15 things to do in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
From the sky above the Blue Lagoon to a ghost village and a river gorge: our local list.
By the IONETO team in Fethiye · Published 8 November 2026 · Updated 8 November 2026
In short: the classic things to do in Fethiye are a tandem paragliding flight from Babadağ over the Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon, a day on a boat around the 12 Islands, a boat trip to Butterfly Valley, a walk through the Kayaköy ghost village, the Saklıkent Gorge and a river trip in Dalyan. The list below adds the quieter local favourites.
In the air and on the water
1. Paragliding from Babadağ
Ölüdeniz is one of the best-known paragliding spots in the world. Tandem flights take off from the Babadağ ramps at around 1,700 m and land on Belcekız beach in Ölüdeniz. No experience is needed. Read more about Ölüdeniz paragliding.
2. The 12 Islands boat trip
A full day on a gulet from Fethiye harbour, with swim stops in clear coves around Fethiye Bay. Easy for families. See the Fethiye 12 Islands boat trip.
3. Butterfly Valley by boat
A beach and a waterfall between high cliffs, reached by boat from Ölüdeniz. Go early in the day for calmer water and fewer people.
4. Swim at Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon
The long Belcekız beach and the sheltered lagoon behind it are the postcard view of the Turkish coast. The lagoon water is calm and shallow, which makes it good for children.
5. Scuba diving for beginners
Fethiye's clear water makes it a good place for a first dive with an instructor. See scuba diving for beginners.
History and nature
6. Kayaköy ghost village
About 8 km south of Fethiye, Kayaköy (once called Levissi) is a hillside of roofless stone houses and churches. Its Greek residents left in the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, and the village has stood empty since.
7. Walk the Lycian Way from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz
A popular section of the Lycian Way runs from Kayaköy over the hill and down to Ölüdeniz, with sea views most of the way. Take water and proper shoes.
8. Saklıkent Gorge
A narrow, high canyon inland from Fethiye where you wade through cold, clear river water. Whether you can walk deep into the gorge depends on the water level, so check before you go.
9. The Lycian rock tombs in Fethiye town
Temple-fronted tombs carved into the cliff above Fethiye town, the largest being the Tomb of Amyntas. A short climb gives a view over the harbour.
10. A river trip in Dalyan
River boats in Dalyan pass more Lycian rock tombs on the way to İztuzu beach, a nesting beach for loggerhead turtles. Mud baths are a classic stop on the route.
Local life
11. The Fethiye fish market
Choose your fish at the counters in the middle of the market and one of the surrounding restaurants will cook it for you.
12. Sunset at Çalış Beach
Çalış faces west across the bay, so it is the place for sunset, with a long promenade lined with cafés.
13. Jeep safari or horse riding in the hills
Mountain villages, rivers and forest roads behind the coast. See the Fethiye jeep safari.
14. Join a conversation club
The easiest way to meet people who live here: English, Russian and Turkish conversation groups. See the English speaking club in Fethiye.
15. Spend a day doing nothing on a villa terrace
Fethiye is also good at slow days. If you are choosing where to stay, read where to stay in Fethiye.
Quick answers
What is Fethiye best known for?
Paragliding over the Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon from Babadağ, boat trips around the 12 Islands and Butterfly Valley, and history such as Kayaköy and the Lycian rock tombs.
How many days do you need in Fethiye?
Most people need four to seven days to combine beach days with paragliding, a boat trip and one or two inland trips such as Saklıkent or Dalyan.
Is Fethiye or Ölüdeniz better to stay in?
Ölüdeniz is best for beach and paragliding, Fethiye town for restaurants, the harbour and transport. See our guide to where to stay.
Sources
Illustrative image. Mutlu insan dünyayı aydınlatır: a happy person lights up the world.