FETHIYE & ÖLÜDENIZ
This stunning coastal region on the Turquoise Coast combines the ancient history of Lycia with some of Turkey’s most dramatic natural beauty. Fethiye is a bustling harbor town, while Ölüdeniz boasts the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
It is a true paradise for adventurers, beach lovers, and history buffs alike, offering paragliding over shimmering waters, ancient rock-cut tombs, and the serene, picture-perfect beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
Most Popular Attractions
Coastal Wonders & Natural Sites:
Ölüdeniz Beach (Blue Lagoon): The iconic, protected nature reserve with calm, turquoise waters and a white-sand beach, arguably the most photographed beach in Turkey.
Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi): A stunning, secluded cove accessible by boat, famous for its diverse butterfly population and beautiful, pristine beach.
Saklıkent Canyon: A deep, cold gorge that you can wade through, offering an exhilarating natural adventure and a cool escape from the summer heat.
Kidrak Beach: A less-crowded alternative to Ölüdeniz, known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful natural setting near the main lagoon.
Kabak Bay: A remote, bohemian bay popular with backpackers and yoga enthusiasts, known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty.
Inlisu Cave: A sea cave near Fethiye accessible by boat, offering a unique spot for swimming and exploring.
Calis Beach: A long, popular beach near Fethiye known for its spectacular sunsets and its lively promenade lined with restaurants and bars.
Adventure & Views:
Babadag Mountain: The launching point for one of the world’s best tandem paragliding experiences, offering breathtaking views over the Blue Lagoon and coastline.
Lycian Way (Selected Sections): Hike portions of this famous long-distance trail, such as the path from Ölüdeniz to Kayaköy or the route to Kabak.
Fethiye Harbour Cruise: Take a popular ’12 Islands Tour’ to explore the various bays, coves, and islands scattered across the Gulf of Fethiye.
Ancient Sites & History:
Amyntas Rock Tombs: Impressive tombs carved high into the cliff face overlooking Fethiye, dating back to 350 BC and offering fantastic views.
Kayaköy (Ghost Village): A historically significant, deserted Greek village with hundreds of crumbling stone houses, churches, and schools, now a poignant open-air museum.
Fethiye Museum: A small but insightful museum housing artifacts from the Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine periods found in the surrounding area.
Tlos Ancient City: One of the most important religious centers of the Lycian region, featuring a rock-cut tomb complex, a stadium, and a Roman bath.
Xanthos Ancient City: The capital of the Lycian League and a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a blend of Lycian, Greek, and Roman history.
Letoon Ancient City: A sanctuary dedicated to the mythological goddess Leto, also a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important religious center of Lycia.
Pinara Ancient City: A lesser-visited but beautifully preserved Lycian city tucked into the mountainside, known for its extensive rock-cut tombs.
Telmessos Theatre (Fethiye Centre): The restored remains of a large Roman theatre located right in the center of Fethiye town.
City Core & Markets:
Fethiye Marina: A bustling, modern harbor area filled with yachts, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for an evening stroll.
Paspatur (Fethiye Old Town): A charming maze of narrow streets filled with shops selling Turkish carpets, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Fethiye Fish Market: A unique market experience where you choose your fresh fish from a vendor, and a surrounding restaurant cooks it for you on the spot.
Fethiye Tuesday Market: A large, lively weekly market where you can find everything from fresh produce to textiles, a great place for local interaction.
Activities & Experiences
Tandem Paragliding from Babadağ Mountain: Take the ultimate plunge from the nearly 2,000-meter-high “Father Mountain” for a world-famous, breathtaking flight over the Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz).
Explore the Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz): Swim and sunbathe in the tranquil, protected waters of this iconic, picturesque inlet, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Hike the Lycian Way: Walk a section of this famous 540km ancient coastal path, starting from Ovacık/Ölüdeniz or Kayaköy, offering stunning views and access to secluded coves.
Take a Boat Trip to Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi): Sail to this dramatic, secluded canyon beach, a stunning natural reserve accessible only by sea, where you can hike to a waterfall.
Discover the Kayaköy Ghost Village: Wander through the atmospheric, abandoned Anatolian Greek village, a poignant site of the 1923 population exchange, offering a quiet, historical experience.
