Fethiye
With the antic name of Telmessos, Fethiye was built in the 5th century BC. Fethiye is decorated many Lycian rock tombs spread all over the city. The most important and famous rock tomb of Fethiye is the tomb of the King Amyntas lying on the hills overlooking the Fethiye port.
Fethiye, main town of the region, lies on the Lycian coast about 150 km southeast of the provincial capital of Mugla. The Fethiye Gulf, with numerous islands, is closed by the little island known since 1936 as the Cavaliere, the Island of Knights. The town, called Megri or Makri during the Ottoman Period, was renamed Fethiye by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in honor of an airman, Fethi Bey, who crashed here. Fethiye was devasted by an earthquake in 1856, and after another earthquake in 1957 much of Fethiye had to be rebuilt. As a result Fethiye is now a modern town with a long sea front promenade and a lively bazaar. In recent years, thanks to its sheltered boating harbor and many beautiful beaches, Fethiye has developed into a popular holiday resort served by the regional airport of Dalaman ( 50km northwest). Of the many charming bathing places in the surrounding area of Fethiye, the popular coastal lagoon of Oludeniz (Dead Sea) in the Belcegiz Bay is the probably the finest beach in the whole country. The growth in tourism has seen this part of the coast become somewhat overdeveloped in Fethiye. Paragliding from the hills of Fethiye over the Oludeniz Beach is a popular alternative sport in Fethiye. You can also visit the 12 islands via the daily boat tours.
Another must see, Pinara, in the hills above the Esen Ovasi southeast of Fethiye, is the site of an exceptionally interesting Lycian necropolis, a honeycomb of more than 900 rock tombs and monolithic house tombs. So inaccessible was the site that the tomb-builders had to be lowered on stages secured with ropes. The monolithic Royal Tomb in Fethiye (with an urban scene in relief inside) is particularly noteworthy, this type of tomb being rare in Lycia.
The Butterfly Valley near Fethiye is maybe one of the most interesting places to see in Turkey. Hosting over 40 types of butterflies the region is restricted to any construction. You can reach the Butterfly Valley either by daily boats from Oludeniz Beach or by a 2 hr walk via the steep Lycian Way (no car way-just on foot). The site is protected because this is the home of millions of butterflies especially between June and September. There are also two waterfalls in the valley and a turquoise colored untouched sea perfect for swimming. If you prefer to stay at the valley overnight don't forget to bring your tents.
Another very interesting place around Fethiye, the 2nd longest gorge (20km long) in Europe, Saklikent, also lies only 15 km to Fethiye. You can drive to the gorge or take a minibus from Fethiye.