Fethiye harbour town on Turkey's southwestern coast is fronted by the Mediterranean Sea and sandy beaches while backed by beautiful countryside and the Taurus mountains. When it comes to knowing about Fethiye, expect incredible history, beautiful beaches and hidden coves, which memorises all with majestic appearances. Fethiye belongs to what is known as the Turquoise coast and is popular with many international tourists, Turks and foreigners who own holiday homes. Indeed, this area of Turkey is nothing short of spectacular and ranks as one of the top destinations for tourism and real estate. Let’s find out why.,
About Fethiye in Turkey
Ancient History of Fethiye
The history of Fethiye town centre on the Turquoise coast is rich and varied, with a timeline that stretches back thousands of years. Fethiye belonged to the ancient Lycian civilisation, which existed in the first millennium BCE and sat on the border with Carian cities. Lycians were known for distinctive rock-cut tombs, like the Tomb of Amyntas that still stands today overlooking Fethiye city center.
The ancient city was called "Telmessos" during Roman times and earned fame for the theatre, agora (marketplace), and other Roman architectural structures. After the Roman Empire declined, Fethiye joined the Byzantine empire. By the 10th century, the name had been changed to Makre/Makri. Fethiye came under Ottoman rule in the late 14th century. The town got its modern name, "Fethiye," in the 19th century in honour of Fethi Bey, a Turkish aviator who died in a plane crash.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Fethiye developed tourism by constructing hotels, resorts, and amenities to cater to visitors. Then in 2001, when Turkey lifted property restrictions for foreigners, Fethiye gained global recognition as the ideal place to own a holiday home or retire. Today, Fethiye is famous thanks to its beautiful coastline, historical ruins, and modern amenities. The town also serves as a gateway to explore the southwestern Turkish coast's natural beauty and historical treasures.
Mild Climate of Fethiye
One aspect that works in Fethiye’s favour is the ideal weather climate. Fethiye enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. From June to September, high temperatures during summer months typically range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with occasional days reaching even higher temperatures. The sea temperature is warm during this time, making it ideal for swimming and water activities.
From October to November, daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C in October and then gradually drop in November. Winters feature a mild climate. Daytime winter temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. Fethiye does receive some rainfall during this season. December and January are typically wet.
Temperatures begin to rise in March, with daytime highs ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). By May, temperatures can reach 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Thanks to lush green landscapes, spring is excellent, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The region is popular year-round, with summer being the peak tourist season due to ideal beach weather.
How to Get to Fethiye in Turkey
Another reasons holiday makers and global house buyers like Fethiye is that Dalaman International Airport (IATA: DLM) is within a short drive. Sitting approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Fethiye, Dalaman Airport is one of Turkey's busiest airports, especially during summer when tourism peaks. Travellers arriving at Dalaman Airport can easily reach Fethiye, on the Turquoise Coast, by various means of transportation, including taxis, shuttle services, and rental cars. The journey from the airport to Fethiye takes approximately a 45-minute drive to an hour by road, depending on traffic conditions.
Daily Turkish Life in Fethiye
Daily life in Fethiye is characterised by combined Turkish culture and tourism, attracting international and domestic tourists. Many residents are involved in tourism-related businesses, like hotels, restaurants, and shops. This often means long working hours, especially during peak tourist season. Fethiye hosts cultural events and festivals celebrating Turkish life, traditions, music, and art, and many residents enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, and swimming.
The town's proximity to beautiful beaches, historical sites, and natural wonders like Saklıkent Gorge accommodates all travel styles. Turkey is predominantly Muslim, and some residents observe Islamic practices. Mosques are an integral part of daily life; you may hear the call to prayer throughout the day. Community events, local markets, and social gatherings are significant in everyday life.
Shopping and Markets in Fethiye
Fethiye Market (Pazaryeri): This primary and most famous market sets up stalls every Tuesday and Friday to sell various products. Find fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, herbs, clothing, shoes, textiles, household items, and much more. It's an excellent place to shop for local produce and experience market ambience.
