Fethiye

Fethiye has that rare mix of calm sea and steep mountains with villages hidden among pine trees. Above the town, the Lycian rock tombs (including the Tomb of Amyntas) overlook the bay, while down below, promenades lead to a harbor filled with sailboats departing on cruises to Göcek’s “12 Islands.” A few kilometers away, Ölüdeniz opens its unreal blue lagoon, where dozens of paragliders glide down gently from Mount Babadağ, and further on, the Butterfly Valley hides between towering cliffs with a white beach and crystal-clear water.
Inland, the Saklıkent Canyon cools visitors with rushing waters and suspended walkways, while the ghost village of Kayaköy — abandoned for a century — keeps its sunlit walls and empty windows, perfect for quiet sunset walks. Kabak and Gemiler Bays offer wild corners, with trails winding through junipers down to small beaches, while at Çalış Beach, evenings glow with long sunsets and kites on the horizon. In the central bazaar, the air smells of dried herbs, lemons, and warm simit; at the fish market, you can pick your catch of the day and have it cooked in a nearby tavern with meze and a chilled drink.
Fethiye is the place where you can link a hike on the Lycian Way, a swim in the lagoon, and lunch on a wooden terrace overlooking the yachts — all in one day. Spring and autumn bring perfect breezes for walks and day trips, summer means warm seas and unhurried cruises, and even in winter, the town stays lively and local, with mountains close and the sea always just down the street.