Turkish resorts like Fethiye are probably best known for their beautiful beaches and stunning coastline, but even though sunbathing might be top of the list for many holidaymakers who come here, it doesn’t mean there isn’t more on offer if you’d like to be active.
- Fethiye holidayVeyis Polat
Fethiye is an excellent place to come if you want to get out of your Turkish hotel and make the most of the gorgeous weather and beautiful scenery. Here are just a few of the things you can get up to during a break in the area.
Paragliding
So, taking to the skies might not be the first activity that comes to mind when you think of a holiday in Turkey, but one of the top pastimes here means doing exactly that. Paragliding sees you strap into a harness attached to what looks a lot like a parachute, and then throw yourself off somewhere high – preferably a mountain or a cliff. It sounds a bit daunting but once you’re up in the air you’ll forget all your worries.
There are several paragliding centres in Fethiye, with the 1,975 m high Mount Babadag – which is located behind the town – providing the perfect launch spot. You’ll drift over the trees below, before gliding along above the coast. The blue lagoon – or Oludeniz – is best seen from above and this is the ideal way in which to do so. It’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry – and one you’ll probably want to repeat once you’ve had your first taste of flying!
Scuba diving
From the heights of paragliding to the bottom of the ocean, Fethiye really does have a lot to offer adventure sports enthusiasts! There are numerous islands dotted along the coast around the town and some of these are home to some lovely dive sites, with locations suitable for both beginner and experienced divers within easy reach. Among the most unusual underwater sites is Amphora Bay, where you’ll come across a number of the large, vase-shaped containers dating from around 300 BC dotted across the seabed.
Regardless of where you decide to delve into the underwater world, you’ll discover all manner of colourful and fascinating creatures, including turtles, moray eels, octopus, anemone fish, red mullet and cuttlefish.
Hiking
For something a little less extreme – and where you’ll have your feet firmly on solid ground – head out for a walk or two in the countryside surrounding Fethiye. There are numerous hiking trails here, as well as access to the Lycian Way – a coastal path that runs for around 500 km along the Turquoise Coast.
One of the best places to head to if you want to get out and about on foot is Saklikent – which translates as Hidden City. It’s located around 50 km from Fethiye, so be prepared for a bit of travelling to get there, but it’s worth the effort once you arrive. At Saklikent you’ll find an 18 km long canyon that stretches back into the mountains. In some places the sheer walls reach up to 600 m high and within the gorge you’ll find clear mountain springs and a host of wildlife. You can swim in the springs if your hiking has warmed you up, but be warned the water here is pretty chilly!
[box type=”tick”]Those are just three of the top activities to try in Fethiye, if you’ve visited the Turkish destination and have any other suggestions, post your comments below. [/box]
