Fethiye, Turkey - Travel

The green of the palm trees and the golden sand against the deep blue lagoon, whose waters ripple endlessly, create quite a picturesque view from a boat on its way to the Marina of Fethiye. With a population of approximately 180,000, this gorgeous seaside resort poses as one of Turkey’s (alternatively known as Türkiye) most prominent tourist destinations.

With an area of 875 km2, it is located in the Muğla Province, in the southwestern part of the country, and lies between Dalaman and Seydikemer districts, right across the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

A tasteful blend of ancient historical sights and modern attractions characterises the city, having been rebuilt after a devastating earthquake that destroyed everything in 1958. Things to do in Fethiye are countless; people love this little corner of paradise for its mesmerising scenery and fun activities. The settlement is famous for its harbour, beaches, crystal blue waters, and ancient relics and will keep water enthusiasts and history lovers equally engaged in all it has to offer.

Fethiye Tours

Many of the city’s landmarks have turned into ruins, but this amplifies their beauty and creates a unique ambiance as you begin to tour the significant historic attractions. It especially grew in popularity in the past decade, which resulted in the implementation of more appropriate infrastructure and facilities.

Take a boat trip to the nearby islands and other tourist hotspots of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, paraglide along the shore while enjoying the beautiful view of the local landscape, or book a safari tour to explore the depths of this resort — the possibilities are limitless. Three days are more than enough to fully enjoy all the things to do in Fethiye, but if you decide to stay longer, it will only make your journey more enjoyable.

Best Time to Visit Fethiye

Due to the Mediterranean climate, summers are predictably sunny and hot, while winters are mild, without much discomfort. The hottest month of the year is July, when the temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius, so if you like basking in the summer heat and spending your time on the beach, you will like summer here. But still, the best time to visit Fethiye is from May to October.

History of Fethiye

The history of this place can be dated back to thousands of years, since it was built on the site of Telmessos, an ancient city in Lycia, close to the Carian border. The settlement fell under Persian rule in 547 BC and later became a member of the Delian League (a confederacy of Greek city-states). Even after leaving the union and becoming independent, it had close ties with it until the 4th century BC, when Alexander the Great took control over it.

During the Byzantine rule, Fethiye is believed to have been prosperous, until eventually being abandoned because of the Arab-Byzantine wars between the 7th and the 8th centuries. From then on, the name Telmessos had been replaced by Makre (alternatively Makri), which means “the long one” in Greek.

From the 12th century, the area began to slowly prosper again: the city walls were enlarged, the amount of perfume produced there received attention, and Makre was recognised as the production centre of fragrances. Trade and commerce were booming.

After a period of control of the territory by the Anatolian beyliks, the Ottoman Empire finally took the reins in 1424, and the contemporary Fethiye became known as Meğri at the time. Despite everything, it never lost its ties with Greece, having had a significant Greek population even in the 19th century, up until during the population exchange between Turkey and Greece, when they moved to Greece and founded a new settlement called “Nea Makri”.

The name “Fethiye” came into the picture almost a century ago, in 1934, when Atatürk renamed the city to honour one of the most significant members of the Ottoman Air Force, Fethi Bey, who tragically passed away during an attempted flight from Istanbul to Cairo.

Today, Fethiye is one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resorts.

What to Do in Fethiye

Landmarks and Attractions in Fethiye

It was in the 15th century when, with the help of the Genoese, the Knights of St. John built the Crusader Fortress of Fethiye (Fethiye Kalesi), which can still be seen today. You will particularly like it if you love hiking. Another place for active people is the Lycian Way (Likya Yolu). The track is long, but a part of it runs through Fethiye. Following it will be a perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and make unforgettable memories.

South to the main part of the city, downtown Fethiye has some gems up its sleeve. The Tomb of Amyntas (also known as the Lycian Rock Tombs) (Amintas Kaya Mezarı) awaits thousands of annual visitors. The site is accessible on foot and is only a 15-minute hike from the bus station. It is open from morning till sundown, and the view is especially breathtaking during the golden hour.

Take a stroll along the shoreline on the Fethiye Kordon promenade. The family-friendly atmosphere, bicycle and pedestrian lanes, and the restaurants lining the coast make a pleasant aura. Moreover, travel back to the olden times at the ancient Cadianda (Kadyanda). It is a more off-beaten-track destination; however, you will not be disappointed. From a typical Roman amphitheatre to the remnants of a temple, everything has a distinctly historical feel here.

