15 Epic Things to Do In Fethiye in Turkey 2024
If there’s one place in the world that has ultimately captured my heart, it is Fethiye in Turkey. This port city, with its glistening turquoise ocean, bejewelled with bobbing traditional gulets (Turkish sailing boats) and the intoxicating aroma of sizzling doner kebabs, fills my bones with pure happiness. Locals smile and greet you with genuine warmth, almost immediately embracing you as one of their own. And I could never forget the dramatic and mountainous countryside surrounding the city, protecting mighty castles, ruins of rock tombs and high-ground walkways dating back to the ancient Lycian culture.
For these reasons, Fethiye in Turkey is one of the best places to spend a summer holiday in the Mediterranean. It’s also the ideal base to set sail on boat trips to uninhabited islands, and its miles of golden-hued beaches, backed by palm trees, beachfront restaurants and many enticing ice cream parlours, mean you can easily spend your days doing nothing. Sounds blissful, right? Well then, here’s a list of my favourite things to do in Fethiye for your next big adventure!
15 Epic Things to Do in Fethiye
1. Explore Fethiye Old Town & Bazaar
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, go to Fethiye Old Town for a quiet yet intoxicating introduction to the city. Known locally as Paspatur, this maze-like, umbrella and vine-covered area is charming yet concealing a devastating history. The Fethiye Old Town suffered repeated destructive earthquakes over the millennia, so there are only low-rise buildings here. But this unique architectural style only adds to the Old Town’s allure, and there are many independent, open-plan shops for you to browse. At first glance, these appear to be packed on top of each other, but that won’t bother you as it creates a whirlwind of colour, smells, textures and opportunities to purchase a wide variety of one-of-a-kind products, from bamboo dressing gowns to Turkish rugs and Evil Eye keyrings. This is also the place to find authentic cuisine, old stone buildings, and rows-upon-rows of spices!
2. Eat along the Waterfront
During your holiday to Fethiye, walk along its harbour, which has a lovely promenade lined with sailing boats, opulent yachts, powerful waterfall features, gardens and many restaurants. You’ll smell the aroma of freshly cooked fish from the water in front of you and see locals laughing over a shared plate of Meze – a typical Turkish appetiser of salads, pickles and roasted vegetables. Many charismatic restaurant owners will try to persuade you to dine at their establishment, and in my experience, you can’t go wrong. All of them serve delicious cuisine with the backdrop of the Mediterranean sea.
3. Spend Tuesday Morning at The Fethiye Market
Every Tuesday and Friday, Fethiye’s town square comes alive with the Fethiye Market. This is one of the largest markets along the Turquoise Coast in Turkey. Hundreds of stalls, sheltered from the sun by white canvases, are adorned with local fare, including small trinkets, clothing, kitchenware, and more. Walking around here is one of the best things to do in Fethiye because it’s an experience for all the senses, from the bustling atmosphere to the exotic spices and sweet fruits. The fruit and vegetable section is my favourite; the earthy freshness and subtle sweetness of locally produced tomatoes send a shiver of true happiness down my spine. The food section also has a seemingly limitless supply of snacks, crepes, pancakes and doner kebabs. So, lunch for the day is sorted, too!
4. Step back in time at Fethiye Museum
One of the best things to do in Fethiye for history lovers is to visit its archaeological museum. The museum offers a detailed look into the area’s history, featuring Lycian-era grave stelae in three languages, well-preserved Roman statues, a mosaic from Letoön, and various artefacts, including ceramics and jewellery.
5. Climb over Fethiye Castle
Standing majestically above Fethiye Old Town is Fethiye Castle, a testament to the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. It was once the most crucial metropolis in the Lycian region and the castle served as a protective structure for the local population. The castle, with its imposing walls and towers, is divided into inner and outer sections. The elevated Inner Castle houses storage rooms, a chapel, and living quarters, while the Outer Castle features miles of defensive walls, a cemetery, and the ruins of unknown structures. The inscriptions and symbols on the defensive walls are a fascinating glimpse into the influence of different rulers on the area.
6. Discover The Amyntas Rock Tombs
During your holiday to Fethiye in Turkey make sure to visit the Tombs of Amyntas. This ancient site allows you to learn about the ancient Lycian rulers who once reigned supreme. Plenty of monuments are scattered throughout the city dating to this period, but these rock tombs are most famous and impressive as they cut into a sheer cliff face overlooking the town. The views are outstanding! The rock tomb was built in 350 BC and was named after the Greek inscription on the side of it, which translates to “Amyntas, son of Hermagios”. Amyntas is believed to be the descendant of the Kingmaker of Cyrus the Great, General Harpagos, who became satrap (a governor of the ancient Persian Empire) of Lycia. You’ll have to walk up a well-marked staircase to reach the tomb, passing smaller tombs and a coffin (east of the town hall).
7. Hike the Lycian Way
By now, you’re familiar with the ancient Lycian culture, but if you’d like to learn more about them, follow in their footsteps along the Lycian Way. This is Turkey’s most famous hiking trail, measuring 300 miles between Antalya and Fethiye and meandering the coastline. Walking the Lycian Way is a unique experience that allows you to pick and choose which parts of the path you want to walk – no one is expecting you to walk it all. No matter which route you choose, you’ll find ancient ruins to explore: think ruined cities, tombs, and far flung villages. Make sure you’re wearing sensible shoes, no flip-flops or sandals. It’s best to tackle this walkway in spring, as most places are exposed to the sun.