Visit Saklıkent Gorge (Canyon): Walk or wade through the icy waters of this massive, deep canyon, one of the longest and deepest in Turkey, a thrilling way to escape the summer heat.
Explore Fethiye’s Old Town (Paspatur) and Marina: Get lost in the narrow, charming streets, shop for local goods, and enjoy a stroll along the vibrant waterfront promenade.
See the Amyntas Rock Tombs: Climb up to the Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff face above Fethiye, most notably the Temple Tomb, for a spectacular view of the harbor at sunset.
Experience a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam): Indulge in a cleansing and relaxing ritual, complete with a body scrub, foam wash, and oil massage for ultimate rejuvenation.
Go on a Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Tour: Spend a full day cruising around the beautiful islands and hidden coves of Fethiye Bay, with stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Ride the Babadağ Cable Car (Teleferik): Take a scenic ride up the mountain for panoramic views, a meal at the mountaintop restaurant, and to watch the paragliders take off.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling: Explore the underwater world of the Turquoise Coast, with dive sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers around Fethiye Bay and the islands.
Local Tips & Transport
Dolmuş (Minibus) is King: The primary and most affordable way to travel between Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Çalış Beach, Hisarönü, and Kayaköy is by Dolmuş (shared minibus). They run frequently, are cheap, and the destination is usually displayed on the front window.
From Dalaman Airport (DLM): The airport is about 55km away. You can use Havaş or Muttaş shuttle buses to the Fethiye bus station (Otogar), or pre-book a private/shared transfer for a door-to-door service to your hotel. Taxis are also available but more expensive.
Taxis & Fare Negotiation: Taxis are readily available, but in popular tourist spots like Ölüdeniz, always confirm the price with the driver before getting in, especially for longer journeys. Taxis are fitted with meters, but fixed rates for major routes are common.
Water Taxis (Fethiye to Çalış Beach): A charming and scenic alternative to the dolmuş or taxi is the water taxi that connects Fethiye harbor to Çalış Beach, offering lovely bay views.
The Best Time to Visit: The summer months (July and August) are intensely hot, with temperatures often soaring above (). The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, and October) when the weather is warm, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and the crowds are thinner.
Haggling and Markets: In tourist shops and especially at the local markets (like the Fethiye Tuesday market), polite haggling is expected and part of the shopping culture. Start by offering around 50% of the asking price and settle on a mutually agreeable figure.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is common and appreciated in Turkey. In restaurants, a tip of is standard for good service. For Dolmuş drivers, you simply pay the fare, but for private transfer drivers, bellboys, or hammam attendants, a small tip is customary.
The Blue Lagoon Entrance: Note that the Blue Lagoon area itself (Kumburnu Beach) is a protected national park and charges a small entrance fee for both vehicles and pedestrians. The public beach outside the lagoon (Belceğiz Beach) is free.
Hidden Gems:
- Fethiye Fish Market: A unique experience where you buy fresh fish from one of the fishmongers and take it to one of the surrounding restaurants, which will cook it for you for a small fee, often with bread and a salad included.
- Yaka Park: A beautiful, tranquil spot near the Tlos ruins and Saklıkent Gorge, known for its cold spring water, leafy surrounds, and trout restaurants—a fantastic place to cool down.
- Tlos Ancient City: Visit the impressive ruins of one of the most important Lycian cities, which offers incredible panoramic views of the Xanthos valley.
Language: While English is widely spoken in the main tourist resorts of Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, and Fethiye center, learning a few basic Turkish phrases like Merhaba (hello), Teşekkürler (thank you), and Lütfen (please) will be welcomed by locals.
Top Restaurants
Fethiye Paşa Kebap [$10-$20] – A legendary, no-frills institution near the Old Town (Paspatur) known for serving authentic Adana kebabs and pides at local prices rather than tourist rates.
Nazilli Pide [$8-$15] – Tucked away in the busy Fethiye bazaar, this family-run spot is a local favorite for its thin, crispy, stone-oven pides and traditional Turkish “pizzas.”
Mozaik Bahçe [$15-$25] – Set in a charming, vine-covered garden slightly away from the main Fethiye harbor, this restaurant specializes in the spicy and rich flavors of the Hatay region.
Mehtap Lokantası [$8-$15] – A classic “esnaf lokantası” (tradesman restaurant) in the Fethiye city center, offering a wide array of pre-prepared home-style Turkish stews and vegetable dishes.
