The name “Pınara,” meaning “round,” originates from the Lycian word “Pilleni,” a reference to the city’s distinctive round-shaped rock formations. Built on steep cliffs, Pınara enchants visitors with its breathtaking natural surroundings and rich historical heritage..

Pınara is believed to have been founded in the 5th century BC by colonists from Xanthos, another significant Lycian city. As one of the six major cities in the Lycian League, Pınara held three votes in the federation, underscoring its political and economic prominence in the region. Its strategic location and strong fortifications made it a vital center of commerce and culture.

The city’s mythology adds to its allure. According to ancient legends, Pınara was founded by Pinaros, the son of Niobe, a figure from Greek mythology. Additionally, Homer’s Iliad mentions a Lycian warrior named Pandaros, who is believed to have hailed from Pınara, further connecting the city to the epic Trojan War.

What sets Pınara apart from other Lycian cities is its mesmerizing landscape. Perched on a steep rock, the city offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The rock tombs carved into the cliffs, resembling a beehive pattern, are among the most striking examples of Lycian funerary architecture. The city also features a well-preserved amphitheater, an agora, a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, and remnants of Roman-era structures.

Pınara’s isolation has contributed to its relatively untouched and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Walking through its ancient ruins feels like stepping back in time, with every path revealing new stories of Lycian life and culture.

Visitor Information

Today, Pınara is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, a list of properties that a state intends to consider for nomination to the World Heritage List, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. The ancient city is located approximately 5 kilometers west of the Fethiye-Kaş highway, near the village of Minare. Visitors can access the site via a 2-kilometer stabilized road from the village.

Unlike more crowded ancient sites, Pınara offers a peaceful and immersive experience. Its combination of stunning natural beauty and well-preserved ruins makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the lesser-known gems of Lycia. Whether you’re an archaeology enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a traveler in search of hidden treasures, Pınara promises an unforgettable journey into the past.

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The pollution issue prompted the Ortaca District Governorship to send an official request to the Muğla Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Directorate and the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality to investigate and determine the source of the contamination. The discovery comes just a year after the Blue Flag of the Ortaca Public Beach was revoked due to similar pollution concerns.

Health teams in Muğla regularly monitor sea water quality across 250 sites from April to October. Their latest samples from the Sarıgerme beaches, including one operated by a private hotel, showed alarming levels of contamination. E. Coli levels were measured at 24, 32, and 114, while Enterococcus values reached 1080, 1120, and 1360. These elevated figures suggest microbiological pollution, likely caused by sewage mixing into the sea.

Upon receiving the report, local authorities took immediate action. The Muğla Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Directorate, along with the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, collected additional samples from Sarıçay, believed to be the main source of the pollution. However, officials from the Muğla Water and Sewerage Administration (MUSKİ) stated that initial investigations found no link between their systems and the pollution.

The Blue Flag program, managed in Türkiye by TÜRÇEV and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), assesses beaches based on 33 criteria, including swimming water quality, environmental management, and safety. The water quality is among the most critical factors, with samples analyzed every 15 days throughout the season. Muğla is home to 112 Blue Flag beaches, making it the second-highest region in Türkiye after Antalya.

Officials have indicated that a final decision regarding the future of Sarıgerme’s Blue Flag beaches will be made at a meeting at the end of the year. Should the pollution persist, the beaches could lose their Blue Flag certification, potentially impacting tourism in the area.

In 2024, Türkiye ranked third globally in the number of Blue Flag beaches, behind Spain and Greece, with 567 beaches, 27 marinas, and 18 tourism boats. Muğla itself is a key region for Turkish tourism, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, making the pollution findings particularly concerning.

Efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing, and additional beach samples are being analyzed to determine the full extent of the contamination and safeguard Muğla’s valuable coastal resources.

Source: Sarıgerme’deki Mavi bayraklı plajlarda kirlilik alarmı

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To date, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has distributed 258,000 olive, chestnut, almond, walnut, and carob saplings, covering nearly 10,000 acres of land with new growth. Citizens interested in benefiting from the “A Seedling at Every Door” project can apply through the link https://mugla.bel.tr/fidantalep or by calling 0 (252) 212 62 90.

Mayor Aras: “Our lands will be green again after the fires”

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras, who is also the president of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting local producers in the region, known for its fertile agricultural lands. He emphasized that the municipality is particularly focused on greening areas affected by the fires.

