Things to do in  Fethiye

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) makes a dramatic first impression with its narrow gorge, steep cliffs, and white sand. Reachable only by boat, the secluded cove gets its name from the many species of butterflies and moths that breed in the valley.

Though Saklikent translates from Turkish as Hidden City, urban life is the last thing that comes to mind in Saklikent National Park (Saklikent Milli Parki). Encompassing a dramatic gorge that cuts through the mountains, the national park is a playground of river rapids, streams, waterfalls, and cliffs.

Ölüdeniz (aka the Dead Sea) is the postcard star of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Turquoise Coast, thanks to its calm waters and idyllic setting. Silky sands stretch along the spit, dividing the seafront beach from the rippling waters of the Blue Lagoon, while the craggy peak of Babadağ Mountain looms on the horizon, swirling with paragliders at sunset.

Tlos in Fethiye, Turkey, was once an important city in the Lycian League, a confederation of city-states founded in the fifth century BC. The city's ruins, which date back to the second century BC, feature wide terraces equipped with cisterns, as well as a magnificent agora and an enchanting theater that once hosted concerts.

The charming island of Gemiler, off the Turkish coast, offers a serene setting to escape bustling city life. The island's rich history is evident from the ancient ruins of Byzantine churches, courts, and cisterns. In addition to the historical sites, visitors can also enjoy beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Just minutes from the bustling bazaars and yacht-lined marinas of Fethiye, the crumbling churches and long-deserted buildings of Kayakoy—known to locals as the “ghost town”—stand in eerie contrast. Abandoned in 1923 after the Greco-Turkish War and later ravaged by an earthquake; the town offers a fascinating insight into Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) complex past.

Warm springs bubble around and under Lake Koycegiz, making mud baths a signature of the waterfront town of Dalyan. Minerals give the mud a sulfur smell, but can, locals say, work miracles on aging skin. Just lounge in the shallow pools, coat yourself in glop, then rinse off in the river, lake, showers, or spring-fed pool.

Carved into the cliff sides above the town and looking out over the ocean, the Fethiye Lycian Rock Tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past, dating back to 350 BC. The cluster of tombs is crowned with the grand Tomb of Amyntas, thought to be a Lycian ruler or nobleman.

Framed by forested hills, lively seaside resorts, and miles of glittering blue waters—the Gulf of Fethiye (Fethiye Körfezi is among the most scenic stretches of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Turquoise Coast. A popular destination for boat cruises; it’s home to a dozen islands, dotted with Byzantine ruins and beautiful beaches.

Patara Beach is a coastal treasure on the Turkish Riviera. Boasting a long coastline, this stretch of pristine sand near the ancient Lycian city of Patara offers a warm welcome to Mediterranean beach lovers. Seasonal wildlife such as native birds and nesting sea turtles are protected and can be observed at specific times of the year.

While the modern city and beach lie to the north, the yacht-lined seafront and maze-like bazaars of Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur are where most travelers spend their time. Cruise ships dock right in the heart of the Old Town, making it easy to stroll around the shops, markets, and marina.

A waterfall at the top of a lush, shallow stream, Gizlikent Selalesi is one of many natural attractions in the Xanthos Valley of southwestern Turkey. Rocky cliffs bursting with plantlife make up much of the scenery on the route to the waterfall, while the trickle of rushing water and splash of footsteps in the steam provide an equally serene soundtrack.

Just north of Fethiye Old Town, Calis Beach is Fethiye’s principal beach, stretching for almost three miles (four kilometers along the Bay of Fethiye. Famed for its dreamy sunsets, wind-swept shores, and movie connections—the bay of Calis Koca was a filming site for Bond movie Skyfall—it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers.

Don’t be put off by its small size—Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Muzesi) is crammed with ancient treasures. Findings from Telmessos (the ancient Lycian city upon which Fethiye was founded) and several nearby sites, including Tlos and Kaunos, form the basis of the collection, which includes statues, mosaics, and other artifacts.

The ancient ruins at Fethiye reveal a history dating back to 350 BC, when the area was the Greek city of Telmessos and an important stop along the Lycian way. Today the Lycian Stone Sarcophagi are scattered around the modern town, and the ancient tombs are easily missed if you don’t know where to look.