Plan a CruiseFethiye is a modern Turkish town situated on the Lycian coast, known for its sheltered natural harbor and lively atmosphere. Most cruise ships anchor in the Gulf of Fethiye, requiring passengers to take a ship's tender ashore. However, smaller vessels might be able to dock directly in the town center, right in front of the main area. Once ashore, you'll find a long seafront promenade and a bustling bazaar, remnants of a town rebuilt after significant earthquakes in 1856 and 1957. Fethiye serves as a popular holiday resort, offering a pleasant blend of history and modern amenities for independent explorers.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival, a walk along the marina promenade is a pleasant way to start, with various restaurants and shopping close by. The town center is easily accessible on foot from the tender drop-off point.
For exploring beyond the immediate vicinity, taxis are readily available and considered cheap, with regulated fares within town. However, for longer journeys, it's advisable to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, as they may charge more than the meter indicates.
An interesting local transport option is the "Dolmus." These are minibuses, jeeps, or vans that operate on specific routes, departing only when full (Dolmus literally means "to fill"). A convenient feature of the Dolmus is that they will drop you off anywhere along their route, making them flexible for reaching specific spots.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Fethiye, you have several options for exploration:
- Explore Fethiye Town: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the marina and the seafront promenade. Dive into the Old Town, known locally as Paspatur, where you'll find charming pedestrian-only streets. Visit the Fethiye Museum, which houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning ancient Lycian to more recent civilizations, offering insight into the region's diverse history.
- Visit KayaKoy (Ghost Town): A popular excursion is a taxi ride to KayaKoy, a deserted town nestled in the mountains. This unique "ghost town" consists of over 3,000 abandoned houses, once inhabited by Greeks before the mandated population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s. It offers a poignant and fascinating historical experience.
- Shopping in Old Town and Beyond: The pedestrian streets of Fethiye's Old Town (Paspatur) are excellent for shopping. For a wider selection, consider a short taxi or Dolmus ride to nearby Hisaronu or Oludeniz. Here you can find traditional Turkish products like jewelry, carpets, sunglasses, clothing, and Turkish Delight. Many shops offer high-quality, fashionable goods at prices often lower than those found back home.
Dining & Shopping
Fethiye offers a delightful culinary experience, with Turkish food often regarded among the best globally. You'll find a vast array of produce and dishes. Beyond the famous kebabs, be sure to try "meze," a selection of hundreds of small appetizers ranging from simple cheese and melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. These are served in all Turkish restaurants and are traditionally paired with Raki, a clear anise-flavored spirit considered Turkey's national alcoholic drink. Restaurants are plentiful along the marina and within the Old Town.
For shopping, the Old Town (Paspatur) is a must-visit, with its pedestrian streets lined with shops selling local souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, sunglasses, clothing, and Turkish Delight. You can also find good shopping opportunities in nearby Hisaronu and Oludeniz. In tourist and coastal areas like Fethiye, shop opening hours are very flexible during summer, with many establishments staying open late into the evening, seven days a week.
Safety
While Fethiye is generally safe for tourists, always be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded market areas. When using taxis for longer journeys, remember to negotiate the fare in advance to avoid potential disputes over the metered price.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Turkish Lira. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and you can easily withdraw local currency from ATMs, which are conveniently located in cities, towns, and resorts throughout Fethiye. Some hotels, restaurants, and cafes may offer free wireless internet connections. For emergencies, the ambulance number is 112, and the police number is 155, valid throughout Turkey.