There are such a lot of issues to do in Fethiye that revolve round nature and tradition, it’s a spot that undoubtedly holds a particular place in my coronary heart. Turkey (Türkiye) is a big nation, and many individuals don’t see previous Istanbul. That’s comprehensible; Istanbul is amazing and it’s someplace I like to go, however one other place on my common go to record is Fethiye.
I spent a complete summer season in Fethiye, Turkey and in that point I got here to grasp not solely its magnificence however its traditions too. There are various Fethiye points of interest that swimsuit seashore lovers, but it surely’s a vacation spot that’s full of a lot historical past that you possibly can say it’s virtually like an open-air museum.
I really feel fortunate to have been capable of spend a lot time within the Fethiye space with my Turkish husband. I realized so much, not solely about one of the best locations to go to in Fethiye but additionally in regards to the stuff you shouldn’t miss which can be a bit off the crushed observe.
So, should you’re pondering of visiting this lovely area, let me offer you some phrases of knowledge to assist make your trip one of the best it may be.
Finest Issues To Do in Fethiye
The very first thing to know is that Fethiye is a lot larger than you may suppose. It’s incomparable to locations like Marmaris, that are massive seashore cities, however don’t actually lengthen past that; Fethiye encompasses a number of resorts, and so they’re all idyllic.
Fethiye itself is a medium-sized metropolis, however you even have Ölüdeniz, Hisaronu, Ovacık, and Çalış to call only a few. Sightseeing in Fethiye is such nice enjoyable, particularly should you love spending time outdoor. Let’s check out 15 of one of the best issues to do on this lovely a part of Turkey:
1. Saklikent Nationwide Park
Certainly, among the finest issues to do in Fethiye when it’s sizzling is to go to the gorgeous Saklikent National Park. The canyon itself may be very deep and presents some much-needed shade from the extraordinary solar. It’s additionally mentioned to be the third longest canyon in the entire of Europe.
The very best tip I may give you is to put on water sneakers as you’ll should stroll via the river at one level, and though it’s not deep, it’s fast-moving, and there are a variety of slippery rocks. That water is nothing in need of refreshing, nevertheless. You can too take a jeep safari journey to the gorge, which is a good way to spend your time. Click here for more details and to book.
Out of all of the issues to do in Fethiye, I’d extremely suggest you add this to your record. It’s not solely extremely lovely however is so peaceable and is a good way to calm down in Mom Nature. You can too take pleasure in breakfast or lunch on the waterside restaurant, and it’s an important place to seize loads of pictures.
Deal with: Kayadibi, Saklıkent Sokak No : 26, 48300 Seydikemer/Muğla
2. Benefit from the Sundown at Çalış Seaside
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Fethiye for {couples}, my prime decide could be to go to Çalış Seaside simply earlier than sundown and prepare for one of the best pure present you’ve ever seen. The sundown right here blew my thoughts.
Çalış Beach itself is a extremely lovely spot, and there are many cafes and eating places alongside the seashore the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in lunch or a night meal. It’s one of the vital romantic issues to do in Fethiye even earlier than the solar decides to half for the day, however when it does, you’ll simply wish to sit there in awe.
This can be a good spot for a night stroll as the trail stretches from Fethiye Marina all the best way down the seashore and past. There are many locations to cease alongside the best way, and also you’ll undoubtedly work up an urge for food for some scrumptious native meals. Try the highly-rated Zoi Fish Restaurant for meals and views. and extremely suggest including this place to your eatery itinerary.
Deal with: Çalış Beach, Fethiye, Muğla
3. Discover Kayaköy
Visiting the ghost village of Kayaköy is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Fethiye; it’s a must-visit for anybody who enjoys historical past. After I first arrived, it took my breath away. The village was abandoned in 1923 when a inhabitants swap between the Turkish Christians within the space and Greek Muslims befell, with the goal for both nation to solely have one key faith.
The factor that struck me probably the most was how current it nonetheless feels. Aside from the old style structure, it’s as if folks may have lived there yesterday and simply moved away. It’s among the finest locations to go to close to Fethiye for one thing fully completely different and a bit off the crushed observe.
I like to recommend you put on snug sneakers moderately than flip-flops or sandals – the bottom is sort of uneven, and sneakers will serve you higher. That will help you study extra about what you’re seeing, a guided tour is a good concept. Click here for more information.
