Fethiye, Turkey — Travel Guide 2025: Ölüdeniz, Paragliding, Beaches

Loading map...

location.beaches.districts

location.beaches.districts_subtitle

Ölüdeniz

sightseeing

Famous turquoise lagoon and main tourist center of the region. Home to Blue Lagoon — a protected beach. Paragliding flights from Babadağ Mountain start here. Many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs. The most expensive area, but also the most scenic.

Hisarönü

nightlife

Resort village in the mountains, 4 km from Ölüdeniz. Cheaper than the coast. Known for vibrant nightlife — many bars and clubs. Beach is 10-15 min by dolmuş. Popular with British tourists. Good choice for youth and party lovers.

Fethiye Center

sightseeing

Historic city center with Lycian tombs, bazaars, and fish market. Boat excursions depart from here. Tomb of Amyntas towers above the city. Famous Tuesday market. Many harbor restaurants with yacht views. Convenient base for day trips.

Çalış

families

Family resort 5 km from Fethiye center with a long pebble beach. Famous for stunning sunsets — best views in the region. Calm atmosphere, many apart-hotels and family restaurants. Water taxis run to Fethiye center. Caretta-caretta turtles nest on the beach.

Kayaköy

sightseeing

Ghost town 8 km from Fethiye — abandoned Greek village after the 1923 population exchange. Hundreds of stone houses and two churches. Atmospheric place for photos and historical reflection. Trail to Ölüdeniz starts here. Several restaurants with homemade Turkish cuisine.

Fethiye

Fethiye is one of Turkey's most picturesque resorts, located where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The city is built on the site of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos, and traces of this civilization are visible everywhere: rock tombs, sarcophagi, ruins.

The region's main attraction is the Ölüdeniz lagoon with turquoise water, recognized as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. It's also the world paragliding capital: thousands of flights are made from Babadağ Mountain (1,969 m) annually. The flight lasts 25-45 minutes and offers unforgettable coastal views.

Butterfly Valley i...

faq.title

faq.subtitle Fethiye

The nearest airport is Dalaman (DLM), 45 km from Fethiye (about 1.5 hours drive). Havaş buses depart after each flight, costing about 200₺. A taxi costs 1,200-1,500₺. Many hotels offer transfers — check when booking. You can also rent a car directly at the airport.

Ölüdeniz (Turkish for 'dead sea') is a famous lagoon with turquoise water 14 km from Fethiye. It's a protected area with one of Turkey's most beautiful beaches. Entry to the national park is paid. Reach by dolmuş from Fethiye for 15-20₺ (20 minutes). This is also the famous paragliding spot from Babadağ Mountain (1,969 m).

Tandem flight from Babadağ Mountain costs €150-250 depending on season and operator. Flight lasts 25-45 minutes. Photos and video usually cost extra (€30-50). In high season (June-September) book in advance. Best time is morning (calm winds) or sunset (beautiful light). No experience needed — the pilot handles everything. Wear long trousers and closed shoes.

Tomb of Amyntas — impressive Ionic temple carved in rock (4th century BC), visible across the bay. Ghost town Kayaköy with abandoned Greek houses. Butterfly Valley — secluded beach accessible only by boat. Saklikent Gorge — one of the world's deepest canyons (ice-cold water!). Ancient city of Tlos with Lycian tombs. Boat tours to 12 islands with swimming stops.

Best time is April through October. May-June and September-October are ideal: warm (20-28°C), fewer tourists, lower prices. July-August is peak season: hot (up to 34°C), crowded beaches, expensive hotels. Winter (November-March) is rainy and cool (10-16°C) but suitable for sightseeing. Paragliding available April to October.

Ölüdeniz — beachfront, pricier, ideal for paragliding. Hisarönü — cheaper, in mountains, nightlife, 15 min to beach. Ovacık — between them, Lycian Way trailhead. Çalış — family area with long beach and sunsets, near Fethiye. Fethiye center — historic, bazaars, restaurants, convenient for excursions. Üzümlü — quiet mountain village for complete relaxation.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Fethiye

Dolmuş (minibuses) are the main regional transport. From Fethiye to Ölüdeniz 15-20₺, to Hisarönü 10-15₺. Run every 10-15 minutes during the day. Stops on request — raise your hand or tell driver 'inecek var'. Downtown Fethiye is walkable. For gorges and distant attractions, renting a car or scooter is more convenient.

MIR cards don't work — bring cash in USD or EUR. Visa/Mastercard accepted almost everywhere. Exchange offices in Fethiye center have better rates than airport. At Fethiye's Tuesday market, bargaining is mandatory — start at 50% of price. Tourist areas (Ölüdeniz) have 30-40% higher prices.

Paragliding is the region's main attraction. Book in advance during high season. Morning flights are calmer, evening ones more beautiful. Boat tours to 12 Islands and Butterfly Valley depart from Fethiye harbor daily (from 500₺). Saklikent Gorge is open April-October, water is always ice-cold — bring proper footwear (rental on site 50₺).

Lunch at simple restaurant from 200₺, tourist spot 400-600₺. Beer 110-185₺ depending on venue. Fish and seafood are the region's specialty, especially at Fethiye harbor. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables at markets — cheaper and tastier. Try gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and pide (Turkish pizza). 10% tips appreciated.

Fethiye's Tuesday market is one of the region's largest bazaars. Spices, textiles, souvenirs, fresh produce. Arrive early morning, bargain! Ghost town Kayaköy tells the tragic story of the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Tomb of Amyntas is especially beautiful at sunset — lighting turns on in the evening.

Summer (June-September) is hot: 28-34°C, can reach 39°C. Sea warms to 27°C. November to March brings rain — up to 212mm in December. Winter is mild (10-16°C), suitable for Lycian Way hiking. SPF 50+ sunscreen essential in summer. May-June and September are ideal for paragliding.