10 Best Things to do in Fethiye, Turkey

Planning a trip to Fethiye, Turkey? You’re in for a treat! 

This beautiful town on the country’s southwest coast has a bit of everything. One day you could be floating around the famous Blue Lagoon, and the next you could be paragliding off a mountain or exploring ancient rock tombs. Talk about variety!

We also love that Fethiye makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area, and boy, is there a lot to discover! And when you’re ready to relax a little, the waterfront and the Old Town are waiting for you. 

So with all of that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do in Fethiye, plus a few tips to make planning your trip easier!

Fethiye At A Glance

Before you dive into all the fun things to do in Fethiye, here are a couple of handy tips to help you plan your visit!

Getting around: Fethiye is pretty easy to explore without a rental car, thanks to the local dolmuş minibusses. These shared buses are a convenient way to get around town and visit nearby beaches, including Ölüdeniz. In summer, you can also hop on the Çalış Water Taxi for a scenic ride across the bay to Çalış Beach, so it’s a transport option that doubles as a little sightseeing trip!

When to visit: July and August bring plenty of sunshine, but they can also be very hot! We’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Plus, you’ll have a much nicer time exploring ancient ruins without feeling like you’re melting.

How I Would Spend Three Days in Fethiye

🛁Day 1: Ancient Tombs, Ghost Towns, & Traditional Baths
Explore the ancient Amyntas Rock Tombs and the abandoned village of Kayaköy, then enjoy a traditional Turkish bath before spending the evening in Fethiye Old Town.

🪂Day 2: Paragliding & Relax On The Beach
Soar over the famous Blue Lagoon on a paragliding adventure, then wind down with an afternoon on Ölüdeniz Beach, and finish up with a sunset dinner overlooking the water.

🚢Day 3: Butterfly Valley Cruise or Gorge and Waterfall Adventure
Take your pick between a relaxing boat cruise to Butterfly Valley or an adventurous day exploring Saklıkent Gorge, Tlos, and Gizlikent Waterfall (decisions, decisions!), then go bar hopping in Fethiye.

Things to do in Fethiye

1. Paraglide over Babadağ Mountain

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Fethiye, we can’t think of anything much better than flying over the famous Blue Lagoon!

This tandem paragliding experience takes you to the top of Babadağ Mountain, where you’ll strap into a harness with an experienced pilot before launching into the sky. And don’t worry if you’ve never been paragliding before, because you don’t need any experience to join in.

Once you’re in the air, you’ll be treated to absolutely incredible views of the mountains, coastline, and bright blue water below. You’ll also get to see Ölüdeniz’s famous curved beach from above, which has to be one of the coolest perspectives in Turkey.

We think the best part is that you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about steering. Your pilot handles all of that, so your only job is to take in the views. Tough assignment, we know!

The tour starts in Ölüdeniz, around a 25-30-minute drive from Fethiye town, and includes transport up the mountain. You’ll eventually land back on Ölüdeniz Beach, which is a pretty spectacular way to finish!

With thousands of glowing reviews, this is our top choice for things to do in Fethiye. If you’ve ever wanted to try paragliding, we think this is the place to do it.

2. See the Saklikent Gorge, Tlos ruins, & Gizlikent Waterfall

Fethiye isn’t just about beaches, you know! As gorgeous as the coastline is, there are plenty of other crazy impressive natural wonders and historic sites nearby, and we think this guided day trip is a fantastic way to see them.

The first big highlight is Saklıkent Gorge, where enormous rock walls tower above a narrow river. You’ll have time to explore the canyon, walking along wooden platforms and, when conditions allow, wading through the chilly water. Trust us, that cold water will feel nice and refreshing on a beautiful Turkish summer’s day. 

You’ll also visit Gizlikent Waterfall, tucked away in a beautiful green gorge. Reaching the falls involves a bit of walking through water, but we think that’s half the fun. Just make sure you bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and not your brand new ones. 

