Türkiye’s Fethiye ranked among top beach holiday destinations by The Times

Fethiye, located in Türkiye’s Mugla province, has been named the third-best destination worldwide for an October top beach holiday by the British newspaper The Times.

According to a statement from the Fethiye Municipality, The Times published its list titled “11 of the best places for a beach holiday in October,” selecting Fethiye as the only destination from Türkiye to make the cut. The prestigious list recommends top holiday spots from 11 different countries for autumn travelers.

In the feature on Fethiye, The Times highlighted the town’s easy access, thanks to direct flights from the U.K. to Dalaman Airport. The article praised Fethiye as a central hub of the Turkish Riviera, making it an ideal choice for families. Visitors can explore the area’s pine-covered mountains by bike, relax on the expansive sandy beaches of the famous Oludeniz and Blue Lagoon, or take a traditional gulet boat tour to the Butterfly Valley. The region is also noted for sections of the ancient Lycian Way, where travelers can hike past rock tombs carved into the mountainside.

This recognition further cements Fethiye’s reputation as a prime holiday destination, especially for those seeking a sun-soaked escape in October.

Beautiful top beaches to swim in Fethiye, Türkiye

In this article, we present the most beautiful beaches and coves in Fethiye, where you can enjoy swimming throughout your vacation. Fethiye is the largest district in Mugla, rich in historical remains dating back to 3000 B.C. This region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth, making it a significant tourism hub. With various activities like paragliding and stunning beaches, Fethiye caters to all types of holidaymakers. Some beaches can get quite crowded, while others provide a more serene experience.

Fethiye is home to diverse flora and fauna, including trees, endemic plants, butterflies, birds, and Caretta Caretta turtles. Visitors can enjoy natural habitats, sand dunes, and even submerged ancient houses, offering a blend of adventure and tranquility.

For those choosing to stay in a rental villa, you’ll have easy access to all the beaches. If you love nature and the sea but want to avoid the confines of a standard hotel room, you can enjoy a villa vacation while taking in the beauty of Fethiye beaches.

Let’s explore the swim-friendly beaches and coves of Fethiye together!

Oludeniz Beach

Oludeniz Beach is one of Türkiye’s most popular vacation spots. Recognized in 2006 as having the most beautiful sands in the world, Oludeniz is a well-developed resort area. It boasts a rich history that dates back to the Lycians and is located on the Teke Peninsula. The beach features a lagoon-like geography, making it one of the few in the world with such tranquil waters.

Despite its calmness, the water is exceptionally clean due to a natural current that flows from the seabed. The area also experiences tidal changes throughout the day, ensuring a constant renewal of water quality. Visitors can easily reach Oludeniz by direct bus from several cities or by flying into Dalaman Airport, which is just an hour away. With a range of accommodations, from camping sites to hotels, Oludeniz is perfect for all types of tourists. Here, you can also try paragliding from Babadag, as well as hiking, climbing, and other thrilling activities.

Calis Beach

Calis Beach serves as an alternative to the often crowded Oludeniz. It is unique in Türkiye, managed by the Calis Protection Association with contributions from local volunteers. The water here is calm in the mornings and becomes a bit livelier in the afternoons, making it a great choice for a refreshing summer getaway.

Calis Beach is also an excellent spot for water sports. From April onward, you can witness Caretta Caretta turtles nesting on the beach, which are monitored by university students who help ensure the protection of the eggs. The beach closes at 7:30 p.m. during this period to facilitate the safe journey of the baby turtles into the sea.

Located just a 10-minute drive from Fethiye, Calis offers a variety of social spaces, including cafes and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy vibrant evenings filled with music and entertainment. The stunning sunset views and the nearby bird sanctuary, home to over 200 species, are additional highlights.

Kidrak Beach

Kidrak Beach, designated as a nature park in 2017, is a protected area due to its rich biodiversity, including numerous tree and bird species.

While camping is not allowed here, visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching. Accessing Kidrak Beach is easy; just a short drive from Oludeniz will get you there.

Patara Beach

Near the ancient city of Patara, this beach is one of the largest in the region. Its fine sandy shores, stretching up to 300 meters wide, provide a stunning backdrop for sunset photography. Patara is also known for its shallow waters and strong winds, making it a prime location for surfing. As a nesting area for Caretta Caretta turtles, Patara is under protection.

You can reach Patara Beach easily from Kalkan, Fethiye, Antalya, or Kas by taking minibuses and taxis.

Kabak Cove

Nestled at the foot of Babadag, a mountain known for its protected status, Kabak Cove features a unique canyon-like geological formation. Here, you can find camping sites and treehouses without the presence of large hotels, making it a serene getaway.

Kabak is also close to notable attractions such as Butterfly Valley and the ancient Lycian Way, attracting visitors for both nature and history. The area is easily accessible via boat from Fethiye and Oludeniz.

Gemile Cove

Gemile Cove is accessible by boat from Oludeniz or Gemiler Beach. Historically significant, it was a religious center during Byzantine times. Visitors can explore various ancient structures, some of which are submerged underwater. While the waters can be a bit rough, the cove’s rocky beach is captivating.

Katranci Cove

Katranci Cove, with its nature park and camping areas, offers a peaceful retreat. It is a popular spot for picnics and walking, attracting daily visitors and longer-staying tourists. Although it can get a bit crowded, the cove features calm waters that are perfect for families.

Camping facilities are available, but reservations are recommended due to high demand. Located just a half-hour from Fethiye, you can also reach Katranci by local minibusses.

Gunluklu Cove

Approximately 15 kilometers from Fethiye, Gunluklu Cove is known for its shaded areas, perfect for those looking to cool off after swimming. This less-crowded spot provides a relaxing atmosphere, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters.

You can choose to camp at Gunluklu or stay in local hotels and guesthouses. Access is convenient via minibusses from Oludeniz or a one-hour drive from central Fethiye.

Fethiye, with its stunning beaches and rich history, continues to capture the hearts of travelers, making it an ideal October beach holiday destination. With recognition from The Times, this beautiful coastal town offers an enticing mix of adventure and relaxation, ensuring unforgettable experiences for all visitors.