Top attractions to see in Fethiye, Turkey in 2024

The Fethiye attractions are all within easy walking distance. Just stroll about town or hire a tour from one of the many local businesses; that should be plenty of time.

About 70,000 people call the old town of Fethiye home. Its past is filled with significant turning points. Rightfully regarded as the principal city of Lycia, Fethiye has been known as Telmes from ancient times. The city's reputation as a hub for clairvoyants and soothsayers who brought honor to the Greek gods of antiquity preceded it. Connected to the Greek island of Rhodes, Fethiye was also a major port historically. Discover our Fethiye attractions guide and put your mind at ease about what to see in Fathiye.

TOP 5 attractions in Fethiye

Originally known as Anastasiopolis in the eighth century, the town changed its name once again to Makri in the ninth. As a memorial to an army pilot who was born here and unfortunately perished in an accident in 1914, it was only in 1940 that it was named Fethiye.

Much of Fethiye's historical places architecture and artifacts were reduced to rubble during two devastating earthquakes in the 1940s. Despite this, modern-day Fethiye is renowned as a first-rate, fast-expanding resort with exquisite five-star hotels, stunning sand dunes, and magnificent old sites that draw in people from throughout the globe to see Fethiye tourist attractions. Let's see what to see in Fethiye Turkey in 2024.

1. Lycian Tomb

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One of the top attractions in Fethiye is the Lycian Tomb. The ancient Lycians' talent for architecture and taste is on full display at Fethiye's beautiful Lycian Tombs. Visitors interested in the mysteries of ancient civilizations and history often visit these tombs, which are believed to have been built around the sixth century B.C.

Among these ancient tombs, the Tomb of Amyntas distinguishes out because of its great historical significance and exquisite appearance. Two lofty columns cut into the hillside surrounding the tomb's enormous entrance, making it stand out strikingly against the rocky backdrop. Climbing the flight of steps that leads up to this remarkable tomb offers tourists a closer view of the complex architectural details and beautiful perspectives of the surrounding area.

The Tomb of Amyntas is characterized by its rectangular shape, Gothic relief lids, and two side arches, all of which are held up by wooden beams. The lid's top is adorned with ornate reliefs depicting the life and times of the departed, including events from the war years. The images here speak volumes about the resilience and fortitude of the locals who lived through the region's dark history.

A link to the past and a glimpse into the Lycians' cultural and spiritual life are provided by the ancient Greek texts found on the tomb walls. These inscriptions have endured for millennia, and they are used by historians and archaeologists to reconstruct the beliefs and practices of a Mediterranean civilization that has long since disappeared.

Important Details for Travelers:

• Visiting Hours: Lycian Tombs are open from sunrise to dark every day. Early or late afternoon is best for photography due to cooler temperatures and more light.
• Admission: Due to its free entrance, anybody may visit the Lycian Tombs.

How to Get There:

• By Local Transport: Local "dolmuş," minibuses, go from Fethiye's center to the graves. The short yet stunning journey lets you experience local culture and nature.
• On Foot: Adventurers may climb to the tombs from the town center on many pathways with varying degrees of difficulty and stunning views.

More than just a holiday, a visit to the Lycian Tombs in Fethiye is an exploration of the very essence of ancient Lycia. Visitors to Turkey who are interested in history, adventure, or just plain curious will find these tombs to be a popular destination since they provide a profound connection to the past among the country's stunning natural beauty. Get your hiking boots on, grab all the essentials, and get ready for a journey that will take you through millennia to the breathtaking Lycian Tombs.

Read also: Turkey Resorts: 10 Best Places to Visit in 2024

2. Fethiye Museum

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Located in the middle of the charming town of Fethiye on Turkey's turquoise coast, the City Museum houses an assortment of artifacts and historical documents that draw in visitors and history buffs. This historical museum Fethiye is a vital part of the city's history and an important thing to see in Fethiye since it displays a remarkable assortment of objects that have been found in the region and nearby.

In the 1950s, when people were increasingly interested in preserving and presenting the region's rich history, the idea for what would become the City Museum began to take shape. But the museum didn't open to the public until 1990, when a plethora of antiquities were unveiled. Sculpted in metal and marble, the exhibits tell stories of the past that molded this area and span from the early Roman period to the Byzantine era.

