Paspatur Old Town & Fethiye Castle

Culture & History

Paspatur is Fethiye's old town, just behind the harbour, on the site of ancient Telmessos. Its pedestrian lanes are full of small shops, carpet and spice sellers, cafés, meyhanes and bars, with bougainvillea over the streets. Among the houses you will find Lycian sarcophagi, the Old Mosque and the Old Turkish Bath. Under the Ottomans the town was called Meğri (Makri); it was renamed Fethiye in 1934 after the pilot Fethi Bey. On the hill above the centre stand the walls and towers of Fethiye Castle, a fortress usually attributed to the Knights of St John (early 15th century) on much older foundations – parts of it may be closed for restoration, but the views over the bay are worth the walk up. Nearby are the Roman theatre on the seafront and the Amyntas rock tombs.

Key facts

  • Location: Paspatur / Kale Tepesi, Fethiye centre
  • Duration: 2–3 hours on foot (more with dinner)
  • Season: Year-round; evenings are liveliest in summer
  • Estimated cost: Free to walk around

Highlights

  • Narrow lanes with shops, cafés and bougainvillea
  • Lycian sarcophagi standing in the streets
  • The Old Mosque and the 16th-century hammam
  • Crusader castle on the hill above town

Frequently asked questions

How do I book Paspatur Old Town & Fethiye Castle?

No booking needed – Paspatur is a short walk from the harbour and the Fethiye fish market. For the castle, walk up the lanes behind the old town towards the hill (about 15–20 minutes); check on site whether the inside is open.

Any local tips for Paspatur Old Town & Fethiye Castle?

Come in the late afternoon: look around the shops, watch the sunset from the castle hill or the seafront, then stay for dinner. In shops bargaining is normal for carpets and souvenirs. Wear proper shoes for the climb to the castle.

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