Things to do in Fethiye

Tour of Oludeniz Beach, Babadag Cable Car and Ghost Town Kayakoy

The area around Fethiye is packed with intriguing sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty. On this full day tour, you'll visit the eerie ghost town of Kayakoy, ride the Babadag cable car and have time to relax and swim at Oludeniz's famous Blue Lagoon. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘From the top of Mount Babadag, you can see a beautiful stretch of the Turquoise Coast, including the curving beach and lagoon at Oludeniz, which you've just visited. Watch the paragliders gliding down to land near the beach.'You'll start the morning heading straight to Oludeniz. It's a small resort best known for the two-kilometre-long curl of beach that shelters the Blue Lagoon. Basking on the warm sand, your toughest decision is whether to paddle in the bay or the calmer, shallower lagoon. Next, you'll ride the Babadag cable car for stunning views from the mountaintop. You'll have time to get something to eat at the top, after which you'll head back down to Kayakoy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey.Wander silent streets that bristled with life before the population abandoned them over a century ago. Peek into the tiers of roofless houses, see the little school, and visit the basilica – still decorated with old frescos and mosaics. Elif says, ‘There are close to 1,000 deserted stone houses in Kayakoy, as well as churches and chapels, even a bakery. The Greek villagers who lived here – and called it Leivissi – were forced to flee after WWI, and no one replaced them.'

Dalyan at Dusk Tour with Dinner and Riverboat Trip

If you like the sound of riverside scenery and ancient tombs, then this tour ticks all the boxes. You'll explore the Dalyan Delta, starting with Dalyan's old town, followed by a barbecue dinner and an evening boat trip. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Lycian Rock Tombs are elaborate burial chambers that were carved into the cliffs over two millennia ago by the Lycians to honour members of the ruling class. They are dramatically lit in the evening – it's a really atmospheric experience.'First up, you'll have a couple of hours to explore Dalyan's historic town centre under the twinkle of dusk. It's home to a variety of shops, cafés, and historical sites, and known for its traditional Turkish architecture, with Ottoman influences from the 16th-century. Look out for the intricately decorated Dalyan mosque – and the friendly locals.After your free time in town, it's time for dinner. You'll tuck into a Turkish barbecue at a riverside restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the locally sourced, freshly prepared food. And to round off the evening, you'll enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the Dalyan River to see the famous Lycian tombs carved into the rock face. These tombs date back to the 4th century BC – so they're almost 2,500 years old – and show influences of Anatolian, Greek and Persian designs.

Legends of Lycia Tour with Tlos, Patara and local lunch

This full day tour shows off two of the region's most important archaeological sites in all their glory. There's also free time at a fantastic beach and a tasty local lunch near Gizlikent waterfall to look forward to. Leyla, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Ancient Tlos is home to some fine examples of the rock-hewn tombs we see around this area, always carved high up to bury people closer to the Gods. I also love spending time at Patara - one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Turkey'.You'll head to Ancient Tlos first. Boasting relics that stretch from the Lycian to Ottoman periods, it's a great place to explore. Leyla says, ‘It is not known exactly how long ago Tlos was founded, but the discovery of a bronze hatchet dating from over 3,000 years ago gives you an idea.' Located on a sloping hillside, it's a compact site but contains a remarkable number of ruins including rock-cut Lycian tombs, a theatre, Roman baths and much more to admire. After, you'll visit Gizlikent Şelalesi waterfall for some free time and lunch at a nearby restaurant.It's on to ancient Patara next, to explore the ruined city which dates back to the 8th century BCE. It was once an important harbour for the Lycian League, playing a significant role in politics and trade. Notable for being the birthplace of St. Nicholas – better known as Father Christmas – Patara features well-preserved ruins like the Triumphal Arch and Bouleuterion, offering insights into the past. After your visit, head to the golden sands of Patara beach for some time to relax.

Kayakoy ghost town tour with Mount Babadag cable car

From an abandoned hillside village to the summit of Mount Babadağ, there's a variety of views on this tour. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time exploring Kayaköy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There are close to one thousand deserted stone houses as well as churches and chapels, even a bakery. At one point there was a plan to convert the whole village into a tourist resort, but thankfully this historic place has been preserved.'We'll start off the tour in Kayaköy, which was abandoned by Greeks fleeing war in the 1920s. Now, their ghosts flit between the empty homes as you wander through silent streets that once rang with voices. Peek into roofless stone dwellings as your guide explains their tiered designs, and discover tiny chapels and a little school. Elif says, ‘The layout of the houses and the way they were lined up was to ensure none blocked another's view.' You'll also see the empty basilica, with its faded frescoes and mosaics. Eerie yet fascinating.Next up, we'll head to the foot of Mount Babadağ to hop on a cable car almost to the top. Enjoy eye-popping panoramic views over Fethiye and the coast below as you glide up to the top station below the summit. If you want to reach the very top, there is a chairlift available. The peak is popular with paragliders, so there's a good chance you'll see them drifting in the skyline. It's a feast for the eyes.

