Places to Visit in Fethiye and Surroundings

A coastal city on the Lycian-Karya border, known as Telmessos in ancient times, "the untouched virgin of the Land of Light Fethiye is located in a bay open to the north surrounded by pine forests in the Gulf of Fethiye, where large and small islands are scattered in the Mediterranean Sea. Fethiye is a good starting point for blue voyages, with the view of the Knight's Island, Günlükbarı and the mountains opposite. 
For a long time, Fethiye (Telmessos) existed as an independent city separate from Lycia and was ruled by Persians, Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire and finally the Ottomans. Its cultural richness is immediately evident with the rock tombs and the ancient theater, which has been restored in recent years.
If you arrive in Fethiye in the evening and after you've settled where you're going to stay, the first thing you should do is wander around the bazaar. As in Kaş, this charming town with its well-preserved, well-controlled construction, narrow streets, cute and tiny squares will immediately envelop you and make you feel like a local. In the evenings, the atmosphere of the bazaar changes immediately. It's time for restaurants and rows of bars. The grills sizzle on the barbecues and the smell of food begins to fill the air. In the bazaars and markets, you can buy rock carpets woven by local villagers, destars with grape motifs, columns, saddlebags and sacks made of wool and hair, Karaçulha rugs, Three String, Sipsi and Kabak Kemani produced in Fethiye.

WHERE TO GO IN FETHIYE?

If you don't want to stay in one place and want to explore around Fethiye, you will find many alternatives to see and visit. If you have a car, drive around the headland called Oyuk Tepe. If you enjoy walking, pass through the 1st and 2nd Karagözler, cross the harbor, and follow the coastal road. The view from here is very beautiful, capture the image of the sea and the boats from top to bottom. There are beautiful coves at the bottom of the cliffs. Don't forget to see them too! If you prefer, you can also take boat trips to explore the coves from the sea. One of the bays along the way is Boncuk Bay, adjacent to Kalemya. It is highly suitable for water sports and swimming.

Be sure to try Fethiye's famous "çemenli tost" (toast with a special sauce). Also, try Meğri Restaurant in Fethiye Bazaar (0 252 614 4046). It offers wonderful selections from rich Turkish cuisine.

See Fethiye Castle rising to the south of the city. It is believed to belong to the Knights of St. John. Apart from a few inscriptions and a cistern of uncertain date, there are two small and simple rock tombs on the eastern face of the hill. The Fethiye Museum has two exhibition halls: the Archaeological Artifacts Hall and the Ethnographic Artifacts Hall. The archaeology section exhibits ceramic artifacts and statues. In the ethnographic section, examples of local handwoven fabrics and silver jewelry are displayed. The outdoor exhibition includes large stone artifacts, sarcophagi, and the Izraza Monument.

You must see the Cezayirli Mosque, built in 1791 by Cezayirli Hasan Pasha, and the Fethiye Hammam, which has 14 domes and is still in use.

The main inns you can visit in Fethiye are Ilıca Han (on the Üzümlü road), İncir Han, Karatoprak Han (on the İnbecik road), Paşa Han on the Kemer-Seki road, and Daydur Han and Naldöken Han.

The Lycian Rock Tombs dating back to the 4th century BC from the Lycian period in the city attract attention. These are tombs carved into the natural rock, which have become the symbol of the city. You can reach the most beautiful and magnificent of these tombs, Amintas, with many orderly steps. The most important of the sarcophagus tombs is located in the city center, right next to the post office.

If you are interested in diving, you must go diving. Diving tours in Fethiye offer the chance to see dolphins and even sea turtles and explore the cleanest waters of the Mediterranean. Deliktaş Island and its surroundings are the most popular.

If you enjoy adrenaline, swimming, and waves without being bothered by the fear of falling, capsizing, and getting wet, you must participate in a 12 km rafting tour, which is only 90 km away from Fethiye in Dalaman River. If you prefer to watch the river in a more individual and small team setting, you can also choose one of the two-person inflatable kayaks.

WHERE TO STAY IN FETHIYE:  Casa Margot Hotel, +16 -  https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/casa-margot-hotel

COVES AND ISLANDS

 Gobun Cove Like all the other coves in Fethiye Bay, Gobun Cove has the tranquility of a lake. Located in the southwest of Fethiye Bay, with its calm crystal-clear waters, it is approximately 10 meters deep. In this bay, there is a small cafe-restaurant owned by a local family, and the cove is one of the main places where sailors can spend the night.

Ölüdeniz If every city and every sea were associated with a color, turquoise would suit Fethiye. At sunset, you will discover the blend of green and blue turquoise in the natural wonder of Ölüdeniz that you won't see anywhere else in the world. It's hard to describe, neither blue nor green, the miraculous colors of nature. It's best to see and evaluate it yourself!