Then there’s Tlos, an ancient Lycian city with fascinating ruins, rock-cut tombs, and amazing mountain views. We love that you get to mix a little history into a day that’s otherwise all about exploring the outdoors.

Lunch and transportation are included, so you can enjoy the adventure without having to organize the route yourself. There are separate entrance fees at some stops, but overall, we think this tour packs a lot into six hours!

3. Visit the Amyntas rock tombs

You don’t have to travel far from central Fethiye to discover some incredible ancient history. In fact, one of the town’s most famous landmarks is sitting right on the hillside above it!

The Amyntas Rock Tombs date back to the 4th century BC and were carved directly into the cliffs by the ancient Lycians. The most impressive is the Tomb of Amyntas, which has huge columns and a beautiful temple-like entrance. It’s pretty amazing to think that people created something like this more than 2,000 years ago, without the same kind of tools we have today.

But we have to be honest: getting up there does require a little effort. The tombs are in the Kesikkapı neighborhood, around a 15-minute walk from Fethiye Old Town, followed by a steep climb of roughly 100 steps.

Fortunately, the hillside views are well worth it! You’ll get a fantastic look across Fethiye and the surrounding area, so make sure you’ve got your camera ready. Entry costs around €3 per person, making it one of the more affordable historical attractions in the area.

We recommend allowing about an hour to explore the tombs. We visited early in the morning to beat the heat, and we’re glad that we did, because those steps are no joke. Late afternoon is also a good time to go, although unfortunately the site closes before sunset.

4. Relax on a cruise to Butterfly Valley

Okay, so if you’re after a chilled day on the water in Turkey, this Butterfly Valley boat trip is right up your street! The cruise leaves from Ölüdeniz and lasts about seven hours, taking you along one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in the country. 

It’s a really dreamy day out, and Butterfly Valley is the main event. It’s a secluded bay that’s tucked in between steep cliffs, and it’s named after the butterflies that live there. We didn’t actually get to spot any when we visited, but it didn’t matter – the scenery was so beautiful it almost didn’t look real. 

And it doesn’t end there. The boat also pulls up at the Blue Cave, which is famous for the way the sunlight makes the water glow, and Aquarium Bay, which has super clear water and loads of colorful fish to spot. Then there’s St. Nicholas Island, where you can explore the old Byzantine church ruins and take in the views. Basically, you get to tick off all of Fethiye’s coastal highlights on one really fun boat trip. 

Even better, lunch is included. We tucked into barbecue chicken, which smelled sooo good and tasted even better, and there was a choice of pasta and salads to have on the side. We were also able to buy drinks on board, so we got to enjoy the stunning scenery with a cold beer in hand – life doesn’t get much better than that, really! 

5. Relax at Ölüdeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon

We’ve already talked about seeing Ölüdeniz from the sky and exploring its coastline by boat, but you absolutely need to spend some time enjoying its famous beaches, too! Located around 20-30 minutes from Fethiye, Ölüdeniz is home to some of the most beautiful water in Turkey. We’re talking about incredible shades of blue and mountains covered in greenery, plus a beach that’s perfect for spending a lazy afternoon in the sunshine.

There are actually two main areas to enjoy here. Ölüdeniz Beach, also known as Belcekız Beach, is the long stretch of coastline facing the open sea. It’s free to visit, and you’ll find plenty of places nearby to grab lunch or a cold drink.

Then there’s the famous Blue Lagoon, where a curved strip of sand separates its water from the sea, meaning it’s very sheltered and calm – and thus perfect for swimming! This is the postcard-perfect spot you’ve probably seen in photos, and it’s just as beautiful in real life. There’s a small entrance fee to access the lagoon area, but we think it’s well worth it!

You can easily get here from Fethiye by dolmuş, so you don’t need to rent a car. We recommend allowing at least half a day here, especially if you want to enjoy both beaches. But to be honest, we would happily spend an entire day here if we had the time. Just be sure to look up occasionally, because you’ll probably spot paragliders floating down from Babadağ Mountain. 