Deal with: Kayaköy, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
4. Go to Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is without doubt one of the prime locations to see in Fethiye, and it needs to be proper on the prime of your must-see record too. Though the valley is understood for its butterflies, it’s unlikely you’ll see any except you go to in the course of the spring months – however don’t let that put you off! Accessible by boat solely, Butterfly Valley is blindingly lovely, and you’ll even choose to camp in a single day there.
Taking a boat trip to Butterfly Valley is a good time out for all of the household and the pure panorama will make your jaw-drop. There’s a small cafe on the seashore, but it surely’s finest to take a picnic if you’d like one thing substantial to eat, (they solely serve chips and water). Click here for more trip details.
For me, Butterfly Valley is without doubt one of the finest points of interest in Fethiye, and as you method it from the ocean, you’ll wish to have your digital camera prepared; it’s a view like no different. As for the seashore itself, the water is comparatively calm, though a bit rocky in locations, so it’s finest to take some sea sneakers to be on the secure facet.
Deal with: Uzunyurt, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
5. Swim within the Blue Lagoon
The Fethiye space is full of superb seashores, however my favourite is the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz. The waters listed here are extraordinarily tranquil, making it a really perfect place to go to with kids. You possibly can select to swim within the lagoon itself, or you’ll be able to go onto the opposite facet and swim within the open sea; on either side, you’ll discover parasols and solar loungers to rent.
The Blue Lagoon is without doubt one of the most well-known locations to go to in Fethiye, and because it’s a nationwide park, you’ll discover eating places and cafes inside together with water sports activities to maintain everybody entertained. There’s even a Starbucks should you fancy an iced latte to chill down within the intense summer season solar.
If you’re trying to find issues to do in Fethiye, the Blue Lagoon will virtually definitely pop up, and it’s one of the vital photographed seashores within the whole of Turkey. Visiting right here means you’ve ticked one thing off most individuals’s bucket lists, and it’s someplace I at all times return to every time I’m within the space.
Deal with: Ölüdeniz, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla
6. Stroll the Lycian Means
For me, one of many coolest issues to do in Fethiye is to stroll at the very least a part of the Lycian Way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, no person expects you to stroll all of it; it’s 760km lengthy and goes all the best way to Antalya, in any case. However, you’ll be able to stroll a few of this historic path and take a look at historic Lycian ruins and superb views as you go.
Keep in mind to put on smart strolling sneakers once you head off on this stroll; flip-flops and sandals received’t minimize it. Regardless that the path is paved, some areas are a bit rockier than others.
Deal with: Ölüdeniz, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla
7. Go to Gemiler Island
One of many prime vacationer points of interest in Fethiye is a go to to Gemiler Island, which is often known as St Nicholas Island. It’s referred to as this as a result of it’s believed to be the place the tomb of St Nicholas (Santa Claus) was discovered. You can too try the ruins of outdated church buildings and observe some gorgeous views over the Mediterranean.
Out of all of the issues to do in Fethiye, this is without doubt one of the most unusual. It’s not only a boat journey to chill and calm down, it’s a visit again in time. The primary time I went I used to be shocked at how lovely the island was, and at that time, I didn’t even find out about St Nicholas’ affiliation there. You possibly can swim, discover, or just sit back.
One of the simplest ways to go to is by a pre-arranged boat trip and you’ll even kayak around the island and see all the pieces from a distinct viewpoint. Click here to learn more and to book.
Deal with: 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
8. Discover Fethiye Previous City
One of many prime issues to do in Fethiye Previous City is to easily stroll round, get a bit misplaced, and benefit from the vibe. That is one in every of my favourite issues to do and anytime I’ve simply wandered round, I’ve at all times stumbled throughout one thing new. Fethiye Previous City is a maze of slender, cobbled streets, all lined with cafes, small outlets, and markets.
There’s a variety of stuff to do in Fethiye, for certain, however simply wandering round by yourself steam means you’re extra more likely to see one thing really genuine and conventional. In the course of the summer season months, the Previous City can get extraordinarily busy but it surely’s additionally a good way to beat the solar, because it’s fairly a shaded space.
The Previous City leads right down to the marina space, the place you’ll be able to stroll, seize a chew to eat, and benefit from the sea views.
Deal with: Cumhuriyet, 40. Sk No:10/28, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
9. Gizlikent Waterfall
For those who’re into out of doors enjoyable, I’d extremely suggest a go to to Gizlikent Waterfall, among the finest locations to go to in Fethiye. This place feels very far-off from the hustle and bustle of the seashores and nightlife, but it surely’s an important spot to strive just a few journey sports activities too. You possibly can zip line, hike, and swim within the surprisingly chilly water.
