Things to do in Fethiye Turkey

Ultimate Fethiye Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
Nestled along Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is a paradise of azure waters, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes. From the ghost town of Kayaköy to the lagoon of Ölüdeniz, this Mediterranean gem offers adventure, history, and relaxation in equal measure.

Why Visit Fethiye?
✔ Stunning Beaches: Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley & Çalış Beach
✔ Ancient Ruins: Tlos, Telmessos & Kaunos
✔ Adventure Activities: Paragliding, scuba diving & hiking the Lycian Way
✔ Island Hopping: 12 Islands Boat Tour & Gemiler Island
✔ Authentic Turkish Culture: Vibrant bazaars & seafood restaurants

Top Places to Visit in Fethiye

1. Ölüdeniz & The Blue Lagoon: Turkey’s most famous beach with crystal-clear waters

Blue Lagoon is a protected nature reserve with calm, shallow waters.
Paragliding from Babadağ Mountain (1,950m) for epic aerial views.
📌 Best for: Swimming, paragliding, and Instagram-worthy photos.

2. Kayaköy Ghost Town
⭐ An abandoned Greek village frozen in time

Once home to 20,000 Greek Orthodox Christians before the 1923 population exchange.
Explore 500+ ruined houses & churches in this eerie, beautiful setting.
📌 Tip: Visit at sunset for a hauntingly beautiful experience.

3. Saklıkent Gorge
⭐ One of the world’s deepest canyons (18km long)

Walk through ice-cold river waters (rent waterproof shoes!).
Try river tubing or dine at a floating restaurant.
📌 Best time to visit: May–October (water levels are lower).

4. Butterfly Valley
⭐ A secluded paradise only accessible by boat or hike

Named after the Jersey Tiger butterflies found here.
Stay overnight in eco-friendly bungalows for a digital detox.
📌 How to get there: Boat from Ölüdeniz or hike (challenging!).

5. Tlos Ancient City
⭐ A Lycian rock-cut fortress with Roman ruins

Features a stadium, baths, and rock tombs carved into cliffs.
The acropolis offers panoramic views of the Xanthos Valley.

6. Fethiye Old Town
⭐ A charming maze of Ottoman-era streets

Explore the Tuesday Market (fresh produce, spices & textiles).
Visit the Telmessos Rock Tombs (Lycian-era cliff carvings).

7. Çalış Beach
⭐ Best spot for sunset & flamingo sightings

A 4km-long sandy beach with beach bars & water sports.
In winter, flamingos wade in the nearby wetlands.

8. Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas Island)
⭐ A Byzantine-era island with church ruins

Linked to Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), who may have lived here.
Great for snorkeling & exploring hidden coves.

9. Dalyan & Kaunos
⭐ Mud baths, river cruises & ancient ruins

See the Lycian rock tombs from a riverboat.
Relax in the healing mud baths & thermal springs.

10. The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)
⭐ One of the world’s best long-distance hikes

A 540km trail from Fethiye to Antalya. Best short hike: Kabak to Faralya (stunning coastal views).

Best Things to Do in Fethiye

1. Paragliding Over Ölüdeniz
Best tandem flight operators: Gravity & Sky Sports. Flight duration: 30–40 minutes (weather-dependent).
2. 12 Islands Boat Tour: Swim in hidden bays, snorkel at Aquarium Bay, and visit Cleopatra’s Bath.
3. Scuba Diving at Yassıca Islands: Explore underwater caves & WWII wreckage.
4. Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Best spots: Fethiye Belediyesi Hamam or Dalyan’s mud baths.
5. Jeep Safari to Yakapark: Off-road adventure through pine forests & waterfalls.
6. Horseback Riding in the Valley: Sunset rides along Çalış Beach or mountain trails.

Fethiye Travel Tips
✔ Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–November (fewer crowds, pleasant weather).
✔ How Many Days? 3–5 days (enough for beaches, ruins & boat trips).
✔ Getting Around: Dolmuş (shared taxis), rental car, or boat tours.
✔ Must-Try Food: Meze platters, grilled sea bass, gözleme (savory pancakes).

Where to Stay in Fethiye
🏨 Luxury: Yacht Classic Hotel (Old Town), Hillside Beach Club (private beach)
🏡 Mid-Range: Villa Daffodil (Ölüdeniz), Jiva Beach Resort (Çalış)
💰 Budget: Tan Pension (Kayaköy), Duygu Pension (Downtown)

Fethiye is the perfect blend of adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether you’re paragliding over Ölüdeniz, exploring ancient Lycian ruins, or sailing the 12 Islands, this coastal paradise promises unforgettable memories.

Ready to explore Fethiye? Let us know if you’d like custom itinerary recommendations!