Travel Guide to Fethiye, Turkey

Fethiye is a small port city located along the Southern Coast of Turkey. It has become more and more popular in recent years with visitors who have become aware of Fethiye’s beautiful blue waters, stunning scenery and rock tombs built into the cliffs high above. With it having become one of the most popular tourist towns in the region, I decided it was time to write a full visitor’s Guide to Fethiye.

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Fethiye is still a sleepy port side town at heart. Even despite the influx of tourists that it receives in the Summer months. The only seemingly different aspect during tourist season, is that it is slightly more busy, and hotel rooms are full. Fethiye herself just keeps humming along as she has done happily for centuries.

So what is there to do in Fethiye, and what makes it such a popular place? Is there an offseason, and if so, what is there to do? What about places to stay in Fethiye, and what is the weather like?

I will cover all of these questions and more in this Travel Guide to Fethiye.

Table of Contents

• Where is Fethiye?
• How to get to Fethiye
• Fethiye weather
• Things to do in Fethiye
• Day trips from Fethiye
• Where to stay in Fethiye
• Luxury
• Mid Range
• Budget
• Places to eat in Fethiye
• Summary

Where is Fethiye?

Fethiye is located on the South Western Coastline of Turkey, facing onto the Gulf of Fethiye. The location is stunning, with a mountain backdrop facing onto a large, crystal blue harbor and gulf dotted with over a dozen islands.

How to get to Fethiye

For domestic visitors, Fethiye has always been very accessible. In recent years, travel to Fethiye has also become a lot easier for international visitors as well, due to the construction of an international airport at Dalaman.

Dalaman Airport is approximately 45 kilometers from Fethiye, which means that visitors will have to make their own way from the airport to the city themselves. During the summer months, flights ramp right up, and the airport hosts flights from most major centers around Europe.

The most popular way to get to Fethiye though is by bus. Buses run from all other towns and cities nearby, and bring passengers to the Fethiye Otogar (bus terminal). We caught the bus, and from the Otogar we were able to easily get to our accommodation by using local Dolmus or taxi.

Fethiye weather

Fethiye has year round weather that makes it the ideal destination. The peak season is summer, with temperatures around August peaking at around 35 degrees. The summer months from June though to August, and even into September are perfect if you are looking to really soak up some sun.

Winter months can get a little chilly in Fethiye, with temperatures around January dropping as low as 4 degrees. This, along with February, is also the wettest month in Fethiye.

The Ideal time to visit Fethiye is around the period between September to November. This is away from the peak summer period, and the heavy tourist season. It also avoids the drop of temperature that comes with winter. So with the friendlier weather, and low cost of shoulder season, it makes it the best time of year to visit Fethiye.

Guide to Fethiye Tip – We visited Fethiye in early December on our last trip. The Temperatures in the mornings were chilly, but during the day very pleasant for walking around and hiking. So if you don’t mind a bit of a nip in the air, consider taking advantage of the end of shoulder season for the best prices.

Things to do in Fethiye

For a town that is known for vacations in the sun, there is a lot more to Fethiye than just laying on a beach. Although, that IS a big part of the attraction. But why not consider heading PAST the beaches, and discovering a bit of history, mystery and thrills by checking out some of the other incredible things that this beautiful town has to offer?

Here are the Guide to Fethiye choices of best things to do.

• Discover the Tomb of Amynthas – High on the cliff faces above Fethiye you can’t help but notice the incredible Lycian Tombs carved into the rock. They can be seen easily from the town itself, and date back as far as 350 BC. You can hike to the tombs within only a few minutes from town and explore them yourself, and then enjoy the wonderful views back over Fethiye from above.
• Escape to Oludeniz Beach – Wondering where the beautiful people go during the day? This is it. Located just 10km south of Fethiye, this amazing pebbly beach has crystal clear water, a backdrop of green mountains, and is lined with beach clubs and deck chairs.
• Get lost in Fethiye Old Town – Not quite as big as some other “Old Towns”, Fethiye Old Town, or Paspatur, makes up for it with its quaint alleys and shops. Discover spices, local foods, and more modern cafes and bars in this little maze of alleys located just east of the main harbor.
• Check out a real Ghost Town – The abandoned city of Kayakoy, 8 km East of Fethiye, may just be the most extraordinary thing you have ever seen. Around 6000 people abandoned this town over 100 years ago in the Greek/Turkish Population exchange. The town is very intact and you can wander its streets and discover it yourself. It is a couple hours hike from Fethiye or you can take a day trip to get there.
• Chill out on Calis Beach – The most popular beach in Fethiye is the long strip of coastline on the town’s northern eastern end. It is where everyone heads in the summer months in the town, and is very popular at sunset.
• Get your thrills with some paragliding – Head up to the summit of nearby Babadag Mountain and take to the air in what has been described as the most beautiful location in the world for paragliding. Soar over Oludeniz Beach and Lagoon and see the incredible sights from far above.
• Do some hiking – There are some amazing hikes around Fethiye. With the mountains so close, it is no surprise! Besides the hike to Kayakoy, you can hike the famous Lycian Way, or a section of it, as the entire trail is 540km long. The section near Fethiye is a coastal walk, and not as hard as some parts.
• Check out the harbor – The harbor around Fethiye is what this little port town is all about, after all. Stroll along the docks and watch the fishermen, or just marvel at the size of some of the incredible boats moored there.
• Take a cruise to the islands or Butterfly Valley – From the harbor you can hire local boats to take you on the 12 island loop out in the gulf, or head to beautiful Butterfly Valley. This valley is only able to be reached by boat, and in summer is home to around 100 species of butterflies!

