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There is so much to do that the biggest question you will have is whether or not to make your stay longer. The Blue Lagoon villa is on the road up to Babadag, which is reputed to be the best site in the world for paragliding. Professionals come from all over the world to experience the 6500 feet (2000 m) drop over open water. You can too by taking a tandem flight with an experienced flyer.
The coast from the Bay of Fethiye to Kas, 50 miles (75 km) southeast, is a perfect place to scuba dive, with crystal clear waters, sponge reefs teeming with life and submerged ancient ruins awaiting your discovery. There are numerous diving centers offering PADI and CMAS diving courses and organized dives and expeditions. Many sunken sites such as the Byzantine Baths in Fethiye Bay are also accessible by snorkelers.
River rafting, kayaking and canoeing, and sea kayaking are all popular. White water trips on both Dalaman River and Xanthos River are organized by various adventure companies. Sea kayaking is particularly popular at Kekova Island, just east of Kas, where swimming and snorkeling are prohibited in order to protect the numerous underwater archeological sites.
For those preferring less energetic activities, coastal excursions by boat such as the "12 Island" day trip around the Bay of Fethiye are very popular. There are many enchanting coves, quaint fishing villages to be explored from the sea. If you will be coming in May, Butterfly Valley (a 20 minute boat ride from Oludeniz) is not to be missed.
Many day and overnight excursions that are suitable  for all the family are available with pickup at the Blue Lagoon Villa. One popular one is to the Dalyan River, about 20 miles northeast of Fethiye. The film The African Queen was shot here among the reeds and bulrushes. In the morning you travel up the river to the mud baths and hot springs. In the afternoon you travel downriver to the beautiful Turtle Beach.
Another popular day excursion takes in the ancient ruins of Xanthos and the natural beauty of Saklikent Gorge. And if you are adventurous you can ride the rapids below the gorge in a rubber tyre.
Horseback riding is offered locally at several locations. You can savour the smell of pine needles as you wind though forest paths and take in gorgeous views as you follow the mountainside trails above Oludeniz. For a complete contrast you can also ride among ancient Lycian ruins on the beautiful sand dunes of Patara Beach, 25 miles (40 km) to the southeast.
Jeep safaris and Microlite flights are also very popular. All of the above tours and activities, as well as "Turkish Nights" and visits to Turkish Baths can be booked through Activities Unlimited in Hisaronu. Tell them Graham and Mo referred you.
Turkey is a country steeped in history. This bridge between Europe and Asia was controlled at different times by the Hittites, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Selcuks and Ottomans. From about 2,800 until about 2,200 years ago the coastal region stretching east from what is now Fethiye was the kingdom of Lycia, and many important historical sites date to that period.
Fethiye is built upon the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. Lycian tombs cut into the rock faces on the cliff sides around Fethiye have facades in the form of Greek temples and other buildings. Hellenic and Roman ruins are found dotted around the city. There are also the ruins of a Crusader castle on the hillside east of the city.
Tlos, about 10 miles (15 km) east of Fethiye, sits impressively upon a rocky outpost dominating the Xanthos valley. Artifacts indicate that the site was first occupied by the Hittites as early as 4,000 years ago. It was an important Lycian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman city.
Xanthos, about 20 miles (30 km) south of Tlos, was the ancient capital of Lycia. Patara, Lycia's chief port city and, according to legend, founded by Patarus, son of Apollo and the nymph Lycia, lies just to the south. Nearby Letoon was the primary religious center of Lycia. Ruins of three temples, believed to be dedicated to the gods Apollo, Artemis and their mother Latona, stand impressively there.
For those with time to travel further afield, a boat trip from Kas, about 50 miles (75 km) southeast of Fethiye, to Kekova Island is a must. On the northern coast of the island an ancient city lies submerged, but clearly visible from glass bottomed tour boats. Swimming and snorkeling are prohibited in order to preserve the archeological sites.
The Greek island of Rhodes is less than an hour away from Fethiye by hydrofoil. Take a day trip and explore the marvelous old crusader fortress city.
Please contact us if you would like to advertise your property with Sunshine Villa Rentals.
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