“After the fires in Muğla, we immediately deployed our teams to assess the damage to our natural resources and the losses suffered by local producers. Muğla, the capital of pine honey production, saw extensive damage to the beekeepers’ hives. As a metropolitan municipality, we will provide hive and beekeeping equipment support to help them recover. Additionally, with the distribution of fruit saplings, producers will be able to replenish the land damaged by the fires. While we cannot bring back our lost forests, we are committed to re-greening our scorched lands,” said Mayor Aras.

Source: Fethiye Haber Bülteni

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During this period, activities such as taking breaks and picnicking in designated forest areas, roadsides, and forest edges are prohibited. Citizens can enjoy picnics only in registered areas, where businesses will ensure fire safety and proper waste management.

Responsibilities for Businesses and Residents

Businesses near forest areas must take precautions against fire risks. It is forbidden to leave flammable, explosive, and other hazardous waste materials in or near forests. During welding operations, companies must have at least two 12 kg fire extinguishers.

The burning of stubble and vegetation in and around forests is strictly prohibited. This rule applies especially to neighborhoods within or adjacent to forests. Harvesting machines in these areas must also have fire extinguishers.

Preventive Measures and Inspections

Facilities and industrial establishments near forests are required to form their own fire protection teams. Municipalities will maintain construction machinery ready for immediate use in garbage storage areas near forests. Energy transmission companies must also ensure the maintenance of lines passing through forest areas.

Patrol systems involving the Forest Administration, Gendarmerie, Police, Coast Guard, and Municipal Police Units will be implemented effectively. The use of fireworks and similar materials in and around forests is banned, and this will be monitored by local authorities.

Public Cooperation and Safety

Citizens are urged to avoid activities that could cause fires, such as leaving combustible materials from vehicles. Fire reports should be directed to the 112 Emergency hotline. Trail hunting and unauthorized boat moorings in forest coastal areas are also prohibited.

This comprehensive set of measures aims to protect Muğla’s forests during the high-risk fire season and ensure public safety and environmental preservation.

Source: Gerçek Fethiye

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By KARA GODFREY

Less than two hours from Dalaman Airport lies Fethiye, a beautiful city that is home to some of the best restaurants and activities.

Walking along the natural harbour is the perfect place to try some of the best local food before grabbing a boat and sailing out for a day on the sea on the famous Ölüdeniz beach.

Even paragliding 1800km from Babadağ Mountains is recommended as one of the best ways to see the numerous lagoons and beaches, using Sky Sports (www.skysports-turkey.com) as one of the most reputable firms in the area for even the most nervous of flyers to seem secure.

Yet renting a car and driving through the region is the best way to learn about the history of the country, looking at the ruins and artefacts of the Lycian culture, one with a fascinating past.

Lycia was part of Anatolia, what is now seen as modern-day Türkiye, and has since become the areas of Antalya and Muğla.

Dating back to the 15th century BC, the native language was lost over time, during their defeat during the Persian Wars as well as being infused with Greek after falling to Alexander the Great.

One of the most popular sights of Lycian history is the rock tombs of Fethiye and Dalyan.

Many fallen citizens were buried in these rock tombs that were built into the rocky cliffs.

Depending on the money and status of the departed, rock tombs varied from a simple hole in the wall to an ornate and grandeur door where the dead would be buried with their riches, ready to be resurrected.

Kayaköy

The ghost village of Kayaköy reveals some of the most recent history of the culture.

A large community of Greeks lived in Lycia but were forced to abandon their homes in 1920 following a population exchange with Greece.

While they were told they would return, this never came to fruition and the homes were looted for everything including the wooden beams of the roofs, leaving behind the shell of the house. The stunning empty houses are left to be explored in the open elements as they fall into disrepair.

The ghost village was also the backdrop to the famous Louis de Bernieres novel Birds Without Wings, a 1920s love story.

Xanthos-Letoon

Next, head to Xanthos-Letoon, a UNESCO site that is one of the most important religious areas that dates back to the 6th century BC.

The inscriptions provided historians with an abundance of knowledge surrounding Lycian traditions and Hellenic influence.

Once the capital of Lycia, the Temple of Leto is the main attraction, along with rock tombs of modest design.

Saklıkent Gorge

Saklıkent Gorge is also worth a drive through, albeit rather touristy, as the second largest gorge in Europe and one of the deepest in the world.

The 4km hike is a long and slippery one but is worth the ending with a beautiful waterfall gushing into the river.

Netted hammocks and low tables are perfect for those who want to catch a break, settled into the shallow water to stay cool and dip their toes while eating the local fish.

Tlos

Tlos, an ancient ruin on the hill of Lycia, was one of the six cities in the region and are one to explore along the drive.

It is one of the oldest and largest settlements, before being inhabited by Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks during the defeat of the Lycian culture.

