Marmaris
Marmaris, which was a small fishermen outpost of older times,
attracts big crowds today as a great holiday destination and as a starting point
for blue cruise. Unlimited number of fine coves, its proximity to many
archaeological and historical sites, great choice for hotels of every budget
make Marmaris one of the great tourist destinations. Marmaris is situated at the
meeting point of Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Since the town was devastated by
an earthquake in 1957 and rebuilt entirely, it has a quite modern look.
Marmaris is reached by two hours drive from the Dalaman
Airport. Marmaris bay, which is 8 kilometers long and three kilometers, is
protected by two islands at its month making it ideal for windsurfing, water and
jet skiing.
The old town, which isolated on a rocky peninsula, has an old
fortress and white washed homes.
Datça
Located at the meeting point of Aegean and Mediterranean Seas,
Datça is one of the most attractive towns at the south west corner of Turkey.
In addion to its natural beauty, Datça attract visitors due
to existence of its historical monuments.
Dalyan
This small, cozy town on the Dalyan River, is one of the most
relaxing sites in Turkey. Facing to rock cut tombs of Caunos, Dalyan has superb
sea food restaurants by the river. The town gets it name from fisheries which
trap sea bass and mullet living at fresh and salty waters. Visitors should also
try crap and gray fish at Dalyan.
From Dalyan a boat can be rented to go Caunos, an impressive
archaeological site in the region. Caunos, which was an important harbor city of
ancient times, lost its harbor and its trade due to silting up process, created
by Dalan River.
Turtles
The boats can be hired from Dalyan to go to Iztuzu beach,
popularly known as "Turtle Beach", one of the last breeding places for
the Loggerhead Marine Turtle called "Caretta Caretta". During the
June-September Period, the beach is closed to public from 6 pm to 9 am to
prevent tourist to walk on the turtle nests. Each turtle, weighting nearly 300
pounds, coming from the distant corners of the world lay eggs at this beach
night time and cove these eggs with sand to protect them. This measure taken by
the turtles does not prevent foxes coming down from the mountains and eating the
eggs. The real danger starts when the baby turtles come out of the eggs. Before
they reach to sea symbolizing their safety, they are attacked by the crabs,
hawks. In August and September, visitors see thousands of newly hatched turtle
crawl toward the sea.
Local Food in Dalyan
while you are in Dalyan, you should taste mullet caught in the
area. Steamed or grilled, it is very tasty. Dalyan is also a famous place for
its caviar production which gets cheaper than other areas of Turkey. Visitors to
Dalyan region are also recommended to taste the local honey produced in the
region and an appetizer made of black eye sea beas and, garlic and yogurt. As to
most selling souvenir items, we can mention small tortoise mascots, and local
textiles made of cotton and wool yarn. As to other local production of the area,
we can mention olive and olive oil, pine honey. Visitors are also festinated
Caunos
The ruins of Caunos is located between the Koycegiz Lake and
sea. The ancient city is approached after a romantic canal cruise. Caunos was
one of the earliest cities founded in this area. Located in a transitional area
between Caria and Lycia, Caunos had been already inhabited before the great
migrations. This beautiful ancient city was excavated by Professor Baki Ogun
from Ankara University. Baki Ogun and his team discovered pottery and artifacts
going back 9th century BC. In 4th century BC, the city is mentioned in a book
describing coastal areas of Asia Minor. During the Persian wars and occupation
of the region by Persians, the population of Caunos first killed their wives and
children and then fought against Persians to the last man. After Persian Wars,
due to seaborne trade Caunos became rich and prosperous and the money it paid
for the Delian Confederation increased from half talent to ten. During the great
extension policy of King Mausolos, Caunos became part of the Carian Kingdom.
After the reign of Queen Ada, Caunos passed into hands of Alexander's generals.
During the Hellenistic Period, Caunos was under control of Rhodos. People of
Caunos had a revolt against Rhodians and obtained their independence thanks to
Romans.
The ancient city is reached by a canal. While sailing in the
canal, the view of the rock cut tombs are spectacular. Herodotus mentions that
the inhabitants of Caunos were natives of the region.
Visitors to Caounos have two major paths: one leading to Roman
theatre, Roman Baths and Byzantine Church. Second path leads to the temple and
semicircular shrine with three columns on the side. There is also a great round
building called Tholos which was probably a monumental fountain.
