Is Fethiye Safe? (Answered by a Local)

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Fethiye town is known for its historical wonders, trekking routes, natural beauty, and vibrant social life. Fethiye has crystal clear beaches, pine forests, and a very friendly environment.

Fethiye is one of Turkey’s safest and most visited tourist destinations.

Millions of tourists visit this lovely Aegean city each year and leave with happy memories, and more return each year.

In this post, as a frequent visitor to Fethiye and a Turkish local, I will give you travel and safety tips to enjoy Fethiye with zero trouble.

Is Fethiye Safe?

Fethiye is a safe and tolerant place. Consequently, many British and other internationals see Fethiye not only as a holiday destination.

There is a big British community of 8 thousand people living permanently in Fethiye. This lovely city is one of the top places for thousands of British Expats who decide to live in Turkey. 

Crime is not a problem in Fethiye, yet scorching summer heat, dehydration, and mosquitos can ruin your vacation. 

Always carry bottled water with you and use a hat, sunglasses, and sun lotion to protect yourself from the heat and the sun.

Mosquitoes in Fethiye do not transmit illness. Yet, one or two mosquitoes sneaking into your bedroom can easily ruin your night. A mosquito repellent may easily solve the problem.

Is Fethiye Safe at Night

In Fethiye, you can safely enjoy days or nights freely without thinking about your safety. 

Fethiye town center and residential areas are perfectly safe and lively at night. 

Especially in the summertime, Fethiye’s nights can be lovely than Fethiye’s days. Due to scorching heat in the day, some people prefer to sleep in the daytime and live at night.

Is Fethiye Safe to Travel for Solo Female Travelers?

Fethiye is safe for solo female travelers. You can dress as you like and enjoy your night out like any European Mediterranean Holiday Town.

Paragliding is an activity that you can enjoy in Oludeniz Fethiye.

Is Fethiye Safe to Travel for Families?

Whether you are staying long or short term, Fethiye is perfect for families with children. There are many kid activities and international schools that your children can attend. 

Fethiye is also one of the most popular destinations for Turkish families. Locals have summer houses in Fethiye. Turkish people come with their children to enjoy the whole summer season.

Is it Safe to Drive in Fethiye?

Driving in Fethiye is easy compared to other parts of Turkey. Drivers are relaxed and follow the rules.

Yet, I would drive defensively. You do not know when you will encounter a hard-blooded Turkish tourist driver.

The road conditions are excellent throughout the district and outside the city center. The roads are pleasurable to drive with amazing scenery. 

Public transport is safe in Fethiye. Yet, most destinations are not reachable by public transport. For these reasons renting or coming with your car is the best option. Also, electric scooters or e-bikes can be handy.

If you wish to learn, check my articles on 

How is Healthcare in Fethiye?

Fethiye is trying to increase its share in health tourism, and Fethiye has many hospitals and medical centers with high service standards. 

Additionally, adequate English-speaking medical staff is employed by this health center to serve Fethiye’s high expat population.

Dangerous Parts of Marmaris

There is no dangerous part in Fethiye town center. Yet in winter, outside of the town center, Fethiye may feel deserted outside the town center. 

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Fethiye’s tap water is safe and crystal clear for most people. However, first-timers may not get used to it. For this reason, I would not recommend drinking on your first day. Let your body adapt, Turkish flora, and then you may try it. 

Still, tap water is perfectly safe to brush your teeth, wash yourself and your clothes. 

You can check the article on the safety of Turkish tap water to learn more.

Security Risks (Terrorism) in Fethiye

Fethiye is approximately 1000 km away from the Syrian border or any other Middle Eastern conflict zone. Fethiye is safer than most European cities. You will understand this when you come here.

Fethiye is dangerously beautiful. Butterfly Valley in Fethiye

Natural Disaster Risks in Fethiye

Unexpected rain showers are common in autumn and spring. In summer, mosquitos, sun, and heat are the real dangers in Fethiye. 

Winter is very temperate. Most locals use air conditioners to heat their homes in winter.

Is Food Safe in Fethiye?

Besides being safe, the food is delicious and fresh in Fethiye. Fethiye has a typical Mediterranean cuisine. The most common ingredients are local vegetables and seafood. 

In Fethiye, you will also find that some Turkish recipes are modified to be more pleasing for the British. Pork meat is also easy to find in Fethiye.

Check my other guide if you wish to learn more about Turkish Food and What to expect in Turkish Cuisine. 

Are Taxis Safe in Fethiye?

Taxis are generally safe in Fethiye. Yet still, you may encounter dishonest taxi drivers in rare instances.

I would not bargain with taxi drivers. You can rely on taximeters instead. Taxi drivers are by law obligated to use their taximeters.

Check my other guide if you wish to learn more about Taxis in Turkey and the cost of taxis in Turkish cities, common taxi scams, and more tips.

How Much Taxis Cost in Fethiye?

The starting fee of taxis in Oludeniz is 5,22 TL (0,62 USD) and you will pay an additional 5,75 TL (0,70 USD) per kilometer. The minimum fee applied is 15 TL (1,80 USD). Source

The Turkish Lira value will change due to inflation, but you can always calculate a rough estimate of your taxi travel.

You can check the distance with Google maps and use the USD numbers above to calculate your rough taxi fare.

Example cost taxi calculation.

A 5 km taxi ride in Fethiye will cost you around 4,12 USD. 0,62 (starting fee) plus 3,5 USD (5 km x 0,70) for 20 km.

Taxi fees do not change day or night or for any other reason. Tariffs only vary depending on the location. 

Last Word About Travel Warnings about Turkey

You may also wish to check the United Kingdom, United States Government, Australian Government’s travel warnings. 

Remember, these warnings are not prepared city-specific, and they are written for Turkey as a whole.

I can’t entirely agree with these reports for Fethiye because I believe these warnings lack the basic advice and exaggerate rare possibilities.

I tried to give you a local’s perspective on safety in Fethiye. I hope you liked it.

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