Nefis Pide Salonu [$10-$18] – Located in the heart of the Paspatur market area, this bustling shop is famous for its generous portions and authentic atmosphere under a shaded outdoor terrace.
Meydan Lokantası [$10-$20] – A reliable, centrally located spot in Fethiye that locals frequent for traditional dolma (stuffed leaves) and slow-cooked meat dishes.
Yilmaz Pide [$8-$15] – A hidden gem in the narrow streets of the Paspatur district where the aroma of freshly baked dough and Turkish sucuk fills the air.
Inci Restaurant [$15-$25] – Situated slightly uphill and away from the Ölüdeniz beachfront, this spot offers a more authentic escape with traditional Turkish grills and a quieter vibe.
Hani Baba Fethiye Koftecisi [$8-$15] – A specialized meatball house in the town center that has perfected the art of Turkish kofte served with spicy pepper sauce and white bean salad.
Kekik Ev Yemekleri [$10-$20] – A cozy “home cooking” restaurant in Fethiye that serves seasonal Anatolian dishes, perfect for those looking for a break from grilled meats.
Taşköprü Adana Kebab [$12-$22] – Located on the outskirts of the Fethiye center, this expert grill house is praised by locals for bringing the true, spicy taste of Adana to the coast.
Altın Tava Gözleme Evi [$5-$12] – A simple, authentic eatery in the Kayaköy village area specializing in hand-rolled gözleme (Turkish pancakes) cooked over a traditional wood fire.
Kumsal Pide [$10-$18] – A budget-friendly spot near the Ölüdeniz promenade that manages to maintain high quality and local flavors despite the heavy tourist traffic nearby.
Efendi Fethiye [$15-$25] – A classic Turkish restaurant in the city center where tradition meets taste, offering a broad menu of mezes and slow-roasted lamb.
Zayra Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located near the Fethiye waterfront, this spot focuses on the rich culinary heritage of the Aegean, serving excellent olive oil-based appetizers.
Yengeç Restaurant [$25-$50] – A premier seafood destination on the Çalış Beach promenade, famous for its salt-crusted fish and a massive selection of creative mezes.
Girida Port [$30-$60] – Nestled along the upscale Fethiye Marina, this elegant restaurant is a local favorite for “rakı-balık” (anise spirit and fish) evenings, known for its grilled octopus.
Hilmi Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located on the Fethiye Kordon (seafront), this historic spot offers a Greek-island vibe with blue-and-white decor and the freshest daily catches from the harbor.
Zoi Fish Restaurant [$25-$50] – A modern, stylish seafood spot at the end of Çalış Beach that offers panoramic bay views and a sophisticated take on traditional Aegean fish recipes.
Oztoklu Restaurant [$20-$40] – A staple within the famous Fethiye Fish Market where you can buy your fish from the central stalls and have them cook it to perfection for you.
Reis Restaurant [$20-$40] – Another Fish Market classic in the center of town, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent garlic butter prawns.
Seçkin Restaurant [$20-$40] – A long-standing Fish Market favorite where locals gather for long, social dinners centered around fresh calamari and sea bass.
Denizatı Restaurant [$20-$35] – Positioned along the walking path between Fethiye and Çalış, this quiet spot offers a peaceful sea view and very reasonable prices for fresh seafood.
Mezgit Cafe [$10-$20] – A casual, street-food style seafood spot overlooking the Fethiye bay, perfect for a quick snack of fried mussels or a fish sandwich.
Şef Meze&Balık [$25-$45] – A boutique seafood house in Fethiye that focuses on small-batch, high-quality mezes and artisanal fish preparations.
Yeniden Keyf-i Deniz [$20-$40] – A vibrant waterfront restaurant in Fethiye that often features live Turkish music to accompany its extensive seafood and meze menu.
Ada Restaurant [$35-$70] – Accessible only by boat on Şövalye Island, this restaurant offers a secluded and romantic seafood experience with the best sunset views in the region.
Mayikas Restaurant [$30-$60] – A stylish island getaway on Şövalye Island specializing in Mediterranean fusion and high-end seafood dishes.
Guzel Pide & Balik [$15-$30] – A unique local hybrid in the Karagözler district that serves both high-quality seafood and traditional pides to a local crowd.