Kids can take pleasure in working across the open areas and testing the completely different actions on supply, making it among the finest issues to do in Fethiye for households. There’s a small restaurant on web site that serves snacks and drinks all through the day, so there’s no have to take a picnic. Nevertheless, you’ll want your personal towels.
Most jeep safari tours cease at Gizlikent Waterfall for a brief interval, typically on their strategy to Saklikent Gorge, so this can be a good strategy to mix two issues should you’re brief on time. Click here for tour information.
Deal with: Kayadibi, 48850 Seydikemer/Muğla
10. Store at Fethiye Bazaar
Procuring in the course of the warmth of a summer season’s day is not enjoyable; I’ve tried it a number of instances and have given up every time. Nevertheless, among the finest issues to do in Fethiye at night time is to go to Paspatur, the massive bazaar. You’ll discover numerous stalls promoting garments, luggage, sneakers, spices, and different souvenirs to browse and decide up for household again house.
In fact, many different folks have the identical concept about purchasing in the course of the cooler hours, but it surely’s among the finest issues to do in Fethiye city heart, even when it may get a bit crowded.
When buying objects from the bazaar itself, you’ll have to haggle – resolve what you’re keen to pay for one thing after which barter forwards and backwards with the seller till you’re each happy. It took me fairly some time to get the grasp of haggling, however when you do it just a few instances, you’ll see it’s not fairly as terrifying because it appears and is predicted in markets like this.
Deal with: Cumhuriyet, Çarşı Cd. No:48/B, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
11. Paragliding in Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz isn’t solely well-known for the Blue Lagoon, it’s one of many world’s finest spots for paragliding. You’ll see folks from all around the world flocking to Babadağ Mountain to glide over the gorgeous landscapes and absorb one of the vital breathtaking views you’re more likely to ever see in your life.
I’ve to confess that it took me some time to pluck up the braveness to do that, however I’m so glad I ultimately did. You’re strapped to an teacher the entire time, and so they do all of the steering; you simply have to benefit from the view. Certainly, it’s among the finest issues to do close to Fethiye and is a real bucket record merchandise. You’ll even get picked up at your lodge in Fethiye. Click here for more details.
If you’re researching what to see in Fethiye, Ölüdeniz usually will crop up many instances. It’s one in every of my favourite locations in Turkey and presents such a laid-back environment. For those who don’t wish to paraglide, you’ll be able to nonetheless journey up the mountain on the cable car and luxuriate in a meal at 1700 Grill & Wine Bar; the view is mind-blowing.
Deal with: Ölüdeniz, Ölüdeniz Cd. No:31/1, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla
12. Go to Tlos Ruins
Courting again to the fifth century BC, the ruins of Tlos are among the finest locations to go to in Fethiye for historical past followers. One of the simplest ways to discover these ruins is to take a jeep safari, and once more, you’ll discover excursions that cease at Tlos alongside the best way. Click here for tour details.
I like exploring outdated ruins like these, and through my time residing in Turkey, I noticed lots of them. Tlos is so nicely preserved that you just actually really feel such as you’ve traveled again in time and since you’re within the open air, it’s just like the whispers of historical past are throughout you. Tlos was initially an historic Lycian metropolis, and it’s not arduous to think about its significance just by trying on the ruins.
Trying out these ruins is definitely one of many prime issues to do in Fethiye, and regardless that a few hours is sufficient, you’ll be glad you went.
Deal with: Yakaköy, Saklıkent Yolu, 48850 Fethiye/Muğla.
13. Go to Kabak Seaside
Fethiye’s seashores are gorgeous, and in the course of the summer season months, most are full of solar worshipers and people merely attempting to chill down. Nevertheless, Kabak Beach is one in every of my favorites as a result of it not often will get crowded and it’s surrounded by lush greenery.
A day on the seashore is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Fethiye, and heading to Kabak highlights one of the best of the realm. This seashore is a bit off the crushed observe, though native buses and taxis cease there recurrently all through the summer season months. The seashore and surrounding areas are so unspoiled, and the views are gorgeous.
It’s a good suggestion to have a picnic with you as there are few services round. Nevertheless, the seashore itself is calm, and the bushes supply loads of shade. This can be a spot I’m going again to time and time once more, so if you’d like a day of whole R&R, that is my suggestion to you.
