Dreaming of... Turkey
local wine. The shaded Paspatur, or old town, is where the restaurants have tasty mezes and kebabs covered. On a balmy night, take your pick from the lantern-lit bars selling raki and watch belly-dancers put on eye-popping, hip-shaking shows.
Fethiye’s famous Lycian rock tombs are a top attraction – literally. Dating back to the 4th century BC, they are carved into the mountainside and can be reached via 200 steps – there are panoramic views of Fethiye from the top.
The Saklikent Gorge, meaning Hidden City Gorge, is an extreme statement of nature with its colossal clifffaces and gushing river rapids.
The perfect base to indulge in these Turkish delights is the TUI Sensatori Barut Fethiye, a luxury resort spread across a 19-acre forest and right on the beachfront.
Designed to fuel the senses and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, this five-star experience is one to be savoured.
Guests are treated to a choice of pretty bougainvillea-fringed pools – including one just for adults with luxe extras such as in-water loungers. The children’s pool has waterslides, a fountain and spray ground. Room types cater for all, with larger spaces for families, as well as indulgent swim-up suites for those wishing to splash out. It’s the same with the restaurants which include a wide range to suit all tastes, including an Italian, a Chinese and an authentic a la carte Turkish dining room.
Its quality wellbeing programme includes musical, candlelit yoga as well as four different “awakening” classes.
More energetic activities include tennis, football and high-intensity interval training classes on a paddleboard. For something more relaxing, indulge in a bespoke treatment in one of the spa’s private treatment cabins.
Fethiye’s beaches are loggerhead turtle territory, and this resort goes to great lengths to protect them during breeding season, from May to October.
The nearby palm-tree lined Calis Beach is popular for its watersports and fabulous sunsets.
But the must-see beach has to be Oludeniz, Turkey’s seaside hotspot, with the famous white sand bar and shallow waters of the Blue Lagoon.