Planning a trip to Fethiye, Turkey? We’ve got the perfect three-day itinerary for you.
We loved Fethiye, but we have to admit there’s a LOT to fit into just three days, and it’s not all beaches and boat trips! We’ve put together this itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Fethiye, with a nice balance of history, adventure, and, of course, beach time!
Stick with this itinerary, and we can promise you a very fun few days in one of Turkey’s most vibrant destinations. We’ve also included fantastic places to eat and plenty of practical tips along the way.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Fethiye was this paragliding adventure. Fly off of Mt. Babadag, get the best views of Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon, and get your adrenaline pumping!
Itinerary Overview
The good news is you don’t need to rent a car! The local dolmuş minibusses make getting around pretty easy, especially when you’re heading to Ölüdeniz. We recommend grabbing a taxi for a couple of trips, but otherwise, public transport will do the trick.
Here’s what we’ve got planned for your 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!), and then go bar hopping in Fethiye.
*This itinerary was crafted around staying in Paspatur (Old Town Fethiye)
The Fethiye region is a bit sprawling, and getting around can be time-consuming, so choosing a centrally located hotel is essential. We’ve created this itinerary based on staying in Paspatur, Fethiye’s historic center. Dedeoğlu Port Hotel is our favorite hotel in the area because it offers luxury without breaking the bank. Read our blog about Where to Stay in Fethiye for more detailed info about hotels and areas.
Day 1
Breakfast – Köşe Kahve Fethiye
Fethiye isn’t much of an early morning town, so we’ll keep breakfast nice and simple today. Head to Köşe Kahve when it opens at 8:30 am to grab some breakfast and a coffee before we start exploring.
It’s a simple, local spot, but we love its cozy, colorful vibe and that there’s plenty of outdoor seating. The best part is that this café is just down the street from the entrance to the Amyntas Rock Tombs, our first stop of the day, so you won’t have far to go once you’ve finished eating!
Morning – Visit the Amyntas Rock Tombs
After breakfast, it’s time to explore one of Fethiye’s most famous historical landmarks! The Amyntas Rock Tombs sit on the hillside above town, and they date all the way back to the 4th century BC.
These impressive tombs were carved directly into the cliffs by the ancient Lycians. The most famous 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 over 2,000 years ago!
Now, getting up there does require a little effort. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Paspatur, followed by a steep climb of roughly 100 steps. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which only takes about 5 minutes and is pretty cheap.
We recommend arriving around 9 or 9:30 am to beat the midday heat. We visited early and were glad that we did, because those steps are no joke! Fortunately, the views across Fethiye are well worth the climb. It takes around an hour to explore the tombs, and you’ll need to pay approximately 170 TL ($3.50 USD) for entry.
Mid-day – Explore the Kayaköy Ghost Village
Next up, we’re heading to Kayaköy Ghost Village, an abandoned village about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Fethiye. It’s a little eerie, but that’s all part of the appeal.
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 fell into ruin.
Today, it’s a fascinating open-air museum, and you can wander through the deserted streets and explore the remains of old houses and churches. It’s a very unique thing to do, and the hillside location offers some fantastic views over the countryside, too.
We spent about two hours exploring, as we decided to climb all the way to the upper church and hilltop flagpole. However, you could see most of the main sights in an hour if you stick to the lower paths.
We recommend taking a taxi here from Fethiye, which takes around 15-25 minutes. There’s a small entrance fee, so bring some cash, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes because the paths are pretty rocky!
Lunch – Qaya Lounge
By the time you’ve finished exploring Kayaköy, it will probably be around 1 or 1:30 pm, so let’s grab some lunch before heading back to Fethiye! We recommend Qaya Lounge, which is conveniently located right outside the ruins.
This spot is well known for its smash burgers, and you might even smell them cooking before you see them – that’s actually what drew us in here in the first place! We definitely worked up an appetite exploring the abandoned village, so big juicy burgers were exactly what we needed.
