Best Day Trips from Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Fethiye makes a great base for exploring. Within a short drive or boat ride you can swim in hidden bays, walk through a canyon and wander an abandoned stone village. Here are five day trips our guests love.
1. The 12 Islands boat trip
Boats leave Fethiye harbour every morning in the season for a full day around the islands and bays of the Gulf of Fethiye. Most trips make around five swimming stops and include lunch on board, while drinks are usually extra. Choose a quieter boat if you prefer to relax rather than party.
2. Ölüdeniz boat trip to Butterfly Valley
From Belcekız beach in Ölüdeniz, boats head along the coast to Butterfly Valley, a steep-sided bay that is easiest to reach by sea. Trips usually also stop at Cold Water Bay, Camel Beach and St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island), where there are Byzantine-era ruins to explore for a small entrance fee.
3. Saklıkent Gorge
About 50 km from Fethiye, Saklıkent is one of the deepest canyons in Türkiye: around 18 km long and up to 300 metres deep. From spring, once the snowmelt has passed, you can wade and walk roughly the first 4 km through the gorge. The water is icy cold even in August, so wear shoes you do not mind getting wet. Many tours combine Saklıkent with the ancient city of Tlos.
4. Kayaköy, the abandoned village
Kayaköy, once the Greek village of Levissi, was left empty after the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye in 1923. Today hundreds of roofless stone houses and two churches cover the hillside. It is now an open-air museum with a small entrance fee, a short drive from Fethiye and Hisarönü. Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
5. Paragliding over Ölüdeniz
Tandem paragliding flights take off from Babadağ mountain and land on the beach at Ölüdeniz, with views over the lagoon on the way down. You fly with a qualified pilot, so no experience is needed. Flights depend on the weather, so keep a day free in case yours is moved.
Planning your trips
- Book boat trips a day or two ahead in July and August.
- Bring sun cream, a hat and plenty of water, especially for Saklıkent and Kayaköy.
- Our team at World Arges Travel also organises day tours in the region. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will help you plan.