Deal with: Uzunyurt, Kabak Sokak, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
14. Take pleasure in a Turkish Tub/Hammam
Any visit to Turkey ought to embody a Turkish bathtub, often known as a hammam. When visiting Fethiye, you’ll discover plenty of lodges and spas that provide Turkish bathtub experiences. Not solely are they a good way to present your self one of the best basis for a tan, however in addition they supply a much-needed likelihood to calm down.
After I lived in Turkey I used to go to the hammam recurrently; I felt completely renewed and chilled out afterward, and also you’ll discover many locals do the identical. Reserving a trip to a Turkish bath is a good way to strive one thing conventional, however I’d counsel doing it in the course of the first couple of days of your trip. Click here for trip details.
Deal with: Your tour information will decide you up out of your lodge.
15. Benefit from the Views from Fethiye Citadel
By now, you’ll have an concept of what number of issues there are to do round Fethiye, and most of them revolve round appreciating the fantastic thing about the realm. Fethiye Castle is one other approach to try this. Whereas no person is 100% certain when the fort was constructed, it’s thought up to now again to the fifteenth century.
The ruins aren’t in one of the best situation, however restoration work is ongoing to bolster the fort’s remaining constructions. What you can see is simply how massive the fortress would have been, and my favourite factor in regards to the place is the view. You possibly can see proper over Fethiye and the Mediterranean past; all the space is showstopping.
Visiting the fort is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Fethiye. It’s located excessive on a hill over the Previous City, so you’ll be able to simply mix it with a day of purchasing within the bazaar. If the climate is very hot once you go to, I’d suggest going early within the day, simply to keep away from the most well liked hours.
Deal with: Cumhuriyet, Çarşı Cd. No:85, 48303 Fethiye/Muğla
Issues To Do in Fethiye: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on issues to do in Fethiye, Turkey:
There are various issues to see in Fethiye, however probably the most well-known are undoubtedly beach-related. This space is stuffed with superb seashores with clear-water seas and loads of area. It’s additionally a hotspot for historic ruins.
Fethiye is open all yr spherical however a lot of the vacationer bars and eating places shut on the finish of October. For one of the best of the climate, go to between Could and October, however keep away from July and August should you’re not a fan of particularly excessive temperatures.
Fethiye is unquestionably value visiting, and it’s an space that has loads to see and do. It’s additionally fairly a cultural space, with plenty of scrumptious meals and traditions to discover.
Every week in Fethiye will assist you to spend time on the seashore and discover the encircling space. Something lower than that and also you’ll miss out on a variety of the primary sights.
Fethiye is a safe area to go to. As with every location, use your frequent sense and keep away from strolling round by yourself throughout darkish hours, however general, Fethiye is a secure and welcoming place for guests from all around the world. Don’t carry an excessive amount of money and keep away from flashing costly belongings.
Spending time on the seashore is a well-liked pursuit, however the city of Ölüdeniz is a worldwide hotspot for paragliding.
Ölüdeniz’s Blue Lagoon is without doubt one of the most photographed seashores in the entire of Turkey, and its calm waters are perfect for households.
You’ll discover plenty of worldwide meals in Fethiye however undoubtedly strive some local cuisine, reminiscent of lahmacun, pide, kebabs, and Gözleme.
Three days would assist you to see a few of Fethiye however definitely not all. It’s finest to spend at the very least every week should you can.
Some components of Fethiye are dearer than others. As an example, I discovered Ölüdeniz to be dearer than the middle of Fethiye, however costs are nonetheless low in comparison with different European seashore locations.
There are particular components of Fethiye which can be recognized for having a vibrant nightlife. Hisaronu is definitely a celebration city with colourful bars and golf equipment till the night hours. Nevertheless, you too can discover low-key nightlife, particularly within the marina and within the heart of Ölüdeniz.
Fethiye is a well-known spot for British vacationers, however you’ll encounter folks from all around the world on this lovely space.
In Closing
With so many issues to do in Fethiye, it’s no surprise that this is without doubt one of the most visited areas of Turkey. It’s undoubtedly one in every of my favourite locations, and once you see how stunningly lovely it’s, you’ll perceive why.
For me, Fethiye is the epitome of summer season, and whereas it’s open to go to within the winter months, between Could and the tip of October you’ll fall fully in love with the limitless blue of the Mediterranean.
What I like most in regards to the Fethiye space is that it may be something you need it to be; should you’re trying to occasion, you’ll discover it, however if you wish to calm down and benefit from the surroundings, there are many alternatives. Most of Fethiye’s prime points of interest are outdoor, which reveals you simply how blessed this space is with Mom Nature’s charms.
