Fethiye, Travel Guide

This content was last updated on 24.01.2024 22:20

Fethiye is a popular tourist destination located on the southwestern coast of Turkey. Here is everything you need to know about this beautiful town.

Fethiye, lies 200 km (124 miles) and a 3-hour drive to the west of Antalya, while it's 131 km (81 miles) and a 2-hour drive to the east of Marmaris. It's situated on a spacious Mediterranean bay, showcasing some of Turkey's finest beaches and yachting opportunities. Numerous hotels offer accommodations, and Dalaman Airport ensures convenient accessibility.

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Around 2400 years ago, Fethiye (pronounced FET-hee-yeh) stood as the main settlement of Telmessos, yet earthquakes have spared only a handful of Lycian stone sarcophagi as remnants of the ancient city. Fethiye serves as the commencement of the Lycian Way, a 500-km (311-mile) trail leading through the rugged mountains of the Tekke Peninsula to Antalya.

Attractions

In Fethiye town, there are a few attractions to explore. Fethiye Old Town houses Paspatur Çarşısı (Market). The Amyntas Rock Tombs (Amintas Kaya Mezarları) are carved into the steep rock cliff above the town. Çaliş Beach stretches for kilometers and lies 5 km (3 miles) northeast of Fethiye. Close to Fethiye, on the peninsula, you'll discover various beach clubs, including Sea Me Beach and Help Beach & Yacht Club. These offer private beaches, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and other on-site amenities.

Numerous key attractions near Fethiye include Butterfly Valley in Ölüdeniz. Thrill-seekers can engage in paragliding in Ölüdeniz for the ultimate view of Butterfly Valley. Ölüdeniz, likely Turkey's most stunningly positioned beach, is situated 8.5 km (5.3 miles) south of Fethiye, across the hills.

Apart from the beach, tourists enjoy exploring the ancient Telmessos ruins scattered throughout the city and embarking on a full-day yacht cruise to the 12 Islands in the bay. Particularly, Gemile Island offers a stop with unrestored Byzantine ruins. Boats set sail from Fethiye's bustling harbor daily during the warmer months. Another notable site is the village of Kayaköy, formerly called Karmylassos, now a ghost town with numerous stone houses. This abandoned area includes hundreds of homes, as well as churches and schools, all preserved as a protected archaeological site.

Does the idea of traveling to another country pique your interest? Explore the enchanting Greek islands! Starting from mid-June through August, you can take a direct ferry from Fethiye to the well-loved island of Rhodes, Greece.

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Best Things to Do in Fethiye

Transportation

The majority of visitors reach Fethiye by bus or car. The closest airport is 50 km (31 miles) west in Dalaman. Buses are available from various major destinations, providing direct routes to Fethiye. From Kaş, situated 105 km (65 miles) to the east, daily buses depart from the otogar (bus station) and take about two hours to reach Fethiye. Traveling from Antalya, located 194 km (120 miles) to the east, there are buses departing every four hours from Antalya's otogar (bus station) to Fethiye. The travel time is approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the chosen bus route.

Lodging

A variety of accommodation choices are available, spanning from upscale luxury resorts boasting marina views to economical stays in guesthouses. Additionally, there are "apartotels" that feature kitchenettes and pools, making them an excellent choice for families.