Uncovering ancient tombs and sinking your feet into soft golden sands are just a few of the best Fethiye things to do on holiday. The city is the perfect base to explore Turkey's famous turquoise coast. Whether you want to explore UNESCO ruins, sunbathe under the Mediterranean sun or practice paragliding along the coast, there's always something fun to do in Fethiye. Here's just a few to get you started:
Things to do
Just 15 km from Fethiye lies the famous white sands of Ölüdeniz Beach and Lagoon. You can enjoy a calming swim in its turquoise waters or sunbathe on the soft sands and top up your tan. Paragliding is a popular pastime here and you can take it up for the day if you're feeling adventurous enough. Speaking of adventure, you can enjoy an exciting trek through the rugged mountains of Sakikent Gorge. Begin your journey following the wooden boardwalks before taking off down the river on a raft.
Places to see and visit
While in Fethiye, places to visit for souvenirs and casual shopping include downtown Fethiye. Wander around this old style market and soak up the wonderful culture that lures you in with unique scents, handcrafted goods and distinctive clothing. Dine in a traditional Turkish restaurant and watch the world go by as you sip on a refreshment and enjoy your meal in the sunshine.
The most famous Fethiye places to see are found in the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. Discover the iconic rock-cut Tomb of Amyntas and make your way to the heart of the ancient city to explore its remains. Inside, you'll uncover the Roman Theatre, which could once seat up to 6,000 onlookers and remains in decent condition.
If you enjoy exploring historical places like this, you won't want to miss a day trip to the ghost town of Kayaköy, where you can roam through the ruins and step inside many of the buildings to view their interior decorations.
Top attractions
One of the best Fethiye attractions is the Fethiye Museum, which is home to a fine selection of ancient artefacts such as jewellery and pottery. But, the most precious item is the Trilingual Stele, which is a stone piece with words carved in ancient Greek, Aramaic and Lycian.
The Butterfly Valley is worth a visit if you're here with the family or just in the mood to get out in nature. Lush forests surround the valley, giving you plenty of hiking opportunities. However, you could also take a relaxed stroll through the valley and try to spot as many colourful winged creatures as you possibly can.
More experienced walkers and hikers will adore exploring the Lycian Way, which is a path that takes you through a lot of the region's ancient cities and ruins. The terrain can be rocky and hilly at times, so you'll need to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes for this one. Follow painted stones that guide you along the way and stop by the ancient city of Xanthos, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
