Things to do in Fethiye

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.

Kayakoy Ghost Town Tour and 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.

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.

Fethiye 4x4 Safari Tour to Saklıkent Gorge & Gizlikent Waterfall

The River Xanthos area has been the scene of action since ancient times – and the fun just keeps on coming with this excursion. You'll go on an open-top 4x4 safari through mountains and past villages before enjoying the chance to bathe in mud pools. This is the stuff of legend.Climb aboard your 4x4 and you'll start with a drive through the village of Zorlar. The village's Ottoman-style houses epitomise old Turkey. After trundling through fruit groves and getting wet 'n' wild with a water fight, you'll enjoy lunch at Gizlikent waterfall. Tuck into a host of tasty dishes with a backdrop of the waterfall.In the afternoon, there's an optional visit — for a small fee — to Saklıkent Gorge. Here, you can pay to do river tubing – settle on a rubber ring and float down the river for a couple of kilometres. If you're a landlubber, you can stay in the 4x4, meeting the rafters further downstream. And you'll also have the chance to bathe in some natural mud pools or play more water games, in which you'll get to squirt your family and friends with a blaster.

Fethiye Shopping & Sightseeing Tour

Two of Turkey's top things to do combine on this tour – shopping and sightseeing. Shop ‘til you drop in Fethiye's famous markets and bazaars, see the ancient Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs and taste traditional Turkish delight. And as it's a morning tour, you'll be back at your hotel in time for an afternoon by the pool.Before you're let loose to do some serious shopping, there's a stop at a Turkish delight factory to fill your bags with these traditional sugar-dusted treats. After a stop by Fethiye's Roman-era amphitheatre, it's on to Telmessos Gold Centre where you can snap up jewellery at bargain prices. And remember, haggling isn't just a tactic here; it's tradition, so don't shy away from negotiating your way to the best deal. You'll also swing by Lycian Women's Cooperative – a non-profit organisation in association with the TUI Care Foundation, which empowers women to learn traditional weaving techniques. It's a great place to grab a unique souvenir.You'll have more time to practice your bartering skills in the town's bustling Paspatur bazaar, and work your way through the countless stands stacked with spices, leather bags, rugs and ceramics in the weekly market. And between the bartering, you'll even get to see the cliff-carved Lycian tombs, built by the ancient civilisation that once ruled the region.

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 Scuba Diving

Fancy taking the plunge and discovering Turkey's underwater world? Then this scuba diving trip off Fethiye is ideal. It caters for complete beginners, seasoned pros and everyone in between.

Day Trip to Greek Island of Rhodes from Fethiye Harbour

Rhodes is almost a stone's throw from Turkey and with its whitewashed villages and rich medieval castles, makes for a great daytrip. From Fethiye harbour, you'll ride a hydrofoil to Rhodes town, the capital, and have the day to explore its history-steeped streets.

Oludeniz Paragliding Adventure

Want an adrenalin rush like no other? Then get ready to paraglide over the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz. It's a serious thrill that will stay with you long after the rest of your holiday memories have faded.

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.

Private boat tour of Fethiye bays with lunch

Admire the bay of Fethiye and taste a traditional Turkish lunch on board on this private boat tour.