As you drive from Fethiye up the mountain to the charming village of Hisaronu, not only do you take in the beautiful scenery but also on a hot summers day you can notice a welcoming difference in temperature.

The first area you pass through is Ovacik, which is mainly hotels and apartments, with one or two shops, and then you come into Hisaronu village itself. The resort is popular with British visitors. Shops, restaurants and bars cater extensively for the needs of all age groups.

For those who want a more active holiday there is Olu Deniz, which has the most photographed beach in Turkey and is only a ten minute journey by the regular Dolmus service down the mountain, where you will be able to find a variety of water sports i.e.- water skiing, Para sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, pedaloes etc.

For the braver of you there is paragliding from the top of Babadag Mountain, landing on the white sands of Olu Deniz beach. If you prefer a more relaxing day on the water there are a selection of boat trips available from both Olu Deniz and Fethiye. Olu Deniz beach sweeps round in a vast crescent of course sand and shingle to the Lagoon, which is a National Park area now and a small charge is levied for entry.

PLACES OF INTEREST / DAY TRIPS

BELCEKIZ BEACH

From Belcekiz beach, you can take one of the daily boat trips for around £5 including lunch, leaving around 10 am. Excellent value for money with plenty of stops for swimming and diving off the boats into the crystal clear waters. Visiting such places as Cold-water springs, St. Nicholas Island and Butterfly Valley. You can sunbathe on the top deck or sit below deck in the shade. Drinks are available onboard at a price, it is advisable to take your own if you can keep them cool. Flat shoes are also advisable

SAKLIKENT GORGE

With walls so steep that the sun never reaches the floor. Once at the bottom, you can hike 12 miles through the icy waters of the river and jump down assorted waterfalls along the way. The local restaurateurs serve freshly cooked trout on wooden platforms suspended over the river. Some platform owners will even let you spread your blanket beneath the stars.

SULTANS AQUACITY - CALIS BEACH

Just a 10 minute ride from Hisaronu to the exilarating day out at the waterpark in Calis.There is also a gym available for the those whom like to keep in shape whilst on holiday.Plenty of sunbeds and large umbrellas available for those that like to relax in the comfort of the shade. Steam room and sauna also available.

Dalyan Caunos

This trip is a real favourite because it offers such variety. Experience beautiful scenery whilst cruising through the Dalyan river marshes.

Passing the famous Caunos rock tombs and ruins before arriving at the mud baths. Here you have a chance to pamper yourself in the mud and sulphur pools and will feel the wrinkles disappearing!

Now feeling cleansed and fresh you're ready for a riverside lunch stop and perhaps a beer or two!

After lunch drift down the river again to relax, soak up the sun, swim and they're the same beach space as the Caretta Caretta turtles who still breed here.

Ephesus & Pamukkale (2 Days)

For those who want to go further a field this trip is the one for you. The first stop is a visit to the Virgin Mary's house. Then it's on the Ephesus, the most famous ancient site of Turkey with its well preserved historic remains the Library of Celsus being an excellent example. The amphitheater played host to many famous musicians and is still used today as for concerts. Then, off to Pamukkale for an overnight stop in a luxurious hotel with thermal pool. Turkish Bath and comfortable beds for any weary travellers.The next day is spent exploring the ancient site of Hierapolis and the natural wonders of Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle". A swim in the Roman Baths before lunch. And then it's onto the carpet-weaving centre before returning to Fethiye for early evening.

Pamukkale (1 Day)

An early start means we breakfast on the way. Our first visit is the ancient site or Hierapolis, set amongst beautiful scenery.
Next stop Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle" which is truly a natural wonder and is formed by thermal springs containing calcium salts which have created stalactites and natural pools. Though it is no longer permitted to swim in the actual pools, a nearby pool of the thermal water is a welcome stop and will soothe your aching limbs. After lunch, a trip to the carpet weaving centre before setting off for home.

BOAT TRIP ST NICHOLAS
Board the boat in Ölü Deniz for a day you won't forget. Swim in the Blue Cave before stepping ashore at Butterfly Valley. For the more energetic, a climb up to the Waterfall, where you might spot a rare Tiger Butterfly is not to be missed.
Lunch is served on the boat before a stop at St. Nicholas Island where you can climb amongst ruins to the top of the island for magnificent views. For the daring of you a swim at "Cold Spring Bay" where a fresh water spring leaks in to the sea is most refreshing! (Masks and snorkels available on the boat).

BOAT TRIP 12 ISLANDS

This is the way to relax and take in the delights of the Turkish coastline and islands.
Under the heat of the summer sun, where better place to be than at sea. We stop at various islands and bays, the favourite being "Cleopatra's Bay" where it is said that if you swim in the water, you will become a true beauty!
Lunch is cooked and served on board and there are plenty of stops to swim, snorkel and generally cool down.

The cooler temperature in Hisaronu welcomes you back from a hard day at the beach and offers a well-earned rest before your evenings entertainment. Hisaronu is a recently established resort and although it has grown in the last few years it still retains a friendly vibrant atmosphere. It is an ideal place for walkers as there are plenty of winding paths through the forests with wonderful views, and of course you can visit Kayakoy (the ghost village), where the Greeks once lived but now there is just an eerie silence.

There are plenty of excursions on offer from Hisaronu village i.e.- Ephesus, Pammukale, Dalyan and day trips to the Greek island of Rhodes. The nightlife in Hisaronu can be as lively or as quiet as you make it, you have plenty of choice.

A must for shoppers is the market in Fethiye (20 mins by Dolmus), where you will find the best bargains, as it is the biggest Bazaar in the area. Fethiye itself is worth a visit to take in the history of the place, or to have a romantic walk round the harbour.

Turkey's history astoundingly long - extending for almost 10000 years. The world's oldest 'city' was discovered here in 7500 BC. Most Turkish cities have Roman past, and all have a Byzantine one. The Turks are most friendly to foreign visitors, the country dotted with ancient sites, the cuisine excellent, and the countryside beautiful.

Useful facts about Turkey

Religion	In Turkey 99 percent of Turks are Muslims
Currency	The national currency is Turkish Lira. Sterling, Travellers and Euro cheques can be exchanged at banks, the post office and some shops. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops. Excursions and activities can be purchased with cards; a commission of 3% may be added to your costs
Time	GMT +2 hours
Electricity	220 volts AC and pin plugs are used
Post Office and Telephones	Post Office (PTT) easily found in each resort. Telephone cards can be bought there
Medical	English-speaking doctors and all medical services are available in Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü and Fethiye - and dentists in Fethiye - chemists can be found in Hisarönü and Fethiye