Sovalye Island, Fethiye, Turkey and surrounding areas

Fethiye

Bordering both the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, Fethiye is home to some of Turkey’s best beaches and cultural attractions. Just a short drive from Dalaman Airport, around fifty kilometres away, Fethiye is conveniently placed for an easy holiday in the sunshine – and the sun shines here for more than 300 days a year, resulting in long, hot summers and short-lived winters.

Historic attractions

Fethiye’s Lycian rock tombs allow you a fascinating glimpse into the area’s ancient past. Carved into cliff faces, the tombs are an imposing reminder of a long-ago empire. If you’d like to know more about Fethiye’s history, visit the Fethiye Museum or check out the ruins of the Hellenistic Theatre. The ghost town of Kayakoy is also worth a look – this eerie village was abandoned in 1921 and no one has lived there since.

Fethiye has some truly wonderful beaches. Try Calis Beach and the picture-perfect Oludeniz Beach, where there are a number of activities to try out such as parasailing and jet skiing. You can also explore the area by boat – why not take a trip to peaceful Sovalye Island. Or you can just take a trip for its own sake – there are plenty of cruise operators willing to take you on a leisurely trip over the blue sea, to nowhere in particular. Fethiye’s Gebeler Spa, with its many pools ranging from icy cold to searing hot, is the perfect destination to ease those tired muscles after a day’s sightseeing.

Day trips

The Greek Island of Rhodes is just across the water from Fethiye, and Day trips leave each day during summer months. Head over to shop or just to spend time at one of the island’s many restaurants or tavernas. The charming Butterfly Valley, just 20 kilometres from Fethiye, is a hidden spot that’s only accessible by boat. As the name suggests, it’s full of all manner of butterflies and wildflowers. An enchanting spot for a picnic.

Oludeniz

This stunning beach is Turkey’s most photographed – and it’s easy to see why. It’s a busy spot and a popular holiday destination. If you have kids, this is a great place to bring them as the water is warm and shallow, and there are many activities to be enjoyed on the white sands. For the adults, there are plenty of convivial nightspots along the promenade. Because it’s very difficult to buy property in this area, housing tends to be very exclusive so a holiday here will be an unforgettable experience.

Faralya

You’ll find this peaceful spot about a fifteen minute drive from Oludeniz. Because it’s a nature reserve there are very few commercial developments so anyone wanting that all-important peace and quiet is likely to find it here. The coastline is rockier than you’ll see around Oludeniz, but there are a number of sandy beaches tucked away in private inlets. Holidaying here means forgetting about the outside world and just enjoying the peace.

Sovalye Island

There aren’t many spots like Sovalye Island left in the world, and as soon as you arrive you’ll know why. There are no roads on the island – so no cars to disrupt your peace. Instead, the island is full of pines, wildlife and hidden ruins. The island’s sandy coastline and its fragrant vegetation create a hidden – and very exclusive - paradise. There isn’t much to do on the island other than wander around and relax – and that’s why the few people who know about it cherish this spot.

View villas in Sovalye Island to rent