10 Best Things to Do in Fethiye, Turkey

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Looking for the best things to do in Fethiye? I utterly loved my time in this Turkish market town so, here are all of my top tips and things to add to your itinerary.

My trip to Fethiye was towards the end of my second time visiting Turkey. After a wonderful time exploring Izmir and Istanbul, we headed south to the beach for some well-deserved relaxation.

And it was brilliant – there’s no shortage of things to do in Fethiye. Beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and great beaches, plus some unexpectedly beautiful natural wonders that blew me away.

Whether you are after adventure, relaxation, or local culture, Fethiye is one of the best places to visit in Turkey.

10 Incredible Things to Do in Fethiye, Turkey

So, without further ado, here are my favourite things to do in Fethiye.

1. Visit the Amyntas Rock Tombs

Of all the activities in Fethiye, the Amyntas Rock Tombs were one of my favourites. This group of ancient rock-cut tombs is carved into the cliffs overlooking the city.

They are believed to have been built for members of the Lycian aristocracy in the 4th century BCE. 

The tombs are located in the city centre of the town. You can reach them either on foot or by bus depending on where you are staying in the Fethiye area.

When you reach the area, it’s a rather steep climb up a hill to actually get to the tombs. You also have to pay a small fee of 12TL (about £0.5) to enter the area.

Once you’ve entered the tomb complex, there’s yet another hill to climb to reach the tombs themselves. On a very hot day, this can get pretty tiring! However, it’s worth it once you reach them.

The tombs are fascinating and incredibly well-preserved considering their age. The elaborate and well-preserved design features carved columns and reliefs depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

They also provide insight into the ancient Lycian people’s religious and cultural beliefs and are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Fethiye.

Top Tip: I recommend bringing a bottle of water with you when you visit here. There is a small cafe opposite the stairs though where you can grab a drink after exploring the tombs.

2. Wade Through Saklikent Gorge

Another of my absolute favourite things to do in Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge is a natural canyon located near the city. It is one of Europe’s largest and deepest canyons and a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. 

To get to the canyon, you can either take a bus or get a private taxi. I recommend taking the bus (this is what we did) because it’s very affordable, and doesn’t take too long.

The journey from Fethiye bus station was around 45 minutes.

When you arrive, you’ll find a few restaurants and cafes surrounded by plush seating overlooking the river. You’ll also find signs advertising water sports such as river rafting, kayaking, and canyoning.

We decided not to do this, however, and simply paid the small entrance fee of 10TL (£0.44!!), and entered the gorge.

Inside the gorge

The first part is easy – boardwalks along the edge of the cliff. Then, you’ll reach another stopping point with a cafe, and places to sit. But then, and this is the good part, you get to the gorge itself. 

Formed by the rushing waters of the Saklikent River and surrounded by towering cliffs, the gorge offers a dramatic and scenic setting. We visited in June and the water was still fairly high.

To get into the gorge, we had to wade through some pretty fast rapids that came up to our knees. But, once we passed that bit, the water was much calmer. 

The gorge was beautiful, and a thankful break from the midday sun. The deeper you got into the gorge the cooler it got and the prettier it got.

The tall walls shut out the world and created a peaceful environment that was a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s without a doubt one of the best things to do in Fethiye.

✅ Book a trip to Saklikent Gorge from Fethiye, here.

3. Explore Kayakoy Ruins

Kayakoy Ghost Town was one of the more unique things we did in Fethiye. It was also one of the least touristy and we hardly saw any other people exploring the village.

You can get there by bus from the bus station, and it takes about 30 minutes. Once you’ve paid the small entrance fee of 10TL, head up the small slope into the village. 

When you enter, the sight is pretty impressive. Kayakoy is completely abandoned. Built in the 1700s by Greek Orthodox residents, it was abandoned in the early 20th century during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. But the ruins that remain are surprisingly well preserved.

The village offers a unique glimpse into the way of life of the former Greek residents. The abandoned stone houses, churches, and schools set among the hillside are very peaceful, albeit a bit eerie.

You can also see the impressive pillars and columns of the former church and the large bell tower of the former Greek school. It’s really strange to walk around, but also incredibly fascinating.

Top Tip: There’s a lady right outside the entrance to the village who has a little stall selling homemade soaps. You’ll also find another small cafe opposite selling gözleme (Turkish pancakes).

