The Best Things to Do in Fethiye & Ölüdeniz (2024)

From Ancient History to Azure Shores

Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are two popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The towns are close in proximity and both offer something different, so they’re perfect for a well-rounded vacation.

Ölüdeniz is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand. It is a popular destination for swimming, paragliding, sunbathing, and water sports.

Fethiye is a more lively town with a wide range of activities and amenities. The town is home to a number of historical sites, including the Amyntas Rock Tombs. Fethiye is also a popular base for hiking, biking, and boat trips.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an active adventure, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz have something to offer everyone.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Fethiye & Ölüdeniz

1. Take a Boat Tour from Ölüdeniz

Each day, countless boats take off from Ölüdeniz for a day on the water. Many of them are pirate themed and prepared to party the day away, but there are also more chill options! A trip to Fethiye/Ölüdeniz would simply be incomplete without taking a boat trip, which allows you experience many hidden coves and beaches that are only accessible by water. You can jump in for a refreshing dip whenever you want, snorkel in crystal-clear bays teeming with colorful fish, or simply relax on deck, soaking up the sun and the incredible scenery.

Tours also include a delicious lunch with fresh seafood and local specialties, making it a perfect way to spend a relaxing day on the Mediterranean! Most of the tours offered are the same in terms of itinerary and will stop at notable locations such as Butterfly Valley, Mavi Magara cave, and Gemiler Island, the home of some interesting ruins.

If you’re interested in doing one of these tours, check out this pirate boat tour or this more chill boat tour! Most tours will pick you up at any hotel between Fethiye and Ölüdeniz (we stayed in Fethiye and had no problem being picked up), but definitely check to make sure that they offer pick up service.

2. See the Amyntas Rock Tombs in Fethiye

These tombs are super cool and built right into the rock. You can get up close to them by paying 40 lira (about 1.25 USD) to go up a flight of stairs to get a view into one of the tombs, but it’s not super necessary as you can see them well from the street. However, since it was so cheap, we thought it was worth it for the closer look and the amazing view of Fethiye from up there.

3. Paraglide in Ölüdeniz

Paragliding is probably the most popular activity in Ölüdeniz after the boat tours. This is the best place in Turkey for paragliding and beckons adventure sport enthusiasts from all over the world! You can take off from the hills above the town and soar over the Blue Lagoon. This is an absolute must do for any fans of adrenaline activities. If this sounds like you, check out this popular tour! If paragliding isn’t your thing but you still want to see the view from above, take a trip on Ölüdeniz’s cable car to 1700 Grill & Wine Bar, where you can get some food and drinks and enjoy the view!

4. Visit the Abandoned Town of Kayaköy

Kayaköy is a spooky looking “ghost town” that resulted from a population exchange of Christians and Muslims (relocating Turkey’s Christian citizens to Greece and Greece’s Muslims to Turkey) in 1923 after the Greco-Turkish war. It is rumored that the Muslims who were forced to move from Greece to Turkey didn’t want to settle in this town because it was haunted by ghosts of Greek citizens killed there. Kayaköy is located between Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, so it’s a must do when in this area. If you want to read more about its interesting history, check out this article!

5. Drive a Buggy to Sea Me Beach

Dust off your sense of adventure with a buggy safari tour and explore the beautiful region around Fethiye in a unique way. Hold on tight as you steer your own buggy and enjoy multiple stops and beautiful viewpoints. Your drive will take you to Sea Me Beach, where you’ll get to enjoy some quality beach time complete with a sunbed and umbrella. So, take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water, relax on the beach, and soak up the sun after your wild ride!

6. Wander around Fethiye’s Old Town

Fethiye’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets waiting to be explored. The atmosphere is lively, especially at night, when the main square can be found filled with people out for an evening stroll. When exploring the Old Town, make sure not to miss the Paspatur Market that contains tons of stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, spices, and much more. Don’t forget to haggle!

7. Explore the Saklikent National Park & Tlos Ruins

Take a break from the beach for a day to explore some of the natural beauty and rich history offered by this region of Turkey. Fethiye is close to both Saklikent National Park and the Tlos Ruins, so why not take a day trip to both! This day trip is easiest if you have your own car (and it is also easier to avoid the crowded times with one), but if you don’t, this tour is a good option.

Start your day in the stunning Saklikent National Park, where you can admire the dramatic Saklikent Gorge. Here, you can brave the refreshing water or simply admire the scenery from wooden walkways. It’s definitely a big tourist attraction and can get busy, but it’s still worth seeing in our opinion! In the afternoon, head to the ancient Tlos Ruins. Climb the hill to the acropolis for panoramic views, and explore the remains of a city that dates back thousands of years. This is the perfect day trip to experience beautiful nature and history!

