Thinking of heading to Turkey? Mum of two Hannah Britt reveals why you should add fabulous Fethiye in south west Turkey to your bucket list
If you haven’t heard of Fethiye, why ever not? It’s time it was on your radar. A charming coastal town located on the Turkish Riviera, it’s known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historical sites such as the ancient Lycian tombs. I’m a mum of two and family travel expert, and on arriving in Fethiye it really was love at first foray. Here’s why…
Dinner in the sky
A ride 1700m up Babadag mountain on the cable car rewards travellers of all ages with a completely breathtaking view of Fethiye, Oludeniz, the Blue Lagoon and peninsular below. Paragliders aplenty take off from the top, and watching them is a great way to wile away an afternoon. When peckish, the 1700 Grill & Wine Bar at the summit is a must. Come for the panoramic views and Instagrammable sunset, and stay for the mezze platter and octopus.
Turkish delight at the market
Fethiye Market is right in the centre of town, open from 9am til sundown, and packed to the rafters full of clothes, food and little trinkets to take back home. The amount of fake designer goods on offer is staggering. But the buy of the day for me was an enormous box of Turkish delight. My four year old, Molly, had a great time choosing flavours, and was even allowed to try a couple.
Turtles in the harbour
One of the most incredible things to do in Fethiye is completely free – turtle spotting in the harbour. Find the local fishing boats and you may just find loggerhead turtles too, swimming right by the footpath to take advantage of the free fish bits thrown in the water. It was the first time my kids had ever seen a turtle, and it was the single most memorable moment for Molly. After some time spent with the loggerheads, regular boat trips leave from the harbour to Butterfly Valley, a gobsmackingly stunning beach amid two towering cliffs, best accessed from the water.
Dinner at the marina
Yengec seafood restaurant serves up deliciousness in spades. Fish is fresh fresh fresh, with so much to choose from, from seabass and salmon, to swordfish and shrimp. Outdoor seating on a jetty jutting out into the marina makes for a magical setting. The restaurant welcomes children wholeheartedly, and staff are incredibly friendly. As the sun goes down, lights in the water around the marina draw shoals of fish, which were mesmerising for the kids.
Bask at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a small expanse of azure seawater, almost-but-not-quite cut off from the ocean by a long finger of pristine white sand. Breathtakingly beautiful, the water is calm and warm, making it absolutely ideal for family swimming, paddling and playing.
Amyntas Rock Tombs
Dating back to the 4th century BC, the Amyntas Rock Tombs are Lycian monuments carved out of a mountainside in Fethiye. They’re visually stunning to look at. Perhaps unwisely, tourists are allowed to get up close and personal with them. However this made them all the more appealing for the kids.
Watch paragliders land at Oludeniz beach
Upmarket Oludeniz town is a must for many reasons. It’s gorgeous, of course. And full of boujee shops to browse. The beach is lined with eateries serving cool beverages and tasty treats galore, too. But perhaps the best bit? It’s the landing spot for paragliders descending from 1700m up Babadag mountain. Watching them gracefully float towards the ground is mesmerising, and kept Molly entertained for the time it took her parents to drink an iced coffee – a big win.
Visit the ‘Ghost Town’
The abandoned village of Kayakoy was probably our favourite of all the places we visited in Fethiye. It was fascinating! Empty since a mass exodus following the Greek-Turk wars of the 1920s, there are 500 houses and three churches on site. Many buildings are almost perfectly preserved, others have been taken over by trees and foliage. All are amazing to explore, and pretty easily accessible. After a long wander, the fresh juices at the cafe were a most welcome treat too.
Where to stay
You’ll want for nothing at the Liberty Fabay Fethiye. Resembling a cruise ship, the all-inclusive hotel is separated into sections each centered around a pool. This makes the enormous hotel feel much more manageable. There are adults only areas, but a kids pool and a water park too, along with a large sandy beach. Food options are excellent, varied and delicious. Staff are incredibly friendly, remembering kids names and drinks orders, endeavouring at every opportunity to make them feel special. Prices start from £192 for a standard room.
How to get there
Return flights with SunExpress from Manchester to various destinations in Türkiye start from £388
