Are you planning your next trip and considering Fethiye as one of your options? You’re in the right place. As the Fethiye Tours team, we’ve been guiding visitors through the most beautiful corners of this region for over 20 years. We live and breathe Fethiye, and we’ve created this guide to share our professional insights and make your trip truly unforgettable. This isn’t just a list of places; it’s a curated guide from local experts who know all the best spots, hidden gems, and insider tips.
Fethiye is a place of beautiful contrasts. Walk through our town, and you’ll see the modern amenities of a thriving city alongside greenhouses filled with fresh produce, a testament to its deep agricultural roots. Beyond the popular tourist spots, it’s a place where diverse cultures have coexisted for centuries, surrounded by 9,000 plant species and bathed in over 300 days of sunshine a year. It’s a place we are proud to live in, and we can’t wait to show you why.
Tourism plays a key role in Fethiye’s economy, with opportunities ranging from classic beach holidays to eco- and adventure-based activities. Besides tourism and commerce, Fethiye also benefits from agriculture, forestry, fishing, and beekeeping
Throughout history, Fethiye has grown steadily, enriched by remnants of past settlements around this port of call. At present, projects are being drawn up to protect its historical and cultural heritage, and renovation efforts are underway. In line with modern city development, there are continuous improvements in infrastructure, transportation, education, health, and other social services. Fethiye is proud to have acquired the fundamental facilities of a modern city and continuously strives for further improvement
Climate
In Fethiye, we’re blessed with a classic Mediterranean climate. That means our summers are long, hot, and gloriously dry, while our winters are mild and rainy, making the landscape lush and green. From June to August, the days are bright and sunny, with temperatures often climbing to 30-35°C. And while a few late July days can get up to 40°C, a refreshing coastal breeze always rolls in at night to cool things down. For most of the summer, the sky is a stunning, cloudless blue, and you can count on about 12 hours of sunshine a day to enjoy.
In the winter months, especially in December, January and February, the air temperature usually varies between 10-15°C. Although rare, the temperature can drop below 5°C at night. The occasional heavy rains make nature green during this period of the year and contribute to the freshness of the air.
The most stable weather conditions in Fethiye are spring and autumn. During March-May and September-November, nature is at its most colorful and vibrant, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C. These months are ideal for both agriculture and outdoor activities
Getting to Fethiye
Fethiye is easily accessible by land and air. The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is about a 60-minute drive away. You can choose from a few options to get to the city center:
- Airport Shuttles (Havaş or MUTTAŞ): These are a great, budget-friendly option that run frequently between the airport and Fethiye’s main bus terminal.
- Private Transfers: For a seamless and comfortable start to your vacation, we highly recommend a private transfer. As a local tour company, we can arrange for a driver to meet you directly at the airport, handling your luggage and getting you to your accommodation quickly. It’s especially convenient for families or groups.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport, but they tend to be the most expensive option.
If you’re already in Turkey, you can find regular bus services to Fethiye from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
Our Favorite Fethiye Experiences
Every guide on our team has their own favorite spots in Fethiye. Here are a few of the places we love, with some insider tips we’ve gathered over our years of exploring;
Old Town (Paspatur)
Our Old Town, or “Paspatur” as we call it, is the heart of Fethiye. We love wandering through its maze of cobblestone streets, which feels like stepping back in time. You can find everything from traditional handicrafts to local spices. The real magic happens in the evening when the lanterns light up the winding alleyways, and the aromas from the restaurants fill the air. Our personal favorite is a small café tucked away near one of the seven entrances, where they serve the best Turkish coffee and tell stories of the town’s history.
Tuesday Market
Fethiye’s Tuesday Market isn’t just a market; it’s a weekly event that we locals look forward to. It’s where our farmers bring their very best produce—the vibrant, seasonal kind you can’t get at a supermarket. Every week, it transforms the riverfront into a bustling town square. You’ll see vendors proudly displaying everything from fresh figs and pomegranates to handmade lace and local cheeses. It’s a feast for the senses, with the smells of sizzling kebabs mixing with the sound of friendly haggling. We love to go for breakfast and grab a gözleme, a savory stuffed flatbread, and just take in the energy. It’s a genuine slice of our community life, and it’s the perfect place to get to know Fethiye in a way you can’t from a hotel.
Ghost Town (Kayakoy)
Visiting Kayakoy, known as the “Ghost Town,” is a truly moving experience. We’ve led countless tours here, and the silence that hangs over the empty stone houses always makes you pause. Each path and staircase tells a story of the Greek and Turkish families who once lived here in harmony. The most poignant moment for us is standing at the top of the hill, looking down at the empty village, and imagining the lives that were lived here.
