Discover laidback luxury in Fethiye
Wherever you go on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, you're pretty much guaranteed blue seas, beautiful beaches and bustling harbours. Fethiye is no exception, while its laidback atmosphere makes it an excellent choice if you're looking for a relaxing trip.
As with any of the main Turkish resorts, you'll have your pick of accommodation from basic to luxury. It's worth spending a bit more in Fethiye to stay somewhere nice, especially if you can enjoy some of the town's wonderful sea views.
Fethiye has been blessed with many natural attractions, not least of all its sweeping bay and harbour, where you'll find traditional fishing boats moored up alongside expensive yachts. The beach here is golden sand and the ideal place to stretch out and work on your tan, while you can take a dip in the clear waters of the Mediterranean if you need to cool off.
Although it's tempting to do little more than hit the beach here each morning, it's well worth exploring some of the islands that dot the bay, as well as a few of the beaches a short drive away. Book a boat tour to visit the isles and you can lounge on the deck as you make your way to each stop, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling at each island you moor up at.
It's also a good idea to take a daytrip to Oludeniz, where a gorgeous blue lagoon is fringed by 3 km of white sand and is the perfect place to enjoy the glorious Turkish weather. You have to pay to use the beach here, as it's in a protected area, but it's worth every penny as you sit soaking up the picture-perfect views before you.
After spending your days lounging on the beach, you'll probably want to enjoy the local nightlife and eateries during the evening and Fethiye boasts a range of establishments to cater to all tastes and budgets. Head to Paspatur Market if you're looking for top fish restaurants and enjoy eating the freshly-caught seafood prepared in a local style. It's even possible to visit the Balikpazan - or fish market - to choose your own dinner and then take it to one of the small seafood establishments, who will prepare it for you for a small charge.
There is nowhere better to eat dinner than at one of the restaurants along the beachfront, however, as here you'll have amazing views across the bay towards the islands and can enjoy the beauty of the sunset as you tuck into your meal. The Yacht Roof Restaurant, for example, offers amazing vistas across Fethiye's marina, while the Sundial Restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic night out where you can watch the sun go down.
If you're keen to sample some of the local cuisine, meanwhile, eateries like Mozaik Bahce, The King's Garden Restaurant and Jazibe Restaurant are among the places you can head to, with each serving up Turkish specialities and fresh seafood.
After dinner, you can head to one of Fethiye's bars before retiring to your hotel, with much of the action centred on the Paspatur Market area of the town. There are chilled out bars and late-night clubs here, so you should be able to find something that suits your mood.
Fethiye's picturesque setting, variety of attractions and range of restaurants makes it the ideal place for Turkey holidays if you're looking for a touch of laidback luxury.
