Last update February 12, 2026
Fethiye is a coastal town located in Muğla Province in the Aegean Region of Turkey. It lies on the southwestern coast of Turkey along the Mediterranean Sea. The town is geographically situated near the Taurus Mountains and serves as a gateway to the Turquoise Coast. Fethiye is known for its natural harbor, ancient ruins, and beach resorts. It is accessible via road and nearby airports serving regional and domestic flights.
The best time to visit Fethiye is between April and October when the weather is warm and rainfall is low. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry with temperatures averaging 30-35°C. Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) offer milder temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C. Winters are mild but wetter with some business closures. Visitor numbers peak in summer, especially July and August.
| Season | Months | Typical Weather | Crowd Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April – May | Mild, 20-28°C, low rainfall | Moderate |
| Summer | June – August | Hot, 30-35°C, dry | High |
| Autumn | September – October | Warm, 20-28°C, low rainfall | Moderate |
| Winter | November – March | Mild, 10-15°C, rainy | Low |
Fethiye is accessible from major Turkish cities by air, road, and bus. The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport, about 50 kilometers east of Fethiye. From Dalaman, road transport is the primary means to reach Fethiye. There is no direct train service to Fethiye. Major bus companies operate routes connecting Fethiye to Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Ankara. Driving is an option with highway access from the west and north.
Ancient tombs carved into cliffs dating back to the 4th century BC. The site is classified as archaeological ruins. Average visit duration: 30-45 minutes.
Museum displaying artifacts from Lycian, Roman, and Ottoman periods. Attraction type: Museum. Average visit duration: 1 hour.
Popular Mediterranean beach with calm, shallow waters. Natural site. Average visit duration: 2-4 hours.
A 18 km long canyon located about 50 km from Fethiye. Natural site. Average visit duration: 2-3 hours.
Abandoned Greek village with stone houses and churches. Ruins and historic site. Average visit duration: 1-2 hours.
A visit to Fethiye typically ranges from one to three days. A half-day allows for a brief visit to local ruins. One day covers the main attractions and a beach visit. Two to three days enable additional activities like hiking Saklıkent Gorge and excursions to nearby villages or islands.
| Climate | Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild wet winters |
|---|---|
| Seasonality notes | Peak season from June to August; shoulder seasons in spring and autumn |
| Crowd levels | High in summer; moderate in spring and autumn; low in winter |
| Constraints or limitations | Some attractions may have reduced hours in winter; heat can exceed 35°C in summer; limited public transport outside town center |
Travelers include cultural tourists interested in ancient Lycian history, beach vacationers, nature explorers seeking hiking and gorge visits, and regional travelers using Fethiye as a base for coastal excursions.
A minimum of one full day is required to visit main sites. Two to three days allow time for additional activities such as beach visits, hiking Saklıkent Gorge, and exploring nearby villages.
Fethiye is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions for personal belongings are advised. Roads and walking areas are well maintained but awareness is recommended in remote hiking locations.
The best time is from April to October for warm and dry weather. Summer has high temperatures and crowds, while spring and autumn offer milder weather and moderate visitor numbers.