Ölüdeniz consists of two parts: the first part is the rough section of Ölüdeniz extending from the bay to the lagoon. The other side is the real Ölüdeniz we all know, which contains the lagoon. It has a magnificent sea covered with calm and shallow, white sand without a single algae at the bottom.

Here, you can also play beach volleyball besides sports such as surfing, canoeing, water skiing, and parasailing. Although a bit expensive, you can meet all kinds of food and beverage needs along Belcekız Beach. In addition, Ölüdeniz is one of the most ideal places in the world for paragliding. You don't need to be experienced to do this sport. All you have to do is to arrange one of the local agencies. Before the flight, you receive theoretical and practical training in the morning. You go to the flight point at an altitude of 1700 meters by jeeps. Wearing overalls and helmets, waiting for the parachutes to fill with wind and inflate, then you run and are released into the air.

In this exciting tour, you will be accompanied by the breathtaking views of Ayanikola Island, Ölüdeniz, Gemile Cove, and Kum Burnu. Be sure to take your camera with you to capture your memories and take photos from 1500-1700 meters high. From this height, you can see not only Patara Beach and Dalaman but also Rhodes on a clear day. 

ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATION IN ÖLÜDENİZ: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/oyster-residence

ANOTHER OPTION:  Beyaz Yunus Hotel: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/beyaz-yunus-oludeniz

Kleopatra Hamamı 

The bay where the Kleopatra Hamamı is located is called, a large bay filled with countless pine trees. As you approach from the depths to the shore, the color of the sea turns light blue. In the south, in the western part of the bay, there are some historical remains destroyed by earthquakes in Fethiye. You can see the remains of a Byzantine monastery partly submerged in the bay. You can also see the ruins of the ancient city of Lydae by trekking under the pines from Kleopatra Hamamı or Yavansu towards the hill. During one of Cleopatra's visits to the Anatolian shores, her close friends decided to build her a bathhouse as a gift. Because they found a hot spring in this part of the bay. The water here, containing minerals and elements such as calcium, magnesium, is very good for the skin. Some say that the secret behind Cleopatra's beauty is this water.

12 Islands

 A visit to the 12 Islands Boat Tour is a must when in Fethiye! Decorated with numerous beautiful coves and the Kapıdağı Peninsula, the region known as the "Dark Interior" by fishermen is a must-visit destination for blue cruises. Day trips are also organized from Fethiye and Göcek to the islands. While wandering around the marina and harbor, you'll see hundreds of boats waiting to take you on these tours. These boats depart from the harbor around 10:00-11:00 in the morning and return around 17:30-18:30 in the evening. Lunch menus usually include pasta, meatballs/chicken/fish, salad, and fruits. Opt for the upper deck to enjoy the sun, but be careful as it can be very intense, and you might end up with sunburns, making your evening uncomfortable. The lower deck of the boats may be more comfortable and enjoyable in the shade, where you can have tea, coffee, or something cold and play backgammon. During the tour, you may also have the chance to see dolphins, flying fish, and even sea turtles. Keep your eyes wide open!

Kızıl Island

 Another island where you can enjoy the pristine sea and shore. In fact, you can swim to the coast just a few meters away from the boat and come back.

Şövalye Island

 An island once used by the Knights of Rhodes and now inhabited. Minibuses constantly shuttle to and from the island, which has summer houses, motels, and cafes.

Tersane Island 

Another cove visited by boats is Tersane Island. On land, there are some remains belonging to Greeks who lived here peacefully during the Ottoman Empire period. The Greeks who lived in this cove were also used by the Turkish people to build ships because the shallow waters were very suitable for this purpose. That's why this island is called Tersane (Shipyard) Island.

Yassı Islands 

Yassı Islands are a group of islands very close to each other just opposite the town of Göcek. The special feature of this group of islands is the saltwater lake in the sandy part of the largest island, right in the middle of the island. This place is also extremely charming with its clean, dark blue, and deep waters. There is a passage of depth where you can easily walk from the largest island to the smallest one. On the largest island, there is a long sandy beach extending into the lake, and there are villagers who sell pastries every morning and come from Göcek. You can use their boats as restaurants and even ride on bananas and rings upon request.

