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Today’s visitors can investigate the wealth of treasures left behind by former civilisations, magnificent historic sites abound and this terrain is ideal for keen walkers and explorers.
Fethiye is a bustling harbour town tucked away in a broad bay. Full of atmosphere, good shops and wide selection of restaurants, it is well worth a visit whilst in the area, and be sure to take in the ever popular Twelve Islands tour by boat, which explores the most picturesque bays, coves and islands of this area.
A few kilometres away from the town of Fethiye leads you into a different world, Kaya Valley, a lush, green valley surrounded by spectacular craggy mountains where life continues, totally unhindered and unaware of tourism. Mostly, inhabited by farmers and their flocks plus a few foreigners now realising the potential and beauty of the area, have tastefully renovated stone houses that blend in well with the aura of the valley.
This is also home to Kayakoy or Stone Village-a deserted Greek village. In 1923 there was an exchange of populations between the Greeks and the Turks and now just a few of the stone houses are inhabited by a handful of Turkish families. In its hey day the village had a population of some 6500 and schools, hospitals, pharmacies and printing works for the entire Southern Aegean area were founded here.
Today, the houses cling to the craggy hillsides and make an extraordinary sight in this beautiful area.
Just half an hours drive from Fethiye you will find the yachting and fishing port of Gocek set In a large natural bay, overlooking the Twelve Islands making this an idyllic setting. This is a perfect spot for resting, and enjoying the cafes, jazz bars, good restaurants and exclusive shops that are haunted by the “yachty clientele”. Many of the boats offer daily cruises out to the picturesque bays of this area.
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