Fethiye Guide

Rock tombs, turquoise coves and the start of the Lycian Way

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Fethiye Guide48 spotsMuğla, TR

Last updated: Sep 27, 2026

Curated by Shlau

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Fethiye is a resort town in Muğla, on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast. The cliffs above its harbor still carry ancient sarcophaguses and rock tombs cut straight into the stone. Somewhere in the hills behind town lies an abandoned village nobody ever resettled. Fethiye also makes an easy base for the beaches at Ölüdeniz and Kıdrak, both a short ride from the harbor.

Down in the center you'll find souvenir shops, cafés, bars and restaurants clustered around a small pond and a fountain. It's easy to lose an evening there without noticing. Pine-covered mountains rise behind the rooftops, and the town works as a gateway for the classic Blue Voyage. The harbor itself holds Ece Saray Marina&Resort, finished in 2003 with room for up to 460 boats as long as 60 m. Most big hotels, though, sit further out in Çalış.

Fethiye is also the gateway to Lycia, and Ölüdeniz is never far from the conversation. It's Turkey's most famous beach, and the lagoon stays calm enough for swimming and water sports. A turquoise curve of water sits ringed by a cliff so dramatic that people call it a must-see. You can reach it through Belceğiz, Hisarönü or Ovacık, each with its own accommodation and nightlife.

Closer to the center, Çalış Plajı runs for about 5 km along the northern edge of town. It's mostly shingle with a sandy strip, and waves can turn rough there by afternoon. Ölüdeniz itself lies some 14 km outside Fethiye. In truth, the town has no beach of its own beyond Çalış and the beach spit at Kayaköy, roughly 4 km to the southwest. Out in the bay, twelve islands are scattered across the Gulf of Fethiye, most reachable only by boat.

Those islands are why boat trips out of the marina are such a fixture here. The classic cruise loops all twelve in 8 hours, with lunch and swim stops included, priced at 800 TL for adults and 500 TL for children. Shorter versions run daily between May and October. Longer sailings go further: a four-day trip toward Olympos costs from €165 to €195, and a four-day loop through the same islands runs €250 to €275.

Walkers can skip the boat, since the Lycian Way starts in Fethiye, its first 9 km reaching Kayaköy and another 5 km beyond that to Ölüdeniz. The ghost village of Kaya Köyü is a short drive or a long walk from town, and it empties out fast once the day-trippers leave. Boat cruises also loop past Butterfly Valley, an isolated canyon of waterfalls and butterflies, and past a geological curiosity inland: two large chasms cut deep side by side. Paragliders launch from Babadağ above Ölüdeniz for a view of it all from the air.

That's the rhythm of Fethiye: a working harbor by day, a launchpad for coves, canyons and mountains once the sun drops behind the hills. Wherever you end up, the sea stays close by, and so does the next good story.

Fethiye's Rock Tombs, a Crusader Castle and Two Earthquakes

Fethiye sits directly on top of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos, and the cliffs above its marina still carry the rock tombs that prove it. The Hittites knew the settlement as Kuwalapašša around 1700 BC. It later grew into Telmessos, home to a school of diviners whose prophecies reportedly reached King Croesus and Alexander the Great. Alexander reportedly took the city by dressing an elite unit as slaves to slip inside the walls. Rome took over in the first century AD, and the town passed through the names Meğri and Makri before anyone called it Fethiye. Rock tombs cut into the cliff above today's marina date to the 6th century BC, the most famous belonging to Amyntas, son of Hermagios. Fethiye Castle came later, raised largely by the Knights of St John in the 15th century over some of those older tombs. A Roman theater from the 2nd century AD once seated around 6,000 people, before an earthquake destroyed it. Two earthquakes reshaped the town in the 20th century. The worst struck on 24 and 25 April 1957, measuring 7.1 and 7.3, and it killed 67 people. It damaged or destroyed roughly 90 percent of the 3,200 buildings standing at the time. A second quake followed on 14 January 1969, at magnitude 6.2, and much of that rubble still sits beneath today's quay. The town only took the name Fethiye in 1934, honoring Fethi Bey, a pilot killed in combat in 1914. You can still see plenty of that layered history up close. The Archaeological Museum, built in 1962, holds the Trilingue of Letoon, a stele carved in Lycian, Greek and Aramaic. The rock tombs are open from 08:30 to 17:00 for a modest admission. The fortress ruins and the Roman theater, though, are both free at any time. Climb up to the tombs late in the afternoon for the best light over the castle and the theater below.

