Fethiye, Turkey | Facts and Attractions

By Justin Mays:

Fethiye is located in the Mediterranean region, in the Mugla province of Turkey and is the ideal place for expats who want to live near the coastline and have access to a myriad of tourist attractions. 

This region is rich with natural beauties and ancient sites for visitors and residents to enjoy. For those moving to Turkey and considering settling in Fethiye, this area is not just the best choice for a beach holiday, but also to live in with your family since it has superb residential properties for sale. 

Today’s blog will take you through all the attractions that Fethiye has, as well as some interesting facts regarding this region. 

Facts About Fethiye 

• Fethiye is situated in the location of an ancient city, Telmessos, and the ruins of it still exist here.

• The name “Fethiye” comes from the name of the Turkish pilot Captain Fetih Bey of the Ottoman Airforce.

• This region in Turkey has witnessed several earthquakes, the 1957 Fethiye earthquake being the worst, devastating most of the city.

• Fethiye is popular world-over for its eye-catching beaches, clear waters, and turquoise coastlines.

• Fethiye also has ruins of an old, abandoned village called Kayakoy. This stone village used to be home to a Greek population but was later abandoned after the Greco-Turkish War 1919-1923. However, it is the ideal place to stroll and enjoy some fresh air.

• It is also home to the “Butterfly Valley”, which has more than 100 species of butterflies.

• Fethiye possesses the ancient ruins of Xanthos, the capital of ancient Lycia.

What to Do in Fethiye Turkey | Attractions

Here are some of the main attractions to visit in Fethiye. 

Explore Paspatur

Visit Paspatur (Fethiye’s old town) and walk through the cobbled streets to check out all the shops, restaurants and cafes. This place is loaded with traditional items such as carpets and ceramic items. You can be sure to find the best souvenirs here. 

There is also a wide selection of herbs and spices that visitors can purchase.

Ancient Rock Tombs

Check out the ancient rock tombs (Amyntas). These tombs are high up and offer a unique view of Fethiye. They have been carved into the rock and while these tombs may require you to walk uphill, the views at the end will be worth the effort.

Visit Patara

Patara is only an hour’s drive from Fethiye and has the longest beach in the country. This a must-visit for those who love the sun and want to relax on a tranquil beach. This location also features the Ancient Patara ruins nearby. 

Check out the Local Markets

Going to the local market and perusing the shops is the best way to enjoy the local culture. These local markets don’t just have the freshest of fruits and vegetables but also many fake designer items and offer yummy Turkish snacks such as Gozleme.

Go to the Oludeniz Beach & Lagoon

Oludeniz is known for its photograph-worthy beauty and crystal clear waters outlined by lush pine forests. You can sunbathe or swim in the water. For those who are adventurous and seek an adrenaline rush, Oludeniz is also a famous tandem paragliding spot.

Fethiye Museum

The Fethiye Museum is the spot for history lovers to visit and check out the Roman statues discovered in Tlos. This museum contains ancient artifacts, and you get ample information about Ancient Lycia. 

The Trilingual Stele found at Letoön is the most fascinating artifact on display in the Fethiye Museum. 

Babadag Mountain

The Babadag Mountain is the take-off location for paragliding in Oludeniz. You can use the cable car service to go up this mountain and soak in the beautiful views. The best part is that there are restaurants for visitors to eat and hang out at. 

Calis Beach

Calis beach has a four-kilometre-long promenade and provides a calm environment for visitors to unwind and enjoy a magnificent sunset.

Kayakoy Ghost Town 

Visit the Kayakoy open-air museum away from the noise of the touristy locations. This town was once inhabited by Turks and Greeks who lived together in harmony. You can now find dilapidated structures all over, such as churches, homes, etc.

After exploring the area, you can stop by the restaurants and cafes close by for refreshments. 

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