Fethiye is a Turkish city that enjoys great tourist popularity, which makes Fethiye top things to do, especially in the summer, to be a lot! Due to the presence of many beaches and tourist resorts in it.
Fethiye is located in the province of “Mugla” in southwestern Turkey, with an area of 3,590 square kilometers, and a population of 147,000 people according to the 2016 census. The city’s coasts and beaches were chosen in 2006 as the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is located within the charming Turkish Riviera cities. Learn about the history of Fethiye, and Fethiye top things to do through the following article on your website, “Turkey for Expats”.
History of Fethiye
It is a modern city that did not witness the development and increase of its fame as a distinguished tourist place, except in a short time. Many monuments appear in the city that illustrate many historical periods that inhabited the place in the past. Fethiye top things to do in terms of historical sites would be visiting the ruins of the Hellenistic Theater.
It is located on the sea pier in the city, The city was known in the old days as Telmessos. It is an ancient Greek city that was located in the same area. After the Persian conquest of the city, it became part of the Persian Empire.
With the passage of time, the old name “Telmessos” was forgotten and replaced by a Greek name “Makri” ΜάκρηK. It is the name of an island located at the entrance to the port.
It is said that the city became famous in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries as a center for the production of perfumes. It was also known as an important commercial center in the region.
The Turks conquered the region at the beginning of the thirteenth century and the princes of Anatolia ruled it for a period. Then it became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1424 AD.
The city grew and developed a lot during the nineteenth century, after the agreement of the exchange of power between Turkey and Greece. The Greek population was deported from Fethiye to Greece and the Turks settled there.
The abandoned Greek Orthodox Church still exists today in the city of Kabakoy, near Fethiye.
In 1934 AD, the city’s name was changed from “Makri” to Fethiye in honor of the martyr captain “Fathi Bey” who was one of the first pilots in the Ottoman Air Force, and there is also a statue of the martyr captain in the center of Fethiye city. This rich history of the city makes Fethiye top things to do on your list!
Climate of Fethiye
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate. It has a hot and humid climate in summer, with the highest temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius in August.
It is cold and rainy in winter, and the temperature in winter ranges between 16-4 degrees Celsius, as it drops in winter, especially at night. The best time to visit Fethiye is in May and June, as well as in September and October.
Living costs in Fethiye
The city is characterized by the moderate prices of basic foodstuffs and drinks compared to many places and cities in Turkey. Living in it suits most budgets, tastes and needs.
You can check the details on the cost of living of Fethiye in this article.
Transportation in Fethiye
There is Dalaman Airport, which serves the Fethiye region and the surrounding areas, and connects them to various cities in Turkey and all over the world.
You can go to Dalaman airport website here.
Dalaman Airport is a 50-minute drive from Fethiye. Buses are also available to transport passengers from the airport to Fethiye,
In Fethiye there are also “dolmus” buses that transport passengers to any area in the city. It provides flights to transport passengers to the neighboring cities of Fethiye. All of things makes Fethiye top things to do really worth the visit!
Sports in Fethiye
The city is interested in sports in general. In the city, there is a football team “Fethiye Sport” that competes in the first division in Turkey.
There are also many tourist sports in the city, such as:
Paragliding from the top of Mount Babadag, which is very popular with tourists. Diving, windsurfing, mountain biking, water sports such as water skiing, kayaking, rafting in the Dalman Chayi River. What more can you ask for in Fethiye top things to do!
The most important tourist attractions in Fethiye top things to do
Fethiye town is very popular among tourists from different nationalities, especially in the summer. There are many tourist attractions in Fethiye, such as the beach and the suburb of “Oloniz” located in the city, and “Kizilada Lighthouse”, in addition to many tourist and archaeological attractions such as:
The ancient city of Qadianda, and the Lycian rock tombs:
Lycia Tombs are located close to the city of Fethiye and you will enjoy watching the ancient history and wonderful landscapes.
The ancient city of Tlos:
It is one of the largest and oldest archaeological settlements in ancient Lycia, dating back to 4000 years ago. The city is famous for its great fortress, Talos Fortress.
Fethiye Museum:
It is a museum rich in ancient antiquities dating back to the year 3000 BC. The museum contains many ancient statues.
Saklikent valley and canyon:
It is a groove with a depth of 300 meters and a length of 18 kilometers and contains wonderful cold water, and you can enjoy wonderful walking tours of the place at a distance of 4 kilometers in the valley amidst the picturesque nature.
The city also has ancient Greek cities such as Kayaköy, Afkule, and Aya Nikola.
Sights in Fethiye top things to do
The city is famous for its many beaches and wonderful islands, including:
Ölüdeniz Beach:
It is the most important beach in the city and it is impossible to go without visiting it. It is known for its white sand and is considered the most famous beach in Europe.
Çalış Kumsalı Beach:
It is a famous beach in all of Turkey, and it is an ideal place for families, where they can enjoy the sandy beach and the charming nature.
There are also many beaches in Fethiye, such as:
- İztuzu Kumsalı Beach,
- Kabak Koyu Kumsalı Beach
- Belgian beach “Belceğiz”,
In addition to the many islands of up to 12 islands found in the Gulf of Fethiye, such as:
Gemilara Island:
It is a beautiful island in Fethiye that extends for a kilometer in length and 400 meters in width, and contains charming bays, ruins and ancient ruins worth seeing.
Savoli Island:
It is the most important island among the 12 islands in the Gulf of Fethiye.
The island is very popular among lovers of solitude and tranquility, as well as investors who seek to buy real estate located directly on the sea. As the island is completely isolated and clean, there are no cars or roads.
Butterfly Valley “ Kelebekler Vadisi” :
It is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Turkey, where butterflies abound in wonderful colors.
Butterfly Valley can be reached by taking a water taxi from Oldooniz, and is a great place to visit.
Kızılada Island:
It is an island located in the Gulf of Fethiye, 4 miles outside the city, and is a popular place for boat tours.
On the island, there is a “Kizilada Lighthouse”,
There is also a restaurant serving seafood on the island, and a small hotel.
Afkule:
It is a wonderful place in Fethiye and is famous for diving.
There are also many open caves in the city of Fethiye to visit the public, and there are tours to tour by boat between the 12 islands located in the Gulf of Fethiye.
Read about fethiye top things to do in Arabic
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