Pro-Tip: To truly appreciate its history, we recommend visiting with a knowledgeable local guide. They can share the stories behind the stones, making it a much deeper experience than simply seeing ruins. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are uneven.
Saklikent Gorge
The moment you step onto the wooden walkway at Saklikent Gorge, you can feel the air temperature drop. The cool, rushing water from the mountains is a welcome relief on a hot day. The most exciting part for us is wading through the freezing water to get to the deeper sections. It’s an adventure for everyone—we’ve seen kids and grandparents alike laughing as they navigate the stream. We love taking our guests here for an adrenaline-filled day that includes wading through the gorge, a bit of mud-mask fun, and a delicious lunch of freshly caught trout.
Oludeniz
Ölüdeniz is more than just a beach; it’s a natural wonder that has made Fethiye a world-class destination. The sea’s iconic turquoise color and unparalleled clarity are what draw visitors here year after year. For the best experience, we always recommend that our guests visit the ticketed National Park section of the beach, where the water is calmest and most pristine.
Insider Tip: To capture that iconic photo you’ve seen in postcards, you can find stunning angles from the small rock formations on the far right side of the main public beach. Also, be sure to stick around for sunset to watch the paragliders land; it’s a spectacular sight you won’t want to miss.
Babadag Cable Car
At an altitude of 1936 meters, Babadag hosts tens of thousands of paragliding flights every year. These last 25-30 minutes and land on the beach. These paragliding flights, which have a very important place for adrenaline enthusiasts, are mostly for watching the unique view of Oludeniz from a bird’s eye view.
Babadag Cable Car is also recommended for everyone who wants to watch these beauties from the summit. In Babadag, which is full of rocks and cliffs, the cable car was put into service after a very difficult construction process. Thus, you can find the opportunity to watch Oludeniz, a tourism paradise, and its wonderful nature.
Amintas Rock Tombs
Amintas Rock Tombs date back to the Lycian period. They are believed to date back to the 4th century BC and are carved from stone. More than 100 steps lead up to Amintas and they are still in good condition. Amintas is interpreted as “the most magnificent of all tombs’’. They are clearly visible from the lower level. As you approach this site, the beauty and majesty of the tombs become clearer. From the Amintas Rock Tombs, you’ll also get a clear view of Fethiye town, Knight Island, and all gulf.
These impressive tombs were likely built for noblemen or high-ranking individuals, with the stone being suitable for carving and detailed work. Many sarcophagi in this area are open to visitors. This tomb has two floors, and a Gothic-vaulted lid on the front part draws attention. Figures depicting battles are visible on both parts of the cover. These figures also provide insights into a person’s life. Frescoes are particularly interesting for visitors. Amintas Rock Tombs, considered one of the symbols of the city, are also the most important ruins of the ancient city of Telmessos.
Very few artifacts from this important city have survived to this day. This situation increases the importance of the tombs even more. Rock tombs can also be found in many parts of Anatolia outside of this region. There are various types of monumental rock tombs, including those shaped like temples and houses. The purpose of temple-like rock tombs is to ensure that people of high status, such as a king, continue to be venerated after their death. These tombs, in which the rocks are carved starting from the upper point, are the result of great effort.
Calis Beach
Among the blue flag beaches, one of the best is Calis Beach, located in the center of Fethiye. It’s one of the most appreciated beaches with its clean, sandy shoreline and relaxing atmosphere. Apart from being one of the longest beaches of Fethiye, Calis is a beach where sea turtles lay eggs in April and November. You can have a pleasant time with many water sports activities such as wind and kite surfing and parasailing.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley, home to countless butterflies, is a designated protected area. This world-famous valley is located at the foot of Babadag. Its pristine natural environment is protected with a no-construction policy. A dedicated facility operates within the valley to safeguard its natural life and implement conservation projects.
The facility offers visitors accommodation in tents and tree houses and has a daily capacity of 500 guests. In Butterfly Valley, which spans 100 acres, studies are carried out in the fields of ecological agriculture, sea cleaning, and clean energy. You can join tours and discover butterflies in the valley, which is home to more than 80 butterfly species and tiger butterfly species.
Butterflies like humid, secluded and calm environments. While going deeper into the valley, you can explore it and observe the butterflies. There are 7 bays around the valley. These are Knight Island, Samanlik, Hilliside, Aquarium, Dalyan, Red Island, and Calis Beach. During your vacation, you can join tours in these bays and enjoy swimming in different waters.
Yakapark
Located 28 km from Yaka Village, where the ancient city is situated, Yakapark is a work of art shaped by natural springs and enhanced by human creativity.
