On the one hand, the indispensable route of extreme sports and on the other hand, the address of a peaceful holiday… Fethiye is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to vacation in Turkey. With its unique beaches, impressive ancient cities and adventurous activities, Fethiye is a favorite destination for travelers of all kinds. The most beautiful shades of blue and green are also in Fethiye, as are the whispers of the history of the Lycians.
How to get to Fethiye, which, what places to visit; all in this guide! Let us remind you before we start our article: To explore Zurich step by step with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide!
Where is Fethiye?
Fethiye is a district of Muğla province in southwestern Turkey. It is also the largest district of Muğla. It is located west of the Aegean Region and east of the Mediterranean Region. Thanks to this location, Fethiye has a unique climate that harbors the effects of both the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
How to Go to Fethiye?
Fethiye is a destination that offers many options in terms of transportation. Especially if you are traveling from the neighboring provinces such as Antalya, Burdur, Denizli and Aydın, you can easily reach by highways. If you are going from Istanbul, the road takes about 9 hours by car. It is also very easy to reach Fethiye by bus. There are direct bus services from almost every province in Turkey. Fethiye Bus Station is also located in the city. Therefore, transportation from the bus station to your destination does not take too long.
If you are planning to come by plane, the closest airport to the district is Dalaman Airport. After the flight, you can reach Fethiye with direct Muttaş flights from the airport.
When to Go to Fethiye?
Fethiye is one of the rare places that is beautiful every season of the year. However, the answer to the question of which season should I go to Fethiye depends entirely on your expectations and preferences.
Spring is usually an ideal time to visit Fethiye. Air temperatures are mild and pleasant, and nature takes on its most vibrant colors. It is an ideal time especially for nature walks and trekking on the Lycian Way. Also, since the crowds of tourists have not yet started, it is possible to spend a quieter and more peaceful vacation.
Summer is the busiest time in Fethiye. It is usually the time for popular beaches such as Oludeniz, Calis Beach and Butterfly Valley. However, prices for accommodation and other tourist services can rise during this period. If you like warm weather and energetic environments, the summer months will be the best time for you.
Name of the Dead Sea
Long ago, ships used to anchor in and around Ölüdeniz and go ashore in boats for drinking water. One day an old captain and his son stopped for drinking water. The son went ashore. When he came to the bay now called Belcekız Bay, he saw the beautiful Belcekız. He immediately fell in love with her. The situation was no different in Belcekız. But the young man had to take the water and return to the ship. And he did. Belcekız’s eyes were always looking for the young man. He did indeed come and they were able to live their love for a short time.
One day the ship of the father and son was caught in a storm. The son said there was a bay and it would protect them from the storm. But his father knew about Belcekız. He thought that his son said that just to see her and they started to argue. While they were fighting, the storm grew. When the ship was about to hit the rocks, the father threw his son overboard and took the helm. The ship skidded towards the bay where Belcekız was waiting for her lover. The young man lost his life. Seeing this, Belcekız jumped off the rocks and killed herself. After this incident, the bay where Belcekız was waiting for her lover was called Belcekız and the place where the boy breathed his last breath was called Ölüdeniz.
Fethiye Places to Visit
Amintas Rock Tombs
Amintas Rock Tombs are one of the places where you can trace the Lycians in Fethiye. Especially these rock tombs, which the Lycians built on the peaks of the mountains to be close to God, were once places where the nobles of the period were buried. Unfortunately, the tombs have been the target of grave robbers throughout history. They have been destroyed. Of course, the weather conditions also increased these destructions. Three of the structures are in the form of temples, while the others are simpler in appearance. The largest tomb in the Ionian order has survived from Ancient Telmessos. It is dated to the 4th century BC. One of these three temple-like tombs belonged to Amintas, the son of Harpapos. “Amintas son of Hermapias” was written on one of the walls. For this reason, this place is known as Amintas Rock Tombs.
Kayaköy
Kayaköy, formerly known as Levissi, is one of the rare ‘ghost towns’ in Turkey. There are 2 abandoned churches, over 10 chapels and more than 3 thousand houses. The first people here were Lycians. The densest population was in the 19th century. Before the Republic, the village was mostly inhabited by Greeks who lived by trade. During the exchange period, Greeks migrated to the Nea Makri neighborhood of Athens. “Makri” is the old name of Fethiye. “Nea” means new. In other words, the Greeks named the place where they settled “Yeni Fethiye”. Turks from Thessaloniki and its surroundings were also brought here, to Kayaköy. But they couldn’t live here for a long time because of the lack of water and the small size of the houses. Families left these houses and migrated to other places. In time Kayaköy became empty and became the “Ghost Village” it is today.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley was declared a 1st degree natural protected area in 1995 due to the endemic butterfly species living in the valley and was under protection. There are more than 80 butterfly species in the valley, including endemic species. Endemic is a name given to species that live ecologically only in that region. The most important of these is the Tiger Butterfly. You can see its photo on your phone screen. You can see the Tiger Butterfly in the valley from May-June until September. Tiger Butterflies are mostly found on the summer lilacs called butterfly bushes.
The valley is also one of the most important trekking areas. Lycian Way tours are even organized. The tours sometimes start from Ovacık and continue from Babadağ to the Butterfly Valley. As long as there are no health problems, children of a certain age can also participate in this trekking program.
Ancient City of Pinara
Pinara is just one of the ancient cities you can visit within the borders of Fethiye. It is said that when the population increased in Xanthos near Kaş, the old people founded a new city. Here is that city, Pinara. The name of the city is mentioned as “Pinale” in Lycian inscriptions. Pinare, a word close to the name of the city in Lycian, means rounded. So round rock masses were called pinare.
On the slopes of Pinara are the most important rock tombs of Lycia. The most magnificent is the tomb with reliefs known as the “King’s Tomb”. The city plan of the city in the 4th century BC was drawn inside the tomb. The tombs with these reliefs are in a place known as Dere Necropolis. Apart from this necropolis, the city has two other necropolises. Necropolis is the name given to ancient cemeteries.
The hidden beauties of Muğla are calling you! If you say that we will discover the most special places this summer and have a vacation at the same time, Bodrum is for you! Here they are all in our Bodrum travel guide.
