Summary
People have inhabited this city, located on a natural harbor in the Turkish Riviera, for over 5,000 years.
Fethiye was historically known as Telmessos, a part of ancient Lycia, which comprised a confederation of autonomous city-states.
The Lycians were distinguished by their remarkable burial traditions and have left behind 2,500-year-old sarcophagi lining the streets of Fethiye, along with spectacular rock tombs carved into the cliffs surrounding the area.
Today, Fethiye serves as a holiday resort and a convenient gateway to the remote ruins of additional Lycian cities, the 18-kilometer Saklıkent Canyon, and the extraordinary beach and lagoon at Ölüdeniz. However, there is much to appreciate within the resort itself, from its authentic weekly market to a first-class museum and the cool, shaded alleyways of its old town.
1. Ölüdeniz Beach
Located just ten kilometers south of Fethiye’s old town, Ölüdeniz Beach offers a landscape of extraordinary beauty.
This Blue Flag beach, a crescent of white pebbles, is set against crystalline waters in a stunning turquoise hue that sparkles in the sunlight.
Multiple factors contribute to the charm of this destination.
One significant feature is the towering mountain range that encloses it: The peak of Babadağ, nearly 2,000 meters high, is positioned just five kilometers inland from the shore and stands opposite the 1,400-meter tall Karatepe.
A lagoon lies at the northern end of the beach, its deeper blue waters equally clear and protected as a nature reserve.
The lagoon’s shoreline features beach clubs with sun loungers, allowing visitors to easily access the warm, shallow waters or rent pedal boats for leisurely exploration.
2. Tomb of Amyntas
Remarkable remnants of ancient Telmessos are visible in the high limestone cliffs that define Fethiye’s southern edge.
A steep footpath leads along the base of these bluffs, providing a closer look at the impressive Lycian tombs.
These tombs are hewn from the rock face and vary greatly in grandeur, adorned with friezes, pediments, and Ionic columns.
At the highest vantage point rests the most magnificent tomb, affording sweeping views of Fethiye and its gulf.
This is the Tomb of Amyntas, dated to approximately 350 BCE, distinguished by its unmatched scale and featuring a narthex that precedes its tomb chamber.
An inscription on the side displays “Amyntou tou Ermagiou” (Amyntas, son of Hermagios).
3. Lycian Sarcophagi
A distinctive aspect of Lycian culture is the burial practice, which dispersed tombs across the urban landscape instead of consolidating them in a singular necropolis, as was typical in Ancient Greece.
This practice is evident in Fethiye, where many impressive monuments constructed from local limestone remain, integrated into the modern city as it developed around them.
Thus, it is possible to casually stroll down a side street in Fethiye and encounter a tomb that has endured for over 1,300 years.
These tombs can include intricate relief decorations and often rise up to three stories.
The most elaborate examples are found in the garden of the town hall (Belediye), crafted to resemble a two-story house and embellished with reliefs depicting soldiers armed with shields on its roof.
4. Fethiye Museum
Given Fethiye’s rich archaeological heritage, a visit to the town’s museum is essential.
The museum showcases a vast array of artifacts spanning from the Bronze Age through the Archaic, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
You will find coins minted over extensive periods, an assortment of jewelry, amphorae, busts, grave stelae, figurines, amulets, pottery, altars, and architectural fragments including column capitals and plinths.
Among the exhibits is a complete tomb, meticulously reassembled from the ruins at Tlos; however, the centerpiece of the collection is the “Trilingual Stele,” which features identical inscriptions in Lycian, Greek, and Aramaic.
This singular artifact has played a pivotal role in aiding scholars in deciphering the Lycian language.
5. Saklıkent National Park
Deep in the rugged hinterland of Fethiye lies the Saklıkent Canyon, approximately 40 kilometers east of the resort, designated as a national park since 1996. The statistics of this natural marvel are astonishing: the canyon stretches 18 kilometers, reaches depths of up to 300 meters, and narrows down to just two meters across.
This landscape has been sculpted by the Karaçay, a tributary of the Eşen River, which can exhibit strong currents from November to March.
Throughout the remainder of the year, visitors can traverse four kilometers of the gorge, walking along wooden pathways affixed to the cliffs, discovering waterfalls and various caves.
The canyon receives minimal sunlight and is nourished by cold springs originating from the Bey Mountains, making it an ideal refuge from the summer heat.
It is advisable to wear water shoes to comfortably navigate the slick rocks and to be prepared to wade through water that may reach waist-high depths for a fully immersive experience.
6. Tlos Ruins
A combined visit to the Saklıkent Gorge and the Tlos ruins provides an excellent day trip opportunity. This ancient Lycian city sits on a rocky plateau.
Established as early as 4,000 years ago, Tlos is atypical among Lycian settlements, having been inhabited by Romans, Byzantines, and later by Ottoman Turks, persisting up to the 19th century.
Exploring Tlos involves discerning the various ruins that correspond to different historical periods.
For example, the dilapidated fortress at the summit is of Ottoman origin, yet features stonework from Lycian and Roman sources.
Within Tlos, remarkable Lycian rock tombs can be found, the most impressive being the temple-like Tomb of Bellerophon, adorned with a relief depicting the heroic figure riding Pegasus, and a carving of a lion or leopard within.
The site also features a Roman theater with intricately carved garlands, alongside a stadium, market hall, and an early Christian basilica.
7. Fethiye Market
Every Tuesday, a sprawling bazaar is established just east of the old town, directly across from the minibus station, where Atatürk Caddesi intersects with İnönü Boulevard.
A notable aspect of this market is its patronage by local residents of Fethiye, as well as those from nearby communities like Ölüdeniz and Çalis.
