Fethiye Region:
where to stay and where to eat
where to stay and where to eat
For years, my paid travel guide included recommendations for hotels and restaurants. But this season, I’ve decided to make that section FREE.
Why is the hotel and restaurant section free?
Because life led us to the mountains. Where me and my family moved last year to build an off-grid life!
As a captain’s family, we spend our days between the open water and our quiet mountain home, living simply. Trips through the dusty bumpy roads to the town just to check out a new cafe are not possible for us anymore. Places open and close, owners change, and I no longer feel right recommending what I can’t experienced myself like I used to. It’s necessary to visit these regularly to be sure about the quality of food and service.
But what I do know intimately are the things that stay in my life no matter what: hidden coves, peaceful trails, morning swims, rich farmers markets. That’s the soul of my New 2025 Guide Fethiye by the Captain’s Wife, available for purchase.
As for hotels and restaurants — that part is now yours in a format of a Customised Google Map, shared freely with love and care.
Because life led us to the mountains. Where me and my family moved last year to build an off-grid life!
As a captain’s family, we spend our days between the open water and our quiet mountain home, living simply. Trips through the dusty bumpy roads to the town just to check out a new cafe are not possible for us anymore. Places open and close, owners change, and I no longer feel right recommending what I can’t experienced myself like I used to. It’s necessary to visit these regularly to be sure about the quality of food and service.
But what I do know intimately are the things that stay in my life no matter what: hidden coves, peaceful trails, morning swims, rich farmers markets. That’s the soul of my New 2025 Guide Fethiye by the Captain’s Wife, available for purchase.
As for hotels and restaurants — that part is now yours in a format of a Customised Google Map, shared freely with love and care.
Below, you’ll find a free list of recommended hotels and restaurants, along with some essential information to help you start planning your trip.
To dive deeper into the region — discovering its most precious bays, local markets, and hidden gems — you can purchase my full 2025 guide right here:
To dive deeper into the region — discovering its most precious bays, local markets, and hidden gems — you can purchase my full 2025 guide right here:
A Quick Overview
of the Region
of the Region
What Can You Expect?
Fethiye Town
Fethiye is where everything happens. It’s a lively mix of local life and travelers passing through, with buzzing cafés, farmers’ markets, and little streets lined with shops. You won’t find sandy beaches right in town — it’s a working harbour — but the seaside promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll, and you’re just a short drive from some of the region’s best swimming spots.
Oludeniz resort
Ölüdeniz is famous for its shades of blue, with beautiful beaches. It’s the picture-perfect postcard spot — but you won’t be the only one here. The main street is packed with bars, souvenir shops, and tour companies, and while you’ll find plenty of restaurants, they cater more to tourists than to food lovers. If you don’t mind the crowds, it’s an easygoing beach destination with all the comforts. Just avoid peak hours on the road from Fethiye — summer traffic can turn a 20-minute drive into a test of patience.
Kayakoy village
Kayaköy feels like a step back in time. This peaceful valley is dotted with old stone houses from an abandoned Greek village. It’s quiet, with just a handful of small restaurants and no big hotels or touristy shops. If you love history, slow mornings, and the idea of staying in a charming countryside villa, this is your place. No beaches within walking distance, but Ölüdeniz and Fethiye are close enough for day trips.
Faralya village
Faralya is where you go to disconnect from the world. This village is a mix of boutique hotels with stunning views and simple bungalows tucked into nature. Life here moves slowly — there are only a handful of small, family-run restaurants, and the local shops are tiny, carrying just the basics. The road to get here is mountainous, but the views along the way make it worth the trip.
all the basics, explained
What You Also Need to Know
From November to April, Turkey’s Mediterranean coast offers a unique blend of mild and dynamic weather — like an extended spring with some surprises. Sunny skies alternate with overcast days, and how much of each you experience depends on your luck!
Daytime temperatures average a comfortable 15°C (59°F), but nights can drop to around 5°C (41°F), so packing warm pajamas is a smart move. Winter here is a season of life: wild daffodils and irises bloom in the forests by January, and gardens come alive with the blossoms of lemon and orange trees. If you're brave enough, you might join the expats who swim year-round, though the sea cools to about 18°C (64°F) by late November.
Sunny breaks can feel surprisingly warm, and on those days, a light T-shirt may be all you need. While heavy coats are rarely necessary, it’s wise to be prepared for colder spells. Some winters demand cozy socks, hats, and insulated layers — particularly if you're planning outdoor adventures.
After the New Year, you might encounter dramatic weather: powerful winds, bursts of hail, and the occasional storm rolling in from the sea. March, in particular, has a reputation for being a bit unpredictable, with wild winds and sudden storms marking nature's transition from winter to summer.
The nearest airport to Fethiye is Dalaman Airport, located 45 km (28 miles) away. During the off-season, flights directly to Dalaman can be limited and may be expensive, so it’s worth considering flying into Antalya instead. From there, you can rent a car for the 2.5-hour drive to Fethiye (206 km / 128 miles). Alternatively, buses run regularly between Antalya and Fethiye, and you can take a taxi to the bus station. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Obilet, which accepts international credit cards.
A quick note: on the route from Antalya to Fethiye, you may encounter heavy rain or even snow in the mountains during winter months. If the weather is severe, it’s best to wait it out. Antalya offers some charming places to stay, like the boutique hotel Casa Sur or the more budget-friendly Audo, while you wait for clear skies.
One of the local companies that I highly recommend is Oscar Rent a Car. However you can also use Booking.com or other popular resources.
If you’re flying into Dalaman, you can reach Fethiye by taxi or bus.
Taxis in Turkey can be pricey; a one-hour ride to Fethiye costs around 2000 ₺ (approximately 65 euros). A more budget-friendly option is to take the bus for 200 ₺ (about 5 euros). You can pay with Turkish lira (exchange some at the airport) or with an international card. The bus stop is to the left of the café located just below the main airport exit, right after the stairs.
One downside to these buses is the lack of a fixed schedule, as departures are coordinated with regular arrivals from Istanbul. The bus will take you to Fethiye’s bus station, where you can catch a taxi to your hotel. From this station, you can also find affordable buses to nearby destinations like Kaş, Patara, Antalya, and other towns in neighboring provinces. Check the bus schedule on Obilet website, tickets can be bought online or at the station.
For buses heading back to Dalaman Airport from Fethiye, there is a set schedule, which you can find here.
In Fethiye, taxi apps aren’t widely used yet. Locals typically call taxis by pressing buttons located on street posts or by going directly to taxi stands. Your hotel can also arrange a taxi for you. After the ride, many drivers will give you their business card so you can contact them directly for future trips.
If you’d still prefer to try a taxi app, download BiTaksi. Though it previously didn’t operate here, more visitors are now reporting positive experiences with it.
As a reminder, taxi rates are high in this area. The minimum fare for starting a ride is 150 ₺ (about 5 euros).
Bus stops are marked with a D sign. Buses are flagged down by raising your hand (yes, very old fashioned and quite nostalgic). You can also ask the driver to stop anywhere along the route to get off. Payment options include cash, a travel card, or an international chip-enabled bank card. Cash fares are slightly higher than other methods.
For bus routes, stops, ticket purchase points, and top-up stations — or to reload your travel card online — use the Muğla Kart App. However the schedule is more accurate here on this website.
For routes between Fethiye and Oludeniz, you don’t need to check the schedule — buses run every 5-15 minutes.
SIM cards for tourists in Turkey can be quite expensive, so it's a good idea to opt for an eSIM instead. Airalo offers affordable eSIM plans, allowing you to stay connected without the high costs of traditional SIM cards. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly solution for travelers.