Meze, Market Stalls and a Mountain Sorbet in Fethiye

Fethiye eats like a working harbor town, with market produce, seafood meze and one dessert you won't find far from here. Restaurants and cafés across town serve traditional dishes built around meze and whatever the boats brought in that morning. A table by the water is rarely a bad idea. Portions lean generous, and menus rarely change much from one season to the next, which is part of the charm once you find a place you like. For fresh produce, head to the central market, where local farmers sell fruit and vegetables straight off their trailers most mornings. It doubles as a good place to just wander, even if you're not buying anything. It tells you more about daily life here than any monument does, and the stallholders are used to browsers as much as buyers. If you only try one local specialty, make it Kar Şerbeti, a snow sorbet made from snow gathered in the Taurus Mountains and mixed with grape molasses. It's an odd combination on paper. In the heat of a summer afternoon, though, it's genuinely refreshing, and best eaten slowly rather than rushed between sights. The harbor itself is lined with cafés and ice-cream shops, and while the view is hard to beat, prices there tend to run high for what you get. Walk two or three streets back from the water instead. You'll usually pay less for the same coffee or the same scoop of ice cream, with a quieter table to enjoy it at.

Reaching Fethiye: Dalaman Airport, Buses and the Rhodes Ferry

Most visitors reach Fethiye through Dalaman Airport, though long-distance buses and a summer ferry to Rhodes also serve the town well. Dalaman sits about 50 km away, roughly one hour by road along the D400. From the airport, the D555 road connects directly onto that same route. The Havaş airport bus covers the same one-hour journey via Göcek for a fare of 80 TL. In practice, that Havaş bus runs 9 to 10 times a day, so you rarely wait long for one. The ride itself takes at least 45 minutes once you count the stop in Göcek. It's the easiest way in if you land at Dalaman without a rental car already booked. Long-distance buses are the other common route into town. From Istanbul the trip takes about 14 hours and costs around 800 TL, from Ankara it's roughly 9 hours, and from Izmir closer to 5. All of them arrive at the Fethiye Otogarı, the bus station just off İnönü Blv., which has ticket kiosks, snack bars and a supermarket right on site. Between April and October, a ferry also links Fethiye to Rhodes. It sails daily in about 1 hr 45 min, for a single adult fare of €40, departing at 08:30 and returning at 16:30. Book that Rhodes ferry a day or two ahead in high season, since it only runs once a day and seats fill fast in midsummer.

Dolmuş, Taxi or Boat: Getting Around Fethiye

Once you're in Fethiye, a dolmuş, a short taxi ride or a boat from the marina covers almost everywhere you'll want to go. Dolmuş minibuses run until about 23:00 on routes to Karagözler, Çalış and Ölüdeniz. Other lines reach Yaniklar, Kargı, Hisarönü, Ovacık, Seydikemer and Karaçulha, so a ride back into town is rarely a long wait. Walking suits the historic center and its markets just fine. Most of what you'll want to see sits within a few streets of the water. The marina works as the town's real transport hub, with routes to the beaches and the cliffs fanning out from that one spot. For anything further or faster, taxis start around 10-15 TL for a short trip. Marina Taksi Durağı, right in the center, is a handy stand if you'd rather flag one down than wait for a dolmuş. Boat taxis run from the harbor out to nearby coves whenever you want a swim spot to yourself. Daily ferries also connect the marina to Fethiye Island for a slower afternoon. Two numbers worth knowing: a local bus reaches Kabak in about 15 minutes, and the marina itself holds roughly 30 berths. It's worth reserving ahead if you're arriving by boat, since prices there stay reasonably low. If you take a boat taxi out to a cove, agree a return time with the boatman before you climb aboard.

