More To Do......
Ephesus (Efes) - is close to the town of Selcuk about an hour drive south of Izmir. You can do this two day tour from Hisaronu which takes in Pamukkale as well. If you are interested in the history of this country and of the Romans, this trip is a must and is recommended. Let your imagination run wild as you tread the paths of the Roman debauchers on their way to the brothel or to take a bath. Marvel at the culture that must have flourished when you visit the library and the amphitheater! This place represents so many different facets of Ancient Greek and Roman culture that one wonders how the Dark Ages ever came upon Europe. Look for the footprint carved into the street marble to show the way to the brothel!
Pamukkale - known as "Cotton castle" a vast white cliff side with scallop shaped basins of water and frozen waterfalls. It looks as if it's made out of snow, cloud or balls of cotton and is known to many as the 8th wonder of the world. In this wonderland are hot springs in abundance which is recommended for the treatment of heart diseases, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, rheumatism and eye and skin diseases. The springs were just as popular in ancient times as they are now for their reputedly health-inducing properties
Saklikent gorge or the "Hidden Valley" - it is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey - 18 km long and so steep and narrow that the sun does not penetrate the water, leaving it deliciously icy-cold in the summer. Saklikent is a canyon which is unbelievably beautiful, mystic and fascinating. You can also glide along the river in a dingy to bathe in the mud-bath at the end of the rafting. This is another must
Kaya Village - or Ghost town as it is more recently known is one of the nearest to Fethiye and is noteworthy by its historical significance as well as its beautiful natural surroundings of the sea, forests, plains and hills. Kaya means rock and the name is derived from the rocky land on which it was built under the Turkish regime. Surrounded by forests and leaning against rocky hills, backed by the sea and facing the fertile plains this district has attracted many civilizations throughout history. The first dates back to the fourth century BC. It has gone through the Lucian, Roman, Byzanthian and the Ottoman periods. Kaya has been declared a historical monument and we would advise you not to miss this on your visit to this area.
Tlos - "Tomb of Bellerophon" is the most interesting tomb at Tlos, a large temple-type tomb featuring a relief of the legendary (from Greek myth) hero Bellerophon riding Pegasus the winged horse. Punished by the Lycian king Iobates for an improper love affair, Bellerophon was sent to kill the Chimaera - a fire breathing monster. With the aid of Pegasus, a gift from Athena, Bellerophon killed the monster and then married the king's daughter. From their offspring came the later rulers of Lycia. The Chimaera continues to exist today as a perpetually burning fire in eastern Lycia near Olympos.
Castle of "Bloody Chief Ali - Crowning the top of Tlos' acropolis is the castle of this notorious Turkish lord, built upon the foundations of a Lycian fortress. The view from the top is spectacular - it overlooks a lovely valley of fertile fields and orchards with mountains rising in the distance.
The weekly markets in Hisaronu and Fethiye are not to be missed if you like bargain hunting and don’t forget to haggle.
All excursions are very affordable and can be booked at sales outlets in Hisaronu town and Oludeniz at competitive rates.
