Fethiye (Turkey)
The city of Fethiye is located 60 km from Dalaman, it arose on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos on the slopes of Mount Mendos. Now the remains of Telmessos attract crowds of tourists – this is an imposing ancient Roman amphitheater, the ruins of a medieval castle built by the Rhodes knights of St. John on the top of Mount Mendos, and numerous rock burials dating back to the fourth century AD. Through numerous steps you can reach the tombs, which are carved into the rocks. The largest of them is the tomb of Amyntas, a resident of the city. The local museum will also tell about the history of the city, which displays works of art and handicrafts dating back to the eras of the early Lycians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Almost all the exhibits of the museum were collected in Fethiye and its surroundings.
But more Fethiye is known as a resort. Its sand and pebble beach is considered one of the largest in Turkey. This place is also called “Turquoise Coast”. Conventionally Fethiye can be divided into 2 parts. In one part (to the north of the city itself) an elite vacation is offered. The best Turkish hotels are located here, each standing on the shore of a small bay. The beaches are mostly with large pebbles. The second part of Fethiye – Oludeniz Bay (translated from Turkish – Blue Lagoon) a little south of the city. The sea in the bay is very calm, because it is covered by a peninsular beach in its northern part. This sandy spit closes the bay from the winds and you can swim here even in winter. This spit is called – Turtle Island, because here you can see turtles. The beaches in Oludeniz are municipal and free. This region is also known as a great place for diving. If you are lucky, you can see dolphins and sea turtles here, visibility under water is excellent.
For those who like to swim, Calis Beach is suitable, stretching 4 km west of Fethiye, and Chevalier Island. In general, there are 12 islands in the resort bay. Every day there is a boat trip along the coast, which will allow you to look at all the bays and islands of this region. Of the active types of recreation in Fethiye, you can engage in paragliding, especially in Oludeniz Bay from Mount Babadag, sailing, rowing, rafting, water skiing, and take a jeep safari.
All nightlife activities are located in the city of Fethiye. The world-famous disco “Lykia Disco” also operates here.
Cesme (Turkey)
The Cesme resort is located 80 km west of Izmir on a peninsula jutting out into the Aegean Sea. The name of the city was given by the numerous mineral springs that were discovered in this region in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The beaches of Cesme are the longest on the Aegean coast. The sandy beaches of Pirlanta and Altinkum are the best in the southern part of the city. Alacati Beach is known for its windsurfing opportunities. Here, beginners and those who want to hone their skills learn to ride the board, because there are no strong currents and tides in Alacati.
Cesme is considered not only one of the most famous beach resorts in Turkey but also an excellent balneo-climatic resort. The mild climate of the region and sandy beaches are used for climatotherapy, and the water of mineral springs of various chemical composition is used for treatment. With the help of various procedures in Cesme, non-specific diseases of the respiratory system, musculoskeletal system and functional diseases of the nervous system are prevented.
Of the architectural sights of Cesme, the Genoese fortress of the 14th century in the city center stands out. Now the Museum of Weapons is located here, and every year in July it hosts a music festival. Not far from the fortress there is a 16th century caravanserai, which in ancient times was one of the transit points on the Silk Road, now it is a hotel.
Erzurum (Turkey)
According to gradinmath.com, the city of Erzurum is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1950 m above sea level in the eastern part of Turkey. This ancient city was founded in the 4th century BC.
Erzurum is full of attractions. Be sure to visit the ancient building of the Great Semi-Navy Mosque Ulu Jami, which was built in 1179. The most famous building of the city is the Chifte Minareli Madrasah with two minarets, on the walls of which mosaics are laid out. Not far from the Madrasah there are three mausoleums of Uch Kumbetler, which are three vaulted burial grounds, which are decorated with reliefs of the 12th century.
The Erzurum Archaeological Museum tells about the history of the region, archaeological finds are exhibited here. The city also has Ataturk University.
To the south of Erzurum, 5 km from the city center, on the northern slope of Mount Palandoken is the ski resort Palandoken. It is considered the largest ski resort in Turkey. The highest point within Palandoken is 3176 m above sea level. The ski season lasts here from the end of December to April. The ski area lies between 2150 m and 3200 m.
Tourists are offered 17 tracks with a total length of 30 km. The longest route is flat, it has a length of 12 km. The resort is served by four chair lifts, three ski lifts, and a gondola lift. Palandoken is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. There is a ski school and equipment rental.
