Turkey is as safe as any other European country in every respect. The crime rate is relatively very low, and as Tourism is a major part of the Country's economy, foreign visitors are very well protected.

 

 

Whilst 99% of Turkish nationals are Muslim, this is a strictly Secular Country and all religions are respected. Quite apart from the Christian historical links here, there are even plans to build a church in Fethiye. It is a region where, over the centuries, many cultures have inter-mingled. Consequently, I have never seen any evidence of any cultural differences causing any problems.

 

 

Generally, the weather is warm throughout the year, but can get extremely hot in July / August. There is also a propensity to rain quite heavily in February and the beginning of March. Go to the LINKS page for the current conditions.

 

 

FETHIYE IS NOT LIKE DALYAN, where you will get BITTEN even if you are sitting in a flaming bucket of tar! However, as in any Mediterranean country, mosquitos can be a nuisance. In Fethiye, the council are quite rigorous about spraying to kill them off. They do this both overground and in the sewers and drains. Consequently mosquitos are not usually a major problem. Out in the countryside, of course, is a slightly different story. Daytime is normally okay, but they do become more prevalent at dusk. This is one of the reasons that we try to finish daily cycling before sundown and advise against night rides. Deterrent sprays are available if required at most of the shops by the roadside (these are locally known as 'Dalyan Perfume!').

 

 

 

It's Better than just OK! The food is fresh and appetising. The hygiene standards are very high and closely monitored. I can honestly say that I have never even had the slightest tummy bug whilst there!

 

 

Tap water in Fethiye is spring water from the mountains, and it is perfectly safe to drink. In fact, it is full of natural minerals and good for the health. Similarly, the roadside taps are safe to drink from. The same cannot be said for all towns though, where the water systems are not quite as advanced. However, bottled water will be available where necessary and is cheap to buy.

 

 

 

Most spares are being held in stock for us and are readily available. Any specialist parts that are not in stock can usually be obtained within 1 day, sent down from Istanbul. However, we would suggest that you should bring spares that are particularly unique to personal bikes.

 

 

Most urban areas are newly block paved and country roads are smooth enough to ride my touring bike on. The only awkward parts I've experienced are those odd few hundred yards when leaving some towns where the town and city councils don't seem to think their borders of responsibilities meet. Whilst it is still passable, it is not always up to the usual standard. The only other hazard is some of the storm grates in towns. They are no touble to mountain bikes, but they run in line with the road, and need to be taken at an angle by road bikes.

 

 

Quite simply, in towns, heavier some days than others, but not a problem for us. The traffic sometimes appears to be a bit haphazard, but it is considerably slower than in the UK. However, most of our rides are away from the busier routes, and motorised traffic is very low. Although, I would not recommend night riding, pure and simply because the traffic enforcement is not as strong then, car speeds increase and driving standards decrease.

 

 

Many people are surprised at just how clean Fethiye is. Shopkeepers even clean the pavements outside their shops on a regular basis. You just don't see the litter strewn streets that you do in the UK. There is a lesson to be learned here I think!

 

 

Medical facilities are state of the art. There is a brand new hospital in Fethiye, and an excellent private one. Even if (for some inexcusable reason) you forget your insurance and 'go private', the prices are also very low. Obviously, first aid will be carried by escort riders throughout.

 

 

Fethiye is not a tourism resort per se, but there are still plenty of bars and a few nightclubs if you are not happy watching the sun go down from the beach or harbour.