The following captures Thrifty Traveller’s recently weeklong holiday in Turkey, his first trip abroad in three years thanks to the pandemic.
The writer was based in Fethiye on the Turquoise Coast, also known as the “Turkish Riviera”, and visited places of interest every day along this beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean coastline. Here are some of the highlights.
Calis Beach
Calis Beach lies at the northern end of Fethiye, a beautiful shingle beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. There are numerous restaurants, bars and shops all along the beachfront.
Fethiye Rock Tombs
Fethiye appears to be a modern city but it has some very ancient roots, being built on the site of Telmessos, the largest city of the Lycian civilisation.
Xanthos and Letoon
Xanthos and Letoon are two neighbouring archaeological sites about an hour’s drive from Fethiye.
Xanthos was the ancient capital of Lycia, with ruins that include tombs, pillar-mounted sarcophagi, Roman-style amphitheatres, temples, and a nymphaeum – a building or room containing a fountain, adorned with plants and sculpture, and serving as a place of rest for nymphs.
The Harpy Monument is a well-preserved example of a Lycian pillar tomb, believed to be the grave of Kybernis, who died in the battle of Salamis in 479 BC.
Kalkan
The historic town of Kalkan is an enchanting place and one of the most beautiful locations along Turkey’s gorgeous Lycian Coast.
Eating and shopping
The food here is excellent wherever you go, and very good value thanks to the weak Turkish Lira at present. Plus, the Turks are a friendly and hospitable people.
Babadag Cable Car
On the road between Fethiye and Oludeniz is Babadag Teleferik, a cable-car attraction that opened last year to transport tourists to the peak of Babadag mountain (1,969m).
Unfortunately only the first leg was open during the writer’s visit, terminating at 1,200m, but that was still high enough to give fantastic views of Blue Lagoon and the surrounding coastline.
Check back in tomorrow for part two of this photo essay.
This article first appeared in Thrifty Traveller.