Göcek
Göcek is ideal starting point for those planning a Blue
Voyage in Marmaris Region. It is situated only 30 km distance from Dalaman
airport and developing rapidly as a yachting center.
12 Islands
Boats can be chartered to go to 12 islands of Fethiye Gulf.
These islands are some of the most secluded and most beautiful corners of the
Turquoise Coast.
Tersane Island
Tersane island which is the biggest island at Fethiye Gulf, is
one of the popular stops during the Blue Voyage. The island has protected cove
suitable for anchorage. This winter harbor which is reached by a deep channel is
full of remains off Ottoman Period shipyard. The second sheltered cove, located
in the eastern side of the island is known as summer harbor. Boats anchor there
to give chance to their clients to discover and ruins on the island.
Sarsala
Sarsala Cove, well sheltered place for gulets and boats, is
situated 12 kilometers form Dalaman. The beach with fine sand and crystal blue
waters attracts many boat during the summer months.
Domuz (Pig) Island
Owned by Sedat Simavi, former owner of Hurriyet newspaper, the
most popular newspaper of Turkey. Domuz Island has Semavi's villa standing in
the middle of ancient ruins. Mr. Semavi hosted many famous figures of the world
including members of British Royal family such as Prince Charles and princess
Margaret.
Hamam Cove
Locally Known as Cleopatra Island, Hamam Cove has submerged
ruins. It is suggested that these buildings sank due to earthquake tremors. The
boats stop here for a while to let their clients try local restaurants and enjoy
the submerged ruins with their snorkels.
Bedri Rahmi Bay
This beautiful sheltered bay is named after Bedri Rahmi,
Turkish painter and poet who popularized Blue Voyage with his writings and
paintings. The bay with fine mooring possibilities, and protected from the
winds, aces to Tersane Island. The image of a cubic fish painted on the rock by
Bedri Rahmi in 1973 during a trip he made with friends welcomes visitors. This
great rock with the fish image is one of the colorful stops of the Blue Voyage.
The surrounding hills covered with pine and olive trees, fine sand of the beach
and turquoise colored water give a fantastic appearance to the Bay. The area is
also known as Tasyaka or Lycian Cove because of the Lycian Rock Tombs hidden
everywhere and nearby Lycian ancient city called Cryra.
Göcek
The Göcek area of Fethiye Bay with its countless coves is one
of the most popular areas for the boats doing the Blue Cruise. In the recent
years Göcek became a meeting point for the world jet society. Shops,
restaurants, walking alley lined around the marinas and pier make Göcek truly
impressive site. Göcek has also 3 marinas, two situated in Göcek and the third
one in nearby Simavi Bay.
Port Göcek
Port Göcek is part of resort where Swishotel runs 57 room
boutique hotel has international standards. Her capacity is 410 vessel on the
water and 150 on the land. Opened in 2000, Port Göcek is the third Marina in
the world and only in the east Mediterranean using a floating breakwater,
designed by a Canadian company.
Club Marina Göcek
Located at Bungus Cove facing to Göcek, and surrounded pine
forest, Club Marina Göcek has capacity 195 vessels. Marina offers all kind of
services with its efficient staff.
Göcek
Another suitable anchorage place near Göcek is Boynuzbuku, a
deep sheltered bay surrounded by the pine trees.
Fethiye
One hour drive form Göcek leads visitors to Fethiye, small
market town of older days but thriving tourism center of our time. Fethiye is
good starting point for yachting for Fethiye Gulf, 12 islands and Kekova region,
dotted with fine ancient cities and some sunken sites in the water. Since the
region between Fethiye and Antalya has been a great chromium producing area,
Fethiye is great harbor for exporting chromium.
The town offers rich night life, fine restaurants and good
shops selling everything.
Telmessus
The history of Fethiye goes back 5th century BC. When the city
of Termessus was part of the Delian Confederation, in the contribution list,
Termesssus was only city mentioned separately. Telmessus paid 1 talent tribute
which was equal to 10 % of the tribute paid by the all Lycian cities. When
Alexander the Great was trying to fight against Persians and put Lycian Harbors
under his control, the people of Termessos willingly opened their gates to him.
