Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Ölüdeniz Named Europe’s Fourth Most Valuable Beach
Fethiye, Muğla – Ölüdeniz in Fethiye has been named the fourth most valuable beach in Europe, with a theoretical land value of €113.2 million (£96 million), according to a new study by luxury holiday specialists CV Villas.
The August 2026 study takes an unusual approach to measuring the value of the world’s most popular beaches. Rather than assessing tourism revenue or nearby property prices, researchers calculated the theoretical value of the physical stretches of sand as if the coastal land beneath them could be treated as buildable real estate.
The results place Ölüdeniz among Europe’s most valuable beaches and highlight the international appeal of one of Turkey’s best-known coastal destinations.
Ölüdeniz ranks fourth in Europe
With an estimated value of €113.2 million (£96 million), Ölüdeniz secured fourth place in the European rankings and was the only beach in Turkey to feature in the top rankings.
According to the study, its high valuation reflects its exceptional popularity, strong global brand recognition and highly desirable geographical setting.
Ölüdeniz’s distinctive landscape is a major part of its appeal. Its famous turquoise waters and sheltered Blue Lagoon have made it one of the Mediterranean’s most recognisable destinations, while the surrounding mountains have established the area as a world-class paragliding hub.
Europe’s five most valuable beaches
According to figures reported by the Daily Mail, the top five European beaches were:
- Pampelonne Beach, France – €843 million (£720 million)
- Praia da Falésia, Portugal – €573.2 million (£489 million)
- Playa Bolonia, Spain – €364.9 million (£311 million)
- Ölüdeniz, Turkey – €113.2 million (£96 million)
- Alzada Beach, Spain – €104.4 million (£89 million)
Although Ölüdeniz sits some distance behind the three beaches at the top of the list, its fourth-place position is notable given the number of famous coastal destinations assessed.
A major tourism asset for Fethiye
The valuation also highlights Ölüdeniz’s importance to the wider Fethiye tourism economy. The destination has become synonymous with the region, attracting visitors from around the world with its beaches, lagoon, outdoor activities and spectacular mountain scenery.
Its reputation for paragliding adds another dimension to its international appeal, with flights from Babadağ providing spectacular views across the lagoon and surrounding coastline.
The study’s methodology is, of course, theoretical. Ölüdeniz and the other beaches featured are not simply pieces of real estate available for purchase and development. Instead, the exercise provides an unusual way of illustrating the potential economic and brand value associated with some of the world’s most famous beaches.
The approach has also prompted discussion about the environmental implications of assigning real-estate values to protected and environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
Nevertheless, the result provides another indication of the extraordinary international profile of Ölüdeniz and its contribution to Fethiye’s reputation as a leading Mediterranean tourism destination.
For Fethiye, the message is clear: Ölüdeniz is not only one of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches, but also one of Europe’s most valuable and recognisable coastal destinations.
Sources: CV Villas/The Olive Press/Daily Mail
Earth Barricades Block Vehicle Access to Yeşil Vadi Picnic Area
Fethiye, Muğla – Vehicle access to the popular Yeşil Vadi picnic area in Fethiye has been blocked by earth barricades as part of measures introduced to prevent forest fires during the summer period.
The access restrictions are part of the wider ban on entering forest areas, aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires during a period of high fire danger.
With vehicles unable to pass the barricades, some visitors have parked along the roadside and continued their journey to the picnic area on foot.
While the access restrictions were intended to improve fire safety, the condition of the area has also attracted attention.
Waste left along the roadside and in the surrounding natural environment has created significant visual pollution, prompting criticism from visitors and local residents.
Some citizens have called for a more organised approach to the popular picnic spot, including better waste management and facilities.
They argue that an organised picnic system could help protect the natural environment while also reducing the risk of fires caused by uncontrolled activities in forested areas.
Yeşil Vadi remains a popular destination for people looking to escape the summer heat, but the latest restrictions highlight the challenges of balancing public access with forest fire prevention and environmental protection.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/toprak-barikatlar-kuruldu-vatandaslar-yuruyerek-girdi
Seabed Sludge Removal Begins in Fethiye Bay
Fethiye, Muğla – A major project to remove accumulated sludge from the seabed of Fethiye Bay has officially begun, with the vessel TÜÇA-1 arriving in the bay and starting operations.