This represents a valuable opportunity to experience daily life while acquiring local specialties and traditional ingredients such as nuts, pickled and smoked olives, dried fruits, a diverse array of grains, lentils, and various spices and cheeses.
For those interested, the market also offers an abundance of counterfeit goods, ranging from clothing and accessories to bags, belts, footwear, football jerseys, watches, and sunglasses.
Remember that haggling is part of the experience!
8. Fethiye Old Town
Directly east of the marina lies Fethiye’s old town, known as Paspatur.
You can navigate the intricate network of narrow, walkable alleys, filled with shops offering souvenirs, traditional Turkish carpets, tea sets, and more.
The aroma of spices permeates the air, and even under the blazing sun, Paspatur remains cool beneath its canopy of vine-covered pergolas and awnings that stretch across the entire streets.
In this shady and comfortable ambiance, there are numerous cafes and restaurants featuring outdoor terraces.
Be sure to notice the 18th-century minaret of Eski Cami (Old Mosque), and for a glimpse of local culture, the fish market is in close proximity.
If you progress westward, you will reach the Hellenistic theatre of Telmessos, constructed in the 2nd century BCE and mostly restored, although distinguishing the ancient stones from modern replacements is relatively straightforward.
9. Çalis Beach
North of Fethiye’s natural harbor, the coastline unfolds into a lengthy bay.
This is Çalis Beach, characterized by its extensive stretch of sand and pebbles, accompanied by gentle surf.
The beach is backed by a promenade, ensuring access to various dining options and supplies for a pleasurable day in the sun.
The expansive beach space allows ample room for relaxation, appealing to an older, more relaxed demographic that frequents this area.
As one would anticipate in Fethiye, the views are mesmerizing, particularly during sunset when the gulf and sky are bathed in golden hues.
10. Kayaköy
Located eight kilometers south of Fethiye is the abandoned village of Kayaköy, which was formerly home to a predominantly Greek Orthodox Christian community but was deserted during the tumultuous early decades of the 20th century.
Ottoman Greeks had lived peacefully within the empire for centuries until circumstances changed post-World War I, followed by the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922 and a subsequent population exchange.
At the time of its abandonment, Kayaköy (ancient Livissi) had a population of 6,000 and its history extends back to at least the 7th century, when it served as a Christian Bishopric.
While there are Lycian-style tombs on site, the majority of the structures, including homes, schools, and churches, date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Some architectural elements have been restored, while most remain as an open-air museum.
Devote sufficient time to explore the steep and winding streets, and be sure to locate the 17th-century fountain nestled in the town’s center.
11. Fethiye Harbour
The waterfront in Fethiye is publicly accessible and features a promenade that extends along the bay for several hundred meters, stretching toward the marina on the southern side.
Throughout, astonishing views of the Gulf of Fethiye or westward toward the small, wooded peninsula that protects the harbor can be enjoyed.
As you proceed south, you will notice various boats moored along the quayside, ranging from traditional gulets (schooners) to luxurious modern yachts.
There is ample shade provided by the palms and pine trees, numerous restaurants and cafes, and a designated cycling path.
Near the marina, you can embark on a water taxi that takes you to Çalis Beach, allowing you to relish the scenic landscapes along the way.
12. Butterfly Valley
To the south of Ölüdeniz lies a beach that is nearly inaccessible by land, as it is situated at the terminus of a canyon with steep rock walls towering up to 350 meters.
Butterfly Valley, named for the multitude of species inhabiting this area (over 80 species), is a favored destination for boat day trips departing from Ölüdeniz.
Visitors are dropped off at a pristine sandy cove with crystal-clear waters, all beneath the encroaching rock walls.
A small café is available on the beach, and you may choose to explore further up the valley.
Note that the butterflies are seasonal, with peak numbers occurring between June and September; however, two waterfalls flow year-round and are well worth the hike.
13. Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem Paragliding from Fethiye
To create a lasting memory, one can soar through the air from the summit of Babadağ with a flight over Ölüdeniz and its beautiful beach and lagoon.
This tandem flight, available through GetYourGuide.com, requires no prior experience.
You will be securely harnessed to an experienced pilot, enabling you to relax, appreciate the views, and capture as many photographs as desired.
The flight duration is slightly over half an hour as you are glided on thermal currents, culminating in a gentle landing on the beach.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in the experience.
14. Kadyanda
If you seek further insights into ancient Lycian history, a visit to the ruins of Kadyanda, located near the town of Üzümlü just 25 kilometers from Fethiye, is worthwhile.
Kadyanda has a history dating back around 5,000 years, remaining occupied until the 7th century CE.
This city thrived, evidenced by the extensive ruins: an agora, a stadium, theater, baths, impressive tombs, fortification walls, and the remnants of several temples.
Nestled within a forest of pine trees, Kadyanda remains relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism, offering a serene experience for those fortunate enough to explore this enchanting ancient city.
15. Lycian Way
Ölüdeniz serves as the western trailhead for an extensive footpath traversing through Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions, leading to Geyikbayırı, located near Antalya.
The route spans approximately 540 kilometers and is marked with red and white stripes, guiding hikers to ancient ruins, tombs, and secluded villages.
This scenic track navigates through challenging yet stunningly beautiful mountain landscapes, following ancient paths and mule trails, best explored in the spring season.
While some segments involve extended periods beneath the canopies of pine trees, it is important to note that this trail is not recommended for the fainthearted or unprepared, suitable for those participating in a multi-day ultramarathon at the end of May.
The positive aspect for hikers at the Fethiye end is that it primarily follows a coastal ledge and features some of the easiest, most rewarding stretches.
If you are in good shape, you could hike down to Butterfly Valley from the resort, enjoying the captivating descent toward Faralya.
