Things To Do
in Fethiye

Fethiye is a picturesque coastal town located in southwestern Turkey, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, it serves as a gateway to the famous Blue Lagoon and the scenic Lycian Way hiking trail. The town boasts a charming harbor filled with traditional gulets and offers a mix of vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and modern amenities.

With its warm climate and friendly locals, Fethiye is a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Town
morning
:

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café followed by a visit to the ancient Lycian rock tombs overlooking the town.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the Fethiye Fish Market for lunch and then explore the Fethiye Museum to learn about the area's rich history.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset over the harbor, followed by a leisurely walk along the promenade.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Take a boat trip to the 12 Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

afternoon
:

Visit the famous Ölüdeniz Beach, relax on the sand, or try paragliding for stunning aerial views.

evening
:

Head back to Fethiye for dinner at a local meyhane (tavern) and experience some traditional live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$15
🍕Pizza$8
🍺Local beer$3
🚌Local bus fare$1
🏨Night in a budget hotel$30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural scenery and beaches.
  • Rich cultural history and archaeological sites.
  • A variety of outdoor activities available.
  • Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
  • Summer heat may be uncomfortable for some.
  • Limited public transportation options outside the town center.
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Nerede?" - Where is...?
  • "Yardım edebilir misiniz?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Fethiye

Visit one of these nice places.

Lycian Rock Tombs

Ancient rock-cut tombs that provide a stunning backdrop against the blue sky and are perfect for capturing Fethiye's history.

Ölüdeniz Beach

Famous for its turquoise waters and beautiful landscape, it’s ideal for capturing picturesque seascapes.

Butterfly Valley

A hidden gem accessible by boat, offering stunning natural scenery and opportunities for capturing wildlife and landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Fethiye

Fethiye offers a delightful culinary experience, blending fresh seafood with traditional Turkish flavors and Mediterranean influences.

Fethiye Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Meze

A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, often including hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and eggplant salad.

Must-Try!

Seafood Kebab

Grilled fish or shrimp marinated in spices and served with vegetables.

Pide

A Turkish flatbread topped with cheese, minced meat, or vegetables, similar to pizza.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Fethiye Market

A lively market held every Tuesday, offering fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.

Street Kebab Stalls

Various stalls around the marina serve delicious kebabs and dürüm (wraps) for a quick bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Fethiye enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F) with minimal rainfall, while winter temperatures are more moderate, averaging around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity levels.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly handshake is common; close friends may greet with a kiss on both cheeks.

Dress Modestly

When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove shoes when entering mosques.

Respect for Elders

Show respect to elders by standing when they enter a room and using polite language.

Safety Guide

Safety

Fethiye is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to take common-sense precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when using ATMs or in busy markets.

Tipping in Fethiye

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to tip about 10-15% in restaurants; rounding up the bill is also appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's wise to carry some cash, especially for small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring an excellent time for hiking and outdoor activities.

Summer

Hot and dry, ideal for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts, but expect larger crowds.

Autumn

Warm weather continues, perfect for visiting attractions without the summer rush, and the sea remains warm for swimming.

Winter

Cooler temperatures and occasional rain; it's quieter, making it a good time for exploring historical sites.

Nightlife Guide

Fethiye at Night

Fethiye offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a mix of bars, clubs, and beachside lounges. Many places feature live music, and the atmosphere is generally friendly and relaxed. Popular spots include the marina area, where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, and lively bars that cater to tourists and locals alike. During peak summer months, nightlife is more vibrant, and many venues stay open late.

Hiking in Fethiye

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lycian Way

A long-distance hiking trail stretching along Turkey's southwestern coast, offering stunning views and ancient ruins.

Butterfly Valley Trail

A scenic hike leading to a secluded valley filled with diverse butterfly species and beautiful landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Fethiye by plane.

Dalaman Airport

Located approximately 55 km from Fethiye, Dalaman Airport serves both domestic and international flights, making it the closest airport for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Fethiye is quite walkable, especially in the town center and along the marina where most attractions, restaurants, and shops are located. The promenade is a popular walking area with beautiful views. However, some areas, especially those leading to the hillside tombs, may be steep and require good footwear.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

The local population is a mix of ethnic Turks and Kurds, with a friendly, welcoming attitude towards visitors.

Expats and Tourists

Fethiye has a significant expat community, particularly from the UK, and sees a large influx of tourists during the summer months.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Football is popular among local youth, with various amateur teams and matches being played regularly.

Water Sports

With its beautiful coastline, activities like sailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing are very popular.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Fethiye is generally manageable, with main roads leading in and out of the town. Public transportation includes buses and dolmuş (shared taxis), which are affordable and frequent, but may not reach all tourist sites directly.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Fethiye.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, though it's advisable to confirm ingredients as some may include meat-based broths.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options can be found, but it’s essential to communicate dietary needs clearly.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Fethiye has several healthcare facilities, including a state hospital and private clinics. Emergency services are accessible, and many doctors speak English. It's recommended for travelers to have travel insurance that covers health care abroad.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide