Discover the best things to do in Fethiye, Turkey—from the famous Blue Lagoon and paragliding over Babadağ to ancient ruins and more.
The long list of things to do in Fethiye has attracted a steady stream of tourists since the 1960s. Initially, it was the hippies and travellers who were lured. They wanted to bask in the Oludeniz blue lagoon, which at that time was simply a beach with a few tents and ramshackle buildings, only accessible by a steep, old donkey road. How times have changed!
Today, Fethiye and its resorts, including Calis, Hisaronu, Ovacik, and Oludeniz, are full of life. They are the tourists' and family travellers' choice, a home from home with no end of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and activities to keep guests occupied. Whether you are visiting for the first time or planning to base your summer here, this is where to go and what to do.
18 Fun Things to Do in Fethiye - Turkiye
Quick Summary of Attractions
- Kayaköy Ghost Town – Explore the haunting ruins of a once-bustling Greek village abandoned after 1923
- Sunset at Çalış Beach – Flat, family-friendly and famous for its golden sunsets over the sea.
- Relax at Şehit Fethi Bey Park – A beautiful seaside park with sculptures, kids’ play areas, bike paths and open green spaces.
- Paraglide over Ölüdeniz – Take off from Babadağ Mountain and glide over the Blue Lagoon for once-in-a-lifetime views.
- Go on a Jeep Safari—This is an adventurous day trip that explores ancient ruins like Tlos, mountain villages, waterfalls, and mud baths.
- 12 Islands Boat Tour – Cruise the turquoise coast, stop to swim in quiet bays and enjoy a BBQ lunch on board.
- Sail to Olympos on a Blue Cruise – Explore ancient ruins, swim and relax aboard a traditional Turkish gulet.
- Visit the Amyntas Rock Tombs – Carved high into the cliffs, these Lycian tombs offer a rich history and stunning views.
- Stroll Fethiye Marina & Harbour—From this bustling waterfront, watch luxury yachts dock, enjoy the nightlife, or join a gulet cruise.
- Dine at Fethiye Fish Market – Pick your fresh fish and have it grilled at a nearby restaurant.
- Discover Butterfly Valley – A secluded canyon ideal for nature lovers, reached by boat from Ölüdeniz.
- Explore Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur) – Shop, eat and wander through cobbled lanes full of Turkish charm and tradition.
- Family Day Out to Dalyan – Mud baths, ancient ruins, and the protected Iztuzu Turtle Beach are an hour away.
- Tour Xanthos and Letoon – Uncover ancient Lycian ruins rich in mythology and cultural significance.
- Trek Saklikent National Park & Visit Gizlikent Waterfall – Hike through icy river canyons and cool off under hidden waterfalls.
- Unwind at the Best Beaches – Don’t miss Ölüdeniz, Çalış, Kabak beach, Butterfly Valley or Patara for sun and sea.
- Ride the Babadağ Cable Car – Soar above the mountains and take in panoramic views, perfect at sunset.
- Hire a Car – Discover rural gems like Faralya on the Lycian Way, Kabak, and the traditional mountain village of Üzümlü.
1: Kayakoy Ghost Town and Eerie Nostalgia
Also known as Karmylassos in Greek, Kayakoy is tucked away in a deep valley, a 15-minute drive from Ölüdeniz. The village is more commercial than Faralya and Kabak, but still retains a traditional charm, making it feel a world away from neighbouring resorts. Approximately 350 original stone cottages once housed more than 20,000 Greeks, but today they lie roofless, crumbling, and abandoned.
A compulsory population exchange in 1923 resulted in the expulsion of the former Greek Orthodox residents from the area. The government tried to repopulate the town, but to no avail. The village is now widely referred to as a 'ghost town'. Although Kayakoy does attract tourists, the feel is very different. There are a few hotels, camps and private Turkish villas available for rent in the village. Getting to Kayakoy is easy via local bus.
2: Visit Calis Beach for Sunset
Calis Beach, a 35-minute transfer (45km) from Dalaman International Airport and a 10-minute taxi ride from the harbour town, is ideal for watching sunsets. With glorious sunsets across the bay, Calis is a popular destination for Brits and Europeans. Unlike many neighbouring resorts, Calis lies at sea level, and it's flat. This means it's extremely easy to navigate, no mountain goat antics necessary, and you can swap the need for a car for strolls or a push bike. There's a year-round social scene, along with a great selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops to keep the whole family entertained.
