The 5 Best Day Trips from Fethiye

Nestled on the turquoise coast of southern Turkey, Fethiye is in an excellent, central location that can serve as a gateway to numerous historical and natural must-see activities. Beyond its own charm, Fethiye gives travelers easy access to several day trip destinations, each with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 best day trips from Fethiye so you can best plan your trip to our favorite corner of this beautiful country!

1. Kayaköy

Just a short drive from Fethiye, Kayaköy is an abandoned village that dates back to the 1700s, though unoccupied only since 1923. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was once a thriving community of Greek Orthodox residents. Kayaköy now stands as a ghost town, frozen in time as a result of the Greco-Turkish War. For those with an interest in history or learning about the past of the country you are visiting, this is a must-see stop. The remnants of stone houses and churches create a hauntingly beautiful sight, offering a look into the region’s political past and how it can affect human lives.

It costs 10 lira ($0.33 USD) to get in, so bring cash or some change with you. Wear comfortable and safe shoes as the terrain is rocky and steep in places.

Highlights:

• Learn about the Greco-Turkish War and the forced expulsion that occurred during the “population exchange”.
• Walk through a city exactly as it once stood, with over 2000 homes, chapels, schools, shops and visit the Church of St. Nicholas for its well-preserved frescoes.
• Take in the breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of the city.

How to get there: Kayaköy is about 5 miles south of Fethiye. It’s best reached by vehicle, though there are public buses and tour groups that offer transportation.

Where to Eat:

• Levissi Garden Restaurant: Enjoy traditional Turkish food in a garden setting.
• Cin Bal: A cozy restaurant offering a good variety of local Turkish dishes.

2. Saklıkent Gorge – National Park

Known as Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon, Saklıkent is a unique way to spend a few hours. Visitors can hike through the gorge, wading through the water, or just part way through and stay dry but still get to enjoy the interesting nature of this National Park. It’s 9 TL to enter ($0.30 USD), and there is parking on-site. Outside of the gorge there is also plenty to do, including two bridges suspended over the bright blue river, and up just a few yards there is a restaurant along the river with tables quite literally over the water. Each table even has a hammock you can hang out in and swing over the river.

Highlights:

• Hike through Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon, wade in icy blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs.
• Take in the scenery inside the canyon while enjoying a Turkish tea, coffee or snacks at the picnic tables and cafe.
• Grab lunch just a few yards up from the entrance of the canyon at Yaka Park or Paradise Park Restaurant with tables along the river and hammocks to swing in over the water.

How to get there: Saklıkent Gorge is about 30 miles from Fethiye. Buses and organized tours run frequently, but by private vehicle is my recommendation so you can spend more or less time here depending on how quickly you want to explore and eat.

3. Tlos – Ancient Lycian City

Tlos is an ancient Lycian city with a long and rich heritage dating back to 2000 BC. The drive there is incredibly scenic in itself, and worth the drive up. Perched on a hill, the ancient city has well-preserved ruins, including a Roman stadium, acropolis, and the Tomb of Bellerophon. Tlos offers a unique opportunity to explore the intertwining layers of Lycian, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations in a beautiful and remote area. There have been many items recovered by scientists that you can see in the Fethiye Museum in town. The cost to enter is 13 TL ($0.42 USD), and be sure to wear comfortable and safe walking shoes as it is not paved.

Highlights:

• Explore the ruins of the Roman stadium, basilica, public baths, acropolis, the Tomb of Bellerophon, and more.
• Admire the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
• Learn about the intertwining layers of history from the Lycian, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations.

How to get there: Tlos is about 32 miles from Fethiye. Renting a car is the most convenient option, but organized tours and public buses are available.

4. Turtle Beach and Dalyan Rock Tombs

Iztuzu Beach, or Turtle Beach, is a protected nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. It is still used as a beach, with precautions and rules around certain times and areas of the beach. Turtle beach is in a beautiful location where the Dalyan freshwater river meets the sea, and the drive is really worthwhile in itself. It’s situated very close to the city of Dalyan making this a great day trip to check out both places.

The best time to see nesting sea turtles is between May and October. After the beach, head to Dalyan and walk through the main village along the river where you’ll also get close up views of the Dalyan Rock Tombs which were carved back in the 4th century BC. You can grab lunch at great local spots that are directly on the river and across from the tombs. I recommend Yener’s Place, Lime, or Caretta Caretta.

Highlights:

• See a protected nesting beach where one of the largest populations of loggerhead sea turtles come back to each year to lay eggs.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon along the river viewing the Dalyan Rock Tombs that date back to the 4th century BC
• Get tickets for a river cruise to view the tombs from the water, or grab great local food and drinks at a restaurant along the river. I recommend Yener’s Place, Lime or Caretta Caretta.

How to get there: Turtle Beach and Dalyan are about 40 miles northwest of Fethiye. There are tours available from Fethiye, or it’s best accessed by private vehicle.

5. Letoon and Xanthos – UNESCO World Heritage Site

For history buffs, Xanthos and Letoon are a treasure trove of ancient ruins and historical significance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xanthos was the cultural capitol of ancient Lycia and played a crucial role in the region’s history. The site features well-preserved tombs, a theater, and much more. Letoon was a sister-city of sorts and was the religious capitol. It’s said to be where the rulers made their decisions known to the public. Letoon is about 3 miles from Xanthos, making these two ancient cities ideal to visit in the same day trip from Fethiye.

The cost to enter Xanthos is 50 TL ($1.63 USD), and the cost to enter Letoon is 15 TL ($0.49 USD). Wear good walking shoes as the path is not paved in most areas, and it can be rocky or loose gravel.

Highlights:

• Learn about two of the oldest ancient cities in the region, dating back to 330 BC up until the Romans left the area, and get a feel for how the Lycian, Anatolian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations and their architecture are intertwined here
• See the longest and most important (that we know of) texts in the Lycian language at Xanthos. The ancient Indo-European language can be seen on inscriptions carved into art tombs, sarcophagi and pillars throughout.
• See the site dedicated to the Greek goddess Leto and her twin children Artemis and Apollo. The Letoids were designated as national gods in this Lycian civilization. The site was only recently excavated by archeologists in the 1960’s.

How to get there: Xanthos is about 70 kilometers southeast of Fethiye. Renting a car is recommended, but guided tours may also be available. Letoon is just a few minutes away from Xanthos. Both have parking on-site.

Other Posts about Traveling Turkey:

• 3 Day Fethiye Itinerary
• 5 Best Restaurants in Fethiye
• Visiting Ephesus: Guide to Touring the Ancient City
• 5 Day Istanbul Guide: Best Things to Do
• 3 Day Guide to Cappadocia