Fethiye Center things to do & see

Fethiye Museum

In the Fethiye Museum, artifacts dating back to over 3000 years from excavations in Fethiye and its surroundings are exhibited in chronological order. The museum consists of two sections: Archaeology and Ethnography, housing remnants from periods such as Roman, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Bronze, and Archaic.

In the archaeological section of the Fethiye Museum, items such as sculptures, statue heads, ceramics, metal, and glass are displayed. In the ethnography section, you can find clothing and items specific to the Fethiye region. Additionally, there is a garden in the ethnography section where stone artifacts, inscriptions, and sarcophagi are exhibited.

Telmessos Ancient City

Famous in ancient times as the city of oracles, Telmessos was established in the 5th century BC on the border of the Lycian and Carian civilizations.

From the remaining ruins, it is known that during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the city had a rich and high culture, serving as a famous oracle center dedicated to the god Apollo. The Lycian-type rock tombs, sarcophagi, castle, and theater of ancient Telmessos adorn Fethiye with all its glory. The Telmessos ancient theater is located in the center of Fethiye, just behind the commercial port.

You can also find many Lycian-style rock tombs within Fethiye. Some of them have inscriptions written in the Lycian language.

Amintas Rock Tombs

One of the historical symbols of Fethiye, the Amintas Rock Tombs, dates back to the Lycian period (4th century BC) and was carved into the rocks for high-status individuals. The most famous and magnificent of the rock tombs is the Amintas tomb. On the tomb, the inscription "amintas son of herpamias " is written in the alphabet of the time. It is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship in wood, metal, and handicrafts of the period.

You can climb to Amintas with about a hundred steps. The view of Fethiye and the sea from here is fantastic. You can walk to the Amintas rock tombs from the center in 15 minutes.

Fethiye Castle

It is believed that Fethiye Castle belongs to the Knights of St. John. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but it is known that it underwent repairs by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century.

Apart from a few inscriptions carved on the walls and a cistern with an uncertain history, there are small and simple two rock tombs on the east side of the hill. The castle, surrounded by a wall, is the place where the city was first founded.

Fethiye Castle is also located 10 minutes' walk from Amintas.

Paspatur Bazaar / Fethiye Old Town

Paspatur and its surroundings are where the old Fethiye was located. This is the most beautiful part of Fethiye center. It consists of 4-5 streets intersecting each other. Historic buildings from the Ottoman period to the present day are located here. The 18th-century Ottoman mosque, the aqueduct passing through the center of the market, and the Fethiye Hammam, which still serves today, are all located within the bazaar.

You can see restored old Fethiye houses with wooden bay windows, stroll through the authentic Paspatur Bazaar full of souvenir shops, jewelers, Turkish delight shops, and handmade rug stores, have a drink at its cafes, explore the shops on Umbrella Street (95th Street), shop, and take photos.

Fethiye Marina and Promenade

The Fethiye district center is situated around a bay. Within the bay, there are two different marinas used by fishing boats, private and commercial yachts, and gulets, along with walking and cycling paths extending along the coastline.

The promenade is a meeting point for Fethiye locals, attracting sports enthusiasts, picnickers, cyclists, dog walkers, fishermen, and those who take a stroll after dinner.

Fethiye Fish Market / Choose Your Own Fish at the Fish Market

Choosing your own fish and having dinner is a classic Fethiye experience. This place is not just a fish market; it is the most popular address for evening meals in Fethiye. With Turkish taverns, a lively atmosphere, intertwined tables, and overflowing tables throughout the year, it never disappoints for an unforgettable dinner.

First, you select your fish from the fishermen's stalls, then sit in one of the row restaurants in the market, have your fish cooked, and order your appetizer and drink. It's worth mentioning that raki and fish are a classic combination in Turkey.

Çalış Beach

Çalış is a special beach, known for being the best place to watch the sunset in Fethiye. Çalış beach is 20-25 meters wide and 3.5 km long. The beach is composed of fine sand and small stones in some places. Thanks to the many hotels, pensions, cafes, restaurants, and bars along the coast, it has a lively atmosphere during the day and night.

Access to the beach is free, and you can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas along the beach.

How to get to Çalış Beach?

You can reach Çalış Beach from Fethiye center by minibus in about 10 minutes. Right across the beach is the Knight Island, and from Fethiye Harbor, there are shared boat taxis to the island at specific hours.

Çalış Beach Bird Sanctuary (Kuş Cenneti)

Çalış Bird Sanctuary is an area where migratory bird species and flamingos rest for a certain period every year.

Migratory birds use this area as a resting point. It has been observed that 250 different bird species are present in this area, including storks, flamingos, wild geese, and many other valuable species. At the same time, it is an ideal living space for otters, and many otter nests are found in this area. The region has been protected by the municipality to prevent harm to animals, and fishing is prohibited in the area.

Knight Island

Named after the Rhodes Knights from the 15th century, visitors to the island can see the castle ruins, old cisterns, and mosaics built by the Rhodes Knights.

Knight Island consists of local houses, hotels, a few restaurants, beaches, and a small wooded area. There are only dirt paths in the forest. Additionally, the cove located at the back of Knight Island is fascinating and impressive with its green cover.

Since there is no market on the island, it is recommended to do your shopping in Fethiye Center. Transportation to the island is provided by sea taxis from Çalış Beach.

Çalış Yoruk Museum and Yoruk Tent

Assembled over 20 years by a local person from the belongings left by their ancestors, the Yoruk and Village Museum displays items from various regions, narrating the lifestyle of the Yoruks. The museum exhibits items that were once used and are still in use, providing an opportunity for visitors and future generations to get to know and understand Yoruk culture.

In the area where the museum is located, there is also a restaurant where you can taste local dishes, and a lively bar where you can listen to local music.