3: Şehit Fethi Bey Park for Relaxation
This wide walkway, lined with date palms, features fancy restaurants, outdoor play parks, and gymnasiums, stretching to the nature reserve and bird sanctuary in Calis. Şehit Fethi Bey Park is situated on a vast 68,000 m² plot of reclaimed wasteland. The park, the largest in the Mugla region, is located opposite the Devlet Hastanesi (State Hospital) and overlooks the bay towards Sovalye Island. There are hammocks and green areas ideal for relaxing and soaking in the glorious views. Colossal swings and climbing frames with cargo nets and zip lines, a skate park, basketball court and open-air gymnasium are big attractions.
4: Oludeniz, the Blue Lagoon, and Tandem Paragliding.
Thanks to its pristine pebble beach and famous turquoise and aquamarine waters, Ölüdeniz is frequently rated among the top 5 beaches by travellers and journalists alike. Its official English translation is Blue Lagoon, referring to the secluded sandy bay and lagoon waters. The literal translation of Ölüdeniz is “Dead Sea”, due to its spookily calm waters, even during storms. The quiet, clear, aquamarine lagoon easily attracts visitors, as it is situated 14 km south and can be easily reached by car or dolmuş. If the beach isn’t reason enough, Ölüdeniz is great for tandem paragliding due to its unique panoramic views and Mount Babadağ’s exceptional height. In an afternoon, witness dozens of brave visitors jumping from Babadağ and enjoying a slow and stunning float across the sea.
5: Explore the area on a Jeep Safari
Enjoy an action-packed adventure to visit the ancient Tlos ruins, enjoy a trout lunch at Yakapark, trudge through icy waters to reach Saklikent Gorge, and feel 10 years younger wallowing in a local mud bath. Several companies offer jeep safaris with various itineraries. Some head through rural villages where local kids eagerly shoot you with water guns, others visit the wonderful sandy beach of Patara, letting you explore the ruins of Letoon en route.
6: 12 Islands Boat Tours
The pretty coves, islands and bays are the best for sailing along the Turkish coast, so explore the coastline on a 12-island boat trip from Fethiye harbour. Visit Red Island, Gemiler Island, Flat Island and the stunning Cleopatra Bay, stopping off for regular dips. Everyone will love the BBQ and meze lunch that's usually included. Boat trips vary in price and route, but can be easily arranged locally. You can stroll along the harbour front or ask your travel agent for details.
7: Sailing to Olympos
Sailing elegantly on a Blue Voyage Cruise to Olympos on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is something everyone should do. It is not so much the sailing that makes defining moments, because this can be done anywhere. Instead, a Riviera lifestyle, historical places, and traditional villages capture overwhelming admiration from everyone. The Fethiye to Olympos Blue Voyage Cruise route is renowned for first-time sailors, who are attracted by its quirky accommodations. On deck, a specially designated seating area serves freshly cooked food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Modern cabins with beds and en-suite bathrooms are comfortable bedrooms, or customers can sleep on deck.
8: Amyntas Rock Tombs
Overlooking Fethiye's main town centre, these Lycian rock tombs stand above the scant remains of Fethiye Castle. The Lycian tombs were used to entomb high-ranking members of society, as they believed it was easier for the winged creatures from the afterlife to take them into the heavens. Appearing temple-like, they offer a glimpse into the past. The main Amyntas tomb is the most celebrated, and to see the Fethiye Lycian rock tombs takes only a few hours. Do wear good walking shoes, though.
9: Explore The Marina and Harbour
Traditional gulet boats, with tall masts that protrude into the sky, are a quintessential symbol of the Turkish Riviera, and strolling along the harbour front reveals the locals’ dedication to sailing. Every night, yacht captains sit down to chart wind and weather conditions for the next day. The boat staff scrub down the decks, while cooks return from the local market with fresh ingredients for their clients, who have eagerly signed up for 3- or 4-night gulet trips. While international yachts from countries like the United States and Australia dock at Ece Marina, where utmost care and attention are given to help them maintain their immaculate vessels. Both offer great dining and refreshments, so you can sit back and people watch!
10: The Fish Market for Mediterranean Cuisine
Naturally, being a coastal destination, fish and seafood are crucial ingredients, and the Fethiye fish market certainly delivers. Situated within four stone walls, quaint and traditional restaurants surround an open-air courtyard of stalls selling freshly caught fish and seafood. The "sea-to-table" cuisine trend is a quick and easy approach to cooking. Stroll around and choose your evening meal from specialities such as sea bream, sea bass, calamari, or giant prawns. Take it to a nearby restaurant, and within 20 minutes, feast on your catch with fresh salad, bread, and many choices of Turkish mezes (appetisers). To be authentically Turkish, slowly sip a glass of raki, which is famously known as lion’s milk because of its milky white appearance.