About a 20-minute car ride away from downtown Fethiye is the abandoned village of Kayaköy (also referred to as Karmylessos) (Terkedilmiş Kayaköy Köyü). Additionally, a plethora of ancient sculpture fragments and abandoned buildings can be seen on the outskirts of the district. For instance, Deadala Rock Tombs (Deadala Kaya Mezarı), a 3000-year-old Lycian tomb.

There are no historically significant mosques or churches here, but those who want to pray can pay a visit to a Christian Fethiye Community Church (Fethiye Halk Kilisesi) as well as many mosques in the city such as the Yeni Hamidiye Mosque (Yeni Hamidiye Camii).

Fethiye Museums

Besides the historical landmark museums that you can tour in the district, the Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Müzesi) is more of a traditional one, with various exhibits ranging from ancient statues and stone fragments to kitchen utensils, olden coins, and other types of metalwork. Seeing the craftsmanship up close will leave an impression of how lavish and developed people’s lifestyles were in this region. The Greek influence is undeniable — the characteristic techniques and materials used in exponents prove close ties with other Mediterranean states and peoples.

Fethiye Ethnography Museum (Fethiye Etnoğrafya Müzesi) is more of a niche place. If you’re interested in traditional clothing and customs, you will find this place truly fascinating. The exhibitions display mannequins wearing traditional clothes, positioned as if they were alive — in situations residents would be.

The Kayaköy Abandoned Village (Fethiye Kayaköy Örenyeri) is located on the site of the above-mentioned abandoned village. There is an entrance fee; however, if you own one of Turkey’s museum passes (e.g., MuseumPass Türkiye or MuseumPass The Aegean), you can view this place for free. Here, you will see typical Greek buildings, with some floor mosaics still intact. The village was abandoned in the beginning of the 20th century, so some edifices are unstable — unsuitable for viewing. For that reason, sections of the sight are closed to visitors.

After seeing so many historical and cultural sites, you might want to go to the Galata Art Home — Bahar Barutçu. This place is filled with oil painting works done by Fethiye’s own Bahar Barutçu. Her works are colourful and fun — often depicting humans in motion. If you would like to buy a souvenir that’s going to last a lifetime and remind you of time well spent on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, this wonderful artist’s work might just be the right answer for you.

Fethiye Theatres

Telmessos Open Air Theatre / Fethiye (Telmessos Açık Hava Tiyatrosu / Fethiye) is one of the theatres you can visit during your stay here. It is an ancient-style amphitheatre that is still actively being used for performances, concerts, festivals, and other cultural events. Tourists have expressed how good the atmosphere is and how everyone should go to this place if given the opportunity.

The juxtaposition of the old and the new makes for a delightful sight, giving the theatre a one-of-a-kind feeling of being surrounded by the contemporary world, while being inside a bubble in an ancient masterpiece.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Fethiye

Entertainment

Tour on a boat to Kızılada Island, Yassıca Island (Yassıca Ada), Katrancı Bay Nature Park, Tavşan Island (Tavşan Adası), Göcek Island; or take a speedboat from Ölüdeniz to see the Byzantine ruins of Gemiler Adası (St. Nicholas Adası), also known as St. Nicholas' Island.

Being a coastal city, this place has much to offer in terms of natural recreation. Paragliding from the 2000-metre Babadağ mountain is quite popular here, and the interest in this sport becomes especially obvious during the Öludeniz International Air Games. The polychromatic festival is held every October. Fethiye Bay is always busy, but Öludeniz Beach (Ölüdeniz Plajı) gets particularly crowded this time of the year, and the sky gets painted with vividly coloured parachutes of skydivers and hang-gliders. The Türk Yıldızları (Turkish Stars), the Turkish Air Force team, occasionally performs an aerial acrobatics demonstration.

Women can experiment with paragliding with a female pilot (Bayan pilot). Paragliding isn’t the only aerial spectacle showcased here, either. You will see hot air balloons in the sky that usually take guests to nearby resorts, like Pamukkale. So, it is the perfect place for the beach and the extreme sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife is vibrant in downtown Fethiye. From trendy dance clubs featuring DJs, to bars with live music and more laid-back pubs. There are activities for everyone. Depending on your preferences, you can spend some unforgettable moments with your loved ones or make new friends if you travel solo. The Turkish Ivy Restaurant & Bar and Club Letoonia, are some of the places you can visit.

