Fethiye and Ölüdeniz make up one of the most spectacular stretches of coast in Türkiye. The Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz is one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean, and Fethiye itself brings together history, nature and a lively nightlife.
Fethiye is much more than a jumping-off point for Ölüdeniz. It is a town with a character of its own and a history that reaches back to the ancient Lycians, and it is one of the best all-round bases for exploring the south-west coast of Türkiye.
Ölüdeniz: the Blue Lagoon
Just 15 km from Fethiye and protected as a nature reserve, the Blue Lagoon is a natural pool of almost unreal turquoise water sheltered by a spit of sand. The beach inside the lagoon charges an entrance fee, around €5 at the time of writing (2026), and it is worth every penny. In summer, get there early.
Paragliding from Babadağ
Ölüdeniz is one of the best places in the world for tandem paragliding. A flight from Mount Babadağ (1,969 m), landing on the beach at Ölüdeniz, is one of the most popular experiences in Türkiye. Flights take off every day, you spend 25–45 minutes in the air, and photos and video are included. Expect to pay €70–120 at the time of writing (2026).
Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)
Reachable only by boat, this valley is home to more than 80 species of butterfly. You will find a wild beach, a waterfall at the far end of the valley and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. In summer, boats leave Ölüdeniz every hour.
The Lycian rock tombs of Amyntas
Right in the centre of Fethiye, the rock tombs of Amyntas (4th century BC) are the finest of the Lycian tombs here. Carved into the face of the cliff that towers over the town, they are a striking sight by day; come back after dark, when the floodlit tombs make an unforgettable picture.
Kayaköy: the ghost village
Kayaköy is a Greek village abandoned in 1923 after the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye. Hundreds of empty houses and the village churches stand among pine-covered hills — a melancholy, captivating place.
The 12 Islands boat trip
The classic trip on a gulet (a traditional wooden boat) takes you round the bays, islands and islets near Fethiye, with swimming stops in crystal-clear coves and visits to Flat Island and Cleopatra's Bay. It is a full day of sun, sea and scenery for €20–30 at the time of writing (2026), with lunch on board included.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Dalaman (DLM): Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly there from Istanbul in about 1 h 15 min, and from the airport it is a 45-minute transfer by car to Fethiye. Fethiye also lies on the way to Antalya, and it combines perfectly with Kaş and the Lycian Way.
Best time to go
May to October. From June to September the sea is 22–26 °C.
How many days
Two days cover the highlights (that is how long I allow in my own tours); with three or four days you can enjoy the area without rushing and leave time for the beach.