Holidays in Fethiye

A resort for a serene holiday. White-sailed yachts at the pier, lush vegetation on the slopes of the surrounding mountains, sea azure, and excellent service in shops and restaurants have made this elegant town a popular destination for vacationers who prefer to escape the noise of big cities. The entertainment options include diving, sea trips, beach holidays, visits to the ruins of ancient towns and protected areas, paragliding, and swimming in the “Cleopatra’s baths.”

Where it is located

It belongs to the province of Muğla, located in the southwest of Turkey. Fethiye is situated at the junction of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and has ancient historical roots. It is surrounded by mountainous landscapes covered with evergreen pine and cedar forests. The mountain peaks are covered with eternal snow that never melts – a scene that strikes the imagination with its beauty and uniqueness. The most convenient way to get to Fethiye is from Dalaman Airport. It serves tourists who prefer to vacation at the southernmost resorts of Turkey. The transfer takes about 50 minutes, but everything depends on the chosen mode of transport – a taxi is faster, a bus is slower, which is not very suitable for families with children.

When it’s best to go

Even in winter there are tourists who are happy to swim in the waters of the Aegean Sea (+17 degrees), but this option is not for everyone. Such water temperature is due to the mild climate and the town’s location at the foot of the mountain ranges. The highest concentration of tourists is in summer. In August the air warms up to +34 degrees, and the water to +29. By late September–early October, thermometers show +30 to +26 degrees during the day and +15 to +12 at night. For families with children, the best time to travel is summer; for people who find it hard to tolerate hot weather, the best choice is the shoulder season or late spring.

What to do

For tourists who want to save on accommodation, it is better not to choose hotels located near protected areas. All-inclusive service is offered mainly by five-star complexes. Overall, the cost of accommodation at the resort is quite affordable for the average vacationer.

Having arrived in Fethiye, it’s advisable to plan your holiday in such a way that you can get to know both the natural attractions of the resort and the remains testifying to its ancient past. And of course, plan a boat trip around the Aegean Gulf with stops at the 12 islands located in the immediate vicinity of the resort, and go diving, as the local waters are ideal for this activity.

• Rafting on the Dalaman River
  A one-day tour is available to anyone over 14 years old. Rafting down the river is an extreme adventure for fearless tourists, although steep rapids alternate here with rather long gentle stretches. The area is very picturesque, so the impressions from the excursion are unforgettable.
• Butterfly Valley
  Near the village of Faralya there is a unique valley inhabited by incredibly beautiful butterflies. You will have to get to the valley by boat, but not a single tourist will regret taking such a trip.
• Trip to Tlos
  An exciting journey through a town where an ancient acropolis with the Tomb of Bellerophon and a Roman amphitheater have been preserved. The ruins of a fortress from the Ottoman period are located above the acropolis. From here there is a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and endless orchards. The cost of the excursion is about 20 dollars.
• Lycian tombs
  On the mountain slopes surrounding Fethiye there are tombs from the time of the Lycian kingdom. The Tomb of Amyntas is the most impressive.
• Yacht trip
  A sea cruise with a visit to the bay where Cleopatra herself is said to have bathed, and several more islands, each unique and scenic in its own way.
• Diving
  Dives are possible on an individual basis or in groups. Only the waters of Dalyan Bay are absolutely safe for diving with children. The colorful underwater world is inhabited by moray eels, crayfish, starfish, rockfish, and a variety of marine flora representatives.

Among the beaches, Çalış is especially popular. Its sandy spit stretches for 4 km, and farther on the shore becomes pebbly. However, the beaches of Ölüdeniz are unsurpassed in cleanliness and beauty. The distance to them is 15 km. These are the beaches tour companies usually mean when offering holidays in Fethiye.

Where to eat

Most cafés and restaurants are located by the beaches, which allows vacationers to avoid going hungry while relaxing on the seashore. The cuisine is diverse and will suit tourists who prefer seafood as well as meat dishes. Many restaurants offer vegetarian food. There are fast-food outlets and establishments renowned for delicious Eastern sweets. Prices depend on the status of the establishment and the quality of the food.

• Oztoklu
  An unpretentious restaurant, but its menu features divinely tasty dishes. Seafood is skillfully prepared with seasonings, both boiled and fried. In addition to fish, squid, and shrimp, they offer diet turkey, all kinds of salads, sea bream, and more. Fresh juices and tea will help quench your thirst. The restaurant serves decent beer and coffee.
• Fish Market
  Live music accompanies diners during their meal. It may consist of perfectly cooked garlic shrimp, grilled king prawns, salads, sea bream, sea bass, and more. The menu also includes steaks and other dishes made from poultry, meat, turkey, and so on. Fish Market is an excellent combination of superb service and reasonable pricing.

What to combine it with

Of course, while staying in Fethiye, you can take trips to Marmaris, Antalya, Izmir, and other Turkish cities, but if a tourist wants to fully explore the variety the resort has to offer, see all its attractions with their own eyes, and visit the best restaurants, there is unlikely to be enough time for long-distance trips.