4. Visit the Blue Lagoon

Arguably one of the most famous places in all of Turkey, the Blue Lagoon is a stunning natural lagoon located in Oludeniz.

You’ll find crystal clear turquoise waters and a sandy beach, surrounded by lush green hills and the Babadag mountain range. Its close proximity to the mountains means there are several ways to see the lagoon – from the beach itself or, for the best views, from the mountains above. 

As it’s protected by the Turkish government as a nature reserve, there are strict rules in place to ensure its preservation. Nonetheless, the lagoon is popular for swimming, and sunbathing, with the parameters set out on the bay. 

The beach is also surrounded by small cafes and restaurants so you can grab a drink or a bite to eat while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The Blue Lagoon is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in Turkey and is well worth a visit if you’re in Fethiye.

5. Go Paragliding

Speaking of the Blue Lagoon, I mentioned that one of the best views of it was from above. Well, how about circling the bay while paragliding back down to the sandy beach below? 

Located just a short drive from Fethiye, most people looking to paraglide in this area jump from the top of the Babadag mountain. From there, you can see gorgeous mountainous scenery and great views of the Blue Lagoon below.

Paragliding in Oludeniz is incredibly popular, mainly due to its stunning natural scenery. In fact, it’s one of the best places to do it in the world.

Several experienced and certified paragliding operators in the area offer tandem flights, which allow visitors to fly with a professional instructor. The flights are usually around 20-30 minutes long and offer a unique and thrilling way to experience the region.

This is definitely a bucket list experience!

✅ Book a paragliding trip from Fethiye, here.

6. Take a Cable Car up Babadag Mountain

Of course, jumping off the mountain isn’t the only reason to head to the top of Babadag. You can also take a cable car up the mountain to view the gorgeous scenery from above. 

The cable car ride takes about 20-30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the scenery below. Once at the top, you can explore the summit, take lots of photographs, watch the paragliders, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

There are also a few cafes and restaurants at the top of the mountain, where you can relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the views.

We stopped here to have a smoothie and enjoy the views, which was very relaxing.

7. Visit Fethiye Museum

The Fethiye Museum is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the history behind this Turkish market town. Housed in a historic Ottoman building, it showcases the early settlement, the Ottoman period, and the more recent cultural heritage of the area.

The museum features a range of exhibits, including artefacts, manuscripts, paintings, and photographs. There are also exhibits dedicated to the local wildlife, geology, and geography of the area.

The museum is easily accessible from the town centre and is open to the public throughout the year.

8. Explore Fethiye Market

The Fethiye Market, also known as the Tuesday Bazaar, is a weekly market that takes place in the town centre. As you may have guessed by the name, it takes place every Tuesday and is popular with both locals and tourists.

You’ll find a wide range of goods in the market. There’s a fresh food section where we saw locals stocking up on vegetables and meat. There were also plenty of specialities, like spices, herbs, and cheeses. We also found souvenirs, like magnets, towels, statues, and homemade Turkish delight.

The market is a lively and colourful place and a great way to experience the culture and local atmosphere of Fethiye.

9. Take a Boat Trip to the Butterfly Valley

One of the most popular trips from Fethiye is to the popular Butterfly Valley. This remote cove is located along the Aegean coast, surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery.

The valley is named after the thousands of rare and colourful butterflies that live in the area and is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

You can catch the boat to Butterfly Valley from Oludinez. We got the bus from Fethiye and then, bought our tickets from a vendor on the beach. The boat journey itself took about 20 minutes.

We went in the early afternoon which was actually a good time to go because it meant we had the beach almost to ourselves for a while before the big tour boats arrived. 

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to book a tour boat, you can easily arrange these online. This is usually a full-day trip and they’ll take you to a few different spots along the coast, including Butterfly Valley.

Once you arrive, you can swim in the ocean, relax on the sandy beach, grab a bite to eat from one of the few food vendors or take a hike through the valley to the waterfall at the end.

There was a small price to pay to do the hike, but, if you visit at the right time of year, you can see some beautiful butterflies on the trail and explore the lush vegetation in the valley. If you visit around June, you should be able to see a few.

Then, once you’ve had your fill of butterflies and sunbathing, catch the boat back to Oludinez beach. 

Top Tip: The boat ride can be a bit rocky, so I recommend bringing tablets if you’re prone to motion sickness. Even though it’s a short journey, the waves can be brutal.

