Summary
Having enjoyed all my previous trips to Turkey, in the Autumn of 2022 I wanted to visit as many places on the southern coast, doing a week stint in each place with Fethiye being the starting point.
Accommodation
A reasonable selection of Airbnbs, if staying for a short duration you may be better off in one of the many hotels.
Places to work
There was only one coworking place that I would consider working from which was somewhat close to capacity when I visited. If planning on working from there, I would strongly consider attempting to book ahead. oftime.
Value
As a predominantly tourist town with little local economy, Fethiye felt marginally more expensive than other areas on the southern coast.
It it located in the province of Muğla, which is considered to be one of the more expensive in the country. Still, in comparison internationally, it is very good value for money.
Working hours
Turkey adheres to GMT+2 in summer, reverting to GMT+3 in winter due to the absence of daylight saving time practices.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
If planning on working from the Hippocampus coworking space, either of the destinations below are within an easy walking commute.
Where to work
Hipokampüs
Easily accessible via foot from both the north and south of the town, Hipokampüs features desk options both inside and outside allowing for al-fresco working if the weather permits. There is an internal cafe serving drinks and snacks throughout the day and they offer a lunch time partnership with a local restaurant bringing you a locally made meal direct to your desk.
A surprisingly international demographic of people are to be found with a particularly high Russian population currently due to the influx in this area of the country. Stayed for a week and would have happily worked from there for much longer.
Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
Spend a morning in Paspatur
A charming and historic district known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant bazaars, and traditional Ottoman-style buildings.
Duration & season
In early October the weather was perfect each day, with clear blue skies and comfortable heat in the mid 20s. Like the rest of the Southern Coast, you can expect a long and consistent summer.
Food & drink
People
There's a large expat community in the town but from what I could decipher, they tended to be from elder generations who have retired to the area, often from places in the West of Europe, with a noticeable number of British.
The remote work community comprises of mainly Russians as a result of the war in Ukraine, but this presence is less distinct than in Antalya.
Exercise
Peninsula Hike
Waterfront Run
Verdict
Positives
- A picturesque, quaint town.It is in a beautiful part of Turkey combining both neighbouring mountains and crystal clear waters.
- Not too quiet out of season.Compared to other out of season resort towns I've visited it didn't feel as empty, with some degree of continuous local activity.
Negatives
- Pretty small.You're likely to exhaust all the things you'd want to do there within a week.
Tips
- There is easy onward travel to Antalya.If heading East, there are frequent buses, taking a scenic route over the mountains, lasting a few hours.
- Dalaman Airport is renowned for being extortionately priced.Come prepared.