Fethiye is a vibrant port city on the southwestern coast of Turkey which was once known as Telmessos; the name translates to ‘the land of lights’ and is taken from the name of the son of the god Apollo. The city is said to have been discovered around the fifth century BC, and is therefore home to several ancient ruins today. Popular among tourists and buzzing with activity, this historic hub is the ideal location for a family adventure.
Top Spots
Here are a selection family-friendly attractions around the city that I personally recommend. Whether you’re after a culture-filled trip or a relaxing beach holiday, there’s something for everyone in Fethiye.
Top Tip: Check out this post to find out what adventures await in Side – another popular family destination.
Visit the Old Town
This is a must if you’re keen to discover more about the city’s history. Paspatur is the most authentic district and is conveniently located near the centre of Fethiye, so it makes for a jam-packed day trip if you want to explore both. There are seven entrances in total, but two of these are on the main streets so are easy to access if you are travelling with young children. One you reach the Old Town, you will discover a vibrant array of cafes, restaurants and bars alongside older buildings such as the mosque. Take time to explore this unique area, and make sure you bring your camera with you!
Aqua Parks
One for the kids – water parks are always a fantastic way to keep little ones occupied, and there are several to choose from around Fethiye. Sultan’s Aqua City is a popular choice and features a café, bar and some small slides for young children. Oludeniz Waterworld is a much bigger park, so tends to be a little busier. However, with sun loungers for the adults, numerous pools and specialised children’s areas, it’s hard to turn down. There is also a large snack bar and some ice cream tents dotted around to keep you and the family refreshed throughout the day.
Oludeniz Blue Lagoon
This is one of Turkey’s most famous beaches, and it’s hardly surprising – the fantastic location provides shady and sheltered areas as well as sunbathing spots and clear, shallow waters just perfect for youngsters. During summer months, the water is beautifully warm and many tourists bring their children here to enjoy some paddling and sandcastle-building! Snacks and drinks are available around the beach as well, so you can easily spend a good few hours at this beach.
Boat Trips
Heading out to sea is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with youngsters. Here, boat tours are never in short supply, so you won’t have difficulty booking one. Usually you will be taken around various islands to explore hidden coves and beaches, then served lunch before being taken back to the city. If you’re keen to discover the surrounding area (and tend not to get seasick), a boat trip will be right up your street.
Where to Stay
Golden Moon Hotel – Located just a few yards from the beach, Golden Moon is a fantastic resort for the whole family. A large outdoor swimming pool neighbours a smaller children’s pool, and there is a snack hut nearby to keep yourselves (and the little ones) refreshed. The rooms are large and provide ample space for all the gear that will no doubt come with you if you’re travelling with children!
Sunset Beach Club Oyster Villa 07 – These mini apartments come equipped with a kitchen and a seating area as well as bedrooms and bathrooms. Guests can use the private pool at their leisure, but if you prefer to spend the day out, you will be just an eight-minute drive away from Fethiye.
Jiva Beach Resort – This resort is all inclusive, so you can truly sit back and relax. Enjoy delicious meals at one of the main restaurants and snacks at the 24-hour poolside bar. Facilities include a spa, several fitness rooms and five swimming pools featuring slides for the little ones. With Fethiye city centre nearby, you can head out for the day or enjoy the organised entertainment at the resort.
How to Get There
If you fancy booking a holiday to Fethiye, I would suggest flying into Dalaman Airport. From the UK, the journey lasts just under four hours, but luckily there are seven airlines that offer direct flights. Plus, there are usually over 30 flights to Dalaman scheduled every week, so it shouldn’t be a problem finding a time that suits you.
Once in Dalaman, you’ll need a transfer to Fethiye, which will take about 50 minutes. I would recommend pre-booking a shuttle service like Shuttle Direct; they always provide excellent service and make any transfer completely hassle free.
About Shuttle Direct
Our team at Shuttle Direct strive to make your airport transfers as simple as possible. Book with us and a friendly driver will have you starting your holiday in no time.
