EMBRACED BY TWO SEAS

Türkiye, with its extensive coastline, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as a vacation destination. This time, however, we will be exploring a different facet of Türkiye, one that many of us are familiar with from previous visits. It is evident that a growing number of travellers are opting for alternative travel arrangements, particularly those seeking to avoid overcrowded resorts such as Antalya or Bodrum. In the current climate, a growing number of individuals are opting for the south coast, which offers a variety of attractions including wildlife, authentic streets, quiet coves and a relaxed pace of life. Fethiye is a location that may be suitable for your needs.

Crossroads of two seas

Fethiye is not just a resort. The region is renowned for its unique geographical location where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas converge, creating a distinctive climatic balance. In comparison to Antalya, the humidity here is not excessive, and the wind conditions are not as extreme as those experienced in Izmir. By May, the water is already pleasantly warm and the air is extremely comfortable. Bathing is possible right up to November, and there are still plenty of sunny days. However, the optimal visiting months are still considered to be May-June and September-October. The largest number of tourists to this region come from European countries, including Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland.

Access is straightforward: there are direct flights to Dalaman, and a transfer time of approximately an hour will bring you to a location characterised by orange trees, mountain peaks and azure bays.

Fethiye offers a distinctive blend of contemporary and historical elements. The narrow streets of the old town are still full of cats, smells of spices and fried fish. A café with an ambitious chef may be located next door to a shop where a grandmother sells freshly squeezed pomegranate or orange juice.

Along the seafront, there is a vibrant atmosphere in the evening, with boats buzzing and live music playing. The area is not overrun by tourists; rather, it is a close-knit community of travellers, artists, locals and those who have chosen to make their home there. It is not difficult to understand why so many people are drawn to Fethiye.

From lagoons to mountain peaks

Modern Fethiye is built on the site of ancient Telmessos, a major city of Lycian civilisation. The main historical attraction is the rock-cut Lycian tombs of the 4th century BC. Another notable attraction is the ancient theatre of Telmessos, which hosts open-air evening performances during the summer months.

Kayaköy, a ghost town located just 8 kilometres from Fethiye, is a unique historical monument that has been preserved to capture the atmosphere of the early 20th century. Following the Greco-Turkish war in 1920, the town's inhabitants were compelled to leave their homes, and it has remained uninhabited ever since. Today, Kayaköy functions as an open-air museum, offering visitors the opportunity to explore approximately 500 ruined houses, two Greek temples adorned with mosaics and frescoes, and to experience the ambience of the last century. Access to the site is possible via Fethiye, by way of the local shuttle bus service, known as the 'dolmus'. This leaves the bus station at regular intervals of every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 22:00. There is also an excursion available that lasts four hours and includes a cable car ride. The cost of this excursion is approximately €40.

Sea excursions represent a significant attraction in Fethiye. The "12 Islands" tour is a particularly popular option, and includes swimming in picturesque bays, lunch on a yacht and a visit to Cleopatra's Island, where, according to legend, the queen liked to rest. This popular tour this year includes extra stops and costs approximately 35 euros.

Another interesting route leads to the sunken city of Kekova. Following an ancient earthquake, part of the ancient city of Dolichiste was submerged. Now, through the clear sea surface, visitors can see ancient streets, ruins of houses and even stone staircases. A typical day excursion to the ruins of Kekova on a glass-bottom boat, including lunch, is priced at 1500 lira.

The Valley of Butterflies (Kelebekler vadisi) has maintained its original beauty. Visits are still free of charge, but a boat trip costs 200 lira each way. Visits to the site are also possible as part of a number of different boat trips.

You can also explore Turtle Island, which boasts a beach, mud baths and lunch facilities. The average cost of an organised tour is €45.

Saklikent Canyon is a natural wonder that is located just 50 kilometres from Fethiye. It measures 18 kilometres in length and 300 metres in depth, making it one of the deepest canyons in Europe. The Eshen River flows through the area, and the water in the river remains cool even during the summer months. This creates unique conditions for hiking and rafting. The canyon was discovered in the 1980s by a local shepherd who was looking after his flock, and it has since become a popular tourist destination. A tour to Saklikent with lunch is priced at €35-40, with additional options available at an extra cost.

Fethiye's most iconic tourist attraction, which you usually see on the billboards of this resort, is of course Ölüdeniz.

Ölüdeniz is the blue heart of the coastline

The region's primary natural attraction is the Ölüdeniz Lagoon, also known as the Dead Sea of Türkiye or the Blue Lagoon.

It is challenging to articulate in words. This establishment is situated 13 km from the centre of Fethiye. It is possible that even in 2025, when artificial intelligence can generate landscapes of any complexity, it will still be unable to surpass the natural beauty of this location.

The Blue Lagoon is a protected area, and there is a fee of 150 lira for entry. The water is transparent, as if glassy, and the sand is snow-white. There are eucalyptus groves and mountains reflected in the mirror-like surface. Visitors come to this location for a variety of reasons. In addition to the beach, they engage in meditation, romantic encounters, proposal ceremonies, drone operations and sunrise observations. The purity of local waters is marked by an international certificate, the "Blue Flag", and this is not without good reason.

