All about Fethiye: Why Fethiye is more than a small port town

Fethiye is known as a launching point for many groups and private gulet cruises headed either east or west along the Mediterranean coast. However, Fethiye is a destination in itself and has much to offer those looking for a spot rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It is likely that your holiday on the southern coast of Turkey will probably include a stop to the port town of Fethiye. Be sure to spend a few days exploring all that Fethiye has to offer.

Old Town & Local Markets
Full of shaded bars, restaurants, and shops, the old town in Fethiye is the perfect setting for a pleasant stroll to enjoy a beverage and purchase local souvenirs. Shops are colourful and stocked with home goods and jewellery known for intricate patterns and beautifully coloured designs. There are plenty of places to stop for tea or a cold beer and endless people watching.

Local markets take place on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and are a great way to wander and soak in Turkish culture. The Tuesday market is a great opportunity to find affordable clothing and electronics. Markets on the remaining days are known for brightly coloured produce, homemade cheeses and bread, and local nuts and olives brought down from the surrounding villages.

Rock Tombs & Trekking Routes
Modern Fethiye was built at the site of the Ancient City of Telmessos and some of the ruins have survived over the centuries. The rock tomb of Amyntas is located on a mountainside near downtown Fethiye. The tomb was built around 350 BC by the Lycian people and is an impressive sight. Close to the tomb is the beginning of the Lycian Way, a 500 km trekking route that stretches from Fethiye to Antalya, meandering along the coast through forests, small villages, and charming coastal towns. Many different trekking routes of all levels surround Fethiye and nearby villages and provide an ideal way to appreciate the spectacular scenery that is Fethiye.

Boat Trips
Although highly recommended, if you decide not to opt for a Blue Cruise Turkey during your holiday, there are plenty of day trip options to explore the coast and nearby islands. Scheduled Blue Cruises can run anywhere from 3 to 7 nights and private yacht charters can be arranged to suit any travel plans. However, if you are short on time, simply take a stroll along the harbour and choose from a variety of day trip options to Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz Blue Lagoon, the 12 Islands, and so much more. Half-day trips, sunset cruises, and private rentals are also available.

Beaches
The region of Fethiye is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz Blue Lagoon are a short ride away from downtown Fethiye and local beaches can also be accessed by public transportation along the Fethiye Peninsula (Aksazlar Bay, Samanlik Bays, Kul

Food & Accommodation
Fethiye is full of restaurants and markets with delicious and fresh food made from local produce and fish caught daily in the Fethiye harbour. Join locals at the fish market where you can choose your fish and bring it to any of the restaurants in the market where they will then cook your meal and provide side dishes and drinks to compliment your choice.

Before taking off for your Fethiye to Olympos gulet cruise, be sure to reserve a few days for the culturally rich port town of Fethiye.