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Oludeniz (Olüdeniz) is home to one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey, if not the world – the famous Blue Lagoon.
If you’re in Turkey, it’s a crime not to visit here for a few days, and it’s also a great spot to dedicate an entire holiday! Packed during the summer months with visitors from all over the world.
Ölüdeniz is also blessed with relatively mild winter temperatures, so you can easily visit whatever the month and enjoy the chilled-out way of life and the stunning natural sights all around you.
Because Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey’s premier beach resorts, you can expect crowds between June to September in particular, but the shoulder months of May to early June and September to October are ideal for grabbing a bargain break while still enjoying high temperatures and plentiful sun. During the peak months of July to August, expect the mercury to hit the mid-40s with almost zero chance of rain, and during the shoulder months, you’re still granted with mid-30s and possibly higher.
So, if you’re itching to visit Oludeniz, let’s look at how you can get there, what you can do, and a little history along the way.
How To Get To Oludeniz
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to get to Ölüdeniz during the summer and not too tricky out of season either. In the summer, you can fly directly to Dalaman Airport on the south coast pretty quickly, and from there, it’s just an hour-long transfer via coach, or you can hire a car at the airport. Be sure to check out evisa.express/en/
During the winter months, you may struggle to find direct flights to Dalaman, but you can always connect in Istanbul, and that’s an excellent excuse for a twin-center break!
Getting around the area is pretty easy simply because Oludeniz isn’t too large. It’s connected to Fethiye, the main resort town in the area, by regular buses, and that in itself is only around 10-15 minutes away by car. If you wanted to spread your wings a little further, you could reach other resort towns in Turkey, such as Marmaris or Icmeler, in around two hours.
About Ölüdeniz
There is plenty of history around Oludeniz, as it is part of the Lycian region of Turkey, with history and ruins which date back around 3000 years. You can also join the Lycian Way from nearby Fethiye, a walking trail that runs all the way to Antalya and has many important ruins along the way.
In Turkish, Ölüdeniz translates to “dead sea” but that’s not literal – it’s essentially because the sea around here is so calm that it’s almost dead! That makes it the ideal spot for a family beach break, with safe waters for swimming.
As with most Turkish holiday resorts in this region, Oludeniz was once a fishing village that built itself up throughout the years and is now a thriving tourism center during the summer months.
The central point of Oludeniz, aside from the blue of the sea, is the huge Babadag Mountain which rises high up to the sky behind the beach. This means ‘father mountain,’ and it’s one of the best spots in the world for paragliding. Overall, however, the picturesque setting of the entire town makes Ölüdeniz the perfect spot for Insta-worthy snaps to make everyone back home jealous!
Top Things To Do In Oludeniz
There are more things to do in Oludeniz during the summer months than there are in the winter, but you can still meander around, enjoy beach time on sunny days, and generally take in the chilled-out way of life when the tourists have disappeared until the following summer.
However, assuming you’re visiting when the temperatures are at their hottest, there are countless things you can do, and they’re all based outside, giving you the best chance at an enviable suntan!
Paragliding
If you’re brave enough, the number one thing to do in Ölüdeniz is to try your hand at paragliding. The huge mountain setting and the beautiful blues of the sea make it a fantastic spot to give the sport a go, and this is one of the best places in Europe for tandem paragliding overall.
There are take-off points almost at the top of the mountain, around 2000 meters high, and you will soar gently down to the beach, landing on the soft sand.
Be sure to shop around for the best deal as you’ll find many companies offering paragliding, and also make sure that insurance is included.
Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon
We can’t mention Oludeniz and not mention the Blue Lagoon! This is undoubtedly the most famous and most photographed beach in Turkey, and the blinding blues of the Mediterranean against the white of the sand will take your breath away.
This is a national conservation area, so you will need to pay a small amount to get inside, but no boats are allowed, so you can be assured of a chilled-out day. The calm waters are also ideal for families to visit, with safe swimming. There is also a considerable amount of flora and fauna around, which gives the air a beautiful, fragrant scent.
Diving
Unlike many areas around the coast, Oludeniz is ideal for diving all year round, and the warm and clear sea makes it perfect for beginners and more advanced divers alike. You’ll also find countless diving schools that offer training if you’re a complete novice.
There are small diving areas full of brightly colored marine life for beginners, but if you’re more experienced, head out a little deeper and check out the tunnels, drop-offs, and arches. You’ll also find some archaeological diving sites around here with runs that date back to 300BC, during the times of Alexander the Great.
Enjoy a Boat Trip
There are many small coves and islands around Oludeniz, and the best way to explore them is via boat. You can head off on a commercial boat trip with several other people to make friends with along the way, or you can opt for a private journey with the crew to show you the local area. It’s up to you which you choose; however, be aware that party boat trips leave the harbor during the summer season, so if you want a quiet day, it’s best to avoid those!
Most boat trips will take you to the Blue Cave, the famous Butterfly Valley, inaccessible via any other means, the local waterfalls, and St. Nicholas Island, which is confirmed to be where St. Nicholas (aka Santa) lived. Some trips will also take you to Step Ladder Bay, or Merdivenli, which has an old cave carved into the cliff’s side.
Horse Riding
The countryside around Oludeniz is ideal for a day’s horse riding, and you’ll find many excursions which will take you out into the local area, along with a guide and lunch at a local Turkish village. This is a great way to get out and see a little more of the calmer way of life, and you can also enjoy horse riding at the same time, so it’s a win-win!
Saklikent Gorge
Around one hour away from Ölüdeniz, you will find a natural wonder – Saklikent Gorge. During the summer months, you can kayak or canoe, walk, and generally enjoy the area’s stunning scenery. You’ll also find small village restaurants which serve delicious and authentic Turkish breakfast.
This is a day-long trip, so be sure to get up early and make the most of it. You’ll also get to check out nearby Patara Beach, which is one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in the entire region.
Walk a Little of The Lycian Way
We’ve already mentioned that this part of the country was formerly known as Lycia and the Lycian Walk runs from Fethiye to Antalya. While the entire walk is quite a big ask for one holiday at 540km, you can walk a little of it and still enjoy the history and scenery of the surrounding area.
It’s worth mentioning that parts of the trail are pretty tricky for beginners, and you’ll need comfortable walking shoes thanks to some unexpected drips – this is not a walk for flip-flops! The best time to walk is between February to May or from September to November, thanks to the cooler temperatures, and you’ll find more availability in the small guest houses that line the walk.
These are some of the most popular things to do in and around Oludeniz, but spending time chilling at one of the many beach cafes is a great way to spend the day. During the evenings, you won’t struggle to find plenty of nightlife, especially during the summer months.
We hope that you are now ready to visit Oludeniz.
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