Things to do in Fethiye

Dalyan Discovery Boat Tour with Riverside Lunch

A leisurely river cruise serves up a new perspective on Dalyan's abundant natural beauty. With a visit to the mud baths, a riverside lunch and an afternoon relaxing at Turtle Beach, there's lots to look forward to. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, ‘Turtle Beach is a testament to the community's commitment to conservation. It was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but instead it remains a sanctuary for nesting Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species.'Sail down the River Dalyan on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – for a fun session caking on the anti-ageing clay at the Dalyan mud baths. Great for skin and circulation, it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a soak in the mud and a cleansing dip in the warm sulphur pool. Next, you'll tuck into a local lunch at a riverside restaurant, before rejoining the riverboat to cruise past Lycian Rock Tombs dating to 400BC carved into the cliffs.You'll step off the boat at Iztuzu Beach, a magical spot that retains its wild drama. The 4km sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis which is a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Ceren adds, ‘This tour is one of my favourites, as you get to see the river and a great beach in one trip. Turtle beach is special because it's not like a busy resort beach. It's really relaxing.' Round off your day with the return river cruise to Dalyan.

Dalyan River Cruise Check Out Tour

If you're booked on a late-night flight back home, then this is a great way to enjoy your last day in Turkey. Highlights include a scenic Dalyan riverboat cruise, an anti-ageing mud bath and a riverside lunch. There's also free time to relax on Iztuzu Beach. You'll have a chance to freshen up and refuel before your flight in a nearby no-frills hotel, too. Ceren, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Iztuzu Beach - aka Turtle Beach - is a magical spot where nature rules. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but instead some areas are protected as a sanctuary for nesting Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species.'Glide down the River Dalyan on a specially designed boat which doesn't harm marine life, heading for the mud baths. Smooth on the anti-ageing clay and have a dip in the warm sulphur pool. After lunch of local specialities at a riverside restaurant, jump back on your river boat to sail past the Lycian Rock Tombs dating to 400BC. It's off to Iztuzu Beach next, where you'll be surrounded by natural beauty. There's free time for swimming or sunbathing on this long, sandy strand. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a turtle or two - they are often spotted in the area. Finally, we'll head back to a local no-frills hotel for a chance to freshen up. You won't go hungry either, with a buffet dinner to tuck into. And what's more, you'll have the use of a hotel room right up until the transfer to the airport.

Kayakoy Ghost Town Tour and Mount Babadag Cable Car

From an abandoned hillside village to the summit of Mount Babadağ, there's a variety of views on this tour. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time exploring Kayaköy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There are close to one thousand deserted stone houses as well as churches and chapels, even a bakery. At one point there was a plan to convert the whole village into a tourist resort, but thankfully this historic place has been preserved.'We'll start off the tour in Kayaköy, which was abandoned by Greeks fleeing war in the 1920s. Now, their ghosts flit between the empty homes as you wander through silent streets that once rang with voices. Peek into roofless stone dwellings as your guide explains their tiered designs, and discover tiny chapels and a little school. Elif says, ‘The layout of the houses and the way they were lined up was to ensure none blocked another's view.' You'll also see the empty basilica, with its faded frescoes and mosaics. Eerie yet fascinating.Next up, we'll head to the foot of Mount Babadağ to hop on a cable car almost to the top. Enjoy eye-popping panoramic views over Fethiye and the coast below as you glide up to the top station below the summit. If you want to reach the very top, there is a chairlift available. The peak is popular with paragliders, so there's a good chance you'll see them drifting in the skyline. It's a feast for the eyes.

Kekova, Myra and St Nicholas Tour with Lunch and Boat Trip

An eclectic mix of attractions awaits on this trip - authentic cuisine, a lost city and Santa Claus. You'll visit the ancient city of Myra and the church of St Nicholas, before sampling local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, relax as glide along the coast to Kekova island and its sunken town. As our expert local guide Ahmet says, 'The highlight of the day for me has to be the ruined Lycian city of Myra. The rock-cut friezes carved with theatrical masks and the stacked tombs hewn into the cliffs are a sight to behold. It's awe-inspiring that parts of this site are thought to be around 2,500 years old.'Proceedings get under way with a tour of the ancient city of Myra to explore the well-preserved amphitheatre and see the intricately carved rock tombs, high in the cliff face. Next, it's time to visit the Church of St Nicholas, who's better known today as Santa Claus. After a tasty lunch of typical dishes freshly prepared in a local restaurant, it's time to sail to Kekova island, a protected area famed for its underwater ruins.These are the relics of the ancient town of Simena, partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. There's time for a swim in the warmer months – the water is clear and inviting – it would be difficult to resist a dip in the sea. But if the weather doesn't permit a boat trip, there's a visit to the fascinating Demre museum instead.