Several marble sculptures depicting the skilled work of ancient craftspeople welcome visitors as they enter the museum. Each of these sculptures has a tale to tell; they were once decorations for the public areas and grand villas of ancient cities. Each piece of armor in the collection tells a story of tumultuous times when empires fought and heroes rose to prominence. Intricately carved tombstones with moving inscriptions reveal something about the beliefs and lives of the people who once lived here.

The artifacts on display at the museum originate from mythologically and historically rich archaeological sites like Letoon and Xanthos. Letoon, a place of great archaeological significance that once served as a temple to the goddess Leto, provides valuable insight into the Lycian religion. Lycian culture, with its distinctive fusion of indigenous and Hellenistic elements, has been better-understood thanks to artifacts unearthed at Xanthos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Going to the City Museum is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life while also learning a lot about the ancient civilizations that used to live here. Anyone looking to connect with the past must visit the museum, as each artifact and ancient ruins of Fethiye tell a story of creativity, ingenuity, and survival.

Important Details for Travelers:

• Operating Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All day Monday is off.
• Admission: Guests are asked to pay a nominal fee to enter the museum. This fee goes towards the upkeep and conservation of the museum's collections.

How to Get There:

• By Air: The museum is approximately an hour's drive from Dalaman Airport, making it easy to reach Fethiye by air.
• By Road: Big cities like Ankara and Istanbul have frequent buses and taxis. The trip provides stunning vistas and Turkish countryside.
• Local Transport: Local "dolmuş," minibuses, may take you to the museum in Fethiye.

The City Museum has an amazing collection of antiques and history that will enthrall you. It provides interesting and educational Fethiye cultural tours of history and should be on every traveler's itinerary. As you go out on a quest to discover Fethiye's ancient treasure, brace yourself for an incredible experience and do not forget to share your experience with your friends and family, for that simple opt for Yesim prepaid mobile data plans for Turkey and enjoy seamless connection whenever you go.

3. Oludeniz Bay

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Oludeniz Bay is a captivating spot that draws in visitors with its serene atmosphere with top beaches Fethiye. It is about fifty kilometers away from the vibrant resort town of Fethiye. Known locally as the "Dead Sea," this Fethiye waterfront is separate from Israel's famed salt lake. Instead, it reflects the serene bay waters, which remain calm even during storms, providing a pleasant haven for everyone who comes here.

Oludeniz Bay is well-known for its picturesque blue lagoon, which is encircled by lush hillsides and pure white sand beaches. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, this picture-perfect setting is ideal for a variety of water sports. Swimming, snorkeling, and paragliding are all great activities in the bay, and daredevils may take in the breathtaking scenery from above. The waters are crystal clean.

Beyond its Fethiye natural beauty, Oludeniz has an irresistible allure. There is an air of mystique about the place because of its rich mythology; it is said to have been one of the last places the legendary hero Icarus saw before his terrible fall. There are many inviting eateries and cafés along the bay's edges where people may relax with a cold drink and some regional specialties while they watch the sun go down.

Important Details for Travelers:

• Best Time to Visit: The weather is mild and the seas are attractive in late spring and early fall, making these times excellent for exploring Oludeniz Bay.
• Admission: Although the beach and the surrounding bay area are free to visit, certain activities and services may incur additional charges.

How to Get There:

• By Car: From Fethiye, you may drive straight to Oludeniz via a picturesque route that takes approximately an hour. Beautiful coastal vistas await you along this well-signposted path.
• By Public Transport: Travelers have the option of using regular buses or minibusses from Fethiye to Oludeniz, which is both economical and convenient.

If you're looking for things to do and see in Fethiye Turkey to lose yourself in the mesmerizing splendor of the Mediterranean, go no farther than Oludeniz Bay. No matter what your travel goals are—unwinding on its beaches, diving into its seas, or discovering its legends—Oludeniz is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. What are you waiting for? Get ready to go on an adventure to one of the most tranquil and scenic locations in Turkey.

4. The Abandoned Village of Kayaköy

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The eerily picturesque, deserted village of Kayaköy is located only a short distance from the bustling town of Fethiye. This is another one of the top tourist attractions in Fethiye. Those interested in history and the charm of long-lost locations will find this ancient Greek settlement, which is both mysterious and steeped in history, to be an enthralling destination.

