If you’re looking for a new holiday destination, the Turkish coast could be the place to go. You can Travel to Fethiye with daily direct flights from Bratislava or Budapest (to Dalaman), faster than ever. Return flights start at just €60 per person, which is less than the cost of a ferry from Croatia’s Split to Hvar.
Fethiye, located on the southwest coast of Turkey, attracts visitors with its spectacular beauty, beautiful beaches and rich history. This popular resort on the Turkish Riviera offers a variety of attractions and activities to suit every taste. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or just looking for a relaxing beach holiday, Fethiye is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Before we go any further, it’s important to know that although you’ve probably never heard of Fethiye, this city has a population of over 300,000 (a small town in Turkish terms) and is a “suburb” of Muğla, which has a population of over a million.
Although it looks small on the map, the city is lager than you might expect.
What to explore while in Fethiye
Explore Oludeniz Beach
Fethiye is home to incredibly beautiful beaches. Oludeniz Beach, located near Fethiye, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Turkish Riviera. This beach offers spectacular scenery with turquoise sea, white sand and rocky cliffs. You will drive 30 minutes to Oludzeniz Beach by bus, for which you will pay 25 Turkish lira (1 euro). The beach is truly beautiful, and you will find numerous facilities on it such as Starbucks, sun loungers, restaurants, beach bars and clubs. In addition to its beautiful views, this beach is also popular for paragliders.



Swim in the Blue Lagoon
Located in Oludeniz Bay, the Blue Lagoon is a protected area of natural beauty. Here you will find crystal clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The Blue Lagoon is a very picturesque place that you should not miss when visiting Fethiye. The sea here is exceptionally warm and the beaches are sandy.
Climb to the rock-cut tombs
Fethiye has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city was known as Telmessos in ancient times and has various archaeological sites to explore. You can visit the ruins of the city, an amphitheater and ancient tombs that date back to the 4th century BC. The tombs are located near the city center and can be reached on foot. Lycian tombs are made of limestone (carved into the rock) and are decorated with rich reliefs and sculptures. Some of the most notable examples include tombs such as the Tomb of Amyntas, the Tomb of Aminthos and the Tomb of Korian.
These tombs are built in the form of temples with facades, columns and detailed reliefs depicting scenes from life and mythology. In addition to providing an insight into ancient culture and architecture, the rock tombs also offer spectacular views of the city, the harbor and the coast. The view from the top at sunset creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere. The entrance fee to visit is 40 Turkish lira (less than 2 euros).



Paragliding: Jump from a mountain with a parachute
If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, Fethiye is the ideal place for paragliding. You can take a ride in the air and enjoy the beautiful view of the coast and the surrounding mountains. Experienced instructors will provide you with a safe experience and an incredible sense of freedom. The most popular place for this is Oludeniz beach (the view from the air is spectacular), and be sure to book your place in advance.
The price of the jump ranges from 100 to 150 euros per person, depending on your bargaining skills. Of course, if you want great photos, you will pay an additional 20 euros for a photo package.
Get lost in the bazaar
Fethiye has a vibrant bazaar (market) that offers a variety of products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, souvenirs and textiles. Here you can experience authentic Turkish culture, try local specialties and find some unique souvenirs. Although it is nothing like Istanbul or Antalya, it is a small and charming place where you will find numerous souvenirs and restaurants. If you want to do a little more shopping, not far from the bazaar there is also the modern Erasta AVM center where you can find all the famous brands.



Travel to Fethiye and taste some of the traditional Turkish dishes
Given the large number of tourists, the gastronomic offer here really offers everything. From international restaurants (Italian, British, Spanish), to a rich selection of restaurants offering Turkish specialties. If you want the real experience, we bring you a few ideas below.
Meze: Meze are various cold or hot appetizers that are often served with a drink, especially with brandy (which in Turkey is served with water and is somewhat reminiscent of Bronhi bonbons). You can try a wide variety of appetizers such as hummus (a plate of chickpea puree), tzatziki (fresh cucumber and yogurt), aubergine salad (eggplant spread) and baklava (crispy pies with a sweet filling).
Pide: Pide is the Turkish version of pizza. It is a thin dough shaped like a boat, filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, vegetables and spices. Pide is baked in an oven and served hot and fresh.