10. Sunbathe on Calis Beach

Calis Beach is the longest beach in the Fethiye area. With coarse sand, clear turquoise waters, plenty of sunbeds, and distant views of the nearby mountains, Calis Beach is a great place to relax.

The beach is surrounded by a promenade that is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, so it’s also a good spot for dining and shopping. We had a lovely meal here at one of the restaurants and it was lovely to be able to sit on the oceanfront and watch the waves.

Plus, in the evenings, Calis Beach comes alive with live music and street performers.

Whether you are seeking a relaxing day at the beach, an active day of water sports, or a night out on the town, Calis is one of the best places to visit in Fethiye.

What is Fethiye like?

Situated in the Mugla region of Turkey, near Dalaman and the oh-so-popular Oludinez, we opted for Fethiye because we wanted to experience more of an authentic Turkish town. 

Fethiye is, by definition, a market town. Located in southwestern Turkey, it’s known for its turquoise waters, historical ruins, and outdoor activities such as paragliding, kayaking, and even hiking (have you heard of the famous Lycian Way?). 

There’s a range of things to do there and a mix of modern life and traditional Turkish culture. You can order a piña colada at a beachfront restaurant if you want. But you could also buy spices at an authentic Turkish market and visit an abandoned ghost town.

It’s also a very beautiful place. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said there was stunning nature near Fethiye. The town is surrounded by scenic hills and the famous Oludeniz beach is located nearby.

Of course, this is pretty touristy these days, but it’s still a natural beauty. We had so much fun in this part of the world and there iI definitely recommend visiting Fethiye.

Where to stay in Fethiye

This was something we wondered for a while. We debated between a harbourfront hotel, a private villa or a more affordable guest house type accommodation. Overall, there are several different options, depending on what you’re looking for.

Here are some of the best areas to stay in and around Fethiye:

1. Oludeniz – for beach access and outdoor activities. This is the town connected to the famous Blue Lagoon. It has a great beach, but we found the town itself to be rather touristy with fake English shops and places trying to lure you in with ‘English Breakfasts’ and ‘Sky Sports’. Nonetheless, if you’re after a home-from-home stay, Oludinez could be just what you’re looking for.
2. Calis Beach – for a more relaxed, beach-oriented stay. Calis Beach is the largest beach in Fethiye. Alongside that beach is lined with high-rise hotels and all-inclusive resorts. The beach itself is a long strength of slightly coarse sand, but it’s still great for sunbathing and hitting the waves.
3. Fethiye City Centre – for proximity to restaurants, shops, and historic sites. The city centre is a great place to stay if you want to surround yourself with the historic side of Fethiye. You’ll be near rock tombs, the market, and plenty of restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find the main transport hub to the surrounding areas, so it is the perfect place to base yourself to go exploring.
4. Hisarönü– for a livelier nightlife scene. A small, touristy resort, Hisarönü is great for those who want to explore the nightlife of the area. Consisting mainly of small hotels and private villas, it’s ideally located between Oludinez and Fethiye. You’ll also have great views across the Taurus Mountains.

We chose to stay on the outskirts of Fethiye city centre. We rented a villa and it was perfect. Walking distance to the town, close proximity to restaurants and public transport links, and easy to explore other areas of Fethiye.

✅ Discover more of the best places to stay in Fethiye, Turkey

What airport is near Fethiye?

The journey from the airport to Fethiye city centre itself was a fairly long one. The nearest airport to Fethiye is the Dalaman International Airport which is located approximately 30 miles (50km) from the city centre. The journey will take around an hour.

The airport is very well connected, however, with direct flights from many cities in Europe as well as international flights from elsewhere in Turkey.

From the airport, the best and easiest way to get to Fethiye is to take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Fethiye

Fethiye genuinely has something for everyone. You can go sunbathing one minute and then paraglide off a mountain the next. You can see historic rock tombs that have been carved into a rock for thousands of years, explore abandoned villages, and walk through beautiful canyons that will take your breath away.

Plus, I think it has something for every kind of tourist too. Families will love the peaceful Calis beach, those who like a home-from-home will love Oludinez town, adrenaline junkies will love Babadag, and people who enjoy immersing themselves in history will love the rock tombs and museums.

So, whether you are a history buff, an adventurer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, be sure to add Fethiye to your list of must-visit destinations in Turkey.

P.S. If you’re looking to explore more of Turkey, I recommend Istanbul, Ephesus, Antalya, and Cappadocia.

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