Fethiye is a beautiful town on Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast. It is famous for its stunning natural scenery and historical sites. With big mountains and clear waters around, it is a great starting point for different day trips. Whether you want to see old ruins, relax on clean beaches, or go on exciting hikes, Fethiye has something for everyone. Here are some top choices for your next day trip.
1. Saklıkent Gorge
Saklıkent Gorge, about 40 km away and an hour's drive, is a great place to visit. It's one of Turkey's deepest canyons, stretching 18 km. You can do many outdoor activities here, like hiking, walking in the river, and cooling off in the refreshing water during hot summer days. Visitors can walk on wooden paths attached to the cliffs, giving amazing views of the canyon. For the brave, walking through the cold water in the canyon adds extra fun. To stay comfortable, wear waterproof shoes and bring extra clothes if you plan to walk through the water. Saklıkent Gorge is a must-see for anyone who loves adventure and beautiful nature, offering a memorable experience among its stunning views.
2. Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon
Ölüdeniz, just a 20-minute drive away, is one of Turkey's famous beaches known for its clear turquoise waters and beautiful lagoon. It's a great place for activities like swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The nearby hills are perfect for paragliding, offering amazing views of the coastline. To enjoy your visit, try to arrive early in the day. This helps you avoid the large crowds and lets you find a good spot on the beach. Whether you want adventure in the skies or relaxation on the sand, Ölüdeniz is the perfect place for both.
3. Kayaköy Ghost Village
Kayaköy is just 8 km away, about a 15-minute drive, making it an easy and interesting place to visit. This old Greek village is abandoned and gives a haunting but fascinating look into the past. In the 1920s, after Greece and Turkey exchanged populations, the village was left empty. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stone houses, churches, and chapels that tell silent stories and show beautiful architecture. Walking through the village, you can imagine the lively life that once filled these quiet streets. For a fuller experience, you can hike to nearby Gemiler Beach for a relaxing swim, enjoying both history and natural beauty.
4. Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is a beautiful hidden spot you can reach by boat or a tough hike. It's a peaceful place perfect for those who love nature. Located about 20 kilometers from Ölüdeniz, or a 45-minute boat ride, the valley is surrounded by tall cliffs, adding to its quiet and calm atmosphere. It's named Butterfly Valley because of its many butterflies, with different species bringing color to the area.
Visitors come to explore its natural beauty and enjoy activities like hiking through the green landscape, swimming in clear waters, or just relaxing. To fully experience the valley, it's best to take a boat trip from Ölüdeniz, which helps you explore the area better. Since it's remote, remember to bring what you need because there are few facilities. Whether you want an adventure or relaxation, Butterfly Valley offers a memorable time in nature.
Join a 6-hour adventure on the Fethiye Butterfly Valley Pirate Boat Trip in Ölüdeniz. You'll cruise on turquoise waters, enjoy water sports, and visit six different spots. The trip includes a pirate-themed boat and a buffet lunch for great memories.
5. Tlos and Yaka Park
Tlos is about 42 kilometers away, roughly an hour's drive. It's one of the oldest and most important cities from the Lycian era. Visitors can see ancient ruins there, including impressive rock-cut tombs and a Roman amphitheater, showing the architectural skills of the past. An old fortress adds to the historical interest.
Close to Tlos is Yaka Park, which has a nice trout farm and restaurant. It's in a beautiful natural setting with gentle streams and waterfalls, perfect for relaxing. When visiting, it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ruins. Consider having a relaxed lunch at Yaka Park to enjoy the peaceful nature.
6. Pamukkale
Pamukkale is about 230 km away, or a 3.5-hour drive, making it a long trip, but it's worth it. Pamukkale is one of Turkey's best natural sights, known for its beautiful white terraces made by mineral-rich waters over time. These terraces look amazing and attract visitors from everywhere. Besides its stunning look, Pamukkale also has the ancient city of Hierapolis. This site shows the past with a well-kept theater and ancient Roman baths. To enjoy everything Pamukkale offers, it's best to start your day early. This gives you more time to explore and enjoy both the natural and cultural sights. Don't forget to bring a swimsuit for a dip in the thermal pools, a relaxing and unique experience linked to the area's history.
7. Dalyan and Kaunos
Dalyan is about 60 km away and takes around 1.5 hours to drive. It offers a beautiful experience with nature and history. The area is famous for its winding river and ancient Lycian rock tombs. A boat ride on the Dalyan River is a must, taking you to the ancient city of Kaunos. This trip shows the area's history and peaceful nature. Also, visit the nearby Iztuzu Beach, known as Turtle Beach, where endangered loggerhead turtles nest. You can also enjoy a mud bath or visit a thermal spring for a relaxing time in Dalyan.
Join a Fethiye Dalyan Cruise tour to explore thermal springs, mud baths, and historical sites. Enjoy the healing waters and stunning views for a memorable vacation. Book now to see natural and cultural sites.
8. Patara Beach and Ancient City
Patara is 70 km away and takes about 1.5 hours to drive to. It's a special place with both a rich history and beautiful nature. There is a large archaeological area and an 18-km-long beach. Patara was once an important Lycian and Roman port city. It has impressive ruins, like a well-preserved theater, big baths, and a parliament building.
The beach is known for its fine, golden sand and is a key nesting spot for loggerhead turtles. Visitors should try to arrive in the late afternoon. This way, they can explore the ruins comfortably in the sun and then relax on the beach to watch a beautiful sunset over the sea and sand.
Each of these day trips offers a unique experience. You can enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Turkey's southwest coast. Whether you're interested in ancient cultures, beautiful scenery, or just relaxing on the beach, these trips have something for everyone.