Kebab: Kebab is one of the most famous Turkish dishes and an unmissable experience. You can try different types of kebabs, such as shish kebab (pieces of meat on a skewer), adana kebab (spicy spicy kebab) or doner kebab (meat grilled on a vertical skewer).
Gözleme: Gözleme is a traditional Turkish dish consisting of a thin dough filled with various fillings such as cheese, potatoes, meat, spinach or spicy vegetables. Gözleme is pan-fried and served hot.
Tip + Prices vary depending on where you are, but for example, a chicken wrap for two people can cost as little as 2 euros (in a government restaurant).
Government restaurants in Turkey are restaurants that are owned or operated by the Turkish government. These restaurants often serve as a platform for promoting Turkish culture, cuisine, and hospitality, and are aimed at both domestic and international visitors. Government restaurants usually offer authentic Turkish specialties and traditional Turkish cuisine. Prices are almost half of the others, and most of them operate on a self-service basis.
Travel to Fethiye and take a swim on one of the beautiful beaches
In addition to Oludeniz Beach, you will find numerous other beaches nearby that are truly worth visiting. To reach these beaches, you will need to use some form of public transport unless your accommodation is within walking distance. The best way to explore is by using a dolmuş. Dolmuş minibuses are a popular and affordable form of public transport in Turkey. They operate on specific routes and stops but are flexible enough to stop on request at most points along the route—just signal the driver when you see one. In Fethiye, dolmuş minibuses are commonly used for short distances within the city and its surrounding areas, offering a convenient way to travel.



Calis Beach: Calis Beach is a popular destination along the Fethiye coast. This sandy beach offers beautiful sunsets and offers a variety of water activities such as windsurfing, jet skiing and parasailing. The beach also has a promenade with numerous restaurants, bars and shops. The beach is only open for swimming until 8pm because turtles gather here at night to lay their eggs.
Butterfly Valley Beach: Located on the south coast Fethiye, Butterfly Valley is a hidden oasis that can only be reached by boat or on foot. This pristine beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and tropical vegetation. Butterfly Valley is home to various species of butterflies, and visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, explore the nature and swim in the crystal clear sea.
Kabak Beach: Kabak is a hidden beach located in a picturesque bay surrounded by forests and mountains. This natural beach offers untouched beauty and tranquility. Kabak is a popular destination for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy beautiful natural surroundings.
Patara Beach: Although Patara Beach is not located directly in Fethiye, it is worth a visit if you are looking for long sandy beaches. Patara is one of the longest beaches in Turkey, about 18 kilometers long, with fine sand and crystal clear water. This The beach is also known for its historical importance, as it is located near the ancient city of Patara.
Meet the Sea Turtles on your travel to Fethiye
There is a beautiful beach near Fethiye that is famous for its turtles – Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach. This beach is located on the eastern shore of Lake Köyceğiz, approximately 20 kilometers south of the center of Fethiye. Iztuzu Beach is a beautiful natural a reserve that is home to a protected species of turtle – the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). These turtles are very important and endangered, and Iztuzu Beach is one of the most important nesting grounds for them in Turkey. To visit Iztuzu Beach, you can board a boat from Fethiye that drive to the beach or opt for organized tours that include a visit to the beach and meeting the protected turtles.
Iztuzu Beach also has a visitor center where you can learn more about the turtles and the ecosystem of the nearby lake. It is important to note that turtle protection at Iztuzu Beach is very important, so It is important to respect the rules that have been set to preserve their habitat. This includes restricting access to the beach at certain times to allow the turtles to lay their eggs and hatch. If you want to see the turtles but don’t want to spend the whole day on a trip, you can see them in the city center at the marina where they often come in search of food.



Take a walk through the abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy
Kayaköy, also known as Levissi, is a picturesque village located just a 15-minute bus ride from the center of Fethiye. This historic village exudes charm and a rich cultural heritage that attracts many visitors from all over the world. Kayaköy was once the center of a vibrant Greek community, but after the Greco-Turkish War and the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the early 20th century, the village was abandoned.
Today, Kayaköy is recognized as an open-air museum, reviving the spirit of the past through its stone houses, churches and narrow streets. Here you can walk through the village and explore the well-preserved Greek houses, which are witnesses to the life of the past. The architecture of these houses reveals the story of the past, while the peace and quiet of the village provide a sense of time travel. The entrance fee to visit will cost 40 Turkish lira (less than 2 euros).
Photos: Mindful Vacation, Scribo PR