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Not Without My Passport

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What to Do in Fethiye: History, Sunsets, Seafood

January 19, 2015 by Helen

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calis beach sunset

In the Muğla province on Turkey’s Aegean Coast lies Fethiye, a city with a thriving marina, pre-Roman Lycian ruins and sensational beach sunsets.

It’s far from an off-the-beaten-path destination. A magnet for both Turkish and British visitors, Fethiye hosts large crowds during the April-to-October high season. But, despite the tourist congestion, it’s still blessed with historical riches and charm, like this umbrella art installation.

umbrella art installation in fethiye turkey

The Ruins

Today’s Fethiye is positioned on Telmessos, an ancient city of Lycia that dates back to the 4th century BC. Where else can you find elaborately carved Lycian sarcophagi strewn throughout town and cave tombs carved into imposing cliffs? 

lycian rock tombs in fethiye turkey

Climb up the hill on the south side for a closer look at the city’s grandest tomb of all. The monumental Tomb of Amyntas was elaborately carved in 350 BC into the face of the cliff.

tomb of amyntas, a lycian rock tomb in fethiye turkey

But just as impressive as the ruins is the bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding islands in the bay.

fethiye travel fethiye turkey things to do things to do in fethiye turkey

The Harbour

Join one of the popular day cruises that depart from the harbour each morning to explore the surrounding beaches, sea caves and lagoons like the popular Blue Lagoon.

fethiye harbour

The Fish Market

For a Turkish boat-to-table dining experience, how about a market in the city centre where you can buy your own fresh fish directly from the seller, then have one of the surrounding restaurants cook it for you?

fethiye fish market fethiye fish stall

I bought a small sea bream, a local specialty, for 8 lira and had it cooked for 6 lira at Hilmi Restaurant (salad and bread included, but the rice was extra). Quite reasonable, if you ask me (my soda, however, cost me 4 lira). I particularly liked Hilmi for their garlic sauce.

hilmi restaurant in the fethiye fish market seafood meal from the fethiye fish market

For gözleme (a grilled pancake and my absolute favourite Turkish food), and fresh produce, head over to the Fethiye Market on Tuesdays.

Calis Beach

You won’t find a beach in Fethiye proper but, just a 1/2 hour from the city centre by water taxi is Calis Beach, which is where I stayed. It’s far from a powdery, white sand beach (expect pebbles instead), but lovely nonetheless.

calis beach turkey

calis beach near fethiye

calis beach strip

Calis Beach is also a touristy resort area filled with hotels, pubs, nightclubs and overpriced restaurants on the main strip (walk away from the sea for more affordable Turkish fare). 

But if that doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps these might: the giant sea turtles that nest on the beach (I wasn’t fortunate enough to see any in October, however) and one of the best sunsets that can be seen in Turkey.

calis beach turtle sign

sunset on calis beach turkey sunset in turkey

For 2 lira, you can get to Calis by dolmus, a minibus that runs every 5-10 minutes but, for a more scenic, 40-minute ride, take the water taxi (May to October) from the harbour for 6 lira. When I was there in October, it ran every 1/2 hour.

fethiye water taxi to calis beach

fethiye

fethiye in turkey

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fethiye things to do

Unfortunately, I only scratched the surface of Fethiye and its surrounding areas. For a comprehensive guide on what to see and do, check out the Turkey’s for Life blog.

Planning your own trip to Fethiye? Search for hotels here. (Disclosure: I earn a modest commission from Booking.com if you click on this link and make a reservation on their site. Thank you for your support!)

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Comments

  1. smaku says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:17 am

    When I went to Fethiye, I did even less than scratch the surface! My stay was unintentional as I had taken the ferry from Rhodes Island (Greece) to Fethiye as my starting point in my journey through Turkey. I had missed my connecting bus to go to Istanbul so I stayed a night there, only to eventually change my route to go to Capadoccia, Goreme, and surrounding areas. That was probably the best decision I made, and it was thanks to the hostel staff at Fethiye for planning a route for me! That being said, I left the next day so I wasn’t able to explore the port city at all. It looks gorgeous though, and worthy of another visit for sure.

    • Helen Suk says

      January 28, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      Ahh, so you’ve been there too! Sounds to me that you fell in love with Turkey so I hope another visit is in the cards for you. Thanks for stopping by, Taku. Let’s catch up when I’m back in Toronto. 🙂

  2. nigeld1964 says

    January 28, 2015 at 11:46 am

    What an article!!! Great Job, Helen! Pictures remind me on Summer 2014! But why there is nothing about Oludeniz and its pagliding facility. Tried paragliding last year and you know what – I have never had anything more exciting than that 🙂

    • Helen Suk says

      January 28, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      As I mentioned, I only scratched the surface of Fethiye, but I’m glad you pointed this out! I do know about the paragliding activities there. I’m not exactly brave enough to do that (yet), but I’m glad you did and enjoyed it! Thanks for making the suggestion for my other readers. 🙂

      • nigeld1964 says

        February 12, 2015 at 10:39 am

        Believe me the road to the launch point was more scaring than the flight! You will love it!

  3. smaku says

    February 6, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I did love Turkey actually. Out of all the countries I visited during my 2.5 month backpacking trip around Europe, Turkey is in my top 3 favourites, alongside Greece and Italy! And to think it wasn’t even in my original itinerary! (What was I thinking?!) Definitely let’s catch up when you’re back in TO!

    • Helen Suk says

      February 8, 2015 at 2:20 pm

      For sure! In the meantime, stay warm.

  4. Oktay says

    February 7, 2015 at 1:37 am

    Hello Helen,

    thank you very much and greetings from Fethiye. 🙂

    • Helen Suk says

      February 18, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      Hello to you too, Oktay. Thank you for reading!

  5. William Yao says

    October 11, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    Very attractive and exciting! Thank you Helen!

About Helen

Helen Suk

Travel writer. Photographer. Always curious. I search the world for beauty and inspiration while sharing valuable tips to help you plan your next trip.

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