11: Butterfly Valley - Kelebekler Vadisi Beach
Accessible by shuttle boat from Belceğiz Beach in Ölüdeniz, the valley attracts visitors who enjoy camping, hiking, canyoning, canoeing and scuba diving. Open to the public year-round and in peak season, it can attract around 200 campers a day. Designated a protected area, the law prohibits any construction; therefore, only temporary structures are allowed here. The valley, a 4 km stretch, located at the foot of Babadağ, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The canyon walls are steep, at around 400m, and the trail in the valley leads you through a plethora of butterflies to two small waterfalls. The area was initially discovered by hippies in the early 90s, and its isolation attracts backpackers, hikers and naturalists.
12: Fethiye Old Town - Paspatur
After exploring what the immediate area offers, the Old Town is the place to be, with winding cobbled streets and many shops. The bazaar is great fun. There are excellent baklava and Turkish delight shops in the area and plenty of traditional cafés to stop at and rest your weary feet with a çay and some künefe. Leather is big business, and you will come across many good quality shops selling ‘designer’ leather bags and purses at a very reasonable price. Nearby the Telmessos theatre, although small, are the last remaining traces of the old city.
13: Day Trip to Dalyan
The mud baths of Dalyan, the Kaunos ruins, and the Dalyan Delta are a popular summer destination and are located one hour away. The town, with a rustic vibe, is situated near Iztuzu Beach, which was famously protected by David Bellamy and a lady known as Captain June. They campaigned to stop building work nearby because the sands are nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead turtles. Also known as Turtle Beach, Dalyan Riverboat Tours stops by. If time allows, visit Lake Köyceğiz for an idyllic setting.
14: Xanthos and Letoon
Visiting Xanthos and Letoon offers a unique journey into the heart of ancient Lycian civilisation, rich with history, mythology, and architectural wonder. Xanthos, once the capital of Lycia, presents a powerful story of resilience and cultural pride. Its impressive ruins—including the theatre, acropolis, and tombs carved into cliffs—reflect a blend of Lycian, Greek, and Roman influences. Letoon complements Xanthos with spiritual significance. The inscriptions in Lycian and Greek found at Letoon are crucial to understanding the Lycian language and culture, making it a site of archaeological and linguistic importance.
15: Saklikent National Park and Gizlikent Waterfall
Carved over thousands of years by the rushing waters of the Karaçay River, Saklikent gorge stretches an impressive 18 kilometres and plunges to depths of up to 300 meters, making it one of Europe’s deepest canyons. As you walk through the cool, narrow passageways surrounded by towering rock walls, you're immersed in a dramatic landscape shaped by nature's raw power. Especially during the heat of summer, the icy water and shaded paths offer a refreshing escape, ideal for trekking, wading, and soaking in the untamed beauty.
16: The Best Beaches
The Fethiye region is home to some of Turkey’s most stunning beaches, offering a perfect blend of turquoise waters, dramatic landscapes, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Ölüdeniz is renowned worldwide for its tranquil, crystal-clear lagoon and soft, white sand. Surrounded by pine-covered mountains, it's a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, and paragliders who launch from nearby Babadağ Mountain.
Around the corner, Belcekız offers shallow, warm waters ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful swim. To escape crowds, Butterfly Valley provides more secluded experiences. Çalış is another popular option with a long stretch of pebbly sand and spectacular sunset views. Kabak is famous, and if you don't mind travelling further afield, do visit Patara Beach, which is the longest in Türkiye. The kids will love Katranci Bay Nature Park.
17: Babadag Cable Car
Riding the Babadağ Cable Car is an unforgettable experience in the Ölüdeniz region. As you ascend, sweeping views of pine-covered slopes and the Blue Lagoon unfold beneath you. The summit offers a spectacular 360-degree view—especially stunning at sunset—making it an ideal spot for photos, relaxation, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a scenic adventure, or a launchpad for paragliding, the Babadağ Cable Car delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
18: Hire a Car to Get Off the Beaten Track
Faralya near Oludeniz: Escape from the hustle and bustle of life in Faralya, a 30-minute drive along the coastal road from Oludeniz. Relax and rejuvenate in this rural setting boasting outstanding sea views. Faralya is perhaps best known for the Lycian Way (Likya Yolu), a renowned way-marked hiking trail stretching 509 km to Antalya. The route, a combination of trails once used by the Lycians, heads along the coastal road through the village.
Kabak: A little further from Faralya is Kabak. This area has beautiful bays along the coast. Again, Kabak attracts escapists, walkers, and non-traditional tourists. The area has strict building regulations, so the accommodation tends to be less traditional.
Yesil Uzumlu: Yesil Uzumlu, meaning 'with green grapes' in Turkish, is a mountain village 20 minutes inland that retains an old-world charm. This picturesque village is set against a backdrop of gloriously snow-capped mountains during the winter months, giving the area an almost alpine feel.
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