Weather lowdown
Despite the fact that if you speak to a local around the Calis Beach area of Turkey you will be told there is simply a summer and winter season throughout the year, March is generally classified as being the start of spring, which is the lead up to the heat that the pending summer months bring. This is a wonderful time to experience the slowly changing seasons, and despite the fact that it is still rather quiet at this time in terms of tourism and visitors, the weather becomes milder as the month progresses.
You can expect an average temperature of around 13°C, which can rise up to 18°C as an average high, during the warmer times of the day. Evenings are still rather chilly however, so do remember a jacket, as the evening low can drop to 8°C, meaning extra blankets may be required for a warm night's sleep!
Rain is slowly diminishing as we move towards the summer months, and this month in particular experiences an average of 40mm of rain throughout the month, which affects around 8 days on average despite that however, these are not generally prolonged downpours and will leave behind blue skies. To add weight to this, you can expect more in the way of sunshine now the winter has gone, with an average of 10 hours throughout the month a great excuse to head into the outdoors and explore!
Again, it is still perhaps a little too soon to be indulging in swimming and major beach time, although a walk along the seafront during a sunny day is a particularly picturesque activity to enjoy. The average sea temperature during this month sits around the 16°C mark on average, the same as February, but towards the end of the month you will notice it warming up slightly.
Where to stay
The spring months mean more and more hotels are beginning to slowly open up for the upcoming summer season in Calis Beach, and towards the end of March you will certainly see a slightly larger range available to choose from. One of those is Blue Green Residence, which is situated between the resort and Fethiye. This choice allows you to pick 1-3 bedroom apartments, which are rented on a room only basis, close to the beach and town centre. This gives you a home away from home feel, with spacious and modern surroundings, and a terrace overlooking the large swimming pool.
Yasemin Hotel is just 10 minutes' walk from the town centre, and located right on the promenade, which makes getting around easy and picturesque. Choose between B&B or half board, with an on-site a la carte restaurant catering for your needs. This a great choice for couples and families.
Similarly, Sevi Classic Hotel gives you the same half board or B&B option, and has been recently renovated to a high standard. All rooms have an LCD TV, which is great for entertaining the kids or during a rainy afternoon, and the on-site pool is ideal for those warmer days, which are becoming plentiful at this time of year.
What to do
The clear waters around Calis Beach and the surrounding Fethiye area are perfect for spotting all manner of different marine life. European Diving Centre are a great choice for not only hiring gear, but also excursions and also PADI certification you can go away on holiday and come back with a new skill and qualification!
The province city of Mugla is only 1.5 hours away from the resort, which is a very pleasant drive with some of the beautiful passing scenery to take in. This is a vibrant university city, with great nightlife to enjoy if you plan on spending the night there. For a day trip however, there is plenty to see and do, with great shopping opportunities. Mugla Museum is a must do for culture fans, and the even better news is that it is totally free to visit. The weekly market is also a great place to experience traditional life in the city.
If markets are your thing then Fethiye's Tuesday market should be on your list. There are many excursions to the market if you prefer to go with a guide, however, it's easy to visit there on your own steam also. You will find plentiful fruits and vegetables on offer, as well as craft items and clothing too. This is a great place to haggle for a few bargains.
Restaurants & nightlife
Whilst on your March holiday you might have a craving for a good curry, and if the mood does take you then you need to be heading to The Curry Palace, right on the main street. This is a great choice for those who are so hungry they could fill their boots, because the portions are large and it offers great value for money.
Maybe it's pizza you're craving, and in that case Pizza Calisto is for you. Set in green surroundings, totally in nature despite being close to the centre of town, you can choose from a huge range of pizza toppings. This is a great choice for families.
Alternatively, The Nil Bar is a beach café which is great for sitting and chilling out, whilst you enjoy the sunset with a drink in your hand.