Fish Market: Located near the city centre waterfront, Fethiye Fish Market attracts seafood lovers. You can select fresh fish and other seafood from various stalls and have it prepared and cooked at surrounding restaurants. It's a unique dining experience to enjoy delicious seafood dishes.
Monday Market in Hisaronu: This market is similar to Fethiye Market and offers various goods, including textiles, clothing, and fresh produce. It's a convenient option for those staying in nearby resorts and villages.
Calis Sunday Market: This market takes place every Sunday. It offers fresh produce, clothing, accessories, and household items.
Fethiye Old Town: Paspatur Old Town has narrow streets filled with shops selling traditional Turkish goods, including carpets, textiles, spices, and handicrafts. While not a conventional market, it offers a unique shopping experience with a historic ambience and is open daily.
About Beaches in the Fethiye Region
Get ready to experience famous beaches and blue waters in southern Turkey. Many people know the famous Oludeniz beach, near the stunning Blue Lagoon. Calis Beach earns fame for spectacular sunsets. However, these are just two beaches, and there are plenty more. Kidrak Beach, also called Paradise Beach, a little further around the bay from Oludeniz, is unspoilt by mass tourism and a peaceful haven during the week but busier with locals at weekends.
Gemiler Sandy Beach is another beautiful spot. Head through Kayakoy Ghost Village and follow the long and winding mountain road, while admiring the views of St. Nicholas Island and Faralya area. Once down at the beach, a café serves snacks and drinks, and plenty of water sports are available. Some large hotels have private beaches; otherwise, head to lesser-known Kuleli beach for peace and quiet.
Eating Out and Life at Night in Fethiye
Fethiye fish market in the town centre, set in an enclosed square with central stalls, sells almost every type of fish you wish for. Choose your fish and then decide which restaurant to eat in. The fishmonger will cook, and deliver to your table, the delicious fish with salad, meze and soft, fresh bread. Otherwise, there are many waterfront restaurants offering various cuisines, from steaks to traditional Turkish dishes.
Nightlife also excels in Paspatur's old town, with many bars and nightclubs. The strip gets busy later in the evening, with seating areas lining streets and live music playing. Hisaronu also excels in nightlife, though more tourist-orientated, with many bars and nightclubs. Bars play more international music and have more live music shows rather than Karaoke. Lounges often open till early hours and play mixed Turkish and international music with well-known DJs.
Boat tours to Gemiler Island and Other Places
During summer, boat tours attract both tourists and locals, and head to various islands and bays, where passengers enjoy swimming breaks and lunch on board. One stop is Gemiler Island. Gemiler Island, also called Gemiler Adası in Turkish, offers fantastic sunset views. The island's ruins include churches, monasteries, and other structures. It's often called "St. Nicholas Island" because of the numerous churches dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, found on the island. The island also has beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it popular for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation. Other places that boat tours head to include the stunning Butterfly Valley.
Picture Perfect Waters at Saklikent National Park
Saklikent Gorge, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Fethiye city centre and approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kas is easily accessible from these towns, making the natural attraction popular with tourists. Saklikent Gorge was formed by the erosion of the Akdağlar mountain range over millions of years, and now the Xanthos River flows through the valley.
The 11-mile-long Saklikent Gorge varies in width from 2 meters (6.6 feet) to 4 meters (13.1 feet). It is open to visitors from April to October. The best time to visit is during spring when melting snow from the mountains fills the river, creating more dramatic experiences. Summer gets crowded, especially in July and August. Make sure to wear water shoes. The impressive natural beauty, refreshing waters, and hiking opportunities make this day trip memorable.
Calis Beach for Nice Sunset Views
Calis Beach is near Fethiye's town centre, approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) away, and is easily accessible from Fethiye by a short drive, a leisurely bike ride, or a pleasant coastline walk along. Many evening visitors come to Calis Beach to enjoy spectacular sunsets. Along the beachfront, a promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops is ideal for leisurely strolls, dining, or drinks while admiring the sea views.
Calis Beach offers various water sports and activities, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding. The beach area also protects endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Calis Beach connects to Fethiye city centre by public transportation and water taxis. Beautiful Calis Beach combines natural beauty, water activities, and vibrant waterfront atmospheres for everyone to unwind and enjoy sea views.
