boobaby

Hello, has anyone driven the Pamukkale to Fethiye route? I thought it was pretty straight forward but now I see there are a few possible routes we could take. One via Mugla and the other one through Cameli. I would really appreciate it anyone had any experience with this. Which one is more scenic? Quicker drive? Better signposted? The Cameli one seems to be a smaller road with more squiggly lines, is it more mountainous?

We intend taking the coastal route down to Antalya after Fethiye. Would really appreciate if anyone had any insights. Thanks!

Fra_Diavolo

I drove this route four years ago, but can't recall which roads I took. I generally choose the bigger road and more direct routing. What I do remember is that the driving in Turkey is quite easy, the roads well marked and in good condition. The mountain scenery on the way is spectacular, as are the coastal vistas on the second leg of your journey. I did find Antalya large and busy, and was relieved when my hotel informed me that the car rental firm would come and pick up the car rather than have me drive to the airport.

So, I'm more or less topping this in case OC comes by!

otherchelebi

Fra_Diavolo, you probably selected the faster Mugla route, although the distances and the times seem similar.

I have never driven from Denizli to fethiye but have driven from Bodrum and selcuk and aydin to fethiye through Mugla and from BAfyon and Burdur to fethiye through Tefenni and Cavdir (the other, almost Cameli route)

Eser and i both enjoy the squiggly line roads if we are not stuck for time, and I enjoy taking curves on mountain climbs.
However, I will not recommend eithet for visitors because, these roads have frequent repairs, meaning gravel layers limiting your speed and becoming hazardous and if traveling in heat of Summer they can be boring because you traverse some rather bare mountains, cheering as you hit the valleys between them. If traveling in Winter, a part of this route can be treacherous due to unexpected snow and freezing rain also.

On the other hand some of the mountain views and the final descent towards the plains of Fethiye are breathtaking.

I would select the Mugla route which will give you a lovely green route after the descent from Mugla with excellent roadside restaurant and cafe choices in pleasant shade.

Check the thread on the tyres of your rental car and the breaks before you drive off if the car has some miles on it. As well as windshield water which is usually forgotten. I recommend insect residue cleaning liquid which you can get at most gas stations. Prefer to buy your fuel at Shell, BP, Opet or Total.

There are no self-service stations in Turkey. If the attendent washes your windshield, tip him a Lira or two. Some gas stations will give you a free wash, some by just driving under a car shower.

Croesus

I've done the Çameli and Gölhisar routes several times but never the Tavas-Muğla route (although I've done that Muğla-Fethiye section a few times as well).
My attitude is that the Tavas route probably doesn't justify the extra distance (for a view of the Gulf of Gökova) compared with the Çameli route through the mountains - 1555 metres at one point.
I took the Fethiye to Çameli road most recently a couple of years ago and it has been totally upgraded and is very easy now - coming the other way just follow the signposts to Fethiye - and the road swooping down to Fethiye at the end is a pleasure.
Taking the main D400 from Muğla to Fethiye is not nearly as nice. And since you'll be taking the Lycian coast road to Antalya afterwards, my recommendation is the Çameli road through the mountains.

boobaby

Thank you so much for all this information. We're thinking of taking the Cameli route and stopping at Golhisar along the way. We leave in 9 days (not that I'm counting!)

OC, I really appreciate all the tips about the rental. My husband will be doing most of the driving, so I'll make sure he checks everything before we set off. Thank you again!