Xanthos A hill top city, former capital of Lycia: an extensive site surrounding a well preserved Roman theatre, the 'Harpy Tomb', a Byzantine Basilica with floor mosaics, and many tombs dotted around the hillside.
The Letoon Low lying, originally the area's religious centre and oracle, with temples, nympheum, church and theatre.
Patara - Best known for its 18 kilometre long, white sand beach which is a turtle breeding ground, Patara was the original port for Xanthos, and is now an archaeological site at its eastern end,
with some parts standing proud and
others peeking out of the sand dunes,
still being excavated each year.
Pinara A more remote site, a vast acropolis and wall tombs, and wonderful views over the valley. Nearby is Tlos, the most ancient of Lycian cities with its necropolis and the Tomb of Bellerophon.
Saklikent gorge - a dramatic gorge inland from Xanthos. Walk past trout restaurants on stilts at the base of the cliffs, then take the 150 metre walkway through the mouth of the gorge to the gushing springs, coming right out of solid rock. From there, wade up the river bed - initially waist deep but soon up to only the ankles or thighs - for a good part of the chasm. The more intrepid can clamber over fallen boulders and walk on to reach the waterfalls - absolutely worth the effort!
But go prepared with swimwear to get wet, with appropriate thick-soled footwear if you have it (although you can hire suitable shoes there), and do take a waterproof container for the camera!
Olu Deniz - probably the most photographed spot in Turkey, a breathtaking azure lagoon with long sand spit and acres of beach. Water sports are available, including paragliding from the cliff-tops. Just 10 km from the old town and harbour of Fethiye,well worth a visit in its own right, for the old quarter, the harbour, and the coastline beyond.
Gocek - in a corner of the Gulf of Fethiye, now a major centre to pick up a gulet trip, for a few days, down the indented coastline.
