Fethiye Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Adventures

Fethiye, with its turquoise coast and those pine-clad mountains, almost begs to be explored at your own speed. A car tour, actually, gives you just that freedom to stop at every beautiful spot, so you can soak it all in. It also allows you the chance to discover those out-of-the-way spots that most tourists, in a way, never see. Now, I’m going to share with you the top 5 Fethiye car tours. Each one is slightly special in its own right, and promises to show you a different side of this Turkish treasure.

1. The Ölüdeniz Loop: Blue Lagoon and Beyond

You could say the Ölüdeniz Loop is a classic for pretty obvious reasons! This tour actually centers around the famous Blue Lagoon. Just think soft sands, and water so turquoise, that, basically, it almost doesn’t seem real. Rather than just staying at the beach, so you can get in your car, though, and explore the surrounding areas.

Consider a stop at the ghost village of Kayaköy. Imagine old stone houses that still stand deserted since the population exchange in the 1920s. It offers kind of a spooky, yet incredibly moving glimpse into the past. Then, if you’re still looking to have a better view, then head up to Baba Dağ (Father Mountain) and maybe watch those paragliders as they actually leap off the cliffs, it will make your heart race as they take in the insane views! The coastal drive alone is absolutely fantastic, winding along the cliffs with views of the seemingly endless blue. Keep in mind this loop is suitable for most drivers, actually.

2. The Lycian Way Coastal Drive: Ancient Paths and Stunning Views

Okay, so, this option actually takes you along a portion of the ancient Lycian Way. Now, this long-distance trail, that, in some respects, it’s famous for its incredible views. The coastal drive from Fethiye toward Kaş offers views that will actually steal your breath. Think dramatic cliffs, plus small coves, and water, and pretty, hidden beaches that, often, you can only get to by boat, actually!

You’ll almost see remnants of Lycian civilization, too it’s almost like ancient tombs carved into the cliffs, and you can stop off at places like Kalkan, a charming town that spills down to the sea, its little shops filled with local crafts, actually! Just be advised, now, the road can be winding in certain spots, and maybe require a confident driver, arguably. And if you’re doing this route in the heat of the summer months, well, actually start early.

3. Saklıkent Gorge and Tlos: A Step Back in Time

If you want something, too, it’s almost completely different from the coastal routes. This tour heads inland towards Saklıkent Gorge. Which, frankly, it’s a massive canyon carved by rushing waters over literally thousands of years. You can actually wade through the ice-cold river (the water really does get cold) and admire the sheer walls of the gorge reaching to the sky! It is advised to pack suitable footwear, so, you’re prepared, that is for sure!

Very near Saklıkent are, too, it’s almost the ruins of Tlos. That is said to be one of the oldest Lycian cities. Just walk amongst the ancient stadium, so you can peek at those rock tombs, and also the castle, for some really beautiful, almost panoramic views over the valley. This option, actually it gives you a super combination of outdoor adventure and just a step back into that ancient history, which makes this place what it is now! You may want to note that the road is perfectly fine, which makes this option very accessible for most car types. Also, maybe take water shoes for walking through the gorge; the rocks may be slippery!

4. Fethiye to Dalyan: Mud Baths and Turtle Beaches

Want to actually explore something a bit further afield? Why not then consider a drive to Dalyan? That actually would be around a 2-hour drive from Fethiye. The region is known for its mud baths and the actually beautiful Iztuzu Beach! Iztuzu Beach is famous as one of the main nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtles, also known as Caretta caretta turtles. That’s right, so it actually may be the thing of your dreams if you’ve always wanted to see turtles!

But before you reach the beach, treat yourself to a dip in those famed Dalyan mud baths. Apparently people believe it will make you look 10 years younger! After that mud bath you could enjoy a tranquil boat trip on the Dalyan River. Almost so you can spot those ancient Lycian rock tombs from the water. So that you know this tour really will give you the combination of relaxation, just a bit of history, plus the potential of wildlife sightings. Actually this route is a longer trip, so consider dedicating an entire day to seeing all of it, if possible. As well as that, so you can see, too, it’s almost Iztuzu Beach, it has actually restricted access at certain times, during nesting season, so make sure you’re checking opening times!

5. The Faralya (Butterfly Valley) Escape: Nature and Serenity

Then again, Faralya, with those amazing views overlooking Butterfly Valley, actually is another very good driving choice. Drive toward Faralya; pretty soon you’ll almost reach a very pretty serene place perched high on the cliffs above the sea! The view by itself actually is totally worth the trip! Butterfly Valley kind of sits below; it’s also accessible by boat from Ölüdeniz, still, that viewpoint from Faralya offers one of those unforgettable photo opportunities! It makes your Instagram feed really stand out as something quite memorable.

There’s also a variety of lovely little boutique hotels and also cafes dotted around Faralya. A bit of a quiet lunch here, so, taking in the scenery, just could be one of the better things to do for sure! For those actually seeking a calmer, little less hectic destination, compared with those other busy areas of Fethiye, so this little tour provides a welcome escape. Something to note; actually the road to Faralya has improved, yet still requires a little cautious driving, too. Almost, too it’s worth checking conditions before you go!

• Ölüdeniz Loop: Fantastic for beach lovers and history buffs.
• Lycian Way Coastal Drive: Amazing scenery with very historic tombs along the route.
• Saklıkent Gorge and Tlos: Outdoor adventures as well as ancient ruins; bring shoes.
• Fethiye to Dalyan: Relaxation, plus turtle sightings if you’re lucky.
• Faralya: Perfect views, also more tranquility for calm moments.