Fethiye Travel Guide – Where Nature, History, and the Sea Meet

Fethiye, located in Muğla province at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, is a captivating holiday destination. With its natural beauty, historical richness, and crystal-clear waters, it attracts both domestic and international tourists. Here are the must-see places in and around Fethiye:

1. Ölüdeniz Lagoon and Kumburnu Beach

• Distance: 14 km from Fethiye center / approx. 25 minutes

• Entrance Fee: 60 TL per person for Kumburnu Nature Park (2025), additional fee for private vehicles

• Info: One of the most famous beaches in Turkey. Calm and shallow waters make it ideal for families with children. You can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the area by paragliding from Babadağ Mountain.

2. Butterfly Valley

• Distance: 25-minute boat ride from Ölüdeniz (no road access)

• Entrance Fee: Accessible via daily boat tours, prices range between 400-600 TL per person (2025)

• Info: Named after the 100+ species of butterflies that inhabit the area. Surrounded by high cliffs, it’s ideal for campers and hikers. Accessible on foot from Faralya for trekking lovers.

3. Kayaköy (Ghost Village)

• Distance: 8 km from Fethiye center / 15 minutes

• Entrance Fee: 60 TL for museum-managed areas (2025)

• Info: An abandoned Greek village following the population exchange in 1923. Stone houses, church ruins, and narrow stone-paved streets create a mystical atmosphere.

4. Saklıkent Canyon

• Distance: 45 km from Fethiye center / approx. 50 minutes

• Entrance Fee: 65 TL (2025), 35 TL for students

• Info: A great place to cool off in summer with its icy waters. You can walk inside the canyon and engage in water activities. Often included in jeep safari tours.

5. Tlos Ancient City

• Distance: 37 km from Fethiye center / 40 minutes

• Entrance Fee: 50 TL (2025)

• Info: One of the key cities of the Lycian civilization. Highlights include rock tombs, an amphitheater, an agora, and fortress ruins.

6. Xanthos-Letoon Ancient Cities

• Distance: 65 km from Fethiye center / approx. 1 hour

• Entrance Fee: Combined ticket 80 TL

• Info: Xanthos is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Letoon is a sacred site with temples dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children Apollo and Artemis.

7. Çalış Beach

• Distance: 5 km from Fethiye center / 10 minutes

• Entrance Fee: Free (Sunbeds and umbrellas cost 100-150 TL)

• Info: Famous for its sunset views. Long beach promenade with walking and cycling paths. Lined with restaurants and bars.

8. Telmessos Rock Tombs (Amyntas Tomb)

• Distance: Located in the Fethiye city center

• Entrance Fee: 40 TL (2025)

• Info: Gigantic rock tombs carved into the mountain slope from the Lycian period. The most famous is the Tomb of Amyntas. Offers panoramic views of Fethiye.

9. Fethiye Archaeological Museum

• Distance: In Fethiye center

• Entrance Fee: 50 TL (2025)

• Info: Displays artifacts from Lycian cities such as Tlos and Xanthos. The trilingual inscription is particularly notable.

10. Gemiler Island

• Distance: 1-hour boat ride from Ölüdeniz

• Entrance Fee: Included in boat tour (usually 600-800 TL)

• Info: Home to Byzantine church ruins and cisterns. Ideal for snorkeling around the island.

11. Lycian Way

• Distance: Starting point in Ovacık (13 km from Fethiye / 20 minutes)

• Entrance Fee: Free

• Info: A 540 km trail that stretches from Fethiye to Antalya. Popular sections include Faralya, Kabak, and Alınca.

12. Paspatur Bazaar and Fish Market

• Distance: In Fethiye center

• Entrance Fee: Free (Fish market meals range from 300-600 TL per person)

• Info: Paspatur’s narrow streets are filled with cafés, carpet shops, and souvenir stores. Buy fresh fish and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.

13. Fethiye Marina and Island Boat Tours

• Distance: Departures from Fethiye city center

• Entrance Fee: 12 Islands boat tour 800-1000 TL per person (2025)

• Info: Visits include Red Island, Rabbit Island, and Yassıca Islands. Lunch included. Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

14. Babadağ Summit

• Distance: 25 km from Fethiye center / 35-40 minutes

• Cable Car Fee: 250 TL round trip (2025)

• Info: At 1965 meters altitude, enjoy panoramic views of Ölüdeniz. Popular take-off point for paragliding. There is also a restaurant to enjoy the sunset.