ÜZUMLÜ

In the heart of the mountain region of Turkey's southwest coastal area in the Mugla municipality , abundant in agricultural and archaeological riches, is a peaceful place where one can experience village life as it has been for centuries. Üzümlü village (Village of Grapes) is so called because of the prolific growth of grapes in a place where other fruits are difficult to cultivate because of the arid climate and high altitude. Üzümlü is about 40 kilometres from the largest town in the area, Fethiye, and attracts local attention not only for the character of the village itself, but because of its closeness to the important site of the beautiful Lycian ruins at Cadianda.

Üzümlü has all the gentle charm of a traditional village; one that is full of life and which has in no way surrendered its character to tourism. To visit Üzümlü is to become part of a community, whether taking refreshment in the local tea house, pottering round the small outdoor weekly market, or watching women weave the textiles – dastar – which the area is renowned, on looms outside their houses.

There are some fine old Ottoman houses in Üzümlü, a handsome mosque and a handful of local lokantas including a pide (Turkish pizza) shop and an excellent bakery and a colourful, weekly fruit market.