Deep blue sea, squeaky clean beach, lush green forest, and mountains as backdrop make Ölüdeniz a prized destination in Turkey. This beach resort on the southwestern coast of the country challenges you to try tandem paragliding and indulge in thrilling water sports. Scuba diving and snorkeling in one of the most photographed Mediterranean beaches are quite a lure. This place is for the easygoing travelers who want to ramble and explore at a leisurely pace.
History
The region around Oludeniz used to be known as Lycia in the ancient times and its heritage is believed to over 3000 years old. Ölüdeniz emerged as a popular beach resort destination in 1960s when the Turquoise Coast was first developed.
Things to do at Ölüdeniz
You are destined to have a good time at the Ölüdeniz beach resort trying your hands at host of exhilarating and fun-filled activities. Once you convince yourself to try paragliding, get ready to rule the skies over Babadağ mountain, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Ölüdeniz beach and the turquoise sea waters.
If you happen to visit the Ölüdeniz beach during summers, you’ve got to try boat excursions to explore the surrounding shores. The Butterfly Valley, the Blue Cave, Gemile Bay, and St. Nicholas Island are some of the attractions you come across during the excursion.
No traveler can afford to miss a memorable ride through the Fethiye Bay. Get on