Fethiye balances the attractions of a bustling resort town with the functionality of a working regional centre. Arrival at the bus station may give you the impression that you've come to the wrong place with no evidence of the sea, hotels, restaurants or any trappings of the tourist industry but a 5 minute taxi or dolmus ride into town will begin to reveal the place to you in it's true colours. Fethiye's strength is in it's role as a base for exploring the surrounding coastline and countryside. You'll find a good range of shops, eating places and accommodation and excellent transport services to surrounding attractions. The harbour area makes a pleasant place to spend the evening and the pedestrianised old town is appealing and a reasonable place to shop for souvenirs.

If you're there early enough in the day you might want to consider the 12 islands boat trip, a nice way to see the bay and an opportunity to seek out the quieter beaches and coves only accessible from the sea. As usual with boat trips, the smaller the group the better your day and the more flexible your itinerary.

If you're going to be based in Fethiye and are looking for sun, sand and sea there are several good beaches in the immediate vicinity in addition to Oludeniz although you can expect a lot of company in high season.

Fethiye's nightlife is working hard at catching up with Marmaris and Bodrum but it has a little way to go yet. You may or may not find this a blessing. You shouldn't have a problem eating or drinking until late but clubbing opportunities are limited.