Benim Tatlı Fethiye

My sweet Fethiye, a small city located in the province of Mugla. This enchanting city will always be my favorite part about this region, so there are many reasons why Fethiye is so sweet to me. Pack up your troubles and let Fethiye make everything better.

Just this week I caught the Dolmuş (local bus) from Çalış to Fethiye to reconnect with a city that I've grown to love over the years. I walked from the bus station towards the fish market, a hype of activity where the locals buy the best catch of the day. Captured to the left are the offerings that can be purchased, Turkey delivers another fresh form of produce. Last time I came to fethiye about two weeks ago, the festival of Bayram was in motion so the hype of Fethiye wasn't really how it usually is so I wanted to come back to get the best of everything. 

This side of town is great for shopping, not in the conventional sense but for items such as fresh goats cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables and also clothes and shoes. I always frequent the same music store because I love Turkish music, Gökçen Music where I purchased Demet Akalin's brand new album Giderli 16 for £6.00. Fethiye also has a huge market on Tuesday, if you read my previous publication about Çalış's Sunday Market all will become clear. 

I would have to say that Fethiye is quite like a rabbit warren, with lots of side streets that bestow quaint shops and banks. Captured to the right is a street within the Paspatur, the old town which has many tourist orientated gift shops and jewelers. When the sun goes down Fethiye's Paspatur comes alive, the music and atmosphere fills the small and winding streets. Mind you if your looking for a great night out at one of the bars be prepared to spend a lot for a little, but when I'm on my holidays its ok to be extravagant where money is concerned!

Something that is quite controversial, there is a mosque situated in the heart of the Paspatur overlooking Nefis Pide, a really nice little restaurant. Alcohol is served but only in Coca Cola cups to disguise the forbidden liquor. I would have to that Turkey's approach to religion is quite unclear, people are either believers or non believers so everyone is happy. Back to Fethiye its a great place to find the perfect leather coat or bag because the leather shops in the Paspatur are pretty exclusive.

Grabbing a bite to eat in Fethiye is an absolute pleasure, another reason why this city is my favorite. Paşa Kebap has been a favorite restaurant to enjoy the perfect tomato soup with cheese. If Ayran is your thing I would strongly suggest trying a glass at Paşa Kebap. Over the last eleven years this restaurant continues to serve the same delicious food at the same top quality and its reasonably priced as well. 

I have a very sweet tooth so I can appreciate Fethiye's premium cake shop. Sultan Patisserie serves the perfect cakes and puddings. From the very first time I had a sweet treat I knew this place would continue to be my preferred cake shop. I must admit that I always have room for desert, so I always treat myself to a Sütlaç. If you have never heard of Sütlaç, it's basically a Turkish rice pudding which has been cooked in the traditional oven. Fethiye is a city for food snobs for sure! 

The true gem of Fethiye has to be its harbour, the gateway to the Aegean sea, Greece and also Northern Cyprus. The Çalış Beach Dolmuş Boat docks right in the center of the action, its a less stressful way to access Fethiye because the Dolmuş can get very busy. The harbor boasts some really expensive and luxurious boats, amongst the grandeur of these luxury vessels the less than grand boats go about their business. The Flying Poseidon Hydrofol zips back and forth from Fethiye to Rhodes, Greece. At the beginning of this holiday I did contemplate going to Rhodes for a short trip but I have new places to see here in Turkey. 

The Ece Saray hotel and spa is located in harbour, this hotel has to be one of the most luxurious places to stay in town. I haven't stayed there but I hope to upgrade my choice of accommodation in the future. Fethiye is a city that will always remain sweet to me, from the first visit in 2003 I will always stay faithful to this city. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Fethiye has welcomed the fast-food giants into its centrum, McDonalds has one restaurant and Burger King has opened two locations, time has changed but this city will stay the same for me.

Fethiye is Fantastic !!!

Joseph Harrison