Looking to explore beyond Fethiye during your 2025 trip? There’s plenty to discover nearby — from serene islands and charming villages to breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you want to relax on a hidden beach, wander through historic towns, or hike scenic trails, these day trips offer perfect escapes from the city. This guide highlights the best excursions from Fethiye to help you make the most of your visit.
In this 2025 guide, discover the top 10 day trips from Fethiye, how to reach them, what to do, and why each is worth your time.
🛶 1. 12 Islands Boat Tour
This is the most popular day trip in Fethiye, and for good reason — you’ll visit untouched islands, swim in turquoise coves, and relax on deck all day.
- 📍 Departs from: Fethiye Marina (9:30–10:00 AM)
- 💰 Cost: ~1000 TL (includes lunch)
- 🕒 Duration: 7–8 hours
- ☑️ Highlights: Cleopatra’s Bath, Aquarium Bay, Flat Island
Perfect for: couples, families, solo travelers
Book on-site or via local tour companies in Fethiye.
Related: 12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye
🏚️ 2. Kayaköy Ghost Village + Gemiler Bay
Just 8 km away, Kayaköy is a hauntingly beautiful abandoned village filled with stone ruins and two old Greek churches. From there, you can hike or drive to Gemiler Beach — quiet, scenic, and great for a swim.
- 🕒 Half-day trip (or full day with beach time)
- 💰 Entry: ~50 TL
- 🚶 Hike to Gemiler Bay: ~1.5–2 hours
- Bonus: boat to St. Nicholas Island from Gemiler Beach
More: Kayaköy Ghost Village Guide
🏞️ 3. Saklıkent Gorge + Tlos Ancient City
Combine adrenaline and history in one epic day.
- 🧊 Saklıkent Gorge: hike through icy water in a 300-meter-deep canyon
- 🏛️ Tlos Ruins: Lycian city with amphitheater, rock tombs, and panoramic views
- 🚐 Often visited together via Jeep Safari tours
- 💰 Entry: ~70 TL (Saklıkent), ~50 TL (Tlos)
📌 Ideal for: adventure lovers + history buffs
[See: Saklikent Gorge Travel Guide]
⛰️ 4. Babadağ Mountain Cable Car
Take a cable car ride to the 1700m or 1960m summit of Babadağ, where paragliders launch and sunsets are breathtaking.
- 📍 Location: near Ölüdeniz
- 💰 Round-trip ticket: ~300 TL
- ☕ Restaurants and view decks at top
- 🕒 Best time: sunset hours
Great for: photographers, couples, families
More: Paragliding in Fethiye Guide
🦋 5. Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)
A hidden beach and canyon accessible only by boat or a steep hike from Faralya.
- 🛥️ Daily boat trips from Ölüdeniz (~100 TL)
- 🏕️ Optional: stay overnight in bungalows or tents
- 🦋 Peak butterfly season: May–June
- 🌿 Nature, waterfalls, epic cliff views
📌 Tip: Arrive early — day-trippers flood in after 11:00 AM
Related: Best Beaches in Fethiye
🌿 6. Faralya & Kabak Bay
Head deeper past Butterfly Valley to Kabak, an untouched bay surrounded by mountains and forests.
- 🚗 40–50 min drive from Ölüdeniz (4×4 or shuttle jeep)
- 🧘 Known for: yoga retreats, rustic bungalows, digital detox
- 🏖️ Swim, hike, chill under the stars
Perfect day trip for: peace seekers, nature lovers, photographers
Also see: Fethiye on a Budget – cheap stay options in Kabak
🏛️ 7. Xanthos, Letoon & Patara
This historical trio takes you deep into Lycian culture and back thousands of years.
- 🏛️ Xanthos: UNESCO site with tombs & mosaics
- 🏛️ Letoon: ancient temple ruins
- 🏖️ Patara Beach: 18 km of golden sand + turtle nesting site
🕒 Full-day itinerary (~1.5 hrs drive one-way)
💰 Entry (combined): ~200 TL
📸 Bonus: climb the Patara lighthouse at sunset
Ideal for: ancient history lovers + beachgoers
🌅 8. Sunset at Çalış Beach + River Taxi
Want something simple? Enjoy a relaxing evening at Çalış Beach.
- Take the river taxi from Fethiye marina (~30 TL)
- Have dinner at a beachfront café
- Watch the sun sink into the sea — one of Türkiye’s best sunset spots
Quick, cheap, and romantic.
Explore: Çalış Beach Area Guide
⛪ 9. Af Kule Monastery Hike
A hidden gem that very few tourists know about — Af Kule is a clifftop monastery ruin with panoramic views of the sea.
- 📍 Near Kayaköy
- 🚶 Hike: ~45 mins from trailhead
- 🧭 No entrance fee, peaceful and remote
- 🏔️ Great for sunrise/sunset shots
Bring water and sturdy shoes — trail can be rocky.
🛶 10. Dalyan & Iztuzu Beach
A longer trip (best by organized tour), but totally worth it.
- 🚤 Take a boat along the Dalyan River
- 🏛️ See Lycian rock tombs
- 🐢 Visit the Turtle Hospital at Iztuzu Beach
- 🧼 Take a mud bath!
🕒 8:00 AM – 18:00 day tours available from Fethiye
💰 Price: ~1500 TL including transport, guide, lunch
🧠 Tips for Planning Day Trips from Fethiye
- Book tours via local agencies — they’re cheaper than online platforms
- Rent a car for 1–2 days to explore remote areas
- Start early — many beaches and ruins get crowded by 11:00
- Always carry: cash, sunscreen, offline maps, and water
🧳 What to Bring for Day Trips
- Daypack
- Water bottle
- Swimwear & towel
- Sunglasses & hat
- Phone charger / power bank
- Waterproof case (especially for boat trips)