Mancero Kitchen [$25-$50] – A trendy waterfront spot on the Fethiye promenade known for its dry-aged steaks, sushi counter, and modern Mediterranean fusion.
Mozaik Boutique Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located within the Mozaik hotel in Ölüdeniz, this restaurant offers an inventive menu that blends Turkish ingredients with international techniques.
Citrus Mediterranean Cuisine [$30-$60] – A stunning rooftop restaurant atop Casa Margot Hotel in Fethiye, offering creative seafood and meat dishes with a bird’s-eye view of the harbor.
The Olive Tree [$20-$40] – A highly-regarded spot in Hisarönü that avoids the typical tourist traps by focusing on high-quality ingredients and a more refined, quiet atmosphere.
Buzz Beach Bar [$20-$40] – A legendary Ölüdeniz beachfront institution that serves creative cocktails and a surprisingly diverse menu ranging from slow-cooked lamb to Thai curries.
The PineHill À La Carte [$20-$35] – Located in Hisarönü, this restaurant uses organic produce from its own farm to create fresh, modern takes on Mediterranean classics.
Nude Unique Restaurant [$30-$60] – An adults-only dining experience on the Fethiye hillside featuring stone-walled Aegean decor and an upscale menu of prime cuts and seafood.
Bella Gusto [$20-$40] – A beachside gem in Ölüdeniz that offers a taste of Italy under carob trees, specializing in authentic pastas and sunset cocktails.
Jade Residence Restaurant [$25-$50] – A sophisticated, adults-only garden setting in Ölüdeniz offering a peaceful retreat and a menu of refined Mediterranean dishes.
Sandinos Indian & Thai [$15-$30] – A popular escape from Turkish flavors in the Hisarönü area, offering authentic spice levels and high-quality international ingredients.
Meeting Point Restaurant [$15-$30] – A reliable spot in Fethiye known for its consistent quality and a menu that balances Turkish grills with well-executed European favorites.
The HangOut Restaurant [$15-$30] – A casual, stylish lounge in Ölüdeniz that serves as a perfect spot for modern “comfort food” and creative cocktails away from the main strip.
Mori Restaurant [$40-$80] – Located within the Yacht Classic Hotel in Fethiye, this elegant waterfront spot offers a sophisticated fine-dining experience focused on modern Turkish artistry.
Babadağ 1700 [$40-$75] – Perched at the cable car station high above Ölüdeniz, this restaurant offers perhaps the most dramatic dining view in Turkey, focusing on upscale meat dishes.
Sundial Restaurant [$35-$65] – Set on a hill overlooking the Fethiye bay, this restaurant is famous for its panoramic views and a refined menu of Ottoman-inspired cuisine.
Kings Garden Restaurant [$30-$55] – Located directly next to the Amyntas Rock Tombs, this historic-view restaurant offers an upscale traditional experience, particularly spectacular at sunset.
Unique Restaurant [$40-$80] – Part of the Hotel Unique in Fethiye, this hillside venue offers an elevated Aegean menu with a focus on luxury ingredients and intimate service.
Fethiye Fish Market [$15-$40] – A unique “buy and cook” concept in the city center; you select fresh fish from the central market and pay a small fee to any surrounding restaurant to prepare it.
Cumba Cafe [$5-$12] – A quirky, pop-up style food truck in the Fethiye old town that serves some of the best toasted sandwiches and quick bites in the city.
Fethiye Tuesday Market [$5-$15] – Not a restaurant, but the ultimate place to find authentic street food like Gözleme and freshly squeezed juices among the local stalls.
Popeye’s Balik Ekmek [$5-$10] – A small floating boat at the Fethiye harbor where you can sit on cushions and eat a simple, delicious grilled fish sandwich just like the locals.
Kebab Hospital [$15-$30] – Located in Hisarönü, this spot is famous for its “Pottery Kebab” (Testi Kebab), which is slow-cooked in a clay pot and broken open at your table.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Buzz Beach Bar: Located directly on Ölüdeniz Beach, this is a premier spot, offering both day-time lounging and a vibrant, boho-beach-chic ambiance in the evening with excellent cocktails and a rooftop deck for stunning sunset views.