Lira, Cards and Wifi in Fethiye

Fethiye runs on the Turkish lira, the everyday currency for buses, meals and market stalls alike. Cards, cash machines and free wifi are all easy to find once you're settled in. A short public-transport hop, like the 80 TL Havaş bus into town, already gives you a decent sense of everyday prices here. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and the larger shops. You don't need to carry much cash for those bigger bills. Smaller places, market stalls and dolmuş rides are still more of a cash habit. Keep some lira on you, ideally in smaller notes. ATMs are common across town, including near the bus station. Topping up your cash is easy right when you arrive, even late at night after a long bus ride. Most machines offer an English menu and take the usual international cards without much fuss, though a small withdrawal fee is normal. Free wifi is standard in hotels and cafés, and it shows up in some public areas too, so staying connected rarely takes any real effort. For a sense of local prices beyond transport, Mudwill Outfitters up in the hills sells handcrafted hammocks for 500 TL. They also do custom leather and rope crafting made to order. It's a good stop if you're after a souvenir that isn't a fridge magnet.

Good to Know Before You Go to Fethiye

Fethiye is generally a safe place to visit, and the only real advice worth repeating is the usual one. Take normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded spots like the market and the harbor front. Nothing here should worry you if you keep half an eye on your bags and your valuables out of sight. When is the best time to visit? April to October brings warm, swimmable weather, and spring properly returns in March, marking the start of the season. September and October are a sweet spot, since the air cools while the sea stays around a balmy 24°C. What should I pack? Bring sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb around the castle and the rock tombs. Layers help too, since evenings by the water cool off faster than the daytime heat suggests. What should I watch for on a boat trip? Complaints about hidden charges, blocked toilets and rude crew do come up on owner-operated boats. Check the vessel and read a few reviews before you hand over any money, since a little research saves a lot of disappointment on the day. Is Fethiye safe for a family trip? Yes, with the same common sense you'd use anywhere. Watch your bags in busy markets and around the harbor, and keep an eye on kids near the water and the boats. Do I need to speak Turkish to get by? Not really. Most people working in hotels, restaurants and shops manage some English, though a few words of Turkish always go down well with locals.

FAQ

1 / 10

What is covered in the Fethiye guide?

Fethiye mixes ancient rock tombs and a crusader castle with turquoise coves. Discover Ölüdeniz, island boat trips and the Lycian Way on Türkiye's coast. It includes 48 recommendations across 10 hotels, 5 cafes, 5 restaurants, 2 pharmacies, 4 beaches, 5 places, 5 taxis, 5 car rentals, 7 creator picks.

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How many places are in the Fethiye guide?

The Fethiye guide lists 48 places: 10 hotels, 5 cafes, 5 restaurants, 2 pharmacies, 4 beaches, 5 places, 5 taxis, 5 car rentals, 7 creator picks.

3 / 10

Where is Fethiye?

Fethiye is in Muğla, TR (36.6221, 29.1153).

4 / 10

How do you get to Fethiye?

5 / 10

What should you eat in Fethiye?

6 / 10

Are there beaches in Fethiye?

Yes — this guide lists 4 beach spots for Fethiye.

7 / 10

Is there camping in Fethiye?

No camping listings in this pack yet — we do not invent venues. Entries will appear once verified.

8 / 10

Can you rent a bike in Fethiye?

No bike rental listings in this pack yet. Verified shops will be added when available.

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Is Fethiye quieter than oludeniz?

Fethiye is often the quieter, smaller pick; oludeniz can feel bigger or more resort-oriented. Compare both Shlau guides.

10 / 10

What are recommended hotels in Fethiye?

Highlighted hotels in the Fethiye guide: Elze Hotel (4.8/5, 298 reviews); Jiva Beach Resort (4.7/5, 4884 reviews); Club & Hotel Letoonia (4.6/5, 4416 reviews).

Maris Roll Coffee & Dessert (5/5) — A favorite café for unique coffee and dessert combinations in a warm setting.
Wolli Coffee (5/5) — A central café known for carefully made coffee and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Motif Çay Molası (5/5) — A cozy café centered on its tea selection, good for slow, unhurried conversation.
AKA HOME (5/5) — A central stay just minutes from the fish market, the bazaar and the marina.
Zora 2 Boat Trips (5/5) — A crewed boat trip around Fethiye's bays, a good pick for watching the sunset.

