Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Fethiye

Fethiye is the ultimate destination for a cozy and peaceful escape. With its warm climate, sun-kissed beaches, and mesmerizing turquoise waters, this charming resort town is a true Mediterranean paradise. Here, you can soak in the authentic coastal ambiance and create unforgettable memories.

Summer is the best time to visit Fethiye and experience its beauty at its finest! Get one of our rental villas and bask in the magnificent Mediterranean sun while resting on your pool-side lounge chair.

Are you ready for an exciting journey? Let’s discover some of the top attractions in Fethiye!

Ölüdeniz & Blue Lagoon

The spectacular beach of Ölüdeniz, with its pristine waters and golden beach, is among Fethiye’s finest destinations. It’s where you can bask in the magnificent Mediterranean sun while enjoying the magical mix of green and turquoise.

Untouched coves and a myriad of tourist activities make Ölüdeniz a well-known attraction for thrill-seekers. You can enjoy various water sports, including jet-skiing, rafting, and kayaking, as well as picturesque jeep safaris. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Rhodes for island hopping and exploring different corners of the Mediterranean.

The most famous attraction in Ölüdeniz is possibly the Blue Lagoon. Located in the stunning Ölüdeniz National Park, the lagoon is a very popular destination for travelers who are seeking tranquility and beauty in one place. Visit the lagoon to marvel at its spectacular view. If you’re interested in photography, the deep blue hue of its water and the pristine nature surrounding the lagoon will surely provide you with an unforgettable subject.

Saklıkent Gorge

Are you daring enough for a trip to one of the world’s deepest canyons? If yes, Saklıkent Gorge is waiting for you. The gorge is 18 kilometers long and 300 meters deep, offering a somewhat challenging yet exciting journey for anyone who feels like a wonderful adventure.

The depth of the water in Saklıkent Gorge changes in different sections and highly depends on the time of the year. It rarely goes above the knee, while it can get much deeper sometimes. The different shapes and forms created by the gorge walls offer spectacular views; you can capture stunning pictures if you have a camera with you.

Within the gorge is a waterfall and a swimming pool created by the river water. Once you reach the end of the gorge, you will find yourself in the middle of a small marketplace, with shops lining up by the riverside. This is the perfect place to purchase some souvenirs and refreshing drinks.

If you’re interested in water sports, there are river rafting opportunities down the river. They give you brief training on how to sail; so, if you aren’t an experienced rafter, this might be a great chance to take on this exciting sport.

Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley is one of the top natural wonders in Fethiye. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the valley boasts a large butterfly population, with over one hundred species native to the region. Amongst colorful butterflies and the Mediterranean, the valley is undoubtedly one of the must-see sights in Fethiye.

Besides its butterflies, the valley is also known for its hidden cover, where you can embrace the breathtaking views of the turquoise sea. As it’s accessible by boat, you may consider taking one of the Fethiye boat trips for an unforgettable odyssey. The only alternative to a boat trip is embarking on a challenging hike from the nearby village of Faralya (Uzunyurt).

Butterfly Valley is where to go in Fethiye for adventure. Besides its majestic beach, stunning scenery, and vibrant atmosphere, the valley also offers exciting Fethiye paragliding opportunities. So, if you’re daring enough, this might be the perfect chance to try soaring in the sky.

Kayaköy Ghost Town

Kayaköy Ghost Town is an abandoned village preserved as a museum. You can stroll along the empty streets and marvel at the stunning beauty of the old Greek-style houses and churches.

The village is large, with plenty of empty houses sprawling across a large area. The backdrop of verdant mountains creates panoramic scenery, offering you amazing opportunities to take Instagram-worthy pictures.

The history of Kayaköy is quite interesting and tragic. The village was once home to a thriving community of Greeks of Fethiye. Following World War I, a population exchange agreement between Turkey and Greece displaced hundreds of thousands in both countries. After the exchange, Kayaköy became completely deserted, leaving behind only the ruins of this once lovely settlement.

Despite its dramatic history, Kayaköy is one of the best places to visit in Fethiye. You can take a trip to this old village to explore the lifestyles of the region’s historic inhabitants.

Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur)

Exploring the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Fethiye. Locally known as Paspatur, the area consists of old buildings and local establishments. The Paspatur Bazaar (Paspatur Çarısı) is a particularly popular shopping destination for travelers. Here, you can purchase souvenirs to commemorate your trip and enjoy some local delicacies.

The narrow streets of the Old Town are also perfect for exploring the hidden gems of Fethiye. There are many unknown establishments in the area that travelers often miss. If you’re into local Turkish food, these small restaurants and cafes are where you can try the best dishes.

Lycian Rock Tombs

Ancient Lycian Rock Tombs are among the must-see historical sites in Fethiye. Featured on the famous Lycian Way trekking path, the tombs offer a spectacular glimpse of the region’s past. They were carved by ancient Lycians into the cliffs overlooking the city in honor of high-standing people. Although the tombs are quite well-known, the site rarely gets crowded, allowing you to explore the tombs in peace.

Although there are several tombs in the complex, the most famous of them is that of Amyntas. The tomb carries an ancient Greek inscription that reads “Amyntas, son of Hermagios.” Although we don’t know anything about Amyntas, other than that he was the son of a Hermagios, his tomb serves as a splendid specimen of what ancient Lycian tombs looked like. This is also the only tomb that you can enter.

If you want to make the best of your trip to these tombs, you can consider taking a boat trip that includes the tombs. The view of the tombs from the Dalyan River is spectacular—don’t forget to bring your camera.

Calis Beach

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Fethiye, you must not miss the famous Calis Beach. Its 4-kilometer-long sandy beach makes the spot a very popular destination for those seeking a pleasant dip. The scenery from Calis is unmatched, with hues of gold and turquoise mixed in the horizon.

Since Calis Beach is located near the center, you can easily access markets and restaurants. There are also rental apartments in the vicinity that make Calis a great place to stay during your Fethiye holiday.

As it’s a highly touristy area, you must head to the beach early to find a pleasant spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Fethiye Marina & Boat Tours

Fethiye Marina is the heart of Fethiye. Located at the historic center, the marina is home to a myriad of restaurants, cafes, bars, and local shops.

What makes Marina a popular spot, though, is the scenic boat tours that take off from their dock. In Fethiye, there is a boat tour to almost all destinations in the Turkish riviera. You can hop on a vessel and sail to Dalyan, Kalkan, and many other popular spots in the region.

Kabak Bay

Kabak Bay is a hidden gem in the middle of towering hills. The spot is known for its paradisiacal scenery, where lush greenery meets the beach’s golden sands and the turquoise Mediterranean. There are various boat trips to the bay, making it easy to access from Fethiye Marina.

The beach is smaller than other famous beaches in Fethiye, such as the Sunset Beach Club Fethiye; yet it’s never overcrowded. Although the surroundings are somewhat rocky and bushy, you can still hike through the neighboring forest to experience the local wildlife.

Tlos Ancient City

Tlos Ancient City is a must-see landmark located only 4 kilometers from Saklıkent Gorge. Although the city was once one of the most prominent settlements of ancient Lycia, all that remains of its past glory are ruins.

Founded nearly four thousand years ago, Tlos preserved its significance up to the 3rd century CE, until when an earthquake destroyed much of the city and displaced its inhabitants.

The ancient settlement features a walled acropolis, numerous sarcophagi and tombs, a stadium with a capacity of 2,500 people, two grand Roman baths, and a large Roman theater.

If you want to uncover the rich history of Fethiye, Tlos Ancient City must be on your travel itinerary.