The beaches are particularly beautiful here. The Turquoise Coast lives up to its name — kilometres of blue lagoons and golden sandy beaches create a scene right out of a romantic comedy film. The surrounding mountains introduce some drama and adventure to the scene and make it that much more striking. Some notable local beaches include Çalış Beach (Çalış Plajı), Fethiye Coast (Fethiye Sahil), Kumburnu Beach (Kumburnu Plajı), İnlice Public Beach (İnlice Halk Plajı), and Kidrak Beach (Kidrak Koyu Plajı).

Parks of Fethiye

Things to do in Fethiye don’t stop at the beaches. If you’re looking for an escape from all the sand, there’s plenty of options to choose from. The city has some of the country’s most beautiful parks and natural reserves.

You can begin your journey at the Sehit Fethi Bey Park (Şehit Fethi Bey Parkı). The atmosphere is wonderful — birds chirping, children laughing, and gorgeous plants native to the area make this place even more unique. The park is filled with statues and sculptures that create a perfect background for taking memorable pictures.

After the Sehit Fethi Bey Park, take a stroll in the Özgecan Arslan Park (Özgecan Arslan Parkı Fethiye). Sunsets are particularly spectacular from here, so be sure to arrive closer to the golden hour, to be fully immersed in how the sun gets swallowed up by the sea. The park has binoculars along the boulevard, so you can observe the birds, boats, and other things of interest from up close. Moreover, the beautiful central monument creates a wonderful backdrop for photos.

If you’re running out of time, we recommend visiting R. Bahriye Üçok Park (R. Bahriye Üçok Parkı). It is quite close to the downtown area and has more of an urban feel compared to the above-mentioned recreational spaces, with its cafes and small children’s attractions.

Some other noteworthy recreational sites in Fethiye that are further away from the city, but still within an hour radius include Öludeniz Kidrak Tabiat Park (Ölüdeniz Kidrak Tabiat Parkı), Saklikent National Park (Saklikent Milli Parkı), Original Waterfall Yakapark (Şelale Yaka Parkı), Gizlikent Waterfall (Gizlikent Şelalesi), and Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi).

Shopping in Fethiye

Shopping here is a separate culture. Merchants don’t leave the guests dissatisfied with the purchase. There’s a mix of high-quality goods and mass-produced souvenirs, so finding gems can be challenging. Despite this, determination is the key!

The Amyntas Rock Tombs and downtown Fethiye areas are rather abundant in shops. Small local businesses are the way to go, since they often lower the price of the items if you bargain with the seller. That way, you’ll be guaranteed to get value for money.

Fethiye is famous for many things, one of them being textiles. Carpet weaving was an important contribution Turkey made to the Silk Road. Rugs were usually made using primary colours, with a splash of black and white, often having flower motifs. If you decide to buy one, Seydiler Kilim is a local variety that we recommend for you. Additionally, the art of weaving fabric by hand, called Dastar, is something you may find intriguing.

Birim AVM Fethiye (Birim AVM Fethiye Şube) is a haven for people who like household items. You can check out Tahtakale Spot Shopping Centre (Tahtakale Spot Alışveriş Merkezi) for more mixed items of textiles and other essentials.

Erasta Fethiye AVM is a more conventional shopping centre where you will find popular domestic and foreign brands. It is also a good hangout place for its variety of food stalls and entertainment.

Food in Fethiye

Turkish Cuisine

Fethiye’s cuisine consists of a rich blend of seafood and traditional local Turkish food. Some of the dishes we recommend are:

• Döner Kebab: a mix of meat, salad, sauce, and rice inside a flat bread.
• Stuffed Mussels: in the evenings, waiters carry platters full of mussels filled with rice and different spices.
• Fish Sandwich: don't knock it until you’ve tried it! It might look like a regular ‘fish burger’ to you, but the taste is divine.
• Turkish Pancakes (Gözleme): sold at any street market; they can be sweet or savoury. Try them with ayran, a cold yoghurt drink.