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41 spots

Recommended places

Hotels

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Elze Hotel
4.8(298 reviews)
A quiet, comfortable base in Ölüdeniz for travelers who'd rather relax than chase nightlife.
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Jiva Beach Resort
4.7(4884 reviews)
A family-friendly resort with an aquapark for kids and restaurants covering local flavors.
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Club & Hotel Letoonia
4.6(4416 reviews)
An ultra-all-inclusive resort set among greenery, with plenty of activities to fill your days.
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Hillside Beach Club
4.6(2073 reviews)
A calmer beach resort in Fethiye built around water sports and wellness activities.
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Rebin Beach Hotel
4.5(582 reviews)
Modern, comfortable rooms with sea views, an easy walk from Çalış Beach.
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Ece Saray Marina&Resort
4.5(527 reviews)
A luxury stay on Fethiye's marina, with polished rooms and sweeping sea views.
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Yeniceri City Hotel
4.4(547 reviews)
A modern boutique hotel in central Fethiye, renovated in 2014 and close to the sights.
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Delta Hotel
4.3(591 reviews)
A stylish, modern hotel on Barış Manço Boulevard, right in the center of Fethiye.
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Ocean Blue High Class Hotel
4.2(835 reviews)
A lively hotel a short walk from Hisarönü's center and a few kilometers from Ölüdeniz beach.
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Lidya City Hotel
4.2(273 reviews)
A comfortable, modern hotel in the heart of Fethiye, warm and easy to reach everything from.
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Cafes

5 · 5 selected · View all Cafes

Maris Roll Coffee & Dessert
5.0(68 reviews)
A favorite café for unique coffee and dessert combinations in a warm setting.
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Wolli Coffee
5.0(68 reviews)
A central café known for carefully made coffee and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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Motif Çay Molası
5.0(3 reviews)
A cozy café centered on its tea selection, good for slow, unhurried conversation.
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Engelsiz Kafe
4.6(58 reviews)
A welcoming, cozy café in central Fethiye popular with locals and visitors alike.
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Goodeer Coffee Fethiye
4.6(19 reviews)
A relaxed central café offering coffee, tea and snacks in a cozy setting.
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Restaurants

5 · 5 selected · View all Restaurants

Lokanta Fethiye
4.8(2596 reviews)
A restaurant serving fresh, local dishes in central Fethiye, popular for family meals.
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il Giardino
4.7(720 reviews)
Traditional Italian recipes made with fresh ingredients and a modern twist.
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Portside Restaurant
4.6(159 reviews)
A restaurant covering breakfast through late-night cocktails, with sunset views over Fethiye.
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Aspava Villa
4.9(1168 reviews)
A warm, popular restaurant in central Fethiye mixing local and international dishes.
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Zoi Fish Restaurant
4.8(3007 reviews)
A highly rated fish restaurant with sea views, open year-round in central Fethiye.
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Pharmacies

2 · 2 selected · View all Pharmacies

Kestepli Eczanesi
4.9(12 reviews)
A central pharmacy with a wide range of medications and health products.
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HAYAT ECZANESİ
4.8(29 reviews)
A central pharmacy with knowledgeable staff and a wide range of health products.
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Beaches

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Serenity Beach
4.6(266 reviews)
A tranquil beach with soft sand, calm water and good sunset views.
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Ceviz Beach
4.4(144 reviews)
A quiet, natural beach with clear water, good for sunbathing and a simple swim.
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Camel Beach
4.3(563 reviews)
A scenic, calm beach with water-sports options, popular through peak season.
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Last Stop Beach
4.3(15 reviews)
A hidden, quieter beach with clean water and nearby cafés for a light snack.
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Places

5 · 5 selected · View all Places

AKA HOME
5.0(8 reviews)
A central stay just minutes from the fish market, the bazaar and the marina.
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Zora 2 Boat Trips
5.0(5 reviews)
A crewed boat trip around Fethiye's bays, a good pick for watching the sunset.
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Fethiye Fotoğraf Noktası
5.0(1 reviews)
A popular photography spot showing off the natural beauty of the area.
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Theater & Port city view point
4.8(38 reviews)
A viewpoint over Fethiye's theater and port, best enjoyed around sunset.
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Oludeniz Ilhan Homes LTD.STI
4.8(4 reviews)
A peaceful, nature-surrounded accommodation option in Ölüdeniz for a quieter getaway.
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Taxis

