There are so many things to do in Fethiye that revolve around nature and culture, it’s a place that definitely holds a special place in my heart. Turkey (Türkiye) is a huge country, and many people don’t see past Istanbul. That’s understandable; Istanbul is amazing and it’s somewhere I love to go, but another place … Read more
The post 15 Best Things To Do in Fethiye, Turkey appeared first on Goats On The Road.
There are so many things to do in Fethiye that revolve around nature and culture, it’s a place that definitely holds a special place in my heart. Turkey (Türkiye) is a huge country, and many people don’t see past Istanbul. That’s understandable; Istanbul is amazing and it’s somewhere I love to go, but another place on my regular visit list is Fethiye.
I spent an entire summer in Fethiye, Turkey and in that time I came to understand not only its beauty but its traditions too. There are many Fethiye attractions that suit beach lovers, but it’s a destination that’s packed with so much history that you could say it’s almost like an open-air museum.
I feel lucky to have been able to spend so much time in the Fethiye area with my Turkish husband. I learned a lot, not only about the best places to visit in Fethiye but also about the things you shouldn’t miss that are a bit off the beaten track.
So, if you’re thinking of visiting this beautiful region, let me give you some words of wisdom to help make your vacation the best it can be.
Best Things To Do in Fethiye
The first thing to know is that Fethiye is a lot bigger than you might think. It’s incomparable to places like Marmaris, which are large beach towns, but don’t really extend beyond that; Fethiye encompasses several resorts, and they’re all idyllic.
Fethiye itself is a medium-sized city, but you also have Ölüdeniz, Hisaronu, Ovacık, and Çalış to name just a few. Sightseeing in Fethiye is such great fun, especially if you love spending time outdoors. Let’s take a look at 15 of the best things to do in this beautiful part of Turkey:
1. Saklikent National Park
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Fethiye when it’s hot is to visit the stunning Saklikent National Park. The canyon itself is very deep and offers some much-needed shade from the intense sun. It’s also said to be the third longest canyon in the whole of Europe.
The best tip I can give you is to wear water shoes as you’ll have to walk through the river at one point, and although it’s not deep, it’s fast-moving, and there are a lot of slippery rocks. That water is nothing short of refreshing, however. You can also take a jeep safari trip to the gorge, which is a great way to spend your time. Click here for more details and to book.
Out of all the things to do in Fethiye, I’d highly recommend you add this to your list. It’s not only incredibly beautiful but is so peaceful and is a great way to relax in Mother Nature. You can also enjoy breakfast or lunch at the waterside restaurant, and it’s a great place to capture plenty of photographs.
Address: Kayadibi, Saklıkent Sokak No : 26, 48300 Seydikemer/Muğla
2. Enjoy the Sunset at Çalış Beach
If you’re looking for things to do in Fethiye for couples, my top pick would be to head to Çalış Beach just before sunset and get ready for the best natural show you’ve ever seen. The sunset here blew my mind.
Çalış Beach itself is a really beautiful spot, and there are lots of cafes and restaurants along the beach where you can enjoy lunch or an evening meal. It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Fethiye even before the sun decides to part for the day, but when it does, you’ll just want to sit there in awe.
This is a great spot for an evening walk as the path stretches from Fethiye Marina all the way down the beach and beyond. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, and you’ll definitely work up an appetite for some delicious local food. Check out the highly-rated Zoi Fish Restaurant for food and views. and highly recommend adding this place to your eatery itinerary.
Address: Çalış Beach, Fethiye, Muğla
3. Explore Kayaköy
Visiting the ghost village of Kayaköy is one of the most unique things to do in Fethiye; it’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys history. When I first arrived, it took my breath away. The village was abandoned in 1923 when a population swap between the Turkish Christians in the area and Greek Muslims took place, with the aim for either country to only have one key religion.
The thing that struck me the most was how present it still feels. Other than the old-fashioned architecture, it’s as though people could have lived there yesterday and just moved away. It’s one of the best places to visit near Fethiye for something completely different and a little off the beaten track.
I recommend you wear comfortable shoes rather than flip-flops or sandals – the ground is quite uneven, and sneakers will serve you better. To help you learn more about what you’re seeing, a guided tour is a great idea. Click here for more information.
Address: Kayaköy, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
4. Visit Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is one of the top places to see in Fethiye, and it should be right at the top of your must-see list too. Although the valley is known for its butterflies, it’s unlikely you’ll see any unless you visit during the spring months – but don’t let that put you off! Accessible by boat only, Butterfly Valley is blindingly beautiful, and you can even opt to camp overnight there.
Taking a boat trip to Butterfly Valley is a great day out for all the family and the natural landscape will make your jaw-drop. There’s a small cafe at the beach, but it’s best to take a picnic if you want something substantial to eat, (they only serve chips and water). Click here for more trip details.
For me, Butterfly Valley is one of the best attractions in Fethiye, and as you approach it from the sea, you’ll want to have your camera ready; it’s a view like no other. As for the beach itself, the water is relatively calm, although a little rocky in places, so it’s best to take some sea shoes to be on the safe side.
Address: Uzunyurt, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
5. Swim in the Blue Lagoon
The Fethiye area is packed with amazing beaches, but my favorite is the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz. The waters here are extremely tranquil, making it an ideal place to visit with children. You can choose to swim in the lagoon itself, or you can go onto the other side and swim in the open sea; on both sides, you’ll find parasols and sun loungers to hire.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places to visit in Fethiye, and as it’s a national park, you’ll find restaurants and cafes inside along with water sports to keep everyone entertained. There’s even a Starbucks if you fancy an iced latte to cool down in the intense summer sun.
When you’re searching for things to do in Fethiye, the Blue Lagoon will almost certainly pop up, and it’s one of the most photographed beaches in the whole of Turkey. Visiting here means you’ve ticked something off most people’s bucket lists, and it’s somewhere I always return to whenever I’m in the area.
Address: Ölüdeniz, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla
6. Walk the Lycian Way
For me, one of the coolest things to do in Fethiye is to walk at least part of the Recommended Story For You :
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