Those dreaming of a warmer December without the upheaval of long flights are in luck with this seaside gem.
The stunning port city of Fethiye in Turkey is found along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas and features long stretches of golden sand beaches beckoning those in search of something different.
Here you will find scenes right out of a postcard, including the region’s natural harbour, turquoise waters and a number of impressive rock tombs.
Making one feel as if they’re on a tropical getaway, the region also offers a rich history, natural landscapes, plenty of outdoor adventures and a vibrant culture.
Best of all, it only takes four hours to fly there, where you will be met with a balmy 18C in December.
Fethiye is found on Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise Coast, with towering cliffs framing this charming spot.
The region is gaining popularity thanks to its warm weather, great food, blue waters and hospitable locals.
The holiday vibes are plenty here, thanks to its large numbers of restaurants with tour boats masquerading as pirate ships offering a host of interesting excursions to make the most of your stay.
Visitors can soak up the Fethiye’s natural beauty at the Saklikent National Park or try their hand at spotting the region’s turtles at Iztuzu Beach.
For the real adventurers, a 300-mile coastal trail is also on offer which starts at the Lycian Way where you can soak up the coastal scenes like no other.
Other activities on offer in Fethiye include paragliding, hiking and exploring its endless historical sites including the region’s 4th-century BC Tomb of Amyntas, which is carved into a bluff that overlooks the city.
Ölüdeniz Beach is a must if visiting and is found at the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas with a sandy bay and a national nature reserve lagoon.
One review on TripAdvisor described Ölüdeniz Beach, saying: “Beautiful place – so many good places to visit – just watching the paragliders coming to earth is something to behold.”
Fethiye is mostly characterised by its charming centre and harbour where you will find a host of eateries offering a culinary journey to remember.
Tasty delights found here include the popular and mouthwatering dish, Doner Kebab, with Turkish pancakes known as gozleme, stuffed mussels known as Midye Dolma, sweet corn known as misir and Turkish bagels known as simit
“Lovely little town to walk around,” wrote one TripAdvisor review, adding, “Even found the rock tombs at the back of the town which you can walk to.”
Another added: “Fethiye is a lovely town to visit. It’s spotlessly clean, has a long sea-front promenade lined with cafes and sailing boats as you move down town towards the harbour area.
“The old town is a warren of covered alleyways housing all kinds of shops and eateries.”