Fethiye and Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon)

The popular resort of Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris, is a fascinating mixture of market town and holiday resort which has retained its Turkish character.  The harbour is bordered by a palm-lined promenade.  The almost enclosed inlet and natural harbour protected by twelve islands provides a safe haven for many fishing boats, yachts and water taxis.  Behind the harbour, the maze of backstreets is filled with shops, bars and restaurants.  On a hill overlooking the city are the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes. Fethiye, whose ancient name is Telmessos, is known for its numerous Lycian rock tombs carved into the faces of the cliffs.  The Tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the fourth century BC is the most remarkable.

Oludeniz lies at the heart of the South West coast of Turkey in the area known as "the Turquoise Coast".  It is a small resort village flanked by the Aegean Sea, by forests and the high, steep-sided Babadag Mountain with an easy-going and lively atmosphere and paved streets.  The wide arc of sandy beach and the beautiful Blue Lagoon where the water is calm and crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and other water sports.   The topography of the area has made Oludeniz a popular paragliding destination and the views for those brave enough to have a go are quite spectacular.

Calis Beach

Calis (pronounced "Chalish") is a quiet yet busy holiday resort four kilometres west of Fethiye with a seemingly endless fine sand and shingle beach and spectacular panoramic views over the bay.  Bars and restaurants line the beachfront promenade, which is very flat and block paved, so is ideal for people with mobility restrictions. Despite being a small resort, Calis has its own water-park and its own weekly bazaar and also has the benefit of a cooling breeze most of the time.  Fethiye is only 30 minute scenic boat-ride away or 4 km by dolmus.

Hisaronu & Ovacik

These resorts have grown as the land around Oludeniz is in a conservation area where building is not permitted.  Many British holidaymakers have settled in this area where there is a wide range of restaurants and bars.  The air is usually cooler and fresher than at sea level which can be very welcome during the hot summer days.

Hisaronu is located on a mountain plateau just over 4km from Oludeniz and 4km from Kayakoy which is a picturesque ghost town.  Most restaurants, bars and shops are around the main central road and a market is held in the village once a week.  Fethiye and Oludeniz are only a short dolmus ride away if you can tear yourself away from Hisaronu’s many lively bars.  

Ovacik is part of the Hisaronu area surrounded by hills and pine trees only 6 km from Oludeniz and Kayakoy.  Ovacik is quieter and more rural.   In the spring, locally grown plums and fresh almonds are available.  Hisaronu is only a 15 minute walk away but dolmus buses run between the two villages and Oludeniz.