Tlos and Yaka Park

 Tlos ancient city, located 40 km away from Fethiye, is reached by a 22 km road from Kemer Bucağı, 12 km of which is through the city (via the Çatallar Village road). The acropolis of the city is located on a hill with an Ottoman fortress in front of it. Lykian wall remnants are seen under the fortress, and Roman era walls are seen on the other side. Here, you can visit Lykian rock tombs, a bathhouse, gymnasion remnants, and the theater, which is still in good condition today. There are rows of tea gardens at the entrance of the archaeological site. If you are feeling hot, you can have something cold, especially try the buttermilk. Be sure to visit Yaka Park, which is very close to Yaka Village. Here, you will find a unique and peaceful resting place amidst the sounds of water and birds. You reach Yakapark via a 2 km road from Yaka Village. Trees, water channels, hammocks, and pavilions are placed harmoniously with the surroundings. You can enjoy gözleme, grilled meats, and trout... By the way, there is a remarkable bar, with the bar counter made of stone, and a canal from which the ice-cold water flows. Fish are passing through the canal in a procession.

Kayaköy 

Some of the civilizations that ruled the Fethiye region were the Lycians and Romans, leaving magnificent ruins all over Fethiye. Later, before World War I, the place known as Kaya or Kayaköy (Karmylassos) was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and Greeks lived here in peace. During the Greek period, it was called Levissi. There were hundreds of buildings, doctors, pharmacists, a church, and even a school here. They built their houses on the rocky and stony lands surrounding the area, cultivated their fields beautifully. After the population exchange agreement following the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, the Greeks living here were sent to Greece, and the Turks living in Greece were sent to Turkey. However, the Turks did not settle immediately; they stayed in Greece for some time, and therefore, the houses allocated for them remained empty for a long time. Then, the immigrants who came here couldn't really like it, and most of them migrated elsewhere. Especially the earthquake in 1957 really damaged the houses here, which prepared the current old town to look like a ghost town. Today, Turks have started living in an interesting style, and even an art camp has been established. The coffee shop and the square are also very beautiful. The village's church is still visited, and it is only 8 km away from Fethiye.

Saklıkent 

Saklıkent, which is reached by going 13 km from the Fethiye-Antalya highway to Kemer junction, then 21 km to Tlos, and then passing through Kayadibi village, is a huge valley and canyon that goes 14 kilometers inside, where sunlight cannot penetrate deeply. Saklıkent was discovered by a shepherd 15 years ago and leased from the government for 49 years. Now, this shepherd runs the cafe-restaurant in Saklıkent. Entrance fee is charged at the entrance of the canyon, and you leave your car and start walking. You have to walk through the icy cold and natural spring waters to cross the Eşen River. The water is so cold that dipping your foot into it requires a decision-making process. Since it is not easy to walk against the current, wooden walkways are built on the canyon walls. You can only move forward in a single row from these walkways, and you reach the point where the river bursts. You will see many roadside restaurants along the Saklıkent road. You can sit at the cafe-restaurant at this point and watch the water pouring down with a great noise while eating gözleme-ayran or trout. If you wish, you can cross to the opposite bank and proceed towards the depths of the canyon. The canyon, which sometimes narrows and becomes rugged from the entrance, is 18 km long, and it is not easy to go all the way to the end. It is best to walk until you are satisfied due to the humidity and then return. Since the bottom of the water is gravelly, we recommend that you have a spare pair of rubber shoes with you. If not, no problem; you can buy plastic shoes from the shop at the entrance, a good example of entrepreneurial economy. Another way is, of course, to let yourself be carried away by the current of the water and swim out of the canyon, but you should be prepared to get cold.

On the way back to Fethiye, you should definitely stop and take a break to taste homemade gözlemes and homemade ice-cold buttermilk made by the villagers, which will give you the experience of Turkish village life and hospitality.

Dalyan 

Dalyan, a charming town located an hour away from Fethiye, next to the Dalyan River (ancient Calbis River) connecting Köyceğiz Lake to the sea, is perched on a hilltop. When you enter the town, you are greeted by Carian (Carian) rock tombs. But when you arrive in Dalyan, the first thing you need to do is to make a deal with a local fisherman boat captain to take you to the places to visit. First of all, you must experience the mud bath, which takes about 10 minutes by boat. The mud bath contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and sulfur, which are said to be good for the skin, and taking a mud bath will make your holiday even healthier. After a 30-minute boat tour through the Dalyan River among the birds and perhaps turtles, you arrive at İztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach), where the world-famous caretta caretta turtles come to lay their eggs. This 5400 m long beach is one of the rare beaches in the world where loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs and is therefore heavily protected by the Turkish Natural Life Protection Society. When you reach the beach, you need to follow the rules written on large signs on how to use the beach to protect loggerhead sea turtles and allow them to live. Because the loggerhead sea turtle population has been almost extinct. In fact, thanks to the conscious ownership of the people of Dalyan, construction of a Turkish-German joint hotel started on the beach was prevented and demolished by the efforts of the people, foreigners living in the region, and the Turkish Natural Life Protection Society after the foundations were laid. Except for a few changing cabins, no other construction is allowed on the beach to prevent harm to loggerhead sea turtle eggs. Another feature of the beach is that it is the second beach in the world to preserve its naturalness, and one side is a river, which is fresh water, and the other side is the sea, which is salty water. After a long and relaxing walk on the beach, you should decide where to swim. On the way back, you can also visit the ancient city of Caunos. In Dalyan, which is perched on the hilltop, there are also places to be seen, which are the Roman Bath, Ancient Theater, Acropolis, and Apollo Temple, which are less than a 10-minute walk from the city center. When you arrive in Dalyan center, you can try Ramazan Han (0 252 284 4183) and Zeugma (0 252 284 2141) restaurants. Also, at Riverside Restaurant (0 252 284 3166), which you can reach by boat on the edge of Dalyan, you can taste fresh seafood against the backdrop of the king's tombs.

