Fethiye is an excellent starting point for exploring Turkey's Turquoise Coast's various tourist sites and activities. This port town is ideal for visiting the nearby beaches or risking the interior to see the crumbling ruins of the region's old Lycian civilisation.

Fethiye has everything when it comes to location. After a day of hectic sightseeing of mighty rock-cut tombs and mountain-top, UNESCO-protected ruins or sunbathing enjoyment, boating, and paragliding action, the town itself is a wealthy but laid-back kind of place. We compiled a list of top things to do in Fethiye that will help you plan your vacation but first, apply for a turkey visa online.

1. Roman Theater

The Romans gave the independent-minded Lycians self-rule when they conquered Turkey, but that didn't stop them from leaving their mark on the Lycian towns. When Telmessos became part of Rome's Asia Minor empire in the 2nd century BC, Fethiye's small and only partially excavated theatre was built. It was designed to accommodate 6,000 people.

Climb to the highest level of seats for incredible views of the city and the sea beyond. The Park across from the theatre is a great spot to rest and seek colour on a hot summer day.

2. Lycian Sites

From 200 BC, the Lycians operated over this area of Turkey's coast, and Fethiye rests on Telmessos, an important Lycian city. Several memorials around the city, but the rock-cut Tomb of Amyntas in Fethiye's south is the most notable. On Kaya Caddesi, you may view Lycian sarcophagi as you climb up the hill towards the tomb. There are also other Lycian sarcophagi near the town hall in the city centre.

3. Kayaköy

Kayaköy (ancient Karmylassos), 8 kilometres from Fethiye, had a colourful mixed community of Greeks and Turks living together for centuries until the 1920s. The 1923 Population Exchange transformed everything, removing ethnic Greeks from Turkey and transferring them to Greece, while ethnic Turks living in Greece were forced to leave. The exchange caused grief and sorrow among those forced to flee, and the gloomy consequences can be observed nowhere more than at Kayaköy.

Since its Greek owners fled, the crumbling, spooky stone town that snakes across the mountainside here have been left to fade slowly. The Katapongagia Church and the Taxiarchis Church are among the ruins, and both have beautiful interior decorations.

4. Fethiye Museum

Fethiye Museum may be quiet, but it's a beautiful site to learn about Lycian history, especially if you intend to visit Tlos and Letoön. The pottery, jewellery, and stele displays are attractively placed, and the information boards effectively describe Lycian society.

The Trilingual Stele (inscribed in Lycian, ancient Greek, and Aramaic) discovered while excavating Letoön is the museum's pride and pleasure. This stone aided researchers in reading the Lycian language for the first time.

5. Xanthos

Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia, nicknamed "the world's oldest republic." A popular assembly and a president who reigned from Xanthos oversaw this league of 20 cities. UNESCO has recently defined the property as a World Heritage Site. Although many of Xanthos' most beautiful tombstones were transported to England in the 19th century, several excellent varieties remain in place, as well as the theatre, agora, and acropolis.

The Hellenistic city gate is located on the right side of the route. Some of the city walls are still visible and are thought to date from the 3rd century BC. The plinth that formerly supported the Nereid Monument, an ionic temple with exquisite sculptural ornamentation, may be found beyond the Roman theatre, to the left of the road (now displayed in the British Museum).

6. Butterfly Valley

The Jersey Tiger Butterfly may be seen on this charming beach snuggled between two vertical cliffs. One of the attractions of Butterfly Valley is that it is off the beaten path. You may either walk here from Faralya village, which is perched high on the cliff, or take a boat from Lüdeniz (which departs many times daily throughout the summer). The lush, wooded valley behind the beach offers excellent trekking options. However, most visitors are content to stretch out on the sand.

The Butterfly Valley boat trip departs from Lüdeniz and includes a visit to Butterfly Valley for relaxation or hiking and stops at nearby coves for swimming. This is a fantastic opportunity to take in the area's seaside landscapes. Lunch is included in the price.

7. Patara

Patara is Turkey's longest beach, making it ideal for a sun and sand vacation. When you've gotten your fill of the water, head to the remains immediately off the beach area, which were once an important city in the Lycian League.

A triple-arched gate approaches ancient Patara's remains from the Roman era, which leads to a well-preserved theatre, colonnaded street, a bath complex, and several tombs. The city was utilised until the Byzantine period, and there is also a basilica.

Patara is also known for being St. Nicholas of Myra (modern Demre, near Kas), a 4th-century bishop who became known as "Santa Claus."

Fethiye is a small tourist town in Turkey's south. It's known for its stunning harbour, stunning beaches, and rich history. If you're on a Turkish holiday with a tourist turkey e visa, a few days or hours here will be well worth it.