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| The Turquoise Coast |
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| Olu Deniz beach is one of the most beautiful - and most photographed - beaches on the Turquoise Coast. Just see any tourist brochure of Turkey! Crowded in summer, it is the perfect spot to enjoy the best of the Turkish coastline out of season. And if you're looking for something more active, this is also a world-famous site for Paragliding. |
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Only 20 mins from Fethiye, and just 30 mins from Uzumlu, the Olu Deniz beach almost entirely shelters the dazzling waters of the Blue Lagoon. It is this exquisite setting, framed by the wooded hills on three sides, rising steeply to the rugged mountains inland, which makes it such an outstanding attraction for visitors. |
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| If you want to get away from the crowds, this part of the Turquoise Coast has many small and less-frequented coves all within easy reach. And when you tire of the beach, there are many other attractions along the coastline. The towns of Fethiye (20 mins) and Gocek (30mins) are buzzing with life along their waterfronts, each with their own particular character. |
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With guaranteed sunshine and water temperatures typically in the mid-20's, all kinds of marine activites beckon, including sailing and scuba diving. Or for a more relaxed adventure, take a trip in a Gulet to the islands in Fethiye bay, and spend your time lazing in the sun and swimming, whilst the crew cook your seafood supper in time to watch the sunset across the bay. |
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| The beach at Patara, 50 mins drive from Uzumlu, is justly famous. Although not quite so spectacular as Olu Deniz, it has a number of attractions which many people find more appealing. It has over 10 miles of fine golden sand, protected from development as one of the few remaining nesting sites in the Mediterranean of the loggerhead turtle. With no major tourist development nearby, since the extensive city ruins behind the beach are also protected, you will rarely have a problem in finding your very own private stretch of beach. |
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The name Patara is derived from the ancient city which once stood here, in Classical times the most important and prosperous port city in Lycia. Situated at the mouth of the Xanthos river, the port gradually lost its trade as the river silted up and eventually the sands were all that were left, covering the site of this once great metropolis. Archaeological work has been revealing some of Patara's past glories - the monuments, buildings and streets where St. Paul once preached, and where St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was born in 290AD. |
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