There are plenty of things to do in Fethiye, at both ends of the scale. You can relax on a beach and simply soak up the sun. Or you can put on your shoes and raise the heartrate hiking, exploring or even paragliding. The diversity of activities is enough to keep anyone happy!

Guide to Fethiye Tip – Head up to the Lycian Tombs, and then continue down the road when you are finished. Just past the archeological site with the large Turkish Flag on top of the rocky peak, there is a wonderful view point known only to locals. Beyond that, follow the road on as it winds down into the harbor, making a wonderful loop walk with spectacular views of the town and the bay.

Day trips from Fethiye

Fethiye is not exactly known for Day trips, but there are several activities that require a full day to do. In that case, getting a tour or a guide makes it an even easier and more enjoyable experience. So, here are a few tours and day trips that the Guide to Fethiye recommend to get you out and about in Fethiye.

• Tandem Paragliding over Blue Lagoon – This has to be one of the most popular tours to do in Fethiye. The paragliding location off Babadag mountain has been rated as the best in the world for a reason. You can check out both options at THIS link, or THIS one. Both are highly rated, safe, and promise to be extraordinary!
• Jeep Safari to Saklikent Gorge with Lunch – This is one of the locations you WANT to go to, but will be so much easier on a tour. This Jeep trip will take you to the ancient city of Tlos, rafting, waterfall hunting, and exploring the beautiful Saklikent Gorge. What a day! Check it out HERE.
• Pamukkale and Hierapolis – Visit the incredible Cotton Castle and world famous pools, before heading to the Ancient City of Hierapolis. A full day trip that promises to be a highlight of your entire Holiday! Click HERE for more details.

Fethiye is a place with extraordinary natural wonders and surrounds. These are the pick of the organized tours that you can arrange to take you to see just a few of them. Don’t forget to check out the paragliding!

Guide to Fethiye Tip – Head down to the harbor and take a stroll past the boats. There are literally dozens that offer really great deals for daytrips out into the bay. The 12 island trips is a highlight, and showcases the very best sights and scenery that this part of the Turkish Coast can provide!

Where to stay in Fethiye

If it is your first time visiting Fethiye, then I suggest you stay around the city center and the Marina area. This puts you close to everything, easy to access transport, organize boat trips, and be in walking distance of Old Town, the Lycian Tombs and other attractions. With that in mind, I will list here my Guide to Fethiye choices of best places to stay.

Luxury

When it comes to Luxury in Fethiye, the most luxurious resorts are a bit removed from town. Therefore, the luxury around the town and harbor is a lot more affordable. Here are my picks.

ALESTA RESIDENCE

If you like apartment style accommodation, then this place is a dream come true. Large and de luxe, this place has incredible views of the marina from the large balcony. The staff and service are excellent, and breakfast is served on the rooftop.

HARBOUR SUITES

Lovely Suite Hotel with excellent service and staff. Large, clean and luxurious rooms, with views out across the Harbor. This hotel is in easy walking distance to everything, including the Old Town which is only a few minutes from the front door.

Mid Range

CASA MARGOT HOTEL

At the high end of mid range, I just had to find a place for this hotel as it is amazing. The rooms are gorgeous and spacious, and the views are amazing. Breakfast is tasty, and it is still walking distance from the main town and harbor. Perfect!

Just one thing to note – it is Adults Only!

INFINITY CITY HOTEL

A cheaper and lot more affordable option closer to town. This place is nice and comfortable, and right in the center of it all. Located right across the road from the harbour, and some of the rooms even come with their own Jacuzzi!

Budget

EL CAMINO PUB AND HOSTEL

This is one of the most popular hostels in Fethiye, with the best views by far. Especially from the bar, which serves wonderful food and drinks. The hostel is great, the service wonderful and staff accommodating. It is also in easy walking distance to everything in Fethiye.

SAKURA HOSTEL AND PUB

This modern style hostel gets rave reviews from anyone that stays there. With all the facilities you would need, it’s the little things they do right, such as sockets near the bed, lights and large drawers that fit a backpack. It is also close to everything, with multiple restaurants and cafes on the doorstep!

Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.

Places to eat in Fethiye

There are plenty of wonderful places to eat around Fethiye. You don’t have to go far to find a great restaurant, especially around the waterfront areas, and the streets around the main square.

If you are looking for something different, then head to the local markets, or even to Old Town.

If you like seafood, Fethiye has a very popular and well known seafood market. It is basically surrounded by seafood restaurants, and you can pick your own fresh fish, and have them cook it up for you on the spot. You can find it at THIS location.

For something that is budget friendly, our favorite place to eat is called Lezzet Lokantasi. They have a set menu that features some local favorites, and is very popular with the local townsfolk. You can find it at THIS location.

Guide to Fethiye tip – If you are visiting Fethiye on a budget, then check out THIS article for a few really nice places to eat that will not cost the Earth!

Summary

Well, that’s it for my Travel Guide to Fethiye, Turkey. I am always updating my guides, and plan to head back to Fethiye again shortly, so I can continually work on the information in this guide. I hope that you have got a few good tips and hints, and that it helps your visit to Fethiye go a little smoother.

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