Located along the stunning turquoise coast, Fethiye offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From exploring ancient ruins to enjoying water sports, this charming city has something for every type of traveler.
Join us as we uncover the top things to do in Fethiye, from cruising the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea to discovering hidden gems in the surrounding mountains. Get ready for a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and unforgettable experiences in this Turkish paradise.
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Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to stay in Fethiye, Turkey
Boat Trip to the Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley, located in Ölüdeniz, Turkey, is a picturesque and enchanting destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between towering cliffs, this hidden gem gets its name from the many species of butterflies that inhabit the valley, creating a magical and tranquil atmosphere.
The valley is accessible via boat or by hiking down a steep trail, ensuring a sense of adventure as you make your way to this secluded paradise. The boat ride itself offers stunning views of the coastline, adding to the allure of the journey.
Once you arrive at Butterfly Valley, you’ll be greeted by a pristine sandy beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery all around. The valley is home to an astonishing variety of plants and flowers, providing a vibrant and colorful landscape that further enhances its appeal.
Butterfly Valley is a popular spot to visit as it offers numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the beautiful valley and its surroundings. You can take a leisurely stroll along the coastal path, offering incredible views of the Aegean Sea, or venture deeper into the valley to discover hidden waterfalls and small caves.
During the month of June you can walk into the valley and you may be able to see the orange and white Jersey Tiger moth which is native to this area. However as we were visiting in October, we were out of season for this so instead we enjoyed the clear blue water and went for a refreshing dip. The water temperature was actually the same temperature as the air, 27 degrees c. so it felt great to get in for a swim. This makes it the best time to visit Fethiye.
We would recommend bringing a pair of shoes off the boat with you as the stones on the beach are very uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. The water here is seriously amazing though, some of the clearest water we have ever swam in.
Help Beach
Help Beach which is located a short drive fromthe town of Fethiye has a great selection of beach bars and restaurants. We enjoyed lunch here on our final day in Fethiye. The beach is small but it wasn’t overly busy when we visited.
Abandoned Village of Kayaköy
The Abandoned Village of Kayaköy, also known as the Ghost Village, is a small village located approximately 8km south of Fethiye. It gained its reputation as an abandoned village due to a population exchange between Türkiye and Greece after the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. The village is characterised by its deserted ruins, which were once a bustling town. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of its past.
Despite its abandonment, Kayaköy has gained popularity among tourists for its unique atmosphere and historical significance. We explored the crumbling buildings and wandered through the narrow streets, getting a glimpse into the village’s past. Tourists pay 40TL to visit this abandoned village and learn about the history of this part of Türkyie.
Interestingly, some of the abandoned buildings have been repurposed and renovated into quaint cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. This mix of abandoned ruins and vibrant establishments provides a unique juxtaposition in the village.
There is a lady who lives in her campervan in the car park here and she has s small stall selling goods that she makes. Her products were beautiful and we couldn’t help buying some to take home with us.
Walk around Fethiye Old Town
There are plenty of things to do in Fethiye and we particularly loved going for a morning walk around the old town. There were so many lovely stalls and shops and it was great to chat with the locals who owned them. We particularly loved looking at the stalls with all the fresh herbs and tea leaves and the rugs. We ended up buying a beautiful blanket for the beach and some tea leaves for winter in Scotland. Many of the stalls here will expect you to negotiate on prices so you can keep this in mind when you visit.
A Turkish Bath at the Old Turkish Baths
Going to the Turkish Baths is a popular thing to do in Fethiye but if you are planning on visiting at the weekend, make sure you book an appointment as this is when it is particularly busy.
The old Turkish bath, known as hammam, in Fethiye is a historical gem located in the heart of the town and is a renowned symbol of the Ottoman era. With its 16th-century architecture, it offers you an authentic experience of traditional bathing rituals. Stepping inside, you are transported to a world of thermal bathing, steamy marble rooms, and ornate domes adorned with intricate designs. The hammam showcases traditional Turkish massage practices, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated. It truly embodies the essence of Turkish culture and is a must-visit when you are in Fethiye.
Boat trip around the Fethiye Harbour
Exploring the beautiful Fethiye Coastline by boat is a great way to spend your time in Turkiye. The water is so clear and warm so after a delicious lunch onboard the boat, we spent the rest of the afternoon jumping in and out of the water and sunbathing on the deck.
The coastline around this part of the country is very rocky and cliffy with small stoney beaches spotted around the coast. That being said there are still some great beaches in Fethiye.
Exploring the Turkish coastline by boat is one of the most wonderful things to do in Fethiye.
Visit the Fethiye Fish Market
One of the more unique things to do in Fethiye is visit the fish market. It is common for visitors to visit the stalls and purchase their choice of fish and then take it to one of the surrounding restaurants for it to be cooked fresh.
Incir Restaurant
Fethiye has a bustling atmosphere in the evening as well with many bars and restaurants with a great selection of food and drinks.
We went to Incir for dinner one evening and the staff were so friendly and incredibly accommodating.
Not to mention the food was incredible. Full of so much flavour and if there is one thing we learned during our time here is the Turks will feed you well. We absolutely loved the foods that were prepared for us and as vegetarians visiting a very meat dominated foodie country, we were always catered for and the food was always delicious.
Before You Leave for Fethiye Türkiye
Before you set off on your way to Turkey, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Turkey. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Fethiye Türkiye
Fethiye, located on the stunning turquoise coast of Turkey, offers travelers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Getting to Fethiye is straightforward, thanks to its well-connected transportation options. If you are arriving by air, the nearest airport is Dalaman Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach Fethiye, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away. If you are already in Turkey, traveling by bus is a popular option, with frequent services from cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Fethiye is also accessible by ferry, with routes connecting nearby Greek islands like Rhodes and Kos. Once you arrive in Fethiye, you can explore the captivating Lycian ruins, indulge in water sports, or simply relax on the stunning beaches along the Aegean Sea.
Where to Stay in Fethiye, Turkey
What to Pack for Your Trip to Fethiye, Turkey
Packing for a trip to Fethiye, Turkey requires consideration of the local climate, culture, and activities that you plan to engage in during your stay. As Fethiye’s climate is typically hot and dry during the summer months, it’s advisable to pack light and breathable clothing, such as cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses. Additionally, don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ancient ruins, and swimwear and a beach towel for a relaxing day by on the beach. To respect the local culture, it’s essential to pack modest clothing, including long-sleeved tops and trousers or skirts for visiting sites of religious importance. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat can help protect your skin from the scorching sun during the day, while a light sweater or jacket can come in handy during cooler evenings. Lastly, bring a good camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and memories of your time in this enchanting destination.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Fethiye, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Turkey
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide for Things to do in Fethiye Türkiye. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience visiting this palce.
If you are planning a trip soon then check out our other Turkey content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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Fethiye looks so beautiful in the photographs. I am sure it must be more beautiful when seen with the naked eyes.