Afternoon – Enjoy a Turkish massage and spa experience
After all that exploring, we think you’ve earned a little pampering! Turkey is famous for its traditional hammams, so we highly recommend booking this Turkish spa experience for 4 pm. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy lunch and get back to Fethiye, and if you’ve got some time to spare, you can always wander around town first.
Now, a traditional Turkish bath is a little different from your usual spa experience! You’ll lie on a heated marble slab while an attendant exfoliates your skin with a special scrubbing mitt, followed by a luxurious foam wash. Trust us, your skin will feel baby soft afterward.
But the pampering doesn’t stop there. This experience also includes a relaxing massage, face mask, and heel treatment, so you’ll leave feeling thoroughly refreshed. The whole thing takes around 70 minutes, and round-trip transportation is included, which makes life nice and easy. We think it’s a fantastic way to unwind after a busy morning, and you get to experience an important part of Turkish culture at the same time!
Evening – Wander through Paspatur (Fethiye Old Town)
After your Turkish bath, you should be really clean, relaxed, and ready to explore Fethiye Old Town! The historic district is known as Paspatur, and it’s full of narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants. It’s a really fun place to wander around, so take your time checking out the little shops and soaking up the atmosphere.
One spot that we think you should definitely stop by is the Eski Camii Mosque. Now, it may not be the most impressive mosque you’ll ever see in Turkey, but it dates all the way back to 1790, which is pretty cool!
We also loved wandering down to Fethiye Harbor and stopping for a drink by the water. And if you fancy stretching your legs a little further, you can continue along Fethiye Kordon, the waterfront promenade. But don’t worry if you don’t get around to that last one tonight, because we’ve saved some time for it on day three!
Dinner – Get dinner at the Fethiye Fish Market
For dinner tonight, we’ve got something a little different planned! Head to the Fethiye Fish Market, where you can actually pick out your own fresh fish and have a nearby restaurant cook it for you. How cool is that?
Here’s how it works. First, browse the fish stalls and choose whatever fish strikes your fancy. Then, pick one of the restaurants surrounding the market, and the fish seller will send your purchase over to be prepared. You can order some meze and drinks from the restaurant while you wait, and then tuck into your freshly cooked seafood – it’s a cool setup, that’s for sure.
We had so much fun dining this way, and we loved the lively atmosphere of the market, which fills up with locals and tourists alike in the evenings. And if you’re a bit intimidated by the process, don’t worry! We were too, but the vendors were super friendly and helped us to figure it all out.
Of course, seafood isn’t for everyone, so no worries if that’s the case for you. We recommend heading to Paşa Kebap instead because they make the yummiest kebabs and flatbreads in town! It’s a very popular spot, though, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.
Day 2
Breakfast – Fethiyespor Cafe & Store
We’ve got a pretty exciting morning ahead of us, so let’s fuel up first! Head to Fethiyespor Cafe & Store, which opens at 8 am, for a quick breakfast and coffee. We recommend getting here early so you’ve got plenty of time to eat before heading to Ölüdeniz for your 10 am paragliding adventure. It’s about a 25-minute drive away, so you’ll want to make breakfast a fairly speedy affair this morning.
Morning – Paraglide over Babadağ Mountain
We’re kicking off day two with a bang! Fethiye is one of the best places in Turkey to go paragliding, and we can’t think of a better way to start the day than soaring over the famous Blue Lagoon.
We highly recommend booking this tandem paragliding experience for 10 am. It starts at Ölüdeniz Beach, about a 25-minute drive from Fethiye Old Town, and you can get there by taxi or dolmuş (minibus).
From the meeting point, you’ll be driven up Babadağ Mountain, where you’ll strap into a harness with an experienced pilot before taking to the skies. And don’t worry if you’ve never been paragliding before, because no experience is necessary!
Once you’re in the air, you’ll get absolutely incredible views of the mountains, coastline, and bright blue water below. Seeing Ölüdeniz’s famous curved beach from above is pretty special, and the best part is that your pilot handles all of the steering, so you can just sit back and enjoy the views.