5 · 5 selected · View all Taxis

Marina Taksi Durağı
5.0(12 reviews)
A central taxi stand offering quick, reliable transportation around town.
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Çiftlik-Kargı Taksi kooperatifi şubesi 2
5.0(4 reviews)
A taxi cooperative in the Çiftlik area, well suited to airport transfers and local rides.
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S.S. Çiftlik-Kargı Taksi Koop.
5.0(3 reviews)
A reliable taxi cooperative offering quick, comfortable rides around the area.
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Çiftlik Taksi Duraği
5.0(1 reviews)
A newer taxi stand in the Tuzla area focused on safe, swift transport.
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KAYAKÖY-KEÇİLER TAKSİ DURAĞI
4.6(24 reviews)
A well-regarded taxi stand in Kayaköy, practical for reaching nearby villages.
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Car Rentals

5 · 5 selected · View all Car Rentals

Real Rent a Car
5.0(164 reviews)
A car-rental desk in Fethiye; confirm terms directly before booking.
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Fethiye Rent a Car
5.0(100 reviews)
A car-rental desk in Fethiye; confirm terms directly before booking.
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Fethiye Rent a Car
5.0(92 reviews)
A car-rental desk in Fethiye; confirm terms directly before booking.
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Fethi̇ye Torqex Rental
5.0(81 reviews)
A city-center car-rental office offering a range of vehicles for exploring Fethiye.
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ŞAMİL Rent a Car
5.0(46 reviews)
A car-rental office in the Karaçulha area with a wide range of vehicles.
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Creator picks

7 · 7 selected

Instagram
Rescue Operation in Fethiye: Boat Crisis in Ölüdeniz
This incident emphasizes the importance of safety measures in the region.
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Instagram
Discovering Fethiye's Hidden Gems
Fethiye is filled with hidden natural treasures waiting to be discovered.
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Instagram
Discover the Stunning Beauty of Fethiye
Fethiye is rich in beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.
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Instagram
Yacht Life in Fethiye: A Paradise Getaway
Fethiye is a destination for yacht enthusiasts and sea lovers.
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Instagram
Ölüdeniz: A Paradise in Turkey
Ölüdeniz is a destination for those seeking adventure and water sports.
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Instagram
Discover the Enchanting Summer Vibes of Fethiye
Fethiye boasts natural beauty that attracts visitors during the summer.
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Instagram
Discover Paradise: Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is a place waiting to be discovered by nature enthusiasts.
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Fethiye Guide

Explore by category

Overview48 spots · guide notesOpen overview

Explore on the map

Recommended places

Hotels

Elze Hotel

Elze Hotel

Jiva Beach Resort

Jiva Beach Resort

Club & Hotel Letoonia

Club & Hotel Letoonia

Hillside Beach Club

Hillside Beach Club

Rebin Beach Hotel

Rebin Beach Hotel

Ece Saray Marina&Resort

Ece Saray Marina&Resort

Yeniceri City Hotel

Yeniceri City Hotel

Delta Hotel

Delta Hotel

Ocean Blue High Class Hotel

Ocean Blue High Class Hotel

Lidya City Hotel

Lidya City Hotel

Cafes

Maris Roll Coffee & Dessert

Maris Roll Coffee & Dessert

Wolli Coffee

Wolli Coffee

Motif Çay Molası

Motif Çay Molası

Engelsiz Kafe

Engelsiz Kafe

Goodeer Coffee Fethiye

Goodeer Coffee Fethiye

Restaurants

Lokanta Fethiye

Lokanta Fethiye

il Giardino

il Giardino

Portside Restaurant

Portside Restaurant

Aspava Villa

Aspava Villa

Zoi Fish Restaurant

Zoi Fish Restaurant

Pharmacies

Kestepli Eczanesi

Kestepli Eczanesi

HAYAT ECZANESİ

HAYAT ECZANESİ

Beaches

Serenity Beach

Serenity Beach

Ceviz Beach

Ceviz Beach

Camel Beach

Camel Beach

Last Stop Beach

Last Stop Beach

Places

AKA HOME

AKA HOME

Zora 2 Boat Trips

Zora 2 Boat Trips

Fethiye Fotoğraf Noktası

Fethiye Fotoğraf Noktası

Theater & Port city view point

Theater & Port city view point

Oludeniz Ilhan Homes LTD.STI

Oludeniz Ilhan Homes LTD.STI

Taxis

Marina Taksi Durağı

Marina Taksi Durağı

Çiftlik-Kargı Taksi kooperatifi şubesi 2

Çiftlik-Kargı Taksi kooperatifi şubesi 2

S.S. Çiftlik-Kargı Taksi Koop.

S.S. Çiftlik-Kargı Taksi Koop.