Access is straightforward: simply take a dolmush in the centre of Fethiye, and within 30 minutes you will find yourself on a winding road through the pine forests. En route, you will find the charming villages of Ovacik and Hisarönü, which offer a variety of amenities such as home taverns, scooter rentals, reasonably priced hotels and bars that feature karaoke in English. Following that, the route continues along the mountain road until it reaches the coast.

If you would prefer not to arrange this independently, you can purchase a combined tour package to Ölüdeniz and the Valley of Butterflies from travel agencies for approximately 40 euros. The bus will collect you directly from your hotel and will drop you back there at the end of the tour.

Ölüdeniz is also a popular destination for paragliding. This year has seen a significant increase in paragliding activity in this area. A new launching pad was constructed on Babadag Mountain (almost 2000 metres high), the infrastructure was upgraded and security cameras were installed. If paragliding jumps were previously considered extreme, they are now being recognised as a stylish and memorable experience. During the flight, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the lagoon and the sea, which appear to extend endlessly. Below is a turquoise surface, seagulls are nearby, and inside you feel a sense of absolute freedom. Such organised tours cost 60-120 euros (depending on the programme).

Where to stay and what to try

Fethiye offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes, from stylish boutique hotels to cosy apartments on Airbnb (an online rental platform). Over the past two or three years, prices have increased by an average of 30-40 per cent, yet they can still be considered relatively affordable. If we exclude the most economical guesthouses (40-50 euros per room), then the typical cost of a good three-star hotel room is generally 70-90 euros. For luxury hotels, the cost starts from 150 euros and up.

It should be noted that in Ölüdeniz, there is a focus on the development of eco-glamping and camping facilities, offering visitors the opportunity to relax under the shade of pine trees with a view of the sea.

Despite the general rise in cost of living, food prices in Fethiye have remained relatively stable. The typical cost of traditional Gözleme is now between 60 and 80 lira, whereas döner is approximately 200 to 250 lira. A portion of Fethiye köfte in the most modest café will set you back between 250 and 350 lira. The approximate cost of a Turkish breakfast for two people in a café is between 20 and 25 euros. A minimum dinner or lunch in a restaurant by the sea, including fish, salads and wine, will cost between 60 and 80 euros.

In the vicinity of the harbour, there has been a discernible increase in the prices of grilled chupra (dorada) and squid, with the former now costing 600 lira and the latter 450 lira. Several new gastronomic establishments have opened, including the Michelin-starred Mavi Fener restaurant, where the tasting menu is priced from 8,000 liras.

Local restaurants compete in a spirit of friendly rivalry to demonstrate their creativity: Turkish breakfasts are renowned for their culinary sophistication, with fish being prepared on an open fire. It is recommended that you sample a selection of the local cuisine, which includes meze, lahmajun, mussels in garlic sauce, baklava with pistachios and ayran.

The Three Rhythms of Ölüdeniz

When planning a trip to Fethiye, it is important to consider that budgets can vary significantly depending on the type of holiday desired. There are three basic holiday patterns to aim for.

The minimum budget will suit those who are travelling light, not chasing comfort, and ready to live in a simple hostel or guesthouse, eat street food and spend their days on a public beach. Such travellers tend to opt for more economical options, such as walking and dolmushki, and rarely visit the national park. It is possible to achieve a turnover of between €400 and €550 per person over the course of a week, working to this rhythm. The holiday will be relaxed and tranquil, offering guests a secluded setting with a view of the sea, evening tea under the pine trees, and morning trips to the lagoon. No additional activities or services will be provided.

If you are looking for a more comfortable experience, we recommend an average budget. This would include a spacious room with air conditioning, breakfasts at the hotel, lunches at regular cafes and at least one or two colourful experiences such as paragliding or a boat trip. For example, a week-long stay in Fethiye would cost approximately 900-1200 euros per person. You can stay in a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool, rent a scooter to visit neighbouring villages, relax on a sunbed on the beach and enjoy a meal by the sea without worrying about the cost.

If you are seeking a holiday experience that combines relaxation with indulgence, consider a package that offers a villa with a lagoon view, restaurants featuring live music, private yachts, and massages following morning paragliding flights. Such holidays start from 4,000 euros for a week or more. The location of one's sleep is only one consideration; the way in which one spends one's days is also important. Guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the turquoise sea, a seamless transfer to the beach, a refreshing cocktail by the poolside, and a romantic candlelit dinner. Each experience is meticulously crafted to ensure a relaxed and unhurried pace, without compromising on quality or service.

In any of these scenarios, Fethiye will continue to be a quiet, clean, sun-drenched location. The only question is at what rhythm you want to live it.

The eternal city by the sea

Despite its growing popularity, Fethiye has retained its authenticity. This resort is ideal for those seeking more than just a beach holiday, but a true journey through time – from ancient ruins to modern spa facilities. Despite a notable increase in prices compared to previous years, Fethiye remains a cost-effective destination, especially when benchmarked against more prominent Mediterranean resorts.