Fethiye

Fethiye is a Mediterranean resort on the south west coast of Turkey. Sitting in a beautiful bay surrounded by the Tourus Mountains it is as clear as the sea why Fethiye has a place in the heart of those who stay here. It is only 30 miles from Dalaman International Airport making this quite a handy resort.

Fethiye was named after a local war hero who died after his plane crashed, but this name change is not a new thing. Originally, in Lycian times the town was called Telmessos, in Byzantine and Megri times it was called Anastasiopolis and today it is named after the pilot Fethi Bey, when’s the next change?

Fethiye doesn’t have to rely solely on its good looks as it also has character in abundance. The true Turkish flavour of this resort has not been lost to tourism as just one visit to the town’s market on a Tuesday will prove. Here you’ll rub shoulders with the locals from the surrounding villages buying fruit, vegetables and spices all well versed in the art of a pazarlik or bargaining. Watch and learn from them and then try to apply the principles to get yourself a good deal on your gifts. Like anywhere in Turkey they're counterfeit goods being sold, so just be careful and perhaps use this as a tool for negotiating down the price.

Fethiye does not have any beaches for families. However, only a short dolmus or water taxi away there is Calis beach a shingly beach which is great for families. Alternatively, if you are looking for perfection in terms of beaches you really won’t find any better than the iconic beach of Olu Deniz. You’ll know this beach before you even set foot on it. That strange déjà vu feeling does not come from any dream but the fact that nearly every picture of Turkey will feature this beach and its incredible blue lagoon. As this beach can get a bit busy in the height of summer, you may want to seek out the less popular beaches of Katranci Bay and Aksaz Bay on the outskirts of town.

Some of the hotels provide children’s club, especially the all inclusive ones. There is a small but perfectly formed aqua park called Sultans' Aquacity in Calis. There are also plenty of restaurants around the harbour area where you’ll find good traditional Turkish cuisine and some international restaurants. However, if your children are fussy eaters it may be difficult to find food which they like, although Turkish cooking is quite simple and delicious. Failing that you could try ordering “off menu”!

Archeologically speaking Fethiye has many attractions, a ruined fortress, tombs cut into the hillside above and a roman amphitheatre down by the harbour which is either being restored, demolished or finished - you decide. However if this does not float your boat why not take a 12 island cruise and stop off and explore some of the islands.

As mentioned above there is a regular Tuesday market which sells a variety of goods but if you wander down the cobbled streets of the Old Town you’ll find really interesting shops where you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs such as gold, jewellery, local art work and designer label clothes (genuine).