How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Fethiye and Kalkan

Fethiye and Kalkan are the most popular destinations in the Turkish riviera. Visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, these resort towns are favored for the unforgettable memories they offer.

If you’re dreaming of a holiday in one of these towns but need help how to plan a trip to Fethiye and Kalkan, you’re in the right place. This Fethiye and Kalkan travel guide will tell you all about the Turkish riviera!

Decide on Your Travel Style

What type of traveler are you? The answer matters more than you imagine. Your travel style shapes the activities and top attractions in Fethiye and Kalkan that belong on your itinerary.

If you enjoy staying at top-notch hotels with lavish amenities and lots of activities, you may be a luxury traveler. This means you prefer tranquility and style over challenges during your trip. You are ready to pay for comfort and the experience. We recommend you book some VIP tours and try some fine dining restaurants in Fethiye. Blue Cruise tours from Fethiye, long cherished by Turkish literary circles for its dramatic nature, are also a perfect choice for luxury travelers.

Some travelers, however, don’t care about challenges and where they stay. If you’re one of them and believe that exhilarating experiences make a trip truly worthwhile, you’re an adventure traveler. As a true daredevil, you don’t have to stick to tours or luxury experiences—embark on a majestic hiking roue in the Lycian Way and explore the hidden gems in Kalkan. The Fethiye paragliding experience is also a recommended activity for all adventure travelers.

Although embarking on new adventures sounds exciting, sometimes you may just want to rest and rejuvenate. If you’re seeking tranquility in Fethiye and Kalkan, you’re a traveler who values relaxation. The best plan for your holiday is to get one of Aqua Lettings’ comfy rental apartments and enjoy the peaceful Mediterranean climate. There are still lots of cafes and restaurants where you can bask in the cozy atmosphere.

If you’re traveling with family, especially with kids, planning everything in a family-friendly manner is necessary. Since you’ll seek intimacy and family time, getting a rental villa might be the best option for you. You can stay there without being disrupted by foreigners and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Choose Your Travel Dates

When planning your trip to Fethiye and Kalkan, picking the right season is essential. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, offering distinct experiences.

From April to May and September to October, Fethiye and Kalkan see shoulder season. During this time, the towns are rarely crowded, offering you a peek of the region’s authentic culture. If you’re seeking to explore the Mediterranean way of life and try some off-season dishes, shoulder season might be the ideal time for you.

Peak season in Fethiye and Kalkan is between June and August, when the sun is shiny, and the water is warm. Although this season is the best time to visit Fethiye and Kalkan and enjoy them to their full potential, it might be a bit too crowded. With rental villas and apartments, however, you can enjoy exclusive access to your own private beach and avoid the crowds—even during peak season.

Plan Your Itinerary

Once you decide on your travel dates, you can start planning your itinerary. Since there are different things to do in Fethiye and Kalkan, you must tailor your itinerary accordingly.

You can pick Fethiye for a trip full of history and exploration. Explore the ancient cities and historic landmarks of Fethiye with regular day trips to nearby attractions, including Kalkan. Don’t miss out on Fethiye’s breathtaking beaches—especially the serene Sunset Beach Club, perfect for unwinding by the turquoise waters. With three to four days, you’ll have just enough time to soak in the best of Fethiye, from its ancient ruins to its sun-kissed shores.

If you’re looking for a slower-paced escape focused on relaxation, Kalkan might be the ideal spot. Spend two to three days in this charming town, basking in the Mediterranean sun and indulging in delicious local cuisine. Take a stroll through its quaint boutiques, soak in the laid-back atmosphere, and let Kalkan’s magic work its charm.

Book Your Accommodation

The next step of your travel plan is booking your accommodation. For Fethiye, you can go with a wide range of hotels and villas to make the best of your stay. If you’re on a budget, apartments and guesthouses might be the way to go.

In Kalkan, you can enjoy a much more local experience with boutique hotels and quaint guesthouses in the village center. Additionally, you may consider staying at a charming villa for a truly intimate experience.

Looking for the best hotels and villas in Fethiye and Kalkan? Aqua Lettings got you covered! With our numerous rental villa and apartments in Fethiye and Kalkan, you can enjoy a comfortable getaway in the Turkish riviera.

Book Your Flights and Transportation

Once you sort everything out about your trip, you can book your flight to Turkey. Since neither Fethiye nor Kalkan has an airport, you must travel to Muğla Dalaman Airport (DLM). The journey from Dalaman airport to Fethiye is around 50 minutes and 2 hours for Kalkan. You can take a bus or shuttle from the airport to your destination.

Fethiye to Kalkan transportation is much more effortless. Sea is the most common way to travel between the towns; there are various boat trips between Fethiye and Kalkan, offering you a blue journey along the magical Mediterranean coastline. Alternatively, you can go with local minibuses for a more affordable and greener journey.

Plan Your Activities

Need ideas for your trip? Below, you can find a list of must-do activities and the best places to visit in Fethiye and Kalkan.

Fethiye

You can begin your journey with a boat trip to Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, and the 12 Islands. With this Blue Cruise, you can explore the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and uncover pristine coves on its coast.

A hike to Saklıkent National Park and the Lycian Way may allow you to bask in the region’s untouched nature. If you have your camera with you, this adventure will provide you with unforgettable pictures. If you’re seeking to embark on an odyssey into the Lycian mysteries, don’t miss on the Lycian Rock Tombs and Kayaköy (Ghost Town).

Finally, you can shop in Fethiye Market for local goods and souvenirs. When the night falls, hitting a club or a bar in Fethiye Town can help you regenerate after a tiring day.

Kalkan

A Kalkan itinerary should ideally be much comfier and more soothing. You can visit some of the beaches and beach clubs in the town and relax under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Kalkan’s Old Town is the perfect place to look for hidden gems of charming boutiques and shops. You can also find lesser-known cafes and small family-run restaurants deep into the Old Town’s narrow streets. These local establishments are perfect for indulging in the local cuisine and tasting Kalkan.

A day in Kalkan is never complete without admiring at the dramatic sunset view from the harbor, marveling at the turquoise sea turning red.

Seeking an adventure? Kalkan is located on the famous Lycian Way. Pack your backpack and hike the trail through the surrounding mountains!

Pack Appropriately

Pack smart for your trip to Fethiye or Kalkan. If you’re traveling during peak season, the weather will probably be scorching hot. So, bring light-colored, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes— shorts and t-shirts are a must. You shouldn’t also forget packing your sunscreen and swimsuit.

Sun protection items like hats and UV-protective glasses are also recommended. Evenings might be chilly, so bring some light clothing and casual wear. As there are many fine dining restaurants in the region, packing some stylish clothes might be a good idea.

Learn a Few Basic Turkish Phrases

While most employees in hotels, restaurants and local shops can handle basic conversation in English, most locals in Fethiye and Kalkan have limited English skills.

So, we’ve prepared a small guide with a few basic Turkish phrases that might come in handy during your trip:

Embrace the Local Culture

The local culture in Fethiye and Kalkan reflects the warmth of the Mediterranean, with hospitable and cheerful locals. Be ready to socialize a lot and meet new people. Always stick to boutique restaurants and lesser-known place to enjoy what Fethiye and Kalkan truly offers. Embrace the local culture and embark on an unforgettable adventure in this paradise on earth.