Butterfly Valley 
One of the most striking places around Fethiye is the Butterfly Valley, one of the eastern bays of Belcekız Bay. The rocky and pine valley, which was declared a 1st degree natural protected area in 1995 and closed to all kinds of construction, is surrounded by 350 m. high mountains. This interesting canyon takes its name from the spotted butterflies called "Jarsey Tiger" seen in summer.
With its 250-meter-long wide beach, small waterfall, clear sea accompanied by shiny pebbles and a flowing small waterfall complementing the sea, it is a colorful paradise where countless butterflies cover the trees, rocks and everywhere. A unique place to have a free holiday in a natural environment!
To go to Butterfly Valley, you first need to go to Ölüdeniz. From there you can take a boat to the beach of the valley or you can reach the valley by taking a dangerous walk from the village of Faralya, which is located above the valley. Part of the beach is used as a nudist camp. If you want to hike deeper into the valley, you will come across a small waterfall whose water comes from the Sarp stream, which originates from the foothills of Babadağ. Those who are experienced and trained in trekking will have the chance to watch the view of the valley from the top, which will add life to their lives if they overcome the waterfall and continue their ascent. 

There are no accommodation facilities here but camping in the valley is quite enjoyable. You can either sleep in a corner with a sleeping bag or stay in a tent you can rent on the beach. The countryside restaurant established on the beach in summer meets many of your needs. You need to stay at least two days to enjoy the valley.
Butterfly Valley also has a legend: Once upon a time, a Greek woman named Despina lived in the valley. At the age of 20, Despina, who lived alone, fell in love with a young sailor in the Valley, a place where pirate ships were hidden. The young sailor sailed away promising to come back, but he never returned. Despina waited and waited until the end of her life, but the sailor never came. Despina died at the age of 120 and her body was never found after her death, and according to the elders, Despina's spirit still wanders in the Valley.

Accommodation Recommendation in Butterfly Valley - Faralya Region:  https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/mandarin-otel

Pinara 

Located 55 km from Fethiye at the foot of Mount Akdağ. One of the largest cities of Lycia. It is known as the city where the first beauty contest in the region was held and gained importance with its interesting architectural temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. Hundreds of folk-style tombs prepared in the form of "dovecotes" make its Necropolis unique.

Cadianda 

Located in Üzümlü, 25 km away from Fethiye. It is known as the city that joined the Lycian Federal Union last. After the excavations carried out by the Fethiye Museum, it has become the center of attention in the region with its Theater, Agora, Stadium-Bath complex, and monumental tombs.

Where to Have Breakfast in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz?

 You can have a good breakfast at Casa Margot Hotel's magnificent view terrace in Fethiye, and it is recommended in Lykia Farm in Yanıklar. West Cafe in Göcek is very nice and elegant. One of the best breakfasts you can have in Kayaköy is at Senit Ekmek, with its warm atmosphere and delicious flavors. You can also try Kahve Diyarı for breakfast in Fethiye. For dinner; in the center of Fethiye, Hilmi Restaurant at Balık Pazarı, if you prefer a meat restaurant, Çarıklı Restaurant, and Cin-Bal in Kayaköy, which is our favorites for cook-it-yourself-eat-it-yourself. Prices are reasonable. Girida (Fethiye), Paşa Kebap, and Bella Mamas (Çalış). Mancero Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant and bar where you can spend enjoyable time on the Fethiye beachfront. Restaurant recommendations for Ölüdeniz: Olive Garden for lunch (Faralya), and Jade and Buzz Restaurant for dinner in Ölüdeniz center. Best Beaches: Help Beach, Sugar Beach, Suncity Beach in Ölüdeniz Evening entertainment suggestion from Ölüdeniz: Şey Lounge. 

Activities to Do; Paragliding, Lykian Way hiking, visiting Lycian ancient cities, Babadağ summit safari, Paragliding, Kayaköy tour, Gemile Bay, Paradise Bay, and a bit further to Kalabantia pirate bay are places to see.