Things to do

The culture

Cultural contradictions, as much as the majestic landscapes and archaeological treasures ,fascinate visitors to Fethiye. The all-encompassing  Turkish lifestyle is a fascinating mix of high-speed chaos and sun-inspired lounging, as old men hold lively debates outsidetown cafes and teenagers hurtle around town on mopeds around the clock, and unpredictable schedules force tourists to adopt the natives’ go-with-the-flow attitude.

There are two turkeys in Fethiye, one urban and cosmopolitan the other rustic and parochial. Fethiye is a modern vibrant town with a hectic lifestyle, teeming nightlife and yet only a few miles away we have the rural villages largely unaffected by tourism and where life continues at the old pace. These villagers rarely speak English yet are extremely friendly and always willing to help the occasional tourist.

Activities

There are many alternative daily activities besides just lying on the beach sunbathing e.g. Paragliding, Diving, Snorkelling, Sailing,Trekking,Water sports, Canoe- kayaking, Horse riding. And much more. Holidays here can include leisurely gulet cruises and trips to Fethiye with its magical cliff tombs and bazaars. Not to mention the resort’s sparkling evenings, when its restaurants, bars and discos light up the night, attracting everyone from relaxed diners to late-night fun-lover.

First of all a very good place is the fish market, buy your fish and bring it to one of the restaurants. All you pay is about 5,00 ytl to prepare and for a salad. Of course all extra’s are charged. Great atmosphere and open all day There is a daily market and a huge market on a Tuesday where you can buy everything you need for your holiday including fresh vegetables, spices, clothes, for the whole family.

Food and drink

Turkish cuisine is considered to be one of the three main cuisines of the world due to its variety of recipes and its distinctive tastes. Olive oil is one of the most frequently used ingredients. Dolma (stuffed) dishes are the queen of Turkish dishes which are olive-oil based. Vegetables such as vine leaves, green peppers, tomatoes and aubergines are stuffed with rice and spices and served cold. Green beans, leeks and artichokes cooked in olive oil are served as main od side dishes.

Cheese is a popular menu staple especially at breakfast. Turkish breakfasts can be delicious or mundane, depending on the freshness and variety of the ingredients. The best breakfasts consist of warm fresh bread, creamy white cheese, butter, honey and home-made preserves, home-cured black and green olives, garden fresh sliced tomatoes and farm-fresh boiled eggs. Tea is the traditional breakfast beverage

Raki, the main alcoholic drink of Turkey, is made from grapes and anise and is best when comsumed along side a leisurely meal of mezes (appetizers). These ‘starters’ are served on small plates and include fresh salads, white cheese, lakerda (pickled tuna), Arnavut Cigeri or deep fried liver served with fresh onion rings, mussels stuffed with rice, çiroz (sun-dried fish), dolmas, pickles, sigara böregi (long thin cheese pastry) and many more.

Shopping and markets

The money used in Turkey is turkish lira.

The Markets around Fethiye are  a delight  and come to Fethiye usually 2 days a week. They mostly sell the same things as the bazaar: bags, jewellery, shoes, clothes, accessories, watches, tablecloths, lots and lots of fake designer stuff but all made from the best materials, turkish cotton T-shirts, gorgeous leather handbags and shirts for around £2 each There are a lot of leather shops in the bazaar as well. Leather goods such as a jacket can be worth buying as long as you barter a good deal because they are of excellent quality.

The best way to get great value for money is to buy a lot in the one shop/stall. You can really bargain them down and get things dirt cheap..

Make room in your suitcase to bring home buy some turkish cotton towels, they are pure luxury and very cheap,.

Don’t pay the price they ask, they expect you to haggle, so initially offer half and persevere and you will end up paying approximately 2 thirds of what they ask.