8. Take a Day Trip to Greece!

Did you know that there is a Greek island only a two hour ferry ride from Fethiye? Take a day trip to Rhodes, Greece, and explore a whole new culture. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town, surrounded by ancient walls and bustling markets. Snap pictures of the majestic Palace of the Grand Masters and soak up the rich history around every corner. If you have enough time, consider staying on the island for a few nights – as there’s a ton to see!

Book your Ferry Tickets with Ferryhopper

9. Stroll the Fethiye Kordon

The Fethiye Kordon is a beautiful boardwalk that stretches from Fethiye Old Town up to Çalış Beach. This is a beautiful walk that takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, stroll through Şehit Fethi Bey Parkı. This park is huge, complete with gardens, workout machines, a giant playground, and cool spots to just hang out. If you have time to do this walk, we highly recommend it, and you also won’t want to miss the sunset from Çalış Beach!

10. Embrace the Mediterranean with a 4-Day Cruise

If you love being on the water, consider this epic 4-day gulet cruise from Fethiye to Olympos! This all-inclusive adventure is perfect for soaking up the Turkish coast without feeling like you’re constantly on the move. Explore historic sites like St. Nicholas Island, charming towns like Kas, and even sunken ruins near Kekova. The best part? You’ll have plenty of time to relax on pristine beaches, cool off with swims in crystal-clear waters, and unwind under the Mediterranean sun.

Best Time to Visit Fethiye and Ölüdeniz

If you want to enjoy the beaches and partake in water activities, June to August will be the best time to visit these stunning Turkish destinations. However, you’ll definitely have to be prepared for the oppressive summer heat and larger tourist crowds.

The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October offer more pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially better deals on accommodation. This is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy all that Fethiye and Ölüdeniz have to offer without the peak-season crowds and crazy heat. The water may not be as warm (especially in the spring), but the weather will certainly be more comfortable for sightseeing.

The winter months (November-March) are the quietest and most affordable time to visit, but many businesses are closed and the weather can be unpredictable. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the cooler weather, this could be a good option for you.

Where to Stay: Fethiye or Ölüdeniz

Fethiye

Where you stay when visiting this area definitely depends on what your vacation goals are. You’ll likely enjoy Fethiye more if you’re looking for a larger town with more historical artifacts, such as the rock tombs. Fethiye is also where the more affordable accommodation options are, so that’s where we stayed when we were backpacking Turkey. Within Fethiye, we definitely recommend staying in or near the Old Town. This is where most tours will pick you up, where the most is going on, and where the main Fethiye bus station is.

Fethiye Accommodations

Ölüdeniz

If money is no object and you’re looking for beaches, boat tours, and adventure activities such as paragliding, Ölüdeniz is the obvious choice. If you’re on a budget but want to stay closer to Ölüdeniz, there are a couple options that are just a bit out of town.

Ölüdeniz Accommodations

How to Get to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz

Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are extremely easy to get to via any mode of transportation! If you have the means, we recommend using a rental car to explore Turkey so you can get off the beaten path easily; driving in Turkey is really easy and the roads are great. However, even if you don’t rent a car, the country is still very easy to navigate.

The below options will get you to Fethiye, from which you’ll have to get a bus or taxi to Ölüdeniz if you’re staying there!

How to Get to Fethiye by Plane

The closest airport to Fethiye is the Dalaman airport (DLM). There are many airlines that offer seasonal and year-round flights to Dalaman from various cities around the world as well as within Turkey. From Dalaman Airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or public bus to Fethiye. The journey by taxi or shuttle takes about an hour, while the bus ride takes a bit longer.

Check out Cheap Flights to Dalaman on Skyscanner

How to Get to Fethiye by Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel around Turkey. Several bus companies operate regular services to Fethiye from major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Antalya, and Denizli. Bus journeys can take longer than flying, but they offer a scenic way to see the Turkish countryside. When we traveled around Turkey, we booked most of our bus tickets on Obilet, which tended to offer the cheapest tickets. The buses were usually nice and comfortable, so we definitely recommend traveling by bus!

Check Bus Schedules and Buy Tickets using Obilet

A Note on Fethiye and Ölüdeniz

Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, so you should be aware that if you’re looking for a relaxing and quiet beach vacation, these spots may not be for you. That being said, we still think these spots are both worth visiting, as there’s a lot to see in this area and the water around Ölüdeniz simply cannot be beat. However, if you’re looking for a smaller town feel with similar beaches and less tourists, we recommend checking out Kaş, which is about an hour and a half south of Fethiye.

Read all about visiting Kaş Here!

Keep Exploring Turkey…

Our Favorite Travel Resources

Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.

Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.

Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.

Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.

International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.

eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.

Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!

The Best Things to Do in Fethiye & Ölüdeniz