FETHİYE

Fethiye is an important settlement known as “Telmessos” in ancient times by the Lycians. It came under Persian control in 545 BC and was later captured by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. After Alexander’s death, it remained under the rule of Ptolemy, the King of Egypt, and later came under the control of the Roman Empire. The city was referred to as “Makri” (or Meğri) in 13th and 14th-century sources.

Following the division of the Roman Empire, Fethiye became part of the Byzantine Empire. In 1261, the region was taken from the Byzantines by Salpakis Mantakhias, the founder of the Menteşâ principality, and it came under Ottoman control in 1424.

During the Ottoman period, the city was known as “Meğri.” In 1914, it was renamed “Fethiye” in honor of Fethi Bey, one of the first Turkish pilots and the first aviation martyr.

Main Historical and Archaeological Destinations

Cadianda

Located 24 kilometers from Fethiye, near Üzümlü Village, Cadianda has been a significant settlement throughout history. Excavations conducted by the Fethiye Archaeology Museum have uncovered key remains of the city, including a sports complex, theater, monumental tomb, and agora. These structures provide valuable insights into Cadianda’s ancient architecture and social organization.

Ancient City of Telmessos

Lycia, known as the “Land of Lights” in ancient times, is located on the Teke Peninsula between Fethiye and Antalya.

The Lycians, known for their unique language, matriarchal way of life, rock monuments, and tombs, have a significant place in history due to their passion for freedom and independence.

Telmessos is the ancient name of this region in Fethiye and is named after the son of the god Apollo, Telmessos. Entering the dominion of the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines from the 5th century BC, Telmessos managed to preserve its distinctive character throughout these periods. One of the most impressive surviving artifacts is the rock tomb built for Amintas, the son of Hermapios, in the 4th century BC. This tomb is notable for its architecture, which resembles an Ionic-style temple. There are sarcophagus-type tombs and ancient theatre, which are among the outstanding  examples of Lycian art and stone workmanship. Especially, the examples in the garden of the Government Office, the necropolis, and those facing the pier showcase this historical heritage.

Kayaköy

Kayaköy was built on the remains of the Karmylassos city dating back to 3000 BC and consists of two different settlements. The first of these is Levisse, which was abandoned in 1922 due to the population exchange and became a ruin. Today, Levisse is considered a living open-air museum and attracts tourists.

The second is the village of Kayı, which is included in the Ottoman survey books from 1512 until today. This area where the Kayı and Karakeçili Nomads lived in the 1400s has been a living space for both Turks and Greeks for many years. While the Greeks lived in the houses of the village, the Turks continued their lives in the surrounding valleys.

The places to visit in Kayaköy include the Upper Church (Taksiyarhis Church), Lower Church (Panaghia Pirgiotissa), fourteen chapels, pottery and Turabi Fountain. Kayaköy offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors with its historical and cultural richness.

Natural and Cultural Heritage

Göcek Islands

Şovalye Island

Gemiler Island

Babadağ

Liya Way

Afkule Monastery

Main Bays and Beaches

Çalış Beach

Located just 5 kilometers from the center of Fethiye, Çalış Beach is one of the region’s primary accommodation and entertainment hubs. Opposite the beach is Knight Island, which marks the entrance to Fethiye Port. Çalış Beach is easily accessible via municipal public transport and small boats from the sea. Additionally, this beach is an important nesting area for Caretta caretta turtles and includes Çalış Nature Park-Bird Paradise, which is home to 219 bird species.

Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz, often described in tourism literature as the “paradise granted by the gods,” is a world-renowned tourist destination. Surrounded by pine forests, its warm sea and kilometers of sandy beach make it a natural marvel. Ölüdeniz consists of two parts: the first is Belceğiz Beach, which extends from the bay to the lagoon and has waves; the second is the calm and shallow real Ölüdeniz located in the lagoon area. Additionally, Ölüdeniz is one of the world’s most ideal locations for paragliding.

Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley, one of the most beautiful bays of Fethiye, is located in an area of ten hectares on a steep valley floor at the slopes of Babadağ, one of the 100 mountains proposed to be protected as a world heritage site due to its endemic varieties. In this Mediterranean Valley famous for its butterfly diversity, it is possible to observe 30 day butterfly species and 40 night butterfly species for 9 to 10 months, starting in spring. The most famous is the Tiger Butterfly. Butterfly Valley can be reached in half an hour by shuttle boat departing from Ölüdeniz. In 1995, the valley was declared as a first-degree natural protected area and there are no accommodation facilities since no construction is allowed. You can stay in tents, sleeping bags or wooden arbour.

Recommended Activities

International Fethiye Sports Festival (Autumn Season)

International Fethiye Culture and Art Festival (Spring Season)

International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games Festival (Autumn Season)

Main Marinas and Ports

In Fethiye, there are 8 private marinas and 2 public marinas and ports.