Olive Ridge sits in the quiet village of Gökçeovacık, just above the coastline where Göcek’s chic marina and Fethiye’s lively waterfront are only a short drive away. This area is known for its unspoilt scenery, pine forests, olive groves, and dramatic mountain backdrops that roll down to the sea. Göcek itself is famed for its sheltered bays and turquoise waters, a haven for sailing and boat trips. You’ll also find boutique shops, waterside cafés, and a cluster of excellent seafood restaurants along the marina.
In Fethiye, the atmosphere is more vibrant, with a colourful bazaar, fresh markets, and a palm-lined promenade that comes alive at sunset. The region is rich in history too, from Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs to ancient ruins dotted through the hillsides. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers hiking and cycling trails, boat tours, and water sports, all within easy reach. Olive Ridge's location means you can dive into it all or retreat back to your tranquil hillside hideaway.
The Region
Situated on the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye is named after one of its most famous ‘sons’, the aviator Fethi Bey. An earthquake in 1957 damaged central Fethiye, so many of its buildings have been built since then.You can, however, see a Lycian theatre, Lycian tombs (including the rock tomb of Amyntas) and visit the Fethiye museum for more history and artefacts. The centre of Fethiye boasts a covered market area, half of which is given over to the local fish market where you can choose your catch from one of the centre stalls and then get it cooked in any of the surrounding restaurants. The whole of the area is shadowed by the mountain of Babadag where paragliders take to the skies, landing on the beach at Oludeniz.
Fethiye’s Tuesday market is worth a visit. Traders come from the outlying villages to sell the wares from their smallholdings. Furrowed browed men with cloth caps, and ladies in floral bloomers will sell their produce amongst the lads trying to get you to buy their designer fakes! It’s all in good humour. Try a little bartering and see if you can do some good business. Go to the spice stall and you will get some amazing spices. Look for the Kar Serbeti, like a cinnamon slush or Ayran, a salty yoghurt drink both guaranteed to cool you down.
Oludeniz & Calis are where people tend to flock for a beach but there are now a few private beach clubs along the coast between Oludeniz and Fethiye which are worth a visit. There are also beach clubs situated around the lagoon, all with sunbeds, restaurants and drinks service. Hisaronu is more commercialised and hosts a large selection of bars, restaurants and gift shops.