But according to a legend, Macedonians tool over the city by a ruse. Nearcos,
the general of Alexander the Great asked to local rulers of Termessus whether he
could leave the captives and musicians behind. These well armed slaves captured
the city. The ancient monuments in Fethiye survived two major earthquakes in
1056 and 1957 which razed down the town. The glorious past of the town is
reflected by rock cut tombs and sarcophagi scattered in the town including the
big one next to Town Hall.
Fethiye
Fethiye is located at the eastern end of the Fethiye Gulf.
Because of headland and The island of Knights, the sea is like a inner lake.
The Rock tombs are located just at the back of the town. After
parking their cars, visitors have a steep walk to reach these tombs. Among these
tombs, the most impressive tomb is the Temple Tomb of Amyntas who was a Lycian
noble man.
Gemile Island
Situated 9 kilometers from Fethiye, Gemile Island is one of
the popular destinations for gulets. Gemile Islands is located inside of the Ölüdeniz
Basin. During the ancient times, Gemile which was known as Sybola was a great
shelter for the ships and vessels.
Yassica Jessica Islands
Yassica Islands which is the nearest anchoring point near
Fethiye are shown on the nautical maps as Jessica Islands. This group of small
islands, covered with pine and olive trees, house fine sandy coves and beaches
ideal for all kind of water sports. Next to Jessica Islands, there are
alternative coves such as Haci Halil Island and Devil Island for anchorage
Kaya Köy
This ghost city was former Kormylasssos, a Greek village with
5000 people population. Due to great change of populations between Greece and
Turkey, the population of Kaya abandoned their town. Two well preserved churches
having biblical scenes still dominate the town.
Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz is one of the spectacular sights of Turkey.
Although it is like a lagoon, it has small opening towards sea. It was a good
sheltering place for yachts. But since 1984, the entry of the boats has been
prohibited to Ölüdeniz.
Becekiz Beach
This very fine beach goes along the lagoon. The water gets
deep abruptly and it is not so suitable for children. Visitors can also do
parasailing at Becekiz Beach. There are many parasailing clubs in the region.
Another very exiting activity here is paragliding which starts from 2000 meters
high mountains towards the beach and takes 25 minutes.
Fethiye is also good starting point for excursions to nearby
five Lycian Cities.
Tlos
The site of Thlos was discovered British Scholar Sir Charles
Fellows in 1938. Although little known about the early history the town, Fellows
dates the town back to 14th century BC. During the Byzantine Empire, Tlos was
under the control of Bishop of Myra. Visitors to Tlos admire city walls,
theatre, a stadium, Roman Baths and Tombs. One of these tombs is known as tomb
of Bellerefontes, a Lycian hero who slayed Chimera, a fire breathing monster. A
frieze depicting Bellerofontes on his winged horse, Pegasus, is seen on this
tomb.
Letoon
Letoon was the sacred shrine city of Goddess, Leto, mother of
Artemis and Apollo. Leto, being chased by the jealous wife of Zeus came to Lycia
after giving birth to Artemis and Apollo. Disturbed by the thirst, she wanted to
have water at a pond at Letoon. Locals tried to prevent her from drinking water,
she got angry and transformed them into frogs and even had curse on them:
"Stay like the for ever" Three temples lying site by site are
dedicated to Apollo, Artemis and Leto.
Another version of story mentions that while Leto is attacked
by the local, a group of wolfs came and attack the peasants and saved her. Leto
then change the name of the region to Lycia meaning lycos or wolf in Greek
Language. Then Leto drank water and bathed Artemis and Apollo.
A horse shoe shaped theatre built on the hillside attracts our
attention. Three temples, dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo, are put side by
side. The eastern temple has a mosaic depicting symbols of Artemis and Apollo.
Facing to the temples, there is a great monumental fountain where Leto drank
water and bathed Apollo and Artemis.
Letoon was discovered by Charles Fellows in 1938. He re
examined the site 1939 and once more in....George Bean visited the site in 1948
and described it. But archaeological research done by a French Team under the
leadership of Metzger shed light on the undiscovered monuments of Letoon. Among
the discoveries, a trilingual inscription stands out because of its importance.
Xanhtos
Xanhtos, the capital city of Lycian Kingdom, is one of the
great sites of area. According to archaeological digs, Xanthus was first
inhabited 8th century BC on the acropolis. The city received its name (Xanthus
meaning yellow) from the yellow coloured silt brought from mountains by the
river. Xanthus River of Lycia is often mentioned in Iliad when Homer speaks of
Sarpedon and his cousin as allies of Trojan King, Priamos. Since Sarpedon was
killed by Patroclos, he never returned home.