A large Roman theatre within the hillside shows off the backdrop to the majestic ruins, along with two bathhouses just next door. It was also home in Greek Mythology to the winged horse Pegasus, and his owner Bellerophon.

Lycian Way

One of the main attractions of the holiday comes with staying up in the hills, close to the Lycian Way. Stretching from Ölüdeniz beach to Geyikbayırı in Antalya, the 540km walk takes a full three weeks to do in its entirety.

Expect to see campers walking in the sweltering heat with their backpacks and water bottles, but clever holidaymakers can choose to explore just a couple of miles (outside of the midday sun) to explore.

The rocky terrain, while slightly treacherous, opens up to carob trees, pine honey, and an abundance of herbs and fruits such as figs and pistachios throughout offering an assault on the senses of chattering birds and rich sweet smells.

Nestled along the way is Kıdrak beach; there is a charge to enter but the beach is nearly entirely devoid of tourists for an off-the-beaten-track experience.

Where to stay

To avoid the over-tourism that is plaguing the popular cities in Europe, staying at boutique hotel Mandarin & Mango within the hillside is a must.

Coming with a story, the furniture found throughout is the owner’s grandfather’s heirlooms, or is built from the rocks and the wood found within the area.

Private rooms with a balcony and hot tub, spacious and cool bedrooms and ornately build furniture made from scratch, offer no noise but the birds and the morning cockerel.

Winding down near the private pool before dinner, a five-course affair made from scratch is on offer which varies every day, even for travellers who choose to spend a fortnight.

Tango classes, cookery lessons and yoga can even be tried in the hotel throughout the year during certain months.

Dog lovers will enjoy being greeted by Pasha, the old mongrel with arthritis who lazes by the pool.

Getting there

Fly all year round from London to Dalaman with Pegasus Airlines’ daily scheduled flights. Book at www.flypgs.com, on Pegasus App or via usual sales channels.

This article was first published on 19 July 2018.

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There are many places within easy reach of Fethiye that make for an enjoyable day out. Many of them will be old favourites that you will return to time and again but sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere different for a change. Akyaka is just the place… 

Akyaka is situated Between Muğla and Marmaris at the far end of the Gulf of Gökova in the district of Ula.

The first glimpse you will get is the breathtaking view of Gökova Bay as you come over the Sakar Pass, a paragliding spot where the road descends from 670m in a series of sharp curves to the turning to Akyaka.

Backed by pine-covered mountains, Akyaka is built on a hillside with roads that descend to a small grey sand beach on the river mouth.

A distinct architectural style

One of the first things you will notice in Akyaka is the distinct architectural style.

Instead of the usual high-rise hotels, there are beautiful two-storey houses, hotels and pensions, whitewashed with intricately designed modern-day wooden cumbas and ornate frescoes.

The architect of this style is Nail Çakırhan, who began his career as a poet and journalist and later a self-taught and award-winning architect and restorer, and who first built his own house in Akyaka in the 1970s. The house was considered a classic by its blend of Ottoman, Turkish and Aegean architecture with modern and environmental requirements. Further buildings commissioned in the same style led to architecture local to Akyaka. He received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983, principally on the basis of his legacy in Akyaka.

Everything you need for a fantastic day out

Akyaka has everything you need for a fantastic day out. Relax at the beach and enjoy a swim in the shallow water.

Azmak is the name of the short but deep river that runs through Akyaka to meet the sea. “Azmak” means “running wild” in Turkish and refers to a river’s strong current. Akyaka’s Azmak is also referred to as “Kadın Azmak”, qualifying it with female attributes.

The river is deep enough for boat trips and giant freshwater fish can be seen in the clear water. 

Ducks and geese can also be seen at play on the river. “Riding the current” seems to be one of their favourite pastimes.

There are plenty of places to stop for a coffee break or to enjoy a leisurely meal. Choose a restaurant by the beach, along the riverside or in town. There’s something to suit everyone.

There are plenty of shops and craft stalls for the shoppers among you. Browse around and take home a souvenir of your visit.

If you want to combine a spot of shopping with riverside dining, visit the Olive Farm and Restaurant which can be found just outside the town on the road to the rock tombs.

The Carian City of Idyma

There’s something for history lovers too. Today’s Akyaka is situated on the site where the Carian city of Idyma was founded. The settlement of Idyma extended east of today’s Akyaka up to the village of Kozlukuyu ( 3 km)  and you can still see the remains of the Acropolis and rock tombs.

Getting there

The driving distance between Fethiye to Akyaka is 103 km. It takes approximately 1h 30m to drive from Fethiye to Akyaka. 

You can also travel by dolmuş from Fethiye Otogar.

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