Fethiye Photo Gallery
Tours and hotels in Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye
Fethiye - a well-known seaside beach resort in the Aegean region of Turkey, located on a scenic coastline with many bays and islets. The town sits conveniently on a gulf and serves as a starting point for yacht trips along the coast and day excursions to nearby bays and beaches. The nearest major towns are Dalaman, Marmaris and Bodrum; Dalaman International Airport is about 45-60 km away by road.
Modern Fethiye grew on the site of the ancient port of Telmessos, with a history dating back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. Over the centuries the town experienced different eras and peoples; noticeable traces of antiquity sit alongside Ottoman and modern development. The modern name of the town is linked to local 20th-century history and the name of the pilot Fethi Bey.
The resort is conventionally divided into several areas: the central promenade and marina with shops and cafes, beach districts with large and boutique hotels, and the famous Oludeniz bay with a compact cluster of hotels. About 50 hotels are concentrated in the Oludeniz bay itself, many of them focused on beach and active holidays.
Fethiye offers a variety of tourism types: classic beach holidays, yachting and sea excursions, and active sports - paragliding, diving and trekking on the Lycian Way. For cultural travelers there are archaeological sites, local markets, museums and nearby historic villages.
Infrastructure is well developed - from international luxury hotels to small family guesthouses; there is a marina, port berths and regular bus connections with neighboring resorts. The town is convenient for combining beach time with sightseeing.
The climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The best time for beach and active holidays is May-June and September-October - summers can be very hot, and in winter some tourist services operate on a limited basis.
Fethiye - Oludeniz, flights from Babadag and yachts on the azure coast.
Fethiye - Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon
The main natural attraction of the area is Oludeniz bay with the legendary Blue Lagoon, where the water is exceptionally clear and calm. Oludeniz is considered one of the best beaches in Turkey for family holidays and is also a world center for paragliding - launches from Mount Babadag let you soar above the shore and admire the panorama of the bay.
Historical and cultural sites include rock-cut Lycian tombs and the ruins of an ancient city located right within the town, as well as the abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy nearby - an open-air museum preserving the atmosphere of past centuries. In central Fethiye it's worth visiting the amphitheater, local museums and the bustling town market with souvenirs and local produce.
Popular activities for tourists include yacht cruises around the islands and bays, diving and snorkeling in clear waters, hikes along sections of the Lycian Way, fishing and boat excursions. For adrenaline seekers there are paragliding flights from Babadag, while those preferring a relaxed pace can enjoy strolls along the marina and sunset boat trips.
An interesting fact for travelers - Kayakoy became abandoned as a result of the 1923 population exchange, and today it is one of the most photogenic spots around Fethiye. Oludeniz is listed among protected natural areas, so the beach and lagoon retain natural cleanliness and calm waters.
The local cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, meze and dishes made from seasonal vegetables, which nicely complement the seaside experience. The best time to visit attractions and join active programs is spring and early autumn, when the weather is comfortable for walks and water activities.
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