Regardless of what type of traveler you are and where your interests lie, Fethiye has something for you. Situated on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, this popular destination is a wealth of historical treasures, action-packed activities, and, of course, fun in the sun!
JEEP SAFARI TOUR
A journey into the back mountains of Fethiye, this will be one action-packed day with adventure, history and plenty of relaxation. First off is the Saklikent Gorge, the second largest gorge in Europe (20km long) and the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey. Walking through the gorge is a delight upon itself, but for the extra adventurous types, you can raft down through it.
While in Turkey, a trip to a Hamami, Turkish bath, is a must, but while in Fethiye, mud baths are the thing to do! Frolic in the mud, make a mud mohawk or simply rub it into your hands for the clay minerals. Afterwards we wash off in the lower stream of Saklikent Gorge.
After all that action, it will be time for some studies. Head over to Tlos Ancient City, one of the oldest and largest settlements of Lycia, this ancient city bore the title ‘the very brilliant metropolis of the Lycian nation’ under the Roman empire. Lastly, you get the chance to enter the Yaka National Park where melted ice from the mountains creates cascading waterfalls. The park is also highlighted by Patara beach with 18km of soft white sand backed by majestic dunes.
FISH MARKET
What would a trip to the seaside be without some excellent seafood dinners? A few years ago, the mayor of Fethiye had the genius idea to create a fish market where independent fishmongers share a central space in the market area, and restaurants with outdoor tables ring the perimeter. The selection of seafood is outstanding with mahi mahi, tuna, sea bass, sardines, six-inch prawns, calamari, anchovies, barracuda, and many more. You select and buy fresh-caught fish from one of the vendors and then bring it on over to one of the restaurants, we recommend Mercan Restaurant, where they will cook your fish and provide all the fixings for a fine feast – salad, breads, lemon/garlic sauce, and don’t forget to add on plenty of delicious Turkish meze!
BLUE CRUISE
A Blue Cruise in Turkey will hands down be the highlight of your Fethiye experience, and maybe even your entire Turkey experience! Sailing on a traditional Turkish gulet, there are cruises from three days to one week hitting the major attractions along the coastline.
One of the best tour providers in Fethiye is Alaturka Cruises as they consistentently attract fun groups of people on their tours, the facilities are great and the staff super accomodating. The highlights of the cruise include trekking up Butterfly Valley,the famously picturesque Oludeniz Beach, soaking in a gorgeous sun set from the top of St. Nicholas Island.
What hot air ballooning is to Cappadocia, paragliding is to Fethiye. This is an experienced not to be missed! Jump off the 2,000 meter Babadag Mountain to take in the breathtaking sights of Oludeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon. Be sure to ask your provider on how to make this a part of your blue cruise experience.
TREKKING THROUGH KAYA KOY – GREEK GHOST TOWN
At the start of the 19th century with the Greeks and Turks living together in harmony, Kayakoy, Levissi in Greek, was a bustling community of Greeks with about 3,500 homes and three churches. After the First World War and the end of the Ottoman Empire, Greek Christians were deported from Fethiye’s harbour and the Muslim Turks were expelled from Greece. Now Kayakoy is an open-air museum named by UNESCO as a world friendship and peace village.
There are regular local buses from Fethiye that will get you to Kayakoy in about 10 minutes. There are several small restaurants and cafes in the Kayakoy vicinity where you can barbeque lamb, beef, chicken and vegetables at your tableside. Check out Yalçın Kebap BBQ Restaurant for a super delicious selection of meats and meze. Order atom, a yogurt with dried hot peppers and spicy oil all over fried eggplant and potatoes – might sound strange, but we promise you won’t regret it.
SCUBA DIVING
The crystal-clear waters along the shores of Fethiye offer an ideal location for scuba diving. The Mediterranean hosts a wide variety of fascinating sealife including sea turtles, rays and dolphins. Seahorses hiding amongst the sea grass and colourful coral make diving here an extra special treat.
There are no negative currents along Fethiye’s extensive shoreline making it easy and safe to dive in this area. Many experienced dive centers in the area arrange daily and nightly diving tours throughout the year for both beginners and skilled divers, as well as extensive courses based on PADI, CMAS and BSAC. Sites vary from shallow waters to impressive underwater caves, and archaeological dive.
FETHIYE MUSEUM & THEATER
Conveniently located in the center of town behind the harbour is the Telmessos’ Roman Theater. With over 6000 seats, the theater was built in the 2nd Century BC and is currently being restored to emulate its past glory. Not far from the Roman theatre is the Fethiye Museum which contains many exhibits from the ancient settlements of Telmessos, Kaunos and Tlos. You can find a variety of ancient jewelry, pottery, votive stones, a few ancient Stelae and many other interesting artifacts.
LYCIAN TOMBS
The Lycians lived in Turkey thousands of years ago, and while there isn’t much known about this era of history, Fethiye offers a great opportunity to observe the incredible tombs they left behind. Dating back to approximately 350 BC, the tombs are carved into a cliff overlooking the town. They are easy to spot and extra spectacular in the late afternoon as they glow orange in the sunlight. (Alternatively, they are lit up in the evening by floodlights making them really eye-catching).
If you’re in the mood for a trek, definitely take the opportunity climb the stairs to the top of the cliff to get up close to the ancient crypts and enjoy the stunning panorama of Fethiye and the surrounding waters. At the top of the stairs you will reach the Tomb of Amyntas, the most magnificent of the tombs, dating back to 4th Century BC. After you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Lycian leader’s tomb, turn around and soak in the city views as you make your way back down.
SCUBA DIVING
The crystal-clear waters along the shores of Fethiye offer an ideal location for scuba diving. The Mediterranean hosts a wide variety of fascinating sealife including sea turtles, rays and dolphins. Seahorses hiding amongst the sea grass and colourful coral make diving here an extra special treat.
There are no negative currents along Fethiye’s extensive shoreline making it easy and safe to dive in this area. Many experienced dive centers in the area arrange daily and nightly diving tours throughout the year for both beginners and skilled divers, as well as extensive courses based on PADI, CMAS and BSAC. Sites vary from shallow waters to impressive underwater caves, and archaeological dive.
