Port Guide | Turkey | Dive Deep
Fethiye
Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-08-21
Welcome to Fethiye, a Turkish port town whose entire personality feels like it woke up one day unsure whether it wanted to be a laid-back Mediterranean hideaway or a lively, raki-fueled bazaar. Thankfully, it decided on both. As you disembark your floating neighborhood (because let's face it, you've cleverly chosen the travel option that doesn't require frequent luggage hauling), take a moment to glance up-those eerie, impossible-to-ignore Lycian rock tombs carved straight into the cliffs weren't left by overly ambitious mountain goats, but by ancient civilizations who clearly weren't afraid of heights or a bit of drama. You've got anywhere from two to five days to explore, which means plenty of time to swap sanitized cruise comforts for the bustling chaos of Old Town markets, dip teal-painted toes into the shimmering lagoon at Öludeniz, or make friends with colorful winged locals in Butterfly Valley-where butterflies happily outnumber selfie sticks. However you spend your time here, be sure to start it off by sipping strong Turkish tea at a harbor-front cafe while smugly congratulating yourself for avoiding yet another pamphlet-promised 'undiscovered secret.' (Trust me, nothing this charming stays secret for long.)
Turkey has 11 Travel Advisories
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Notes from the Editor
Fethiye is famous for its natural harbor, stunning coastline, and historical sites such as the Lycian rock tombs. It's an excellent base for exploring the nearby Öludeniz beach and Butterfly Valley.
Where do cruise ships dock in Fethiye?
Port Name Fethiye
Country Turkey
Region Southeast Europe
Ship Terminal Ece Marina
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility Ece Marina is approximately 1.5 km from the city center, accessible by foot, taxis, and local minibuses.
What's the weather like in Fethiye?
Best Season to Visit Spring and Early Fall (April to October)
Climate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Weather Notes Temperatures can be quite high in summer; the best visiting months are spring and early fall due to pleasant weather.
Temperature Range 70F to 85F (21C to 29C)
High Temp 98F
Low Temp 37F
Average Temp 64F
What do I need to know about Fethiye?
Language Turkish
Currency Turkish Lira (TRY)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population around 81,000
Timezone GMT+3
How do I get around Fethiye?
Taxis, local minibuses, and walking options available from the terminal to city attractions.
What are The Best Things to do in Fethiye?
Discover what you should do while you're in Fethiye.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Paragliding Over Öludeniz
Öludeniz Beach, Fethiye
Take flight from Babadağ mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise coast.
Distance from Terminal: 9.3 miles
Saklikent Gorge River Trekking
Saklikent, Fethiye
Trek through one of Europe's deepest gorges with crystal-clear waters.
Distance from Terminal: 27.3 miles
12 Island Boat Tour
Fethiye Marina
Spend a day hopping between islands, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying coastal views.
Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles
Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean
Fethiye Marina Dive Centers
Experience underwater landscapes and marine life unique to the Mediterranean.
Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Kayakoy Ghost Town Exploration
Kayakoy, Fethiye
Visit the eerie remains of a village abandoned after the Greek-Turkish population exchange.
Distance from Terminal: 5.6 miles
Visit Lycian Rock Tombs
Amintas Tomb, Fethiye
Explore ancient Lycian tombs carved beautifully into cliffs overlooking Fethiye.
Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles
Visit Tlos Ancient Ruins
Tlos, near Fethiye
Explore spectacular Lycian ruins overlooking picturesque valleys at Tlos.
Distance from Terminal: 21.3 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Traditional Turkish Bath Experience
Downtown Fethiye
Relax and refresh with a traditional hammam ritual - unique to Turkish culture.
Distance from Terminal: 0.8 miles
Blue Lagoon Swimming at Öludeniz
Blue Lagoon, Öludeniz
Swim in one of the world's most photographed beaches famed for its calm turquoise waters.
Distance from Terminal: 9.8 miles
Horseback Ride along Calis Beach
Calis Beach Area, Fethiye
Ride horseback at sunset along a tranquil strip of golden sand.
Distance from Terminal: 3.1 miles
Traditional Turkish Market Visit
Fethiye Tuesday Market, City Center
Immerse yourself in vibrant, local market life featuring spices, textiles, and produce.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Overnight Trips
Butterfly Valley Overnight Camping
Butterfly Valley, near Öludeniz
Camp in nature surrounded by incomparable scenery and endemic butterflies.
Distance from Terminal: 14.9 miles
A Little Extra
Sunset Dinner Cruise on Fethiye Bay
Fethiye Marina Waterfront, City Center
Enjoy a romantic dinner aboard a Turkish gulet sailing around Fethiye Bay.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Local Turkish Cooking Class
City Center, Fethiye
Learn authentic family recipes from local chefs using fresh regional ingredients.
Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles
Turkish Tea & Baklava at Local Cafe
Paspatur, Fethiye
Enjoy authentic Turkish tea paired with baklava sweets at this quaint cafe.
Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles
Seafood Dining by the Harbour
Fethiye Seafood Restaurants, Harbour Front
Savor fresh sea delicacies prepared in a traditional Mediterranean style.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Turkey Regional Tip
Indirect communication style, especially in negotiations or delicate matters. It is common to rely on implicit suggestions and subtle hints, rather than direct confrontations or explicit disagreements.