Kayakoy Ghost Village
Kayakoy, called "Fethiye Ghost Village" or "Kayakoy Ghost Town," is around a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Its history is closely tied to the Greek population exchange, also known as the "1923 population exchange" or "Greco-Turkish population exchange." Kayakoy's history dates from ancient times. In 1923, following the Greco-Turkish War and the Treaty of Lausanne, a population exchange between Greece and Turkey was implemented.
The Greek population of Kayakoy had to leave their homes and relocate to Greece. Today, Kayakoy is an eerie and hauntingly beautiful ghost town with well-preserved stone houses, and churches. Some people buy homes on the other side of the village, but these are expensive due to their historical status and the work needed to upgrade them.
About Fethiye City Center on the Turquoise Coast
Fethiye city centre crowns picturesque Fethiye Bay, and the marina is a focal point for upscale dining and yachts sailing the Mediterranean coast. The waterfront promenade, with stunning sea views, is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars promoting al fresco-style dining and evening strolls. While the city centre is more modern, there are historical sites to explore, like the Ottoman-era Fethiye Mosque (Eski Camii) and Lycian rock tombs overlooking the town.
Fethiye Fish Market sells excellent fresh seafood, and the Fethiye Market (Pazaryeri) offers many goods. Fethiye city centre's vibrant nightlife scene, especially during summer, is thanks to many bars, clubs, and live music venues. Modern Fethiye is a transportation hub with bus stations and a ferry terminal connecting Fethiye to other parts of Turkey and nearby islands, such as Rhodes and Meis.
Other Areas of the Fethiye Region to Buy Property
Hisaronu and Ovacik: Situated in green hills above Oludeniz, lively Hisaronu town earns fame for its nightlife, bars, and entertainment options. Ovacik attracts tourists seeking vibrant atmospheres, with vast choices of restaurants, shops, and activities sitting next to the resort. Both Fethiye destinations are popular with retirees.
Oludeniz: Famous for the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz coastal area, a short distance from Fethiye, boasts stunning beaches, paragliding opportunities, and water sports. Buying property is extremely hard in Oludeniz because of conservation orders and the lack of building land. This is why many home buyers head to Hisaronu and Ovacik instead.
Karagozler: This waterfront area features the marina, yacht club, and upscale accommodations. Quieter Karagozler is a more exclusive neighbourhood, making this area ideal for peaceful escapes.
Tasyaka: Well-established Tasyaka, on the northeastern side of Fethiye town centre, has seen much growth and development. Tasyaka features residential properties, including apartments, villas, and homes, and provides more local living experiences than tourist-oriented ones. Despite the residential nature, Tasyaka also has shops, markets, and amenities to cater to residents.
Beautiful Faralya: Located south of Fethiye, Faralya, a tranquil village surrounded by nature, features stunning cliffside accommodations and the beautiful Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi). Some establishments also run holiday yoga retreats. This is where to go to truly immerse yourself in nature.
Rural Seydikemer: Although the area remains off the beaten track, Seydikemer is attracting interest in real estate. Foreigners buying homes for summer holidays or permanent living are looking in that direction, as are Turks who want a Mediterranean holiday home or to retire somewhere peaceful.
Charming Uzumlu: Uzumlu, a charming village in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) from Fethiye, is known for its natural beauty, traditional architecture, and a relaxed, rural atmosphere. In recent years, Uzumlu has become a sought-after location for those looking to purchase property in Turkey with various homes, including renovated stone houses and newer developments, making the village attractive to Turkish and international buyers.
More Information About Fethiye in Turkey
Whether you're seeking a serene retreat in picturesque Uzumlu, a seaside escape in Calis Beach, or a vibrant urban lifestyle in the city centre, our extensive portfolio of properties for Fethiye in Turkey caters to diverse tastes and budgets. We understand that purchasing property is stressful, and we're committed to providing you with personalised attention, local expertise, and market insights needed to find your ideal home. Your dream property awaits, and we're excited to help you turn that Fethiye dream into a reality. Contact us today, and let's embark on this exciting journey together.
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