaz and Hisarönü. One of the galleries is set out as an ethnography section of a Turkish house and the other as the place of the castle commander. Another Ottoman building in the town is the Hafza Sultan Kervansaray (caravanserai or travellers inn). In the inscription written on the building it is stated that the caravanserai was founded in 1545. The caravanserai, which is covered with arches on the top, is right at the entrance of the narrow street that leads to the castle. The seven small domed rooms of the caravanserai today serve as souvenir and gifts shops. The Historic Bazaar in the centre of the town is still functioning as a marketplace today. The only changes are in the people who shop there and the goods available, everything has became tourism oriented. In the vicinity of Marmaris there are other structures that date from the Ottoman era. These include the İbrahim Ağa Camii (Mosque) in the Kemeraltı district, built in 1789, while the bridge of the Taşhan (Stone Han) and the Kemerli Köprü (Arched Bridge), 10 kilometres down the Muğla road, were built in 1552. Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent was said to have visited the tomb of Sarıana, famed for her prophecies, which is also in the Kemeraltı district before he started his campaign against the island of Rhodes. As the legend goes, all of the soldiers in the Ottoman army had the milk of the cow of Sarıana for breakfast in the preparation for this campaign.
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İnlice Beach is the closest and easiest beach option for Göcek visitors. With a car it is only a 5 km drive from Göcek along the Fethiye road. Take the turning on the right-hand side just before the dual carriageway begins. İnlice can also be reached by a shuttle service during the daytime. The boarding point is in front of the Municipality building in Göcek.
This cove can be reached along a 1 km road leading off from the main highway. There is a regular minibus service from Fethiye. Camping is also permitted amongst the Günlük trees and there are now villas available for hire. Further along the Göcek to Fethiye road lies another cove at Kargı. This cove is also quiet and cool and covered with Günlük trees.
Katrancı Bay is a piece of heaven. It is hidden behind red pine, eucalyptus and acacia trees. Between the months of May and October it is possible to camp in this area and there are facilities for power and water available from the nearby buffets and cafeterias. During the summer there are regular minibuses running from Fethiye to Katrancı. For those wishing to explore further there is a path along the sea-side and over the hill to another quiet bay named Kızlar. Pine trees on three sides surround this cove. At the top of the hill you will find a popular restaurant and bar that offers a scenic view.
The most well known beach around Fethiye is found at Çalış. It stretches for 5 km. Being fairly exposed it offers the prospect of wind surfing. There is a frequent minibus service to Çalış from Fethiye – the distance is 5 km – and during the summer season there is also a regular water taxi service. Along he beach front is a good selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. On the beach itself there is a Yörük (Turkish Nomad) Tent which provides a popular point of interest for visitors as it gives an insight into the fast disappearing Yörük culture and cuisine.
The Fethiye Museum, which should be visited ahead of or after the town tour, displays finds from the archaeological excavations conducted in Fethiye and ancient cities in its vicinity. The museum has archaeological pieces from the Bronze, Archaic, Hellenistic, and Roman eras and ethnographic pieces from the Menteşe, Ottoman ages and more recent times. The museum is open everyday except Mondays between 08:00 and 17:00.
If all places and all seas were known by a colour, Fethiye’s colour would be turquoise. The word turquoise, a blue that has more than a hint of green, comes from the blue used in the Turkish tile work. The most beautiful shade of the colour blue came and settled on the waters of the Ölüdeniz (Dead Sea). Towards evening, around sunset, you catch such a wonderful turquoise you will never see on any other sea. If you call it blue you are wrong, if you say it is green it is not that either but both together. As it is difficult to put it into words, it is best if you go and see it for yourself and be hit by a lightening bolt!
If you go past Hisarönü on the way to Ölüdeniz¸ continue on for five kilometres along the road through the pines trees you get to "Hayaletköy" (Ghost Town), more usually known as Kayaköy (Rock Village). Here you will find 3500 old Greek houses on the hillside, sited so as not to block the views of one another. As the Anatolian Greeks were good farmers they placed their houses not in the valley but on the hills where agriculture was not possible. Kayaköy is a village that was based on this principle. Up until 1922, approximately 25,000 people used to live here. After the Independence War and following the population exchange program, the Greeks migrated to their homeland. It is known that there had been a Christian settlement in the village since the 13th century. The village was repopulated by people that moved from Western Trace to Turkey as part of the population exchange. However, these people established their houses on the flat land in front of Kayaköy.
The cute little holiday destination known as Dalyan is located on the shores of the fjord like natural channel, called Calbis in ancient times, which links Lake Köyceğiz to the sea. With the start of tourism development in recent years and the threat of the danger to the environment led to the area being declared by the state in 1998 as a special protection district. This measure helped to protect the region from over development. The village of Dalyan, without a change in its natural beauty for many years, is today still very far from the threat of excessive development. However, unfortunately almost none of the old structures are remaining. Dalyan is now a total holiday destination with various hotels, pensions and restaurants in the centre or at the entrance to the village. Dalyan is more preferred as a one-day destination but to really appreciate the beauty of the area one should stay two to three days. Dalyan got its name from the natural channels, the Dalyan fishing style has been carried out in these channels for centuries. In the main, mullet is caught in these channels and sold to restaurants in the district. The fish at these restaurants can be eaten for very reasonable prices that you would not find anywhere else. If you wish to purchase some mullet yourself the local fish co-operatives are the place to go. (Located on the Dalyan-İztuzu channel road) Prices are most reasonable.
20 kilometres from Fethiye to the west, near the Üzümlü district there is the ancient city of Candianda, known as Cadavandi in the Lycian language. The history of the city goes back as far as the 5th century BC, where it was a very lively and rich settlement under the Romans.
One of the most striking places in the Fethiye region is Butterfly Valley. On the 8th of February 1995, the site was declared a first-degree natural protected area and any type of construction has been prohibited. The valley is rocky and pine tree covered, is a bit hard for climbing but it gives you an astonishing feeling to see millions of butterflies covering the trees and rocks like a soft colourful scarf. At first, you do not notice them at all and you think it is the natural look of the place. However, with one sound or movement the butterflies take off, covering the sky and casting a shadow over the valley.
Pine trees surround the 14 km road that leads you to Ölüdeniz from Fethiye. At the end of the winding road, all of sudden a wonderful blue comes before you. This is Belcekız Cove. Once you walk over the long beach you see the incomparable Ölüdeniz laying before you. Ölüdeniz is as if it appears to be enchanted and lies still with no movement in its clear waters. There is nothing on the bottom of the lagoon but white sand and the reflection of the water and the sandy bottom give it a turquoise colour. On the surface are the reflections of the green pines and this enriches the impression of the turquoise hue.
The ancient city of Tlos is 63 kilometres from Göcek. After travelling for 53 kilometres on the Göcek-Antalya road, take the road signposted to Tlos and Saklıkent and travel for another 10 kilometers. 
If one day you get tired of the heat of Göcek do something different. Go to a very narrow and high canyon where sunlight never reaches and walk through ice-cold water. Go to Saklıkent. 
After going 45 kilometres on the Fethiye-Eşen road, you turn right, leading you to the village of Minare (Minaret). The people of Minare, as well as pointing out the dusty path leading to the archaeological site of Pınara can also take you up to the ancient city by tractor. 
Marmaris is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Turkey. If you are travelling with your own vehicle, when following the road through the pine forests stop and take a break when you see the sign that reads,"İşte Marmaris" (Viola Marmaris). You will see the town from above. Although there has been a high level of construction in the town over the past 15 years, it still looks beautiful from this vantage point.