Buzz
When thinking of Turkey, most people immediately conjure images of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, or Antalya... Yet, sometimes the most incredible travel experiences come from lesser-known destinations you've never heard of before. Fethiye is one such place.
Located on the southwest coast of Turkey, Fethiye blends ancient charm with modernity seamlessly. Modern Mediterranean-style villas, ancient historical sites, majestic mountain ranges, and turquoise waters with white sandy beaches will delight everyone, from history buffs to sea enthusiasts, to adventure seekers.
Fethiye truly shines as the gem of the Aegean region
Uncovering Ancient Historical Sites
In ancient times, Fethiye was the city of Telmessos - one of the most important, culturally rich, and prosperous cities of the Lycian civilization. The remnants of this era include the Amyntas Tomb, built in the 4th century BCE, perched high on the rugged mountainside. The Lycians believed that after death, the soul would be escorted to the other world by magical winged creatures, so they placed tombs in high places on hillsides or mountainsides. From Fethiye, it's only a 45-minute walk to Amyntas. The tomb is carved into the rock, and at first glance, the Ionic columns immediately capture attention. In the middle of the column on the left side, there is a Greek inscription “Amyntou tou Ermagiou,” meaning “Amyntas, son of Hermagios.” What makes this tomb unique is its size, which is equivalent to a large temple, while many other tombs are quite small.
The Amyntas Tomb was constructed in the 4th century BCE
The size of Amyntas is equivalent to a large temple
Exploring the Most Sacred Religious Site of the Lycians
Tlos stands as the most significant religious site for the Lycian people
Indulge in the Alluring Emerald Beaches
Fethiye boasts stunning turquoise beaches, fine white sand, and radiant golden sunshine; I've never seen waters so clear and pristine anywhere else. It's no wonder Fethiye is hailed as Turkey's paradise of azure seas.
Fethiye Earns Its Title as Turkey's Paradise of Azure Seas
The Entire Panorama of Fethiye
Experience the Stunning Turquoise Beaches and Fine White Sands
When in Fethiye, charter a boat to cruise along the bays, immersing yourself in the breathtaking waters, savoring delicious seafood, succulent beef, and rich wines, lounging on deck, listening to music, and gazing at the sky. If you're into diving, explore the unique and fascinating underwater world of Fethiye. Boat tours typically offer half-day or full-day options, and the number of bays visited depends on your chosen tour.
Fethiye's Most Famous Spot is Oludeniz, also Known as the Blue Lagoon
Oludeniz: The Enchanting Emerald Gem
Oludeniz: The Enigmatic Green
Explore the Untouched Wilderness of Butterfly Valley
Fethiye: A Mediterranean Coastal Gem
Travel Tips
Currency
The currency of Turkey is the Lira (code: TRY).
Exchange Rate for December 2021: 1USD = 10.82TRY, 1 TRY = 2141.73 VND
Airline Tickets
From Vietnam, you'll need to fly to Turkey's capital Istanbul, then from Istanbul, you can take a domestic flight, bus, or drive to Fethiye. The nearest airport to Fethiye is in Dalaman (airport code: DLM), and it takes about 45 minutes from Dalaman to Fethiye. Alternatively, you can fly to the cities of Izmir or Antalya first, explore these cities, then take a bus or drive to Fethiye. Turkish domestic airlines include Pegasus and Turkish Airlines, while domestic buses are operated by companies like Kamil Koc and MetroTurizm. The prices for airline tickets and buses range from 35-70USD (approximately 800,000–1,600,000VND), depending on whether you can get promotional fares.
Best Time to Visit
June to August is peak season in Fethiye, very crowded with tourists. April, May, and September are the best times, with perfect weather - warm and sunny, but not humid and overcrowded. Hotel prices, guesthouses, and tour packages also cool down.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Fethiye
Transportation
The best way to explore Fethiye is by renting a car; you can drive yourself (just bring an international driver's license) or hire a car with a driver if you're traveling in a large group. There are parking lots (both paid and free) at most tourist destinations, making it very flexible when traveling outside Fethiye. If you're traveling alone, there are public buses, but it will take more time.
Accommodation
Fethiye offers a wide range of accommodation options, from 5-star hotels and resorts to guesthouses and hostels. Prices for guesthouses and hostels range from 20USD–50USD (equivalent to 450,000 – 1,200,000VND), while prices for resorts and 5-star hotels range from 300USD–1000USD (equivalent to 7 – 23 million VND). For convenience in transportation, consider staying at a hotel in downtown Fethiye. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, you can opt for hotels in the mountains or resorts on the coast of Oludeniz. Visit booking websites such as Booking.com, Mytour, Agoda, etc., to find accommodation that best fits your travel budget.
Fethyie boasts numerous luxury cruise ports
Cuisine
As a bustling Mediterranean city, Fethiye is renowned for its delicious eateries, cozy cafes, and rooftop bars. Must-try dishes include various types of kebabs, roasted chicken, and spinach borek (a savory pastry filled with spinach).
When in Fethiye, you must visit the Fethiye Fish Market
Restaurants right by the fish market
Authentic Mediterranean-style restaurants along the coastline
When in Fethiye, you must visit the Fethiye Fish Market, where hundreds of fresh seafood options are available, such as Mediterranean red snapper, mussels, lobsters, and octopus. Seafood vendors can also prepare dishes on the spot for you to enjoy, or there are plenty of restaurants nearby if you prefer not to sit at the stalls.
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the culture of a city, you should definitely visit the local bazaars, and Fethiye is no exception. If you're in Fethiye on a Tuesday, don't miss the market with local products like fruits, vegetables, clothing, food, souvenirs, and more.
Attractions in Fethiye
A collaborative article between Mytour and blogger Tran Hong Ngoc. All content and images in the article are owned by Mytour. Please refrain from copying or using in any form without the consent of Mytour.