Dalyan at Dusk Tour with Dinner and Riverboat Trip

If you like the sound of riverside scenery and a pristine beach, then this tour ticks all the boxes. You'll explore the Dalyan Delta, starting with Iztuzu Beach and a look around Dalyan old town, followed by a barbecue dinner and an evening boat trip. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Lycian Rock Tombs are elaborate burial chambers that were carved into the cliffs over two millennia ago by the Lycians to honour members of the ruling class. They are dramatically lit in the evening – it's a really atmospheric experience.'First up, while the sun's still warm, you'll visit a turtle rescue centre, then enjoy some free time at peaceful Iztuzu Beach, where loggerhead turtles come to nest every year. Then you'll explore Dalyan's historic town centre under the twinkle of dusk. It's home to a variety of shops, cafés, and historical sites, and known for the traditional Turkish architecture – look out for the intricately decorated Dalyan mosque –and friendly locals.After your free time in town, it's time for dinner. You'll tuck into a Turkish barbecue at a riverside restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the locally sourced, freshly prepared food. And to round off the evening, you'll enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the Dalyan River to see the famous Lycian tombs carved into the rock face. These tombs date back to the 4th century BC – so they're almost 2,500 years old – and show influences of Anatolian, Greek and Persian designs.

Fethiye Scuba Diving

Fancy taking the plunge and discovering Turkey's underwater world? Then this scuba diving trip off Fethiye is ideal. It caters for complete beginners, seasoned pros and everyone in between.

Fethiye 4x4 Safari Tour to Saklıkent Gorge & Gizlikent Waterfall

The River Xanthos area has been the scene of action since ancient times – and the fun just keeps on coming with this excursion. You'll go on an open-top 4x4 safari through mountains and past villages before enjoying the chance to bathe in mud pools. This is the stuff of legend.Climb aboard your 4x4 and you'll start with a drive through the village of Zorlar. The village's Ottoman-style houses epitomise old Turkey. After trundling through fruit groves and getting wet 'n' wild with a water fight, you'll enjoy lunch at Gizlikent waterfall. Tuck into a host of tasty dishes with a backdrop of the waterfall.In the afternoon, there's an optional visit — for a small fee — to Saklıkent Gorge. Here, you can pay to do river tubing – settle on a rubber ring and float down the river for a couple of kilometres. If you're a landlubber, you can stay in the 4x4, meeting the rafters further downstream. And you'll also have the chance to bathe in some natural mud pools or play more water games, in which you'll get to squirt your family and friends with a blaster.

Day Trip to Greek Island of Rhodes from Fethiye Harbour

Rhodes is almost a stone's throw from Turkey and with its whitewashed villages and rich medieval castles, makes for a great daytrip. From Fethiye harbour, you'll ride a hydrofoil to Rhodes town, the capital, and have the day to explore its history-steeped streets.

Fethiye Boat Cruise

Perhaps the region's finest, Fethiye's natural harbour is a popular place to set sail from in a traditional Turkish gulet and to navigate around the broad bay, scattered with pretty islands. This full-day cruise gives you the chance to sightsee, swim and snorkel at up to four different stops as well as feast on a tasty lunch onboard.All you need to do is relax on deck enjoying the sea breezes and scenery as you drift from bay to bay, dropping anchor from time to time so you can swim or snorkel in the beautifully clear waters.Then after lunch on-board, you'll get more time to kick back as you head for Red Island. The finishing touch is the on-board bar, where you can have unlimited soft drinks while you sail.

Oludeniz Paragliding Adventure

Want an adrenalin rush like no other? Then get ready to paraglide over the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz. It's a serious thrill that will stay with you long after the rest of your holiday memories have faded.

Fethiye Adults-Only Boat Cruise

This adults-only day at sea gives you the perfect excuse to unwind. You'll visit four bays along the Aegean coast – each with its own charm.As you sail out of Fethiye harbour, you can spread out on the deck as you sail across the Aegean Sea. Your captain will drop anchor at various secluded bays along the way and it's up to you whether you jump in or carry on soaking up the sun.When we reach the second bay, the crew will prepare a freshly cooked lunch, washed down with unlimited soft drinks. You'll round off this relaxing day at sea with visits to up to two more bays in the afternoon.

Private Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour from Fethiye

Pamukkale is one of Mother Nature's masterpieces. On this private tour from Fethiye, you'll enjoy a dip in its calcium-rich waters and then explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Admire the Theatre and Pluto's Gate among other sights. Plus, there's a Turkish lunch included and a visit to an onyx jewellery centre.First up is in Pamukkale, which means Cotton Castle. It's a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall but are filled with calcium carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.The waters have always been said to bring health benefits, which is why the Romans built the nearby spa town of Hierapolis. You'll enjoy a guided tour of its ancient streets, a 13,000-seat theatre and, of course, thermal baths. A dip is extra but well worth forking out for the experience of bathing in an oasis scattered with Roman ruins.