As you sip your cold drink at one of the open-air bars in the park, the trout in the canal passing through in the middle of the bar counter seem to joke with you, slipping through your hand playfully. Here, amidst the surrounding pools, original water mill, flowers, trees, and tiny waterfalls, you may wish to stop time in this splendid scene where human ingenuity enhances nature.
Fethiye Activities
Don’t think of Fethiye as just a place of sea, nature, and history — it offers so much more. Did you know that there are tours dedicated solely to Fethiye’s activities? We have prepared a list of the best activities you should do in Fethiye. If you are ready to read the list full of excitement, action, and adventure — let’s dive in:
Paragliding
You will float in the blue sky in the unique Oludeniz view by making a tandem jump accompanied by a pilot with a parachute. While soaring in the skies of Fethiye with a parachute, .you can see not only Oludeniz but also the wide Esen Plain and the Dalaman coasts stretching toward Patara Beach, often while passing through the clouds. These beauties, which you will hardly see again, will remain as a memory for you after your trip to Fethiye. On the route of this flight, which lasts about 25 minutes, the view angle extending from Butterfly Valley to Kaya Village will take you to very different worlds.
Scuba Diving
“Fethiye is one of the best and most popular diving destinations, with options suitable for all ages and experience levels. You can explore mysterious caves by diving and navigate through the mysterious underwater world. There are also different options for archaeological dives. You can join the diving tours organized every day and discover the wonderful mysterious diving sites on the Fethiye-Kas or Fethiye-Marmaris routes. In special tours, you can enjoy the tour with an experienced instructor diver and equipped diving suits.
12 Islands Boat Tour
It’s a must-do tour for anyone vacationing in Fethiye. The tour boats in Fethiye harbor visit various naturally beautiful bays daily, offering unforgettable moments to their guests. The tour starts at 10:30 AM and ends around 5:30 PM. Tour boats stop by various islands and bays to ensure you have a good time. Some of these islands include: Flat Island, Boynuzbuku Bay, Aquarium Bay, Shipyard Island and Red Island
Jeep Safari
Jeep safari tour is a must for anyone with an adventurous spirit, offering a unique chance to explore Fethiye’s breathtaking natural landscapes. You can enjoy your vacation just like in your childhood by getting covered in dust. You can participate in jeep safari tours organized by many travel agencies by choosing the direction you want. Discovering ruins, witnessing village culture and tasting delicious food are among the bonuses of this wonderful safari.
ATV tours
The favorite of adventure enthusiasts who want to visit the cultural and natural beauties of Fethiye are ATV tours. With these daily tours, you can make your Fethiye trip memorable. During the exciting and enjoyable tour, the latest model ATV vehicles, equipment and expert guides will accompany you.
As you can see, the list of the things to do in Fethiye is long enough. In fact, there were many other things we wanted to add, but we wanted you to discover them on your own. Fethiye activities start with the first light of day and continue until the evening. Hundreds of tour companies prepare various tour programs for these activities. You can Whatsapp us to get detailed information about these tours.
Food & Beverages
All kinds of vegetables and fruits are grown in the fertile soil of this beautiful region, so you can find many delectable dishes of Turkish cuisine. There are numerous restaurants in the center of the town and in Ölüdeniz, Çalış and Göcek, serving seafood, kebab, spit kebab, hors d’oeuvres, pastries and vegetarian menus. If you wish to have a different lunch or dinner, you can cook your own meat on a brazier, while enjoying the outstanding panorama of Kaya Köyü, feast on trouts at Yakapark and around Saklıkent, buy your fish or meat from the market place and have it cooked at the small restaurants, or try the pancakes, filled with herbs typical to the region.
For entertainment during the night, you will find bars with a different atmosphere in Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, Çaliş, Göcek, Old Town and around the Marina. If you wish to go to these later, you can sit at one of the cafes along the seashore and sip your Turkish coffee while watching the fishermen repairing their nets.
Conclusion
Fethiye isn’t just a destination—it’s a place that leaves you with stories to tell long after you’ve gone home. Whether you’re sailing across the turquoise bays, walking among ancient ruins, or tasting trout by a mountain stream, every corner has something memorable to offer. Our team loves sharing these experiences with visitors, not as a checklist of sights, but as moments that make you feel part of this town. If you’re curious to discover Fethiye in your own way, we’d be happy to help you plan a trip that matches your style and pace.
Ready to book your adventure? We’re here to help you experience Fethiye with the confidence of a local. Browse All Our Tours on Our Website or Contact Us Directly on WhatsApp to start planning your perfect trip. We’re always happy to answer your questions and share our love for Fethiye.
