Fethiye is steeped in history, and this is just one of the reasons why this is such a popular holiday destination. There are not many places in the world where you go for the sun, sand and scenery and also have the benefit of experiencing ancient ruins right on your doorstep, but a holiday in Fethiye rewards you with this and more.

 

The modern city of Fethiye is situated on the site of an ancient city called Telmessos, which was the largest city in the Lycian region. The Lycians chose to build this ancient city here because of the well protected natural harbour, sheltered by the large island just at the entrance to Fethiye Bay. It was a large, thriving city for hundreds of years and for a short time during the 8^th century it was renamed Anastasiopolis though the name did not stick. Another name change came in the 10^th century when Telmessos became known as Makri, named after the island at the entrance to the harbour.

 

Many visitors on holiday in Fethiye are surprised at just how close some quite spectacular ruins are to the modern day city. Most notable are the intricate Lycian rock tombs carved out of the hillside just above the centre of the town. You can explore these on foot after just a short walk and you’ll find that the most impressive is Amyntas Tomb which has a path leading directly to it from behind the otogar (bus station). Also in this part of the city are several other remnants of Lycian ruins while over behind the tourist office is the more recently excavated amphitheatre.

 

From more recent history Fethiye also offers a medieval fortress set on the hillside overlooking the harbour. There’s a path leading up hill to the fortress and you’ll be rewarded with some great city views along the way.

 

Though relatively small, visitors who are interested in finding out more about the city’s ruins should visit the Fethiye Museum. There are exhibits here with further information, plus some important artefacts that have been dug up from the surrounding region. The museum makes an interesting visit for tourists of all ages on holiday in Fethiye.