You’ll eventually land back on Ölüdeniz Beach, which is a pretty spectacular way to finish. The whole experience takes around two hours, so you should be back by midday, just in time for lunch.
With thousands of glowing reviews, this is easily one of our top picks for Fethiye. If you’ve ever fancied trying paragliding, here’s your chance!
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Alternate option: Ride the Babadağ Cable Car
We LOVE paragliding, but it’s a high-adrenaline experience and probably not a great choice for those with a fear of heights. So if it’s not your idea of a good time, no worries. You can still enjoy those incredible mountain views without having to jump off the side of one – just take the Babadağ Cable Car instead!
The cable car station is about a 25-minute drive from Fethiye, or you can catch a dolmuş, which takes around 30 minutes. If you’re driving, there’s a free shuttle from the car park to the station. Once you get there, the cable car ride takes around 15 minutes, and a return ticket costs 950 TL (approximately $20 USD). Along the way, you can stop at the 1,200-meter station, where there’s a restaurant, an open-air theater, and a playground for kids.
However, we recommend continuing all the way up to the 1,700-meter station, where you’ll find several viewing terraces and restaurants. This is also where the paragliders take off, so you can watch them launch themselves off the mountain!
And if you’re keen to go even higher, there’s an open-air chairlift up to 1,800 meters, where the views are even better. Just bear in mind that the upper stations are seasonal and weather-dependent, so double-check that they’re operating before you go.
Lunch – The HangOut Restaurant Lounge
Whichever morning adventure you choose, you’ll probably be ready for some lunch afterward! We recommend heading to The HangOut Restaurant Lounge, which is right by Ölüdeniz Beach. It’s a great spot to grab a bite while watching the paragliders come in to land, and the menu has everything from burgers and pizzas to salads and seafood, so there’s something for everyone. Having said that, there are tons of restaurants around here, so if somewhere else catches your eye, go for it!
Afternoon – Relax at Ölüdeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon
After a pretty action-packed morning, you’ve definitely earned some beach time! Fortunately, Ölüdeniz is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, so you really are spoiled for choice.
First up, there’s the famous Blue Lagoon, also known as Kumburnu. This sheltered bay has gorgeous turquoise water that’s usually nice and calm, making it perfect for swimming. There’s a small entrance fee of around 150 TL ($3 USD) per person, and you’ll find toilets and changing facilities here. You can also rent two sunbeds and an umbrella for around 1,500 TL ($30 USD), which is a bit pricey, but if you’re planning to spend the whole afternoon here, it’s worth it!
Alternatively, you can head to Belcekız Beach, which is the main stretch of Ölüdeniz Beach. This one is completely free to access, and while the water isn’t quite as sheltered as the lagoon, it’s still absolutely beautiful.
Sunset/Dinner – Jade Terrace Food & Drink
For dinner tonight, we recommend Jade Terrace Food & Drink, a gorgeous restaurant overlooking Ölüdeniz Beach. The terrace has fantastic sea views, so it’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. And after spending the afternoon on the beach, you won’t have far to go!
The menu features a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including plenty of seafood, and there’s a good cocktail selection, too. Book a table for around sunset, especially during the busy summer months. It’s a pretty popular spot, and we can certainly see why!
Day 3
Option 1: Relax on a cruise to Butterfly Valley
For your final day in Fethiye, we’ve got two fantastic options! The first is this Butterfly Valley boat trip, which is perfect if you fancy a relaxing day on the water. The cruise runs from 10 am until 5 pm and departs from Ölüdeniz Beach, so you can get here the same way you did yesterday.
Butterfly Valley is the main highlight of the trip, and it’s absolutely gorgeous! This secluded bay is tucked between towering cliffs and named after the butterflies that live there. We didn’t actually spot any during our visit, but the scenery was so beautiful that we weren’t too disappointed!
