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CALIS
Calis is an integral part of Fethiye being only 5kms drive from the nearby town and the main beach resort in the area. Geographically, it lies to the south side of Fethiye bay and getting there by water taxi can be a great experience. On a hot summer’s day, the sea breeze you feel is a wonderful way to start an evening out and the same applies for return journey home but daytime trips offer the best views of the hills and mountains beyond the pretty harbour town and Calis beach.
Calis Beach is a popular holiday resort on Turkey's turquoise coast. There are many reasons for its success not least being the proximity of the wonderful places to visit in the area and the gorgeous weather provided for these day trips. Calis is reported to have around 300 days of sun each year which makes for a long summer season. This helps to stop overcrowding as visitors come to Calis at all times of year not just the busy school holidays. The winter season weather is very mild with occasional stormy spells providing a spectacular lightening show over the sea and mountains.
Calis, with its long stretch of beautiful seaside and beach front, is a laid back and relaxing spot on the renowned Turkish Rivera coastline. Not only is it is a great base to tour the most beautiful areas around the district but it has the option to cater for anyone who wishes to spend their holiday time just walking from balcony to beach every day. Most of Calis life revolves around the promenade which is a wonderful place to sit, people watch and witness the most amazing summer evening sunsets. The promenade is full of friendly establishments inviting visitors to sit at their tables and chat about the wonderful things to see and do.
The beach, promenade, shops and restaurants are all placed within strolling distance of each other which ensures all family members can relax and have a great time effortlessly. The streets around the centre have been pedestrianised for extra safety and the feeling of being secure in this area is tangible even in the late night walk home. Turkish culture, especially in smaller regions, is based on community spirit and family values. Children accompany their parents everywhere and are welcomed warmly in every establishment. The community has a protective instinct so, if someone is in need of help or there is an emergency, there is no hesitation to assist until the problem is solved fully.
The beachfront is a laid back area of Calis, lined with shaded sun loungers, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Turkish weather. The sea itself is always warm and the sand underfoot as you walk in makes it comfortable and safe. There are water sport activities from pedal pushing to windsurfing all done a safe distance away from paddlers and swimmers.
Dining in Calis is a great experience for all the family. The ingredients are fresh and ripe, the atmosphere and culture of eating is fun and relaxed and it is genuinely great value for money. The beach is lined with restaurants serving superb Turkish cuisine and international favourites and for a change of scenery; Fethiye is a food lover’s heaven with the fresh fish market and great kebab houses.
Bars and wine houses vary from laid back and traditional with soft background music right through to lively club bars where all are welcome to dance the night away. Fethiye has a popular bar street in the Old Town area (Paspatur) where the whole night can be spent sitting or dancing in an ancient vine covered street with a wonderful, warm and lively atmosphere.
In the daytime, the range and quality of trips and activities available are superb. They are well organised and generally great value. Most companies will offer a free pick up and drop off service and good food is always made available. There are too many places and activities to list but a few of the most popular are as follows:
12 Island Boat Trip – This is a wonderful, relaxing day out starting off from Fethiye marina at around 10am, the yachts and boats take passengers for a tour around the nearby islands and bays to swim and explore with a great BBQ lunch included. Snorkelling and fishing in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea are recommended and can be done for no extra cost. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase all day and the trip ends around 6pm with the gorgeous views of Calis and Fethiye to greet you home.
Jeep Safari – This is a great opportunity to go further afield whilst enjoying the journey as well. The most famous of the jeep safari trips go to the stunning Saklikent fresh water gorge stopping to visit the historical treasures at Tlos and also Yakapark, a great stop for an ice cold drink as the mountain water streams through the outdoor restaurants.
Oludeniz Beach – A beach and lagoon of outstanding natural beauty, Oludeniz is a wonderful day out and only 12kms from Calis by car or by using the local minibus service. The Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz has been voted one of the World’s best beaches for many years and the surrounding hills, mountains and forest all add to its spectacular atmosphere. Oludeniz has a great quality holiday resort of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping all within the beach area and promenade. Many activities take place here that are available to everyone such as paragliding from the massive Babadag Mountain and numerous water sports. At the end of the day a delicious dinner can be had at one of the many top class restaurants offering every type of Turkish and International cuisine.
Fethiye Rock Tombs – Another trip that can be reached easily by car, minibus or water taxi service is the nearby ancient rock tombs in Fethiye. Only 5kms away, this site is definitely worth a visit both for the historical value and the opportunity to explore Fethiye itself. The tombs were exquisitely carved some 2,500 years ago on the elevated mountain side overlooking the beautiful Fethiye bay. If you visit on a Tuesday, the famous Fethiye market is hosted all day and is a great opportunity to eat traditional food and find bargains not found anywhere else.
Kayakoy – Named the ‘Ghost Town’, is an abandoned site once occupied by Greek settlers until their mass exodus in 1923. The streets, churches, schools and stone built homes can be explored fully allowing the imagination to wander and visualise life as it was in this beautiful village. The distance from Calis, only 13kms, is small and the area also boasts some wonderful garden BBQ restaurants that all family members, young and old will definitely enjoy.
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