Fethiye holidays

How to reach Fethiye

• Flight time: Flights to Dalaman take about 4 hours 10 minutes from London.

• Transfer time: Fethiye is about a 45-minute taxi or 1-hour bus ride from Dalaman Airport.

• Price: A one-way ticket to Fethiye on the Havaş bus service costs TRY150 (£3.50), while a taxi will set you back around TRY1,900 (£43).

Best time to visit Fethiye

The best time for your holidays to Fethiye depends on what makes your ideal vacation: getting cultural, getting active or just getting the sun.

April to June experiences minimal rainfall, 9 to 11 hours of daily sunshine and highs ranging from 23°C to 32°C. Perfect weather to be outside, be it walking along Fethiye’s marina, hiking the Lycian Way or lounging on the beaches.

July to August is dry, hot and sunny. With temperatures often reaching 36°C, Fethiye’s beaches will be irresistible.

September to October sees temperatures drop to a more comfortable 32–27°C. The sea is still invitingly warm, and you’ll have more elbow room on the beach as tourists evaporate.

November to March brings a higher chance of rain, and temperatures drop from 22°C in November to 16°C in January before climbing to 20°C in March. The beaches come into their own for non-sunbathers, and it’s a peaceful time to explore the town, local markets and historical sites without the crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language, but English is widely spoken as there’s a fairly sizable British ex-pat community here.

• Currency: The local currency is the Turkish Lira.

• Getting around: Fethiye’s town centre is walkable, while inexpensive dolmuş services connect nearby beaches and attractions. However, you can always take a taxi or rent a car for more flexibility.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 220V (frequency 50Hz). Turkey uses type C and F plug sockets.

• Time zone: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT year-round.

Best things to do in Fethiye

Nestled on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast, Fethiye holidays have something for everyone, whether it’s the scenery, historical sites or sun.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Çalış Beach: Just a short drive from the centre of Fethiye, Çalış Beach is the go-to for sunset seekers. There are plenty of great vantages along the promenade.

• Fethiye Harbour: Boat spot and people watch. This area is especially lovely at dusk when the lights reflect on the water.

The best districts

• Paspatur (Old Town): The oldest part of Fethiye, with narrow streets, traditional market stalls and lots of boutique shops and cafés.

• Foça: Proximity to Çalış Beach is one selling point. The diverse dining scene is another.

Parks and gardens

• Şehit Fethi Bey Park: The list goes on and on. Green spaces. Tunnelled paths. Sculptures. Water features. Running and cycling tracks. Kids’ zone.

Museums

• Fethiye Museum: Fethiye’s small archeology and ethnography museum showcases an array of jewellery, pottery and sculpture, but the standout piece is the Trilingual Stele recovered from the Lētōon temple complex, which helped decipher the ancient Lycian language (one of the most important Anatolian cultures).

Historical monuments

• Lycian Rock Tombs: Carved into the hillside above Fethiye, dating back to the 4th century BC, they’re all stunning, but the intricate Tomb of Amyntas is the pièce de résistance. It’s the highest up, so the views over Fethiye are outstanding, too.

• Kayaköy Ghost Village: Just a short drive from Fethiye, its crumbling buildings overrun by greenery, Kayaköy is spell-bindingly beautiful but has a palatable sadness. Its former occupants were Greek Orthodox Christians, expelled in the population exchange after the Greco-Turkish War.

Day trips in the area

• Saklikent National Park: Home to Turkey’s longest canyon, Saklikent Gorge, this national park is gorgeous. With sheer cliffs, rapids and narrow wooden walkways, it’s perfect for adventurous types.

• Blue Lagoon: Located inside Ölüdeniz Nature Park, fabulously backdropped by mountains, the aptly-named Blue Lagoon is Ölüdeniz’s calling card.

Activities for families in Fethiye

Fethiye has a wealth of activities to keep families entertained, whether you’re after beach days, boat trips or exploring nature together.

• Family-friendly beaches: Çalış Beach is an all-rounder, with shallow, clear waters for little ones to splash about and water sports for older kids.

• Playgrounds: Şehit Fethi Bey Park’s Kids’ Zone is hard to top, but it’s not the only place to play in town. Set in a quiet residential area, Akarca Park is another nice option, with a basketball court under an awning and a colourful playground for little kids.

• Water parks: It’s beginning to look a bit dated, but if you’re okay without bells and whistles, there are enough slides and pools at Sultans Aqua City for a few hours of enjoyment.

• Wildlife refuges: Not far from Şehit Fethi Bey Park, you’ll come across the observation deck for Fethiye’s teensy Duck Island (Ördek Adası), with its adorable shelters for the resident duck population.

• Boat trips: Whether it’s the popular 12 Islands tour or a quieter private boat excursion, sailing around Fethiye is a family-pleaser.

Free things to do in Fethiye

There are plenty of things to enjoy in Fethiye without spending a penny (or at least not too many of them).

• Annual festivals: The Benyamin Sönmez Classical Music Festival is staged in June, with open-air recitals in and around Fethiye.