It is located by the village of Kinik. People of Xantos who
loved their freedom and independence, twice in the history committed mass
suicide. The first tragic event in Xantos happened during the Persian Campaign
of general Harpagos. Realizing the city soon be taken by the Persians, Lycians
first killed their wives and children, then attacked to Persian forces at full
force till last Lycian fell to ground. Second tragic event came during the Roman
times, when Brutus attacked to city, same thing happened again. Lycians
committed mass suicide.
Charles Fellows discovered Xantus in 1938 and four year later
British Fleet took great number of monuments, statues from the city. all these
pieces now fill the halls of the British Museum. One the fascinating monuments
is Nereids Monument which is built in temple shape and carvings depicting Nereid
ornate whole monument.
Myra
It was in Myra where Saint Nicholas worked as bishop in the
4th century AD. He represented Myra t the Ecumenical Counsel of Nicea 325 AD.
Saint Nicholas performed some miracles. Two of his miracles are well known. The
first one is restoration of Pickled Boys. After the tradition 6 boys were killed
and cut into pieces by a local butcher. Saint Nicholas restored them to life.
His second miracle was how he presented dowries to tree unmarried young girls of
a poor man from Myra. He threw three purses of gold coins to their house. This
and other stories led him to the legend of Father Christmas or Santa Claus of
the western world. After he died in late fourth century, a church was built over
his tomb. Early church dates back to the time of Justinian. According to an
inscription the church was restored during the tome of Constantine IX in 1023.
Present day church is a great complex including a side chapel having a fresco
depicting the Communion of the Apostles.
The ruins of Myra is located in the proximity of Demre. An
impressive acropolis with early walls dating to 5th century BC crowns the hill.
Most imposing thing is a magnificently preserved Roman theatre which is nearly
intact. The rocks near the theatre are decorated with great number of house and
temple shaped tombs.
Myra is one of the coastal ancient cities which Paul, Luke and
Aristarcus visited (Acts 27:5-6). The city's harbor was Andriace, an important
port under the Romans for supplying grain to the troops campaigning in the east
and the granary which was the largest Roman Granary in Anatolia is dedicated to
two Roman Emperors, Trajan and Hadrian. The great cistern, situated under the
market place is also a proof the town supplied water to great Roman ships
carrying grain between Egypt and Roma. It was in autumn when Paul's ship arrived
to harbor of Myra. The harbor was full of ships to spend the winter there. The
custodian of prisoners (Paul was of them) found the freight vessel carrying corn
to Italy. This was possibly one of the ships carried grain between Egypt and
Italy. Often, these ships sheltered in the Lycain harbors and waited for the
convenient weather or to find some passengers. It was in Myra they changed boats
on their way to Rome. Roman centurion Julius found a ship from Alexandria
heading to Rome by the way if Cnidos, another important coastal town in the
north.
Patara
Ancient Patara is located 6 kilometres distance from Xanthus.
It was traditional birth place of Saint Nicholas. Patara which was a great
commercial port of Roman times, now is covered with sand dunes and is hidden
behind thick bushes. The harbor, which is completely silted up, was one of the
busiest of Lycian Coast. The remains of aqueducts, lighthouse and granary are
still can be seen. The granary, which was built during the time of Emperor
Hadrian, shows how the cereals from Egypt arrived Lycia and distributed to the
rest of the world during the calm weather.
Patara was also famous because of its oracle temple dedicated
to God Apollo.
Acts 21:1,2
Paul and Luke came to Patara during the third missionary trip
after visiting the city of Miletos. It was in Patara they changed boat from a
small vessel to a larger boat which could cope with Mediterranean Sea.
KaŞ
Kaş, ancient Antifellos
has been always inhabited stating from the early days of the history. This was
the harbor of the city of Fellos, situated high on the mountains During the
Roman Centuries, this small town became economic centre of the region and
through which sponges and wool were exported. Modern town Kaş
is dotted with charming monuments of the antiquity. One of the monuments is a
Greek theatre with 26 row of seats. This fascinating Greek Type theatre facing
to sea is well preserved. Another monument is
