The Student Backpacker

This post contains some affiliate links. I only recommend stuff I actually use or book myself — if you grab something through one of these links, it won’t cost you extra, but it helps keep this blog running. Thank you! 💛

Fethiye is one of those places that quietly delivers more than it promises. With its blue lagoon beaches, vibrant harbours, dramatic mountains, and wallet-friendly prices, it’s perfect for a quick escape that doesn’t drain your savings. While I’ve never been to Fethiye solo or with friends, I’ve visited over five times with my family – most recently a couple years ago – and I’ve built up a pretty solid sense of how to experience the region at different price points. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Fethiye with three different budgets: £150, £250, or £400.

---

The £150 Itinerary: Bare-Bones But Beautiful

Day 1 – Chill at Çalış Beach

• Arrive midday + check into a hostel or budget resort (£20/night). There’s hostels and resorts for ~£20/night in central Fethiye Harbour for August at Trivago.
• Take the dolmuş to Çalış Beach, swim and watch the sunset
• Cheap dinner at a local lokanta (~£5–7)

Day 2 – Market Day + Harbour Views

• Grab a simit + coffee from a bakery (~£2)
• Wander Fethiye Market for fruit, souvenirs, and cheap eats. These markets reminded me of Marrakech, just a bit more touristy!
• Head to Fethiye Harbour and explore the old town on foot
• Dinner at a kebab shop (~£6)
• Early night or stroll the waterfront with some £3 beers

Day 3 – Ölüdeniz Beach Day

• Early dolmuş to Ölüdeniz, chill on the beach (free)
• Optional snack shack lunch (~£5)
• Back to Fethiye for a last coffee + depart

Day 3 – Ölüdeniz Beach Day

• Airport bus transfers (~£8)
• Flights (~£50-60)
• Market money (£10-20)

Total Spend: ~£140-160

Simple, sun-soaked and stress-free.

---

The £250 Itinerary: Balanced + Fun

Day 1 – Lagoon Dip + Fish Market Dinner

• Check into a private hotel room or nicer hostel (~£25/night) There’s some nice hotels here in Çalış for £30/night in august, a beautiful area I’ve stayed at before and personally recommend
• Dolmuş to Ölüdeniz for your first swim
• Return for dinner at Fethiye Fish Market – buy fish + have it grilled (~£12–15)
• Optional cocktail by the harbour (~£5)

Day 2 – Boat Trip + Hisarönü Night Out

• Half-day 12 Islands boat trip (~£20 incl. lunch) You can either use Expedia/GetYourGuide, or just book one the day before at the marina
• Evening: head to Hisarönü, grab dinner + see the famous Talk of the Town drag show (~£20)
• Late-night return to Fethiye (taxi ~£5 split)

Day 3 – Waterpark or Chill + Market Time

• Either relax at Sultan’s Aquapark (~£10) or do another market wander
• Budget lunch + harbour stroll (£5)
• Depart late afternoon

Day 3 – Ölüdeniz Beach Day

• Airport bus transfers (~£8)
• Flights (~£50-60)
• Spending money (£20-50)

Total Spend: ~£230–260

Your weekend just got a glow-up.

---

The £400 Itinerary: YOLO Mode

Day 1 – Paragliding + Sunset Dinner

• Stay in a stylish hotel (~£40–60/night) I recommend the Star hotel fethiye, it’s consistently £55/night in August in the centre with a pool on Trivago.
• Go straight to Babadağ Mountain for paragliding over Ölüdeniz (~£90) I’d use GetYourGuide if you want to pre-plan, or just book on the day for cheaper prices.
• Dinner at the Fish Market or a sunset-view restaurant (~£20)
• Optional nightlife round (~£10–15)

Day 2 – Aquapark + Boat Chill + Show

• Morning at Sultan’s Aquapark (~£10)
• Afternoon boat ride from the marina (~£15–20)
• Late dinner + Talk of the Town drag cabaret (~£25+) This is something I’d just book on the first day, or message them on Facebook!
• End with cocktails by the harbour

Day 3 – Brunch + Souvenirs

• Sleep in, brunch at a local café (~£10)
• Last-minute shopping + espresso by the sea
• Private transfer or taxi to the airport (~£20–25)

Total Spend: ~£370–430

High-flying, drag-watching, boat-chilling chaos.

---

What You Need to Know

• The currency is Turkish Lira, but all prices above are estimated in GBP. The exchange rate is weak and fluctuates a lot, so get change closer to travel or in the country for the best rates.
• For transport, the Dolmuş (shared minibuses) are super cheap and run frequently.
• Street food and family-run eateries are the best value for food, they tend to be a bit more out the way from the busy strips.

---

Final thoughts

Turkey is a beautiful country that is worthwhile exploring on all budgets. It’s a perfect mix of scenery, sun and beaches, historical sites, culture and cheap nightlife that’s guaranteed to make you happy regardless of what you want out of a holiday. Turkey has it all, and I think everyone should go and visit at least once, if not 5 or more times! If you’re feeling a more ‘historical’ large city type of vibe, you can stay within Turkey; I’ve done a whole post on Istanbul which you can check out here.