The Fethiye Bay Seabed Sludge Removal Project aims to improve the marine environment, protect the bay’s natural assets and contribute to the long-term health of its ecosystem.
The operation is focused on removing sludge that has accumulated on the seabed, with the wider objective of preserving Fethiye Bay as an important environmental and tourism asset for future generations.
The arrival of TÜÇA-1 marks the start of the practical phase of the seabed cleaning project. The work has been welcomed as an important environmental initiative for Fethiye, where the bay and surrounding coastline play a central role in tourism, marine activities and the region’s natural landscape.
The AK Party Muğla Provincial Headquarters announced the commencement of the operations, highlighting the importance of protecting Fethiye’s natural environment.
In its statement, the provincial organisation expressed its appreciation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Emine Erdoğan, and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum for their support for the project.
The organisation described the seabed sludge removal work as an important investment in Fethiye’s environmental future and said it represented a commitment to promises made to the district.
The statement also indicated that work would continue across Muğla’s districts, concluding with the message: “Our pledge is to Fethiye; our passion is for Muğla.”
The removal of accumulated seabed sludge is intended to support the long-term protection of Fethiye Bay and its marine environment.
As the project progresses, its impact on the marine ecosystem and wider coastal environment will be closely watched, particularly given the importance of Fethiye Bay to the region’s marine tourism.
The project represents another step in efforts to preserve Fethiye’s natural environment and ensure that the bay remains an important environmental and tourism asset for generations to come.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-korfezinde-dip-camuru-temizligi-basladi
Marmaris Forest Fire Brought Under Control After Overnight Battle
Marmaris, Muğla – A forest fire that broke out in Marmaris, spread rapidly on Saturday evening, prompting a major overnight firefighting operation involving aircraft, helicopters, ground crews, landing craft and Coast Guard vessels.
The fire started in a wooded coastal area at Yalancıboğaz, a steep and difficult-to-reach location where access by road was initially impossible. Strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Aerial intervention began within 10 minutes of the first report, according to Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık.
A total of 217 personnel, seven aircraft, 16 helicopters and 82 ground vehicles were deployed to tackle the blaze.
Because the terrain prevented conventional ground access, firefighting teams also used resources from Aksaz Naval Base Command. Landing craft transported fire engines and personnel to the affected area, while Coast Guard vessels helped move crews and attempted to fight the flames using high-capacity water cannons.
Efforts to create road access to the fire zone were also launched.
Teams continued battling the flames throughout the night as authorities worked to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Governor Akbıyık, Marmaris District Governor Nurullah Kaya and Muğla Regional Director of Forestry Mustafa Ülküdür inspected the affected area during the operation.
In an overnight update, Governor Akbıyık said the intensity of the fire had decreased in three sectors, with efforts continuing in one remaining area. He said three night-vision helicopters were being used as part of the operation, with the aim of bringing the fire fully under control.
Fire brought under control
After an intensive overnight response, the fire was brought under control during the morning hours.
Fire crews remain in the area carrying out cooling operations to prevent the flames from reigniting.
The incident highlights the challenges of tackling forest fires in Marmaris, where steep terrain, coastal access and strong winds can make it difficult for firefighting teams to reach affected areas quickly.
Authorities have not yet released details of the cause of the fire or the extent of the area affected.
Curated from various news sources
14,800 Seagrass Seedlings Planted in Göcek
Göcek, Muğla – A total of 14,800 seagrass seedlings have been planted at Tersane Island, Darboğaz and Kille Bay as part of ongoing efforts to protect and restore marine ecosystems in the Fethiye-Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area.
The restoration work is being carried out under the “Blue Breath” (Mavi Nefes) Project, a collaboration between Garanti BBVA and the DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA.
Scientific monitoring carried out as part of the project recorded a seedling survival rate of more than 70 percent. Following the positive results, three restoration stations have been placed under protection using special marker buoys and designated as “Oxygen Production Points.”
The project also includes scientific monitoring of seawater quality and the region’s carbon sequestration capacity, providing data on the wider environmental impact of the restoration work.
Efforts to protect Göcek’s marine environment extend beyond seagrass restoration. TURMEPA operates three liquid waste collection vessels in the area, collecting waste from boats to help prevent pollution entering the bay.
