Fethiye

Last update October 6, 2026

Fethiye is situated on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, and the Lycian rock tombs, which have been carved into the cliffs above the town, make certain that you won’t forget this fact. The Tomb of Amyntas, which was cut into the southern cliffs around 350 BC, is most impressive when it is lit up in the evening, and there are several sarcophagi scattered throughout the present-day streets, one group of them being right near the governorship building. Fethiye Castle, probably constructed by the Lycians and then strengthened by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, commands the harbour from the hillside above the tombs.

The 12 Islands boat tour is by far the most popular activity in the area and has gained that status. The boats set off from the harbour and halt at various coves around the bay for swimming, including visits to Butterfly Valley and the Ölüdeniz lagoon on the longer itineraries. It’s best to go if you can for an early morning departure, as the later trips fill up quickly, particularly during the peak summer months. For those who prefer to stay dry, the Lycian Way begins near Fethiye and extends for 520 kilometres along the coast to Antalya, there being a shorter section from Ovacık above Ölüdeniz which gives you a chance to experience the trail without having to do the entire route.

Saklıkent Gorge is the inland equivalent of the coastal area, lying about fifty kilometres out and extending eighteen kilometres in length with limestone cliffs rising 300 metres on either side. To walk through the narrow canyon, refresh yourself in water that remains cold even during the August heat, and make a stop at Tlos on the way, where further tombs cut into the cliff are located beneath an Ottoman fortress. The abandoned Greek ghost village of Kayaköy, which is only a short drive from the town, completes a day trip centred on history rather than on water, and the detour is worth making if you prefer empty stone houses and a more tranquil atmosphere to another beach.

If you want to save money and have easier access to the harbour, the tombs, and day trips in all directions, it is better to base yourself in Fethiye town than in Ölüdeniz. The best time to visit is in May, June, September or October since these months offer the most favourable combination of good weather and reasonable numbers of visitors, whereas July and August see both factors at their highest. Fethiye functions more as a hub than as a destination in itself, which is the reason most people end up staying for a longer period than they originally intended.