More must-try dishes include Purslane Salad, Fried Calamari, and Stuffed Artichoke. We also recommend you try local Tahini and Tarhana, which are two of the staples in the Anatolian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Visit the restaurant in the Zakros Hotel to enjoy nice food, a great atmosphere, and an even better view of the deep blue sea.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Restaurants in Fethiye use fresh seafood and produce. There aren’t any completely vegetarian or vegan restaurants; however, Trio Fethiye's menu is mostly plant-based.

Restaurants are accommodating to everyone. Dishes can be modified per customers’ request and made to suit their individual dietary needs.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Turkish coffee is brewed on hot sand with a jug called Cezve. The sugar content is tailored to your preference. Here’s some vocabulary that’s going to be helpful:

• Sade kahve: unsweetened coffee
• Orta kahve: moderately sweetened coffee
• Çok şekerli kahve: sweet coffee

If you’re just looking for a quick snack with some delicious beverages, coffee and tea houses are everywhere in the city centre. Ulaşlıoğlu Baklava Fethiye, Köşe Kahve Fethiye, and Mereng Patisserie are the favourite bakeries downtown, but you can also visit Babafırın in the town centre.

City Transport in Fethiye

Public Transport

Dolmuş is the most convenient method of transport in Fethiye. These minibuses run in both urban and rural areas and are affordable. Just look for a black “D” on a white background sign to find a bus stop! The destination is usually displayed in front of the vehicle, and you can look up the information in advance on the Muğla Kart App. The fare can be paid via Muğla Kart balance, contactless bank cards, NFC-enabled smartphones, as well as cash.

Taxis

The typical yellow taxis are everywhere. You can even ask your hotel or restaurant to book them for you.

In terms of convenience, downloading a mobile app like Uber Taxi is the best option for tourists. You can view the estimated price of your trip and even order a taxi in your native language.

Car Rental

You can rent a car from one of the local agencies. There’s also an option for booking it in advance, so that you can choose the pickup point as the nearest airport.

Some highly rated establishments near the city centre include:

• Likya Rent a Car
• Real Car Rental Fethiye Turkey
• Turunç Rent a Car

It is important to note that every rental company has its own policy that you can view on their website beforehand.

Other Modes of Transport

Fethiye is quite walkable. Streets are well taken care of, and the road infrastructure is optimised for pedestrians. Bicycle rentals are popular here. People often book safari tours, and for that, ATV quadricycles are available. If you prefer to travel by sea, there’s an option of renting a boat or a yacht, and water taxis are available to get to nearby resorts.

How to Get to Fethiye?

The city can be accessed by air, land, and sea. The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), and it takes less than an hour to get to Fethiye. You can book direct flights from countries like the UK and Germany. However, there are regular flights with a stopover from all over Europe. SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Aeroflot, and AJet are some of the airline companies that operate at Dalaman Airport. The best option is to go to Istanbul or Ankara and take a domestic flight from Dalaman to Fethiye.

You can get here by ferry from the nearby Greek island of Rhodes. You may book a day trip to this beautiful seaside resort and enjoy the breezy air during the ride. Moreover, one of Turkey’s biggest state roads in the south, the D400 road, runs close to the city, so reaching Fethiye by taxi, bus, or car is very convenient for some visitors.

Languages Spoken in Fethiye

Residents of Fethiye, just like in the rest of the country, mostly speak Turkish. Despite this, a growing number of tourists made it possible to hear people speaking English quite often.

Tour guides usually know more than just Turkish and English, so your chances of finding a guide that speaks your native tongue are pretty high! It is worth noting that the locals are very friendly, and even if you don’t speak their language, they will find a way to communicate with you.

Currency in Fethiye

The main currency in use in Fethiye is Turkish lira (TRY). It would be more convenient if you exchanged the money before you arrived in the country. Most places are adapted to modern payment methods, but little shops and merchants in the rural areas might only take cash. For this reason, we advise you to keep some cash on hand. ATMs are widely available, especially in the vicinity of the city’s main landmarks. The three most common ones you will see around are:

• Ziraat Bank ATMs
• Garanti BBVA ATMs
• Akbank ATMs

Security in Fethiye

Turkey is notoriously safe for tourists. The same applies to Fethiye as well. The petty crime rate here is quite low, and police patrol the crowded streets to assist if necessary.