A traditional gület sailing boat in a turquoise cove with pine-covered cliffs near Fethiye

Fethiye & the Turquoise Coast: Beaches, Boats & Blue Lagoon

Destinations July 22, 2026 7 min read

The Blue Lagoon, gulet cruises through hidden coves and paragliding over turquoise water — Fethiye is the jewel of Türkiye’s Turquoise Coast. Here is your guide.

Fethiye and its surrounding coastline — the fabled Turquoise Coast — offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the Mediterranean: pine-clad mountains plunging into impossibly blue water, dotted with coves, ancient ruins and beach towns. It is a paradise for sailors, swimmers and adventurers.

Ölüdeniz & the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz is one of the world’s most photographed beaches — a sheltered turquoise inlet backed by forested peaks. It is also Türkiye’s premier paragliding spot, with tandem flights launching off Babadağ mountain for jaw-dropping views.

The famous turquoise Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz near Fethiye

Gulet Boat Trips

A Blue Cruise on a traditional wooden gület is the classic way to explore — sailing between islands and coves, swimming in clear water and anchoring in quiet bays. Day trips visit the Twelve Islands; multi-day cruises reach Butterfly Valley and beyond. See our cruise programmes.

History & Nature

Explore the ghost village of Kayaköy, the Lycian rock tombs above Fethiye, and the ruins of Tlos and Xanthos. Nearby Saklıkent Gorge and the turtle beach of Patara add adventure and wildlife.

Plan Your Visit

Fly into Dalaman Airport (see our Dalaman guide). Late spring to early autumn is ideal for swimming and sailing. Combine Fethiye with a coastal cruise or a wider tour — build your own tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Turquoise Coast in Türkiye?

The Turquoise Coast is the stretch of southwestern Mediterranean coastline around Fethiye, famous for its brilliant blue water, pine-covered cliffs, coves, gulet cruises and ancient Lycian ruins.

Is Ölüdeniz worth visiting?

Yes — the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a top paragliding destination, with tandem flights off Babadağ mountain.

What is a Blue Cruise?

A Blue Cruise is a boat trip on a traditional wooden gület along the Turquoise Coast, sailing between coves and islands, swimming in clear water and anchoring in quiet bays for a day or several days.

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