Things to do in Fethiye

From beautiful sandy beaches to mountain slopes, from gastronomy to historical sites, Fethiye is bursting with things to do. The wide range of activities makes it an ideal holiday destination for every type of holiday. Nestled between the sea and the mountains on the Turquoise Coast, its geographical position makes it a strategic starting point for excursions to discover the province of Muğla.

Top six things to do in Fethiye

1. Discover the Lycian Tombs

They’ve stood for thousands of years, surviving everything Mother Nature has thrown at them, including devastating earthquakes that destroyed much of the region. The Lycian Tombs are stone sarcophagi, often placed in elevated positions, that are still visible today in various parts of the city. Some date as far back as the fourth century BC, when the city was known as Telmesso. The most striking tomb is that of Amyntas. Carved into the mountain overlooking the city, it’s got a spectacular façade built in the style of an Ionic temple. The hike up can be a bit of a challenge, but once at the top, the view of the city and bay is priceless.

2. Visit the ‘ghost village’ of Kayaköy

About a 25-minute drive south of Fethiye is Kayaköy, an abandoned village that’s now become a fascinating open-air museum. This ‘ghost village’ has hundreds of ruined, roofless stone houses scattered on a hillside. There are also two 17th-century Orthodox churches, which you can enter, as well as fountains and cisterns. Here, you can breathe in an otherworldly atmosphere and, by joining a guided tour, you can discover the village’s history and those of the region and Turkey. What’s more, you’re bang in the middle of a spectacular landscape of gorges, pine forests and orchards. If you’ve time, continue to Mount Babadağ. It’s just 5km from the sea, and a popular destination for paragliding.

3. Walk the Lycian Way

The 540km-long Lycian Way is a trail that runs through part of the Tekke peninsula, which was inhabited by the ancient Lycians. Established in the Nineties to enhance the area’s historical ana natural heritage, it draws on ancient mule tracks, dirt roads and hiking trails that hugged the rugged coastline. The setting is spectacular – sea cliffs and the wild vegetation of the Taurus Mountains. It’s worth trekking at least one stage during your stay in Fethiye – it’d take about a month to walk the entire route. It’s a great way to discover ancient archaeological sites and immerse yourself in the abundant nature. For a nearby scenic section, head some 20km from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz Bay – which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the region – and then trek to Faralya, a rustic hilltop hamlet.

4. Take an excursion to Butterfly Valley

Another unmissable day trip from Fethiye is to the famous Butterfly Valley. This canyon at the foot of Mount Babadağ has been protected area since the Eighties. The valley is a natural habitat of some 100 species of butterflies, including the endemic tiger moth. This very rare caterpillar can be spotted by its orange, black and white patterns. Thanks to its isolated location, the valley doesn’t get too many visitors and has remained a natural, unspoiled and peaceful haven. You can reach the valley by taking a boat from Ölüdeniz or hiking on the pathway from Faralya. It can be steep in parts, so it may be challenging if you’re mobility is reduced. Once here, you can stay overnight in a tent or bungalow, under the starry sky.

5. Join a boat tour on the River Dalyan

The River Dalyan flows from Lake Köyceğiz to the Mediterranean between Fethiye and Marmaris. A riverboat tour on the Dalyan takes you to archaeological sites and protected natural habitats, which feature incredible biodiversity. The town of Dalyan is one of the stops during navigation. It’s a quiet spot where you can admire ancient Lycian tombs from 400 BC. And near its historic centre, there are thermal springs and mud baths thar are famed for their healing properties. It’s a great opportunity to treat yourself to a well-deserved wellness break. Also near the centre are the well-preserved ruins of the ancient trading city of Kaunos. This archaeological site has relics dating back to the 10th century BC. Before reaching the estuary, you pass a marshy area that’s a habitat to an impressive variety of birds and fish. Finally, you arrive at the famous Iztuzu beach, a breeding ground of loggerhead turtles. It also happens to be a fantastic place in which to sunbathe.

6. Relax on Fethiye's most beautiful beaches

It’s hard to beat Fethiye’s location on the Turquoise Coast – a stretch renowned for its beautiful, sunkissed beaches. Ölüdeniz, which means ‘Blue Lagoon’, lies at the foot of Mount Babadağ and is one of the most famous beaches in the area. Its trademark clear waters and thick pine forest make it a popular destination. Kabak is a hard-to-reach beach, which means it’s quieter and frequented mainly by locals. Çalış, on the other hand, is the ideal destination for practising water sports, from kitesurfing to windsurfing and sailing. The beach at Butterfly Valley is a mecca for hippies. Here, you can admire wonderful sunsets and spend the night in a tent. Finally, the small island of Şövalye is home to a golden sandy beach, from which you can admire ancient Byzantine ruins.