A Summer Holiday on the Turquoise Coast: The highlights of Fethiye, Turkey

Fethiye is a lovely seaside port town with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, explore the town and its history, and hike or cycle through the incredible surrounding nature.

Boat Cruises

There are many gulet cruise routes that originate in Fethiye and travel to popular destinations like Olympos, Bodrum, and the nearby Greek Islands. With Alaturka Cruises, the options are endless and there is sure to be a cruise with the destinations and duration you are looking for. However, if your schedule does not allow for multiple days out at sea, there are also options for day trips that explore the bays and islands located with the gulf of Fethiye. Take a walk along the Fethiye harbor promenade to explore your options. Sunset cruises, 12 Island tours, and destination trips to Gocek, Butterfly Valley, and Oludeniz Blue Lagoon are all available for those interested in taking day cruises.

Old Town & Local Markets

Fethiye has a lovely downtown area known as the Paspatur and it is a shaded but vibrant place to stroll around and enjoy the small shops and cafes that fill the small streets. The local markets that happen throughout the week are also an interesting sight to see. The Tuesday market that takes place not far from the seaside is very popular with visitors and locals alike as you can easily find affordable electronics, handbags, shoes, and clothing. The Friday market is located in the same place and is reserved exclusively for villagers bringing the local produce from their farms and gardens. The markets are the perfect place to taste locally made cheeses, olives, breads, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. At every market you will find a shaded area with a pop up cafe where you can drink tea and fresh juices and enjoy delicious cheese and spinach gozleme.

Trekking & Cycling Routes

There are many trekking and biking tours offered from Fethiye and cycling around town is also very enjoyable. Bike paths can be found on the main roads and the harbor promenade is often filled with cyclists. There are also more challenging bike routes that curve around the Fethiye peninsula and venture up into the hills. The Lycian Way, a 500km foot path, originates in Fethiye and is waymarked along the coast all the way until the city of Antalya. The many hiking and cycling routes in the area often pass nearby well-preserved Ottoman and Byzantine ruins. For example, the start of the Lycian Way which is located just above the city center, is nearby to the Telmessos rock tomb ruins. The tomb is visible on the cliffside that oversees the harbor and it was built around 350 BC. There is endless history in this area so it is best to find a guide who can give you a background to the history of ancient Lycia. The Lycian Way is not the only option as trekking and cycling routes can be found all over the Fethiye area and the entire Mugla province.

Beaches

If you do opt for a boat tour, it is highly recommendable to visit the incredible beaches at Oludeniz Blue Lagoon and Butterfly Valley. These spectacular sights are a short distance from Fethiye and are best reached by boat, although Oludeniz is also easily accessed by local bus that runs very often from the Fethiye bus station. In addition, Calis beach and the Fethiye peninsula, which is dotted with smaller beaches, are easily accessible for those looking for Fethiye local beach options. Otherwise, the Dalyan beaches and Patara beach, all about an hours’ drive from Fethiye, are large peaceful stretches that are well worth the trip.

Food & Accommodation

A visit to Fethiye would be incomplete without a visit to the famous fish market which is lined with restaurants along the perimeter. Choose your fish from one of the many stalls in the center of the market and find a seat at any of the restaurants. There, the chefs will prepare side dishes to go along with your fish of choice. Fethiye has many good restaurants and the harbor promenade is also lined with many options where you can sit beside the water, enjoy your dinner, and watch the sun set. Accommodations of all levels are available in Fethiye and the choices are endless. If you are arriving via a gulet cruise, there are many options along the harbor. If a seaside resort is what you desire, Calis beach and OIudeniz both have wonderful accommodation options, many are hotels with various package deals.

Whether you arrive in Fethiye via one of the many gulet cabin cruises available or happen to come by bus as you journey through Turkey, be sure to reserve a few days to explore what this vibrant port town has to offer for holiday goers of all tastes.