Fethiye lies where the Western Taurus Mountains meet the sea, bringing together some of Turkey's most varied landscapes. High mountains, deep gorges, lagoons and long beaches are all close to one another.
The Ölüdeniz Lagoon
Ölüdeniz ("Dead Sea") is a calm, shallow lagoon separated from the open sea by a thin strip of sand. Sheltered from the wind, its water stays still even on stormy days, which is how it got its name. The lagoon and its surroundings are protected as a nature park.
Babadağ
Rising to about 1,969 metres right behind Ölüdeniz, Babadağ is one of the most impressive mountains to stand so close to the sea. From the summit you can see Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley and, on clear days, the sea towards Rhodes. Its slopes are covered with red pine and cedar forests.
Butterfly Valley
A narrow valley opening to the sea between towering cliffs. It takes its name from the Jersey tiger, a species seen here in the summer months. A small stream and a seasonal waterfall run through the valley. To protect its natural character, large-scale building is not allowed.
Saklıkent Gorge
East of Fethiye, Saklıkent is one of the longest and deepest gorges in Turkey, about 18 kilometres long. It was carved over thousands of years by snowmelt from the Akdağ mountains wearing away the limestone. The water on the floor of the gorge is ice-cold even in summer. Saklıkent is protected as a national park.
Patara and the Lycian Way
Southeast of Fethiye, Patara beach, with its kilometres of sand dunes, is one of the longest beaches in Turkey and an important nesting site for sea turtles. The Lycian Way, a long-distance trail that starts near Fethiye and runs towards Antalya, passes through much of this landscape.