You’ll also stop at the Blue Cave, where sunlight makes the water glow, and Aquarium Bay, which has incredibly clear water that’s perfect for swimming. Then there’s St. Nicholas Island, where you can explore ancient Byzantine church ruins and enjoy the coastal views.
Lunch is included, too, so we tucked into delicious barbecue chicken with pasta and salads on the side. There were also drinks available to purchase on board, and we must admit, sitting back with a cold beer while cruising along Turkey’s gorgeous coastline was pretty hard to beat!
We absolutely loved this boat trip, and we think it’s a fantastic way to round off your time in Fethiye. Just remember to bring your swimsuit, because there are plenty of opportunities to jump in the water!
Option 2: See the Saklikent Gorge, Tlos ruins, & Gizlikent Waterfall
If you’d rather spend your final day exploring more of Turkey’s natural wonders, then we highly recommend this guided day trip to Saklıkent Gorge! The tour runs from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm, with hotel pickup at around 9 am, so you won’t need to worry about organizing transportation.
First up is Saklıkent Gorge, where enormous rock walls tower above a narrow river. You’ll get to explore the canyon on foot, following wooden walkways and even wading through the chilly water if conditions allow. That cold water will certainly feel refreshing on a hot Turkish summer’s day!
You’ll also visit Gizlikent Waterfall, which is tucked away in a beautiful green gorge. Reaching the falls involves walking through water, so make sure you bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Then there’s Tlos, an ancient Lycian city with fascinating ruins, rock-cut tombs, and some incredible mountain views. We think it’s a great addition to the day, especially if you enjoyed exploring the Amyntas Rock Tombs on day one.
Lunch and transportation are included, although you’ll need to pay separate entrance fees at some stops. All in all, we think this tour packs a lot into six hours, and it’s a fantastic way to explore more of the area around Fethiye!
Evening – Walk the Fethiye Kordon
After all of that exploring, it’s time to enjoy a relaxing stroll along Fethiye Kordon. This beautiful waterfront promenade is one of our favorite places to walk in Fethiye, especially in the evening when the sun starts to go down. The views across the harbor are absolutely beautiful from here, and for us, we think a stroll around is the perfect way to wind down after a busy day. There are also lots of places to stop for a drink if you fancy one!
Dinner – Lokanta Fethiye
For your final dinner in Fethiye, we recommend heading to Lokanta Fethiye! It’s a little more expensive than some of the other restaurants we’ve recommended in this itinerary, but the food is excellent, so we think it’s worth treating yourself on your last night!
We loved this spot because it puts a creative twist on Turkish classics. Turkish food is already very flavorful, but these new combinations are just out of this world! This is a smaller spot that you might easily walk past, but trust us when we say it’s worth stopping at.
Night – Enjoy Paspatur
We’ve almost reached the end of our three days in Fethiye, and there’s only one thing left to do: enjoy Fethiye’s nightlife!
Head back to Paspatur, where you’ll find plenty of open-air bars tucked away along the narrow streets. This part of town gets very lively in the evening, and there are so many fun little spots to discover. The best way to find your new favorite bar is to just take a stroll around and pop into whichever bar catches your eye. We had so much fun bar-hopping around here, and it truly was the perfect end to a wonderful trip to Fethiye – cheers!
Related Read: If you find yourself with some extra time, see our guide to the best things to do in Fethiye for more of our favorite activities!
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!
Related Read: Check out our Where to Stay in Fethiye guide for a complete breakdown of the best areas to stay in and top hotels!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
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Thanks for reading!
Fethiye was even better than we imagined, and while three days was the perfect amount of time to hit the highlights, we are already looking forward to our next visit. It was the perfect balance of history, adrenaline-pumping activities, scenic views, and lazy beach days – plus plenty of amazing food!
Before you go, see the rest of our Turkey travel guides! We have even more destination guides to help you plan a memorable trip. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to get you started – cheers!
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3 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Cappadocia, Turkey
Where to Stay in Istanbul, Turkey: 8 Best Areas & Hotels
The Services We Recommend
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