Holidays to Fethiye
Set amid lush hills, turquoise shores and ancient ruins, Fethiye holidays are a treasure trove of Turkish delights!
Old Town ambles
Start with a stroll around Paspatur, Fethiye’s Old Town. There are moments here when you can see the ancient Lycian tomb carved into the mountainside. This is one of the coolest archaeological sites in Turkey (now officially the Republic of Türkiye).
Wander through the market under its iconic canopy, made of colourful umbrellas, and stock up on all the jewellery, leather handbags and ceramics your suitcase can hold (carpets are a whole other story!). Then it’s time for a strong, sweet coffee break at a traditional café, or a dip in a traditional hammam at the Old Turkish Bath.
Historical highlights
Fethiye is a great base from which to explore the Dalaman region’s ancient ruins and historic sites. Hire a guide to take you to the (mostly) abandoned village of Kayakoy, which has a complicated history (hence the guide!).
There’s a good helping of ancient ruins under an hour’s drive away too. Take a trip to the ancient hilltop city of Tlos to explore its history, which spans some 4,000 years. Then move onto the religious sanctuary of Letoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find ruins of temples dedicated to Greek gods, as well as a once-mighty amphitheatre.
Fethiye fare
Turkish food is undeniably delish, and there’s no shortage of places to tuck into a meze selection in Fethiye. Dig into dishes like stuffed vine leaves (dolma), baba ganoush and hummus, with a cold Efes Pilsen beer or a glass of Turkey’s anise-flavoured spirit, raki.
Top tip: pick out your fish or seafood at the Fethiye Fish Market, and nearby restaurants will cook it for you. No, we’re not squidding you!
Day tripper territory
Fethiye is close to many of Dalaman’s attractions, which makes it a great base for day trips along the Turquoise Coast.
Spend a day at Olu Deniz’s Blue Lagoon, one of Turkey’s most iconic spots thanks to its stunning clear waters surrounded by sandy beaches. Or head for Iztuzu Beach, a beaut spot for swimming, and for nesting, according to the resident loggerhead turtles!
Sneak Peek
Best for... Exploring city ruins and enjoying beach days on the Turquoise Coast 🌊
Go... In spring or autumn for the best balance of climate, crowds and cost ☀️
You have to... Leave room in your suitcase to shop up a storm in Fethiye’s Old Town 🛍️
Fethiye holiday deals
Jiva Beach Resort
4.8
Excellent
- 11 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Club Tuana Fethiye
4.4
Excellent
- 11 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Club & Hotel Letoonia
4.7
Excellent
- 11 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Oykun Hotel
4.6
Excellent
- 22 Apr 2026
- 14 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Birmingham
Prices from
Details
Currency
Turkish Lira
Language
Turkish
Time difference
GMT +2
Cost of a beer
₺60
3-course meal
₺225
Flight time
4 hrs
Top beaches: Azure like it
Calis – one of the nearest beaches to Fethiye – is a long stretch of sand with the kind of blue waters you’d expect from the Turquoise Coast. Sunsets here are proper IG fodder, and handy facilities make it great for families too. Fethiye also puts you within easy reach of Olu Deniz’s stunning beaches. As well as the Blue Lagoon, put the buzzing Belcekiz Beach (spot the paragliders overhead!) and the quieter Kidrak Paradise Beach on your hit list.
Culture and history: Ruins and relics
Fethiye is surrounded by historic sites. Check out its Roman theatre – a 6,000-seater space from around 200 BCE! If you want a closer look at the Tomb of Amyntas (which you can see from town), climb the 200 steps to admire the massive cliffside carving up close. Or join a guided tour to get the spooky lowdown on the ghost town of Kayakoy. There are hundreds of crumbling stone houses wedged into the hills overlooking the modern town below.
Family-friendly: Play all day
If you fancy a change from the beach (a big “if”!), try Sultans Aqua City. It has plenty of slides and pools, but is still small enough to keep an eye on everyone. Elsewhere, Fethi Bey Park by the harbour is an awesome outdoor rec space for playing and cycling. Older kids might like a day-long boat trip around the surrounding islands, complete with refreshing sea dips and lunch. A jeep safari into the hills around Fethiye is another exciting option.
When to go to Fethiye
Summer is peak season in Fethiye and the surrounding coastline, bringing beach weather that’s simply chef’s kiss. However, school holidays are mega busy and can be really, really hot. If you can, visit at the start or end of summer to avoid the bulk of the crowds and the spiciest temperatures.
Spring and autumn are lovely in this part of Turkey, with warm weather and room to spread out a bit on the beaches. Plus, hotel prices are typically lower.
Your best bet for bagging cheap Fethiye holidays is winter, but it’s not ideal beach weather. That said, it’s far from cold, and is a great time to explore the region’s historic sites.
