GETTING ABOUT ON THE TURKISH LYCIAN COAST

Travelling from the villas to the many attractions around the area is easy and fairly relaxing. Hiring a car or mini-bus is recommended and is cheap compared to the rest of Europe and allows you complete freedom. Contrary to the perceived views of driving in Turkey it is relaxed and safe, traffic density is low and driving attitudes are peaceful and predictable, albeit that there is frequent use of the horn.

Alternatively there is a very efficient Dolmus mini-bus service which covers all the local area at low prices. Above the Dolmus level are inter-city bus services which use modern air-conditioned coaches, again at low prices. Additionally, if you book local boat tours or visits to out of town attractions, many of the operators will pick you up and return you to the villa. An easy way to reach Fethiye from the villa is to drive to Calis and then use the Water Taxi (6TL and every half hour) for a relaxing 30 minute trip with great views of Fethiye Bay.

RECOMMENDED AREAS TO VISIT    

Fethiye area for boat trips around the bay, either during the day or to see the sunset, which are good value at around £10 including a meal. Alternatively you can rent a boat exclusively for your party at the Calis Water Taxi depot. Do visit the renowned Tuesday Market and also the Turkish Baths in the Old Town to pamper yourself with a bath at 20TL and a massage at 15TL. While in Calis the kids will enjoy a visit to Sultan's Aquapark and you also have the 5km beach and many restaurants. Check Map of Fethiye

Olu Deniz area for the beaches at the Blue Lagoon and the many restaurants, maybe try paragliding off nearby Babadag mountain. Regular boats run from Olu Deniz beach to Butterfly Valley which is an isolated beach and valley filled with butterflies between July and September. Nearby Kaya Koy is a deserted village preserved after the population exchanges - just drive through Hisaronu and follow the signs.

Patara area and drive pass the Roman/Lycian ruins to reach a stunning 20km sandy beach. Later continue to Kalkan which is a very picturesque town with many excellent restaurants. Nearby Saklikent Gorge has fabulous views, water rafting, mud baths and a good restaurant. Tlos Yakapark has a trout farm with an interesting restaurant and is close to Tlos and Xanthos.

Gocek is a 40 minute drive from the villas towards Dalaman Airport and is a beautiful town with a popular up-market marina. On the way stop at secluded Katranci Beach for beautiful views with a walkway joining two inlets and basic facilities including a water slide.

For longer trips visit Rhodes on a day return ferry from Fethiye harbour for around £60. Also well worth seeing is Ephesus & Pamukkale on a two day bus tour for around £65 or just Pamukkale on a day trip for around £35. For mud baths and to watch Caretta Turtles take a day trip to Dalyan and also see the tombs at Kaunos and Iztuzu Beach all for around £20.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND VEHICLE RENTAL

We have negotiated attractive rates with two local companies, Pandora Car Rental and Real Tour, for both return transfers from Dalaman Airport to the villas and for a range of rental vehicles. All the vehicles are low mileage, well maintained, air-conditioned (with baby seat and GPS when required) and offer Full Insurance with No Excess and include cover for three drivers. Our customers have used differing arrangements which either involve being transferred to the villa and then having the rental vehicle/s delivered (involving an extra delivery charge) or picking up the rental vehicle at the airport and driving themselves to the villa (removing the transfer costs). The latter is the preferred and cheapest method and the villas are easy to find using the provided driving directions which include the GPS co-ordinates. Price examples, based on hiring for 14 days, are £20/day for a Hyundai Accent; £25/day for a Fiat Doblo; £45/day for a Hyundai Starex mini-bus.

LINK TO AMAZON TURKEY GUIDES & BOOKS