The Greek community of Kayaköy flourished for more than a thousand years after its founding in the eighth century. The village was a hive of activity, with its steep hillside houses, winding streets, and churches. But in 1923, its destiny was drastically changed by the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent population exchanges. Muslim families from Macedonia were given the homes of the Greek inhabitants, who were forced to leave. The Muslim settlers, enticed by the promise of a better life near the water and richer soil, quickly left the village, ending this new chapter.

Kayaköy is now a ghost town, with its deserted streets and vacant homes standing in sharp contrast to the picturesque scenery around. Silent but eloquent witnesses to the village's thriving past and subsequent abandonment, the remains of the village include more than 500 homes, two churches, and other structures. Greek and Turkish styles coexist in the region's architecture, which reveals a lot about the region's complex cultural history.

As they stroll through Kayaköy, visitors can't help but feel the weight of history. Every stone and path here tells a story of struggle, unity, and transformation. Beyond its historical value, the site stands as a testament to the strength and perseverance of the human spirit. The effects of geopolitical crises on everyday life are starkly shown by this.

Important adventure trips Fethiye for Travelers:

• Visiting Hours: The town may be toured from dawn to dusk. You shouldn't go there at night because there isn't enough light.
• Admission: There is a nominal cost to visit the village, which goes towards its care and preservation.

How to Get There:

• By Car: Driving from Fethiye to Kayaköy takes around 15 minutes, with excellent signposting along the road.
• By Public Transport: Regular minibusses from Fethiye may transport you near to the village, with a short walk to approach the center of Kayaköy.

Exploring the abandoned hamlet of Kayaköy gives a unique trip back in time and a chance to ponder on the ephemeral nature of communities. It's a must-visit for history aficionados, photographers, and anybody attracted by the somber beauty of desolate locations. As you meander through its lonely alleyways, you’ll be transported to a bygone period, making Kayaköy a memorable stop on your travels in Turkey.

Read also: TOP 10 Hotels in Turkey 2024

5. Butterfly Valley

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Nestled in the picturesque bay of Belceiz, on the Turquoise Coast in western Turkey, Butterfly Valley is a secret treasure that provides a magical retreat into nature. Because of its secluded location and breathtaking scenery, the valley is a popular romantic place in Fethiye for daily yacht excursions departing from Fethiye.

Many kinds of butterflies, including "tiger butterflies" and many more, thrive in the valley's verdant foliage, which gives the area its descriptive name. As they soar through the air in their native environment, these vibrant locals enhance the already stunning landscape with a touch of magic. Butterfly Valley is an important ecological site and a paradise for nature lovers thanks to the abundance of butterflies that call the mild Mediterranean climate home.

Soaring rocky cliffs surround a narrow stretch of beautiful beach in Butterfly Valley, which gives way to a wooded region; the scenery is breathtaking. In this area, sightseers can find hidden, beautiful waterfalls by following forest paths that wind across the valley. A tranquil setting, complete with the soothing sound of water trickling down the rocks, is ideal for unwinding and contemplation. It's also cool Fethiye viewpoint

As you make your way through Butterfly Valley, you'll hear the soft rustle of leaves and the infrequent splash of water, and you'll smell the crisp earth and pine. Located far from the crowded tourist areas, this unspoiled paradise is the perfect place to visit in Fethiye to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.

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Important Details for Travelers:

• Visiting Hours: Depending on the schedules of the boat services, visitors can usually access the valley between the morning and early evening.
• Admission: While the Butterfly Valley itself does not charge admission, the boat rides from Fethiye to the valley do.

How to Get There:

• By Boat: The best way to get from Fethiye to Butterfly Valley is by boat, and there are plenty of options available. In addition to providing transportation, these excursions also give a beautiful tour of the coast and its environs.
• By Hiking: a difficult path descends to the valley from the surrounding cliffs, offering a thrilling hike for the fittest hikers. Only fully prepared, experienced hikers should attempt this route.

Among Turkey's most beautiful and peaceful landscapes, Butterfly Valley is a must-see Fethiye destination. Whether you're someone who loves nature, butterflies, or just wants to relax in a tranquil setting, this breathtaking valley will provide you with an unforgettable experience that highlights the stunning Turquoise Coast scenery. If you want to make the most of your time here and capture all the breathtaking Fethiye landmarks, you should bring a camera and binoculars.

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