• Explore Fethiye by water taxi: If a boat tour is beyond your means, water taxis are the next best thing. Water taxis shuttle between Fethiye and Çalış between May and October, giving you 30 to 40 minutes to soak in the coastal scenery. One-way tickets cost about TRY100 (£2.25) and can be purchased at kiosks along the harbour in Fethiye.

• Explore Fethiye on foot: Whimsical Umbrella Street is unmissable for its canopy of colourful umbrellas. There are also plenty of boutique shops, souvenir shops and artisan stalls to browse.

• Markets: Fethiye’s Tuesday Market (Salı Pazarı) is chock-a-block with stalls selling everything from food to pashminas to fake sportswear. It’s worth visiting, even if you are not there to buy, for a taste of local culture.

Wellness in Fethiye

• Traditional body care: The Turkish bath experience, or hammam, is a must – steam rooms, exfoliating kese scrubs, foam washes and massages. The Old Turkish Bath in Paspatur is a little touristy but has been in use since the 16th century.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: A scenic combination of coastline, mountains and ancient ruins, the Lycian Way is the most famous trail in this part of Turkey.

• Paragliding: Ölüdeniz is a fab spot for paragliding with reliable flight conditions between April and November. Launch from Mount Babadağ and land at Belcekiz Beach.

• Mountain biking: Cycling is a latecomer to Fethiye’s activities scene but is steadily gaining ground as cyclists discover some fantastic mountain and coastal terrain.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: Fethiye has plenty of fantastic snorkelling and dive spots with excellent visibility. Several local outfits offer courses and dive packages.

Beaches to enjoy on Fethiye holidays

Fethiye holidays are a paradise for beach lovers, offering some of the most stunning coastal spots along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. From iconic stretches of sand to hidden coves, Fethiye’s beaches cater to every type of traveller, whether you’re looking to relax, swim, or explore.

• Ölüdeniz Beach and Blue Lagoon: One of the most famous beaches in Turkey, Ölüdeniz is known for its soft sands and crystal-clear waters. The nearby Blue Lagoon offers calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the serene beauty.

• Butterfly Valley Beach: Accessible by boat or a scenic hike, Butterfly Valley is a secluded paradise surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Its untouched beauty and peaceful vibe make it ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a connection to nature.

• Çalış Beach: Located just a short distance from Fethiye town centre, Çalış Beach is a lively spot known for its long stretch of sand, family-friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s also a great place to try water sports like windsurfing and kayaking.

• Kabak Beach: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Kabak Beach. This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape with its pebbled shoreline, turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings. Perfect for couples or those looking for a quieter beach day.

• Gemiler Beach: Situated near the ancient ruins of St. Nicholas Island, Gemiler Beach combines historical intrigue with natural beauty. Its calm waters make it perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while its quieter atmosphere offers a peaceful retreat.

• Patara Beach: Located a short drive from Fethiye, Patara Beach is famous for its endless sandy coastline and archaeological significance. As a nesting site for sea turtles, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking wide-open spaces.

From the serene Blue Lagoon to the untouched beauty of Butterfly Valley, Fethiye’s beaches promise unforgettable experiences along the Turquoise Coast. Whether you’re relaxing, exploring, or adventuring, these coastal gems are the highlight of any holiday.

Local dishes in Fethiye

Fethiye’s cuisine is a wonderful blend of Mediterranean and Turkish influences, emphasising fresh seafood, grilled meats and street foods.

Some typical dishes

• Şehriye Pilav: Rice cooked with butter, oil, orzo or vermicelli. Rice and buttery, Şehriye Pilav, is more than enough on its own (it is always served on its own plate), but it is also a great side dish.

• Pide: These open-faced boat-shaped stone-baked pies come filled with everything from cheese to minced beef or lamb and can be jazzed up with tahini sauce or yoghurt.

Meze dishes

• Sigara Böreği: Cigar-shaped deep-fried pastries filled with a creamy cheese and parsley mix.

• Şakşuka: Sautéed aubergines and courgettes mixed with tomato sauce, garlic and green peppers and topped with yoghurt.

Meat dishes

• Izgara Köfte: Griddle-cooked lamb meatballs with charred peppers, tomatoes and a spicy sauce.

• Hünkar Beğendi: This traditional lamb stew is served on top of a roasted aubergine purée.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Izgara Levrek: Simply seasoned, grilled sea bass is typically finished with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Karides: Fresh prawns are a popular local delicacy. They are often cooked in a clay dish with garlic, butter and herbs for a rich flavour.

Street food

• Gözleme: This traditional Turkish flatbread is filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach or minced meat and cooked on a griddle.

• Balık Ekmek: Fish sandwiches are made with deep-fried battered whiting (mezgit) in this neck of the woods.

Sweets and desserts

• Baklava: When countries still argue over who gets the credit for inventing it, you know you are onto a good thing – layers of filo with chopped nuts drenched in syrup.

• Lokum (Turkish Delight): These sugary confections come in various flavours, but pistachio is the classic.

Typical drinks

• Rakı (Aslan Sütü): This sociable anise-flavoured spirit is best drunk with water, which turns it cloudy, explaining its “Lion’s Milk” moniker.

• Ayran: Lightly salted and best served cold, this yoghurt-based drink goes great with street food.