Dalyan Riverboat Tour with Lunch and Iztuzu Beach

Surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a river cruise from Dalyan is a great way to unwind. One of Turkey's most pristine beaches is the destination, with stops at mud baths and a riverside restaurant en route. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, ‘Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach because endangered loggerhead turtles nest here. It's a magical spot with very little human interference. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised.'Sail down the Dalyan River on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. It's great for glowing skin, and it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a pampering soak in the mineral-rich liquid mud. Finish with a dip in the warm sulphur pool before gliding across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. You'll then add a little history and culture to the mix, as you continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs.As the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. This 4km-long sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis that's a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay, where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Round off your day with the return relaxing river cruise to Dalyan.

Dalyan River Cruise Check Out Tour

If you're booked on a late-night flight back home, then this is a great way to enjoy your last day in Turkey. Highlights include a scenic Dalyan riverboat cruise, an anti-ageing mud bath and a riverside lunch. There's also free time to relax on Iztuzu Beach. You'll have a chance to freshen up and refuel before your flight in a nearby no-frills hotel, too. Ceren, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Iztuzu Beach - aka Turtle Beach - is a magical spot where nature rules. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but instead some areas are protected as a sanctuary for nesting Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species.'Glide down the River Dalyan on a specially designed boat which doesn't harm marine life, heading for the mud baths. Smooth on the anti-ageing clay and have a dip in the warm sulphur pool. After lunch of local specialities at a riverside restaurant, jump back on your river boat to sail past the Lycian Rock Tombs dating to 400BC. It's off to Iztuzu Beach next, where you'll be surrounded by natural beauty. There's free time for swimming or sunbathing on this long, sandy strand. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a turtle or two - they are often spotted in the area. Finally, we'll head back to a local no-frills hotel for a chance to freshen up. You won't go hungry either, with a buffet dinner to tuck into. And what's more, you'll have the use of a hotel room right up until the transfer to the airport.

Monster buggy, jet boat, and zipline experience with boat cruise and lunch

Get set for a trio of heart-pounding activities. After cruising across the reservoir on a river boat, dive into this three-in-one experience: tear up the terrain with a monster buggy ride, zoom across the water in a jet boat, and soar through the air on a thrilling zipline. This fast-paced feast of activities is not for the faint-hearted. After all that action, you'll get to refuel with a buffet lunch then cruise further into the canyon on a boat trip.

Fethiye boat cruise with lunch and transfers

Fancy sailing out of Fethiye and exploring the surrounding area on a traditional Turkish gulet boat? Now you can. Your transfer will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Fethiye's harbour, where your boat will be waiting. Once on board, you'll set sail for a relaxing full day on the water. You'll drop anchor in a few of the area's best swimming spots throughout the day, as well as stop for lunch. When you get back to Fethiye, your transfer return you to your hotel.

Fethiye Quad Safari Tour

It's probably a good idea to leave your best gear in your hotel room today because you're bound to get dirty on this cross-country quad adventure.The day starts with a safety briefing and a few laps around a practice track. Once you're familiar with your all-terrain vehicle, things take an off-road turn. You'll line up in a convoy and make your way into the forest. Along the way, you'll splash through shallow streams, rev across dusty hills, and speed under waterjets.If your adrenalin meter likes to hover close to the top, this one's definitely for you.

Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience & Hierapolis Visit

Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces before touching down to visit the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, too.

Fethiye VIP Sunset Yacht Cruise

A sunset boat trip on Turkey's glistening waters is one of the top things to do when you're on holiday here. And this adult-only cruise serves up a VIP experience with all the little luxuries you'd expect, alongside dinner, drinks and two swim stops. What's more, you won't be battling for space onboard, with a maximum of just eight guests.With the sea breeze in your hair, settle down on your sunbed and enjoy the sound of the waves. Take in the fabulous scenery along the coast as you soak up the afternoon sun. There'll be a short swim stop and ample time to relax, before dinner is served. Tuck into a first-class feast, washed down with selected drinks from the bar.The sunset will soon form your backdrop, and as the sky showcases its nightly display, you can either watch on deck or from the water. Take advantage of the calm, warm waters as night draws in – a perfect way to unwind. This cruise is the ideal option for those looking for a more exclusive and luxurious way to cruise the Turkish coast.

VIP Yacht Cruise from Fethiye

With the sea breeze in your hair, settle down on your sunbed and enjoy the sound of the waves. This VIP yacht experience promises all the little luxuries you'd expect on board an exclusive cruise. With a maximum of 10 passengers on board, you're guaranteed a cozy and personal experience. Relax on your own sun bed between swim stops, make the most of the all-inclusive bar and take in the fabulous scenery of the Turkish coast.The tour includes three swim stops at Boncuklu Bay, Turunç Bay, and Aquarium Bay, where you can swim and snorkel in the limpid waters. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Turkish meze and all-inclusive beer, wine, soft drinks, and hot beverages throughout the day.This adults-only tour offers a more intimate and refined experience than larger boats. It's the perfect option for those looking for a more exclusive and luxurious way to cruise the Turkish coast. So get settled on deck and enjoy a trip designed with relaxation, scenery, and indulgence in mind.