The Location

Calis

Villa Diana is 200m from the sea, conveniently located between Calis and Fethiye. The villa is set in a quiet residential part of Calis. Click here to see maps. The road to the villa is well lit at night and vehicles can be safely parked. Within 200m is the start of the pedestrian/cycle way to Fethiye. Less than 150m from the villa there is a small supermarket, which stays open until very late. There is an aqua park within 250m. The villa is also very close to the local open-air market selling wonderfully fresh, cheap, locally grown fruit and vegetables.

Only a 10-minute stroll from the villa is the centre of Calis, with its many shops, cafés and bars. This adjoins the long and vibrant Calis beach. Here a wide paved promenade lined with cafés, bars and restaurants borders the sea front.

Calis Beach stretches for 3 miles and its warm turquoise waters are safe for swimming. At certain times of the year, turtles lay their eggs at the far end of the beach. Activities here include wind surfing, water skiing, and snorkelling.


The view from the pedestrian/cycle way towards the islands:

Fethiye

The Fethiye region of Turkey is truly special. Turquoise seas and green, fragrant pine-clad mountains make this one of the most dramatic coastlines of the Mediterranean. This is a relatively prosperous part of Turkey. Fethiye itself lies on a fertile plain where all types of fruit and vegetables grow abundantly, irrigated by water from the mountains behind.

The traditional Turkish market town and shopping centre of Fethiye is less than 3 miles from the villa. It is easily accessible either by taking a water taxi from Calis, by bus, which stops within a two-minute walk of the villa, or by a 15-minute cycle ride alongside the beautiful turquoise coast.

The bay of Fethiye is a natural, safe harbour and along the waterfront traditional gulets and fishing boats come and go on their way across the bay.

From here boat trips can be arranged to visit the many islands and secluded coves. It is possible to visit the island of Rhodes. Steady winds make the bay the perfect resort for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Boats, boards and ski’s can be hired locally. There is also a European Diving Centre where it is possible to learn to dive.

Further along the waterfront you will come to the Marina. Opposite to it lies the Hellenistic Theatre, which was later converted by the Romans into an Amphitheatre. This is the old town. Here, within the bazaar, there is everything from rugs to hand crafted jewellery and you may even like to treat yourself to a Turkish bath. Also among the cobbled market streets are chic boutiques and surf shops as well as banks, pharmacies and tourist information.

Bars and restaurants can be found in side alleys and all along the waterfront. There are sarcophagi scattered around the city and it is worth a visit to the rock tombs that can be seen from the town which are cut into the cliff face and overlook the streets below.

The Lycian Way, 500 kms of ancient footpaths, which starts at Fethiye, has been nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the worlds’ top ten walks. The best times for walking in Turkey is during the Spring and the Autumn. Horse riding, jeep and quad bike safaris up into the mountains can be organised from the town, as can excursions to ancient, city sites such as Tlos 37km, Pinara 47km, Xanthos, 62km and Letoon 67km.

 

Olu Deniz (Blue Lagoon)

The world famous beach at Olu Deniz is only a short drive away. This protected beach and lagoon is simply stunning. The wide expanse of white sand and shingle stretches down to crystal clear turquoise waters. Your small entry fee contributes to maintaining its natural beauty. The beach is very popular and from here you can enjoy many water-sports.

Olu Deniz is renowned for paragliding. Those brave enough, make their decent from Mount Babadag, their colourful kites dancing like butterflies, to land on the beach below.

Ovacik and Hisaronu

These are small villages located on a mountain plateau above Fethiye with many restaurants and bars. There are mountain walks and stunning views from here. Hisaronu has a well-known reputation for its hectic nightlife.

Kayakoy

Kayakoy is 25 minutes from Villa Diana. The town dates back to the 13th century. Until 1922 it had a mainly Greek population. After the First World War, these people were repatriated and their homes were abandoned to the elements.

Looking down over the ruined houses and stone- paved roads from the white hill top chapel, the village has an eerie atmosphere. The panoramic views over the turquoise Mediterranean make the climb worthwhile.

>> back to top