6. See the beach and forest on a thrilling buggy adventure

If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual beach days and boat trips, why not explore Ölüdeniz on this exciting buggy safari? This adventure is one of the most exhilarating ways to discover the area’s natural beauty, taking you away from the busy tourist spots and into the stunning countryside.

The best part? You’ll be driving your own 4WD buggy! After a quick safety briefing and practice session, you’ll head off along dusty off-road tracks and wind through beautiful pine forests. Along the way, you’ll also get spectacular views of the mountains and sparkling sea. It’s gorgeous! 

But what makes this experience really special is that you get some relaxing beach time in addition to your adrenaline-pumping adventure. You’ll make your way to the gorgeous Gemiler Beach, where you’ll have around an hour to swim in crystal-clear waters and soak up the sunshine. We think it sounds perfect! 

It’s a fantastic choice for couples, friends, or anyone who loves a little adventure. Plus, with a maximum of eight participants, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience than on larger group excursions. For us, that always makes such a difference! Just wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting dusty, and you’ll be set.

7. Go on a sea kayaking adventure around St Nicholas Island

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore Fethiye’s beautiful coastline, why not swap the usual boat tour for a sea kayaking adventure? This half-day experience takes you around St Nicholas Island, where you’ll discover secluded beaches and some fascinating history along the way.

The adventure begins at Gemiler Beach, where you’ll meet your guide and get comfortable in your kayak before heading out onto the water. You don’t need any previous kayaking experience, either, as the tour is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

As you paddle around the island, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the rugged coastline, with plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery and learn about the area’s history. St Nicholas Island is particularly interesting because it’s home to the ruins of several Byzantine churches, making it much more than just another beautiful spot along the Turkish Riviera. And yes, it’s named after THAT St Nicholas – the one who inspired Santa Claus! 

You’ll also get to stop at secluded beaches for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. And because you’re traveling by kayak rather than a larger boat, you can explore the coastline at a slower pace and enjoy a much more peaceful experience. We absolutely love small group tours like this, and you get a good upper body workout at the same time. 

8. Wander through Fethiye Old Town

One of the best ways to experience Fethiye beyond its beautiful beaches is to spend a few hours exploring the Old Town, known locally as Paspatur. This historic neighborhood is full of narrow streets lined with traditional restaurants and cafés where you can stop for a Turkish coffee. It’s such a fun experience, and we love watching the coffee being prepared over a pan of hot sand! 

We really enjoyed checking out what the stalls in the Old Town had to offer. They’ve got everything from handmade jewelry to Turkish carpets, and if you’re not too squeamish, there’s also the Fethiye Fish Market, where you can pick out your dinner straight from the seafood stalls!

You’ll also find the historic Eski Camii mosque, which offers a glimpse into Fethiye’s Ottoman heritage. In fact, if you’re interested in history, it’s also worth venturing a little further uphill to see the remains of Fethiye Castle, which overlooks the town.

Afterward, head down to Fethiye Kordon, the waterfront promenade, for a relaxing stroll beside the harbor. It’s particularly beautiful around sunset, when you can watch the boats bobbing in the water against the mountain backdrop. We visited in the late afternoon so that we had plenty of time to explore the shops before sitting down for a sunset dinner! 

9. Enjoy a Turkish massage and spa experience

After all that exploring, why not treat yourself to a little relaxation? Turkey is famous for its traditional hammams (Turkish baths), and experiencing one is a fantastic way to unwind while enjoying a centuries-old local tradition.

A Turkish bath is quite different from your typical spa experience. Instead of just soaking in warm water, you lie on a heated marble slab while a hammam attendant exfoliates your skin with a special scrubbing mitt. This is followed by a luxurious foam wash that leaves your skin feeling baby soft – it’s so good! 

And if you fancy taking the pampering a step further, we highly recommend booking this Turkish spa experience, which includes several additional treatments. Alongside the traditional hammam, you’ll enjoy a relaxing massage to soothe tired muscles, a face mask and a heel treatment to remove dead skin. It’s a particularly appealing option after several days of hiking and lots of exploring on foot. 

