Southwest coast (Mediterranean)
Situation and Importance
The port of Fethiye, chief town of its district, lies on the Lycian coast some 150km/95mi southeast of the provincial capital of Mugla. The gulf, dotted with numerous islets, is closed by the little island known since 1936 as
Cavaliere, the Island of Knights. The town, previously called Megri or Makri, was renamed Fethiye when Turkey became a republic, in honor of an airman, Fethi Bey, who crashed here. It was devasted by an earthquake in 1856, and after a further earthquake in 1957 much of it had to be rebuilt. As a result it is now a modern town with a long seafront promenade and a lively bazaar. In recent years, thanks to its sheltered boating harbor and many beautiful beaches Fethiye has developed into a flourishing holiday resort served by the regional airport of Dalaman (ca. 50km/30mi northwest).
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