Since May 2024, the vessels have collected 1,912,982 litres of liquid waste from 4,133 boats across three summer seasons.
The latest figures highlight the scale of ongoing efforts to protect the Fethiye-Göcek coastline, supporting healthier marine ecosystems while helping to preserve the area’s natural environment for future generations.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/gocekte-14-bin-800-deniz-cayiri-fidesi-ekildi
Jellyfish Populations Rising Rapidly in Marmara Sea
Populations of brown “compass” jellyfish and white “moon” jellyfish have increased rapidly in the Marmara Sea over the past three years, according to Çetin Yağcılar, a lecturer and aquaculture engineer at Namık Kemal University.
The jellyfish have become particularly widespread along the coasts of Tekirdağ, Istanbul, Çanakkale and Balıkesir, with large concentrations reported in some areas and increasing encounters with swimmers and holidaymakers.
Yağcılar said the species arrived in the Marmara Sea around 10 to 15 years ago, believed to have been introduced through ships’ ballast water. Since then, they have found increasingly favourable conditions in the sea.
He identified rising sea temperatures linked to climate change, increased nitrogen and phosphate levels from domestic and industrial waste, and declining numbers of predatory fish due to overfishing as key factors behind the recent population growth.
The reduction in predator species, including fish such as mackerel, can disrupt the natural balance of the marine ecosystem and allow jellyfish populations to grow unchecked.
Yağcılar warned that increased jellyfish concentrations can also pose a risk to people using the region’s beaches. Contact can cause burning, redness and itching, while some people may experience allergic reactions. He advised anyone stung to rinse the affected area with seawater and seek medical attention.
He stressed that while rising sea temperatures cannot be easily controlled at a local level, action can be taken to address overfishing and marine pollution.
Yağcılar called for better protection of predatory fish species, allowing them to reproduce and maintain healthy populations that can help regulate jellyfish numbers naturally.
He also urged stronger wastewater treatment, particularly at industrial facilities, to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Marmara Sea.
According to Yağcılar, tackling pollution and overfishing alongside longer-term action on climate change will be essential to restoring the ecological balance of the Marmara Sea and preventing jellyfish populations from becoming increasingly dominant.
Restored Gaziantep Archaeology Museum reopens post-quake
Gaziantep, Turkey – The Gaziantep Archaeology Museum has reopened to the public following extensive reinforcement, restoration and renovation work carried out in the aftermath of the devastating February 6, 2023 earthquakes.
Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the reopening, saying the museum had undergone comprehensive structural and interior improvements, including redesigned display cases, pedestals and exhibition areas in line with modern museum practices.
Located in Gaziantep’s Şehitkamil district, the museum consists of three blocks. Following the earthquakes, detailed ground surveys and structural assessments were carried out, including core sampling from columns and beams and an examination of the reinforced concrete framework.
The resulting restoration programme included structural and roof reinforcement, strengthening of steel flooring and beams, and necessary dismantling and repair work within the museum.
The renovation also focused on improving the visitor experience, with exhibition infrastructure and display areas redesigned to provide a more contemporary approach to presenting the museum’s archaeological collections.
Ersoy thanked the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, along with the experts, technical teams and officials involved in the restoration.
The reopening marks another step in the restoration of cultural institutions affected by the 2023 earthquakes, allowing visitors to once again explore Gaziantep’s archaeological heritage in an upgraded and modernised museum environment.
Source: Daily Sabah
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor club officials visited the team’s training camp in Afyon, where they watched the squad’s evening training session.
Club President Esat Bakırcı, Football Operations Manager Uğur Keskin, Press Spokesperson Selahattin Aydemir, and board members Cengiz Halis and Durcan Kaya were present at the camp and observed the team as preparations continue for the new season.
The visit provided an opportunity for the club’s management to meet with the squad and coaching staff and follow preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Fethiyespor continues its pre-season work in Afyon as the team builds fitness and develops its preparations for the season ahead.
League Matches
Fethiyespor will play the first game of the season at home against 52 Orduspor FK. on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Kick-off time is 19:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 64.80TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 64.34 TL.
The US Dollar bought 47.88 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 47.69 TL.
The Euro bought 55.40 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 55.14 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