The whole experience is relatively short, too, so you won’t have to sacrifice an entire day of sightseeing. Plus, with transportation included, you don’t even need to worry about getting there yourself, so it really couldn’t be easier. 

We love this experience because you really get two for the price of one. You get a full-on pampering session, and you’ll also be experiencing a really important part of Turkish culture. We can definitely get on board with that!

10. Explore the Kayaköy Ghost Village

If you have a penchant for all things spooky, make sure to head to Kayaköy Ghost Village. This abandoned village sits just 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Fethiye, and it’s a fascinating open-air museum with lots of houses and churches that have been deserted for over a century now. 

So, how did an entire village end up abandoned?

Well, Kayaköy was once a thriving Greek Orthodox community known as Levissi. However, in 1923, its residents were forced to leave during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Although new families arrived, most eventually moved elsewhere, and the village just fell into ruin. 

Today, you can wander through the deserted streets and explore the remains of old buildings as you imagine what life must have been like here. Admittedly, it is a little eerie, but that’s what makes it so interesting! Plus, the hillside location offers some fantastic views over the surrounding countryside.

You can easily reach Kayaköy by car, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a scenic hiking trail from Ölüdeniz that takes approximately two hours. We LOVED hiking to find an abandoned village – it was right up our alley! 

Once you get here, there’s a small entrance fee to explore the ruins, so bring some cash to pay with. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes, as the paths can be uneven and rocky. We spent about 2 hours exploring in total because we climbed all the way to the upper church and the hilltop flagpole, but if you stick to the lower paths and main church ruins, you can see most of it in about an hour. 

Where to Stay in Fethiye, Turkey

If you’re wondering where to stay in Fethiye, we recommend basing yourself in Fethiye town! We love the idea of staying near the waterfront, where you can enjoy beautiful harbor views and have plenty of restaurants and cafés right on your doorstep. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of the historic Old Town and marina, which means easy access to many of Fethiye’s best boat trips.

Here are three great places to stay, depending on your budget!

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for somewhere special, Yacht Classic Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel right on Fethiye’s waterfront, overlooking the marina. The rooms are beautifully decorated, many with sea views! Or you can book a Water Villa with direct access to an infinity pool, which really takes those vacation vibes to the next level. 

There are also two outdoor swimming pools, a spa with a traditional Turkish hammam, and an excellent waterfront restaurant called Mori. Rooms go for $300 USD per night during peak season. Book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$

For somewhere comfortable without a luxury price tag, take a look at Dedeoğlu Port Hotel. This welcoming hotel sits right across from Fethiye’s marina, just a short walk from the Old Town and plenty of restaurants.

The rooms are bright and comfortable, with air conditioning and modern amenities, and we highly recommend booking one with a sea view if possible. But what really makes this place stand out is its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast overlooking the harbor. 

We think it’s a great middle-ground option if you want a convenient location and beautiful views without spending a fortune. Rooms average around $250 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, Infinity City Hotel is a great option right in the heart of Fethiye’s Old Town. The rooms are simple but modern, with comfortable beds and air conditioning. There’s also a complimentary buffet breakfast available each morning, which is a huge bonus when you’re trying to keep costs down.

However, the real selling point here is the location! You’ll be surrounded by the shops and restaurants of Paspatur, and the marina and a bus stop are just a couple of minutes away on foot. Rooms start from $115 to $150 USD and can be booked on Booking.com!

See all of the hotels available in Fethiye here for more options!

Thanks for reading!

Fethiye blew us away! From the charming Old Town to the stunning blue waters in Ölüdeniz and the historic ruins, we never wanted to leave. This list of top things to do highlights the best of Fethiye, but I encourage you to get off teh beaten path and explore for yourself – there is so much to uncover!

Before you go, check out the rest of our Turkey blogs. We have plenty of resources to help you plan a memorable trip, and I’ll leave a few related destination guides to inspire your next trip. Cheers!

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