Natalie Whenever someone asks us what Fethiye in Turkey is like, it is impossible to answer in a short, concise way. The vast region encompassing the city centre, and smaller coastal resorts is an all-rounder accommodating everyone from budget holidaymakers to luxury property hunters.
It thrives on the beach tourism scene, but also maintains prestigious status on the Turkish riviera. It offers a traditional Turkish lifestyle but strives to stay up to date with modern international trends. Both holidaymakers and Turks enjoy a wide range of Turkish restaurants serving up traditional cuisine but likewise, should they want fine dining, can easily find a top-notch establishment.
The perfect way to understand how Fethiye ticks is to find out for yourself what all the hype is about. But in the meantime, this quick snapshot explains why holidaymakers and foreigners buying a property in Turkey love it.
What is Fethiye in Turkey Like?
1: City Centre: Paspatur and Lycian Tombs
An excellent place to start is the city centre, a hub for everything and anything. Naturally, its active status in the heart of the Mediterranean, means the harbour and marina are a hive of daily activity. However, head away into the back streets to discover another world. Paspatur, the old town is a delight to explore with its narrow, cobbled lanes that are home to many souvenirs shops, bars, and restaurants. History-lovers should head to the museum, after taking in the small amphitheatre. For the best view over the city though, head to the Lycian rock tombs giving off an all-encompassing view.
2: Oludeniz: Blue Lagoon of Fethiye
As one of Turkey’s most photographed sites, the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz often appears in international travel magazines promoting the area. Attached is the main beach which is under protection status by law, proving the cute, town nestled in a small valley is undoubtedly a place of natural beauty. Don’t be surprised to find British themed bars and hear British accents while in Oludeniz, because many expats living in the area adore it with a passion. One recommended activity while in the area is to catch the water taxi across to Butterfly Valley. Oludeniz is also famous for paragliding.
3: Hisaronu and Ovacik
Oludeniz was one of the first places to embrace tourism, and as it grew, there was no space to build and expand. In what was the next best solution, Hisaronu and Ovacik sprang up to accommodate the growing influx of holidaymakers. These days, Hisaronu is more of a holiday resort while Ovacik is home to many Brits who have purchased a property and now live there all year round. Once again, expect a British vibe running through both villages.
4: Calis Beach and Turkey’s Best Sunset
Many Brits also buy property in Calis beach, a popular holiday resort boasting of one of Turkey’s most exceptional sunsets. The long beach hosts hundreds of holidaymakers each year, and in recent years, the council invested thousands into upgrading and modernising the promenade. Expect a decent share of international restaurants and prepare for a slow-paced lifestyle befitting the Mediterranean vibe.
5: Kayakoy Ghost Village
As Fethiye’s major tourist attraction, Kayakoy Ghost Village is a step back in time, to see life in the region before the Turkish War of Independence nearly 100 years ago. Schools, churches, and crumbling houses dot the hillside, giving off amazing views over the surrounding land. Property buyers who want a traditional stone cottage often chose Kayakoy as their favourite destination.
6: Mountain Range Uzumlu
Although life in Fethiye revolves around the beachfront, the small village of Uzumlu attracts property buyers who want large luxury villas at exceptional prices. Its inland location and the 20-minute drive to Fethiye also present beautiful views making this an ideal location for anyone fed up with sandy beaches.
7: Exclusive Faralya
Browse through any international travel magazine, and you will rarely hear about Faralya. Mostly known for its secluded location and private yoga retreats, it boasts of a stunning coastline view and sits about 15 minutes away from Oludeniz. Given its small size, homes in Faralya are expensive but worth it for a hidden slice of paradise.
Major Attractions of Fethiye
One can spend a week or two just exploring the above locations, but some tourist attractions also earn high admiration and praise. Local travel shops sell daily tours to places like Saklikent Gorge, a large canyon formed thousands of years ago, with fast rushing water flowing through it.
After visiting, they head up into the mountains to Tlos ancient ruins, and Yakapark, an ideal place to have lunch. If you love the water, we recommend a 12 islands boat tour visiting sites like Gemiler island boasting of ruined Christian churches.
Fethiye is also the start of the Lycian way, stretching to the Antalya region, 500 kilometres away. This famous walk takes in ruined ancient cities of the Lycian empire like Xanthos, and Letoon. For evening fun and delicious food, head to Fethiye fish market where you take your pick of the fresh catch of the day and surrounding restaurants cook it and serve with a delightful salad and mezes.
Need to Know: Most people get to Fethiye via Dalaman airport that sits 60 minutes’ drive away. If driving by car or travelling by bus, they also use the main D400 highway running from the east to west of the country.
Also of Interest
Holiday Towns of Mediterranean Turkey: If you are interested in what Fethiye in Turkey is like, it will also delight you to know there are 18 other holiday towns of the Mediterranean coast that are also worth exploring. Stretching from Marmaris to the Antalya region, we give a brief snapshot of them all in this article.