Kum Saati Bar / Hourglass Lounge Bar: Found on the bustling Bar Street in Fethiye’s Paspatur (Old Town), this trendy bar offers uniquely flavoured cocktails, lively electronic music, and an energetic dance atmosphere.
Deep Blue Bar: Nestled in the heart of Fethiye’s Paspatur (Old Town), this bar is a hub for nightlife, known for its vibrant blue-themed decor, live music on some nights, and sports viewing events.
Cengiz Bar: A unique and friendly spot in Ölüdeniz that is highly praised for its cocktails and the warm hospitality of its owner. It often plays retro music from the 60s and 70s.
Oh Yes, Cocktail Garden Bar: Situated slightly away from the main busy streets of Hisaronu, this quiet garden bar offers a relaxing atmosphere and visually impressive, authentic cocktails.
Minimal Pub: Located in the Karagözler neighborhood of Fethiye, this spot is ideal for those who want to enjoy cocktails, locally brewed beers, and snacks with a chill, dim-lit ambiance and live music on certain nights.
Mojito Cocktail Bar: A popular choice in Ölüdeniz, known for its lively music from the 50s to 90s, great staff, and a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or dancing.
Flow: Billing itself as an artsier, trendier alternative in Fethiye, this venue is known for its great cocktail menu and often features live music in a sophisticated setting.
Deniz Kafe: This unassuming café-bar in Fethiye on the marina offers a serene setting for a relaxed drink, with some tables on wooden platforms right over the water, providing picturesque views.
Bar Rosso Cocktail & Lounge: A well-rated bar in Ölüdeniz Mahallesi, popular for its atmosphere and wide drink selection.
Hustlers Cocktail Bar: A known cocktail bar located in the lively resort area of Hisaronu.
Tiger Lounge Cocktail Bar: Another cocktail spot in the vibrant Hisaronu area.
Loft Cocktail Bar: A venue in Hisaronu that focuses on cocktails in a stylish setting.
Alex’s Cocktail Bar: A popular spot in Hisaronu for enjoying mixed drinks and the buzzing resort atmosphere.
Car Cemetery: A quirky, car-themed British pub located close to the dock in Fethiye Harbour, known for its live music on weekends and unique ambiance.
Yazeka: A highly-rated cocktail bar located in the bustling area of Ölüdeniz Mahallesi.
BİTTERs Northern Soul Motown Bar: A favorite in Ölüdeniz for its quality music, focusing on Northern Soul and Motown, creating a lively dance atmosphere.
The Reef Bar Bistro Club: Although offering a full dining experience in Hisaronu, this venue turns into a lively club atmosphere late at night and is highly recommended for its all-night entertainment.
Sugar Beach Club: A private establishment located within the Ölüdeniz Lagoon area. By day it’s a tranquil beach club, but by night it hosts parties with a resident DJ and excellent cocktails on its private beach.
Boga Club & Terrace: A standout nightclub in the Fethiye area, offering pulsating music, state-of-the-art lighting, and a well-stocked bar for a high-energy night out.
Grand Boozey Club Bar: A well-known venue for late-night entertainment in the Ölüdeniz Mahallesi area, popular with the club-going crowd.
Crusoe’s Beach Club: Situated with wonderful views on Ölüdeniz Beach, this spot transforms from a cafe by day to a lively nightclub after sunset, often hosting international DJs.
SeaMe Beach Club Fethiye: A popular beach club in the Fethiye area, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, live music, great food and service, which extends into the cocktail and party hours.
Help Beach and Yacht Club: Located in the Fethiye area, this is another favorite beach club that offers great music, food, and service, perfect for transitioning from a day on the beach to a lively evening with cocktails.
Buzz Beach Bar: While a top cocktail bar, its location and vibe on Ölüdeniz Beach after 10 pm also make it a lively dancing haunt that hosts themed parties and DJ sets.
Buyukev Pub & Kitchen: Despite its name, this venue in Fethiye transforms into a lively party spot as the night progresses.
Shadows Bar: A well-known spot for nightlife in the Ölüdeniz area, offering a fun atmosphere for a night out.
Flares Bar & Restaurant: Located in the bustling Hisaronu resort area, this spot is a known part of the local nightlife, offering food, drinks, and a party atmosphere.
Rock Oldies Heads Bar: Found in Hisaronu, this bar is a favorite for those looking for rock music and a different atmosphere on a night out.