8. Set sail on the Water Taxi
My most cherished memories are taking the water taxi from Fethiye to Çalis. You can find water taxis in Fethiye’s marina, and it offers a short 30-minute sailing journey. If you time it correctly, you’ll catch a magnificent sunset performance where the sky is ablaze with orange and yellow, and reflected into the gentle ripples of the water. You’ll also get to see the local way of life thriving. Usually, locals will be fishing or sailing. The boat departs every 30 minutes in summer, costing around £2.50 per person.
9. Visit the Ancient City of Tlos
One of the top things to do in Fethiye is to visit the ancient city of Tlos, a place of stunning beauty dating back to the 5th century BC. It was the longest-lasting Lycian city, remaining active until the 19th century. The site features well-preserved ruins, including tombs carved into the rock from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. At the summit, you’ll find the remains of a 19th-century Ottoman castle. The site offers breathtaking views of the Akdağlar mountains and holds mythological significance, with Bellerophon’s tomb nearby. You’ll also find an ancient stadium, pool, fountain, Lycian theatre, basilica, and the Great Bath at Tlos.
10. Enjoy a Turkish Bath
Experience a new level of cleanliness like never before with a visit to a traditional Turkish hammam. This immersive ritual spans several hours, beginning with an extended sweat in the steam room. Next, an attendant gives you an all-over body scrub, removing every last bit of dead skin. The process concludes with a refreshing cold shower. While some hammams cater to tourists with a spa-like ambience, seek out those frequented by locals for a genuine encounter. The service may be rough around the edges, but the results are remarkable. Many hotels and spas in Fethiye offer Turkish bath experiences, so ask your hotel receptionist for their local recommendations.
11. Watch the sunset from Çalis Beach
I might be slightly biased as my family owned a villa in Çalis, but one of the best things to do while staying in Fethiye is to visit Çalis Beach. It’s arguably one of the prettiest and quietest beaches in the region, running 2.5 miles. It’s used mainly by locals rather than tourists. You’ll often get stretches of the beach all to yourself or share with locals, who will be cooking up a smell with their BBQ endeavours. Many shops and restaurants overlook the beach, meaning you can spend the perfect day sunbathing, grabbing a bite to eat and then watching the sunset, which will undoubtedly leave you speechless. At Çalis Beach, you can also try your hand at water sports, spot turtles or stroll along its long promenade.
12. Walk through the Saklikent National Park
Saklikent National Park, situated east of Fethiye, is a site of great natural beauty. The park’s 11-mile length, 300-metre depth, and narrow structure make it a unique and impressive destination. The limestone gorge is also the third longest canyon in Europe, carved out by water rushing down from the Taurus Mountains in Spring. From April to November, the water levels are low enough for visitors to walk its wooden walkways. However, it’s crucial to wear appropriate clothing and shoes as there are areas where you’ll have to cross through water. The park also features numerous waterfalls and caves, but it’s important to be cautious as the water can be mighty.
13. Spend the Day Sailing around 12 Islands
My family took the 12 Island Boat Trip from Fethiye Harbour for nearly a decade every summer. The boat cruises the sea, with the crew preparing the sails and a traditional Turkish meal. Deck mattresses invite sunbathing as you travel to uninhabited islands, sea caves, and medieval ruins. Or you can spend time watching for sea turtles and dolphins. The trip passes 12 islands, stopping at spots like Cleopatra’s Bath and Rabbit Island. You can swim, snorkel, or explore the ruins, with Rabbit Island’s friendly rabbits being a highlight. Lunch includes seasonal salads, fruits, and grilled fish or chicken, and as you near Pancake Island, Turkish women in small boats offer traditional pancakes. I recommend having chocolate and strawberry pancakes! To book this trip, walk along the harbour in Fethiye and stop at one of the many stalls selling tickets. No need to pre-book!
14. Dine in Ölüdeniz
Only six miles from Fethiye is Ölüdeniz, which translates to “Blue Lagoon”. This neighbourhood boasts the Blue Flag Ölüdeniz Beach, which has a crescent form full of white pebbles, clear waters and mesmerising shades of turquoise below vibrant green foliage. Behind the beach, a protected nature reserve, you’ll find sky-scraping mountains: the peak of Babadağ rises nearly 2,000 metres high. If you’ve got the nerve, you can go paragliding off this mountain and admire the dramatic landscape below. If you’re looking for a beach day, this is where you should go; sun loungers are dotted across the lagoon’s shores, and you can rent pedal boats for family fun. In the town, you’ll find rowdy bars, souvenir shops and elegant restaurants serving some of the best deserts in Fethiye.
15. Day trip to Rhodes
Before finishing your holiday to Fethiye in Turkey, take a fascinating day ferry from Fethiye Marina to Rhodes in Greece. The fast and comfortable catamaran will have you bobbing away for just an hour and forty minutes, before arriving at the largest Dodecanese Island. Rhodes, a Greek island known for its stunning beaches and sunsets, holds a more profound charm in its rich historical layers. Beyond its scenic coastline, you’ll find well-preserved medieval streets, majestic churches, and ancient ruins. Key historical sites include the Streets of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Acropolis of Rhodes, each telling stories of the island’s past from the Byzantine, medieval, and Hellenic eras. A day is plenty of time to explore the main town, and make sure to stop off at its many independent shops and phenomenal cafes, serving delicious freshly squeezed orange juice and locally sourced salads.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Fethiye
There you have it, my guide to the best things to do in Fethiye. I might be biased, considering Fethiye is a second home to me and my favourite place in Turkey, but I think you’ll have an epic time following my suggestions. I bet, like me, you’ll want to keep coming back to Fethiye, making memories to last a lifetime.
Have you been to Fethiye? If so, what’s your favourite thing to do there?
If you’re heading abroad, check out my guides to spending a day in Mdina, Malta, and a weekend in Prague. Or perhaps you’d like to read about the best things to do in Geneva.
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