Fethiye

Chic, savagely beautiful, and studded with natural havens, Fethiye is the star destination of gullet cruises. A myriad of coves, bays, islands, and canyons rightfully make Fethiye a bucket-list staple. In the charming town center, you will find a sea-bound tradition deeply intertwined in its core. The typical Turquoise Coast architecture revolves around a serene combination of chalk-white and baby blue. And, despite the tourist influx, much remains untouched. You will find yourself in a sweet rush trying to keep up with the raw vitality.

A dozen kilometers south from Fethiye, the aquamarine bay of Oludeniz single-handedly delivers the city’s coastal appeal. It is poetic, body and soul, famed for its enigmatically calm waters. The world-renowned Lycian Way fringes a long and delicate spit of sand here. Despite the crowds, the brilliant lagoon of Oludeniz preserves its pristine quality. This is the address for more off-the-map experiences like paragliding and scuba-diving. A site less affected by human intervention is Saklikent (“Hidden City”). There, nature thrives in a 300-meter deep limestone canyon. Now a national park, the canyon hosts a parade of adventurers every season.

Back in the center of Fethiye, antique monuments are a dime a dozen. The Roman theatre right next to the harbor and the Lycian old tomb is impossible to miss. As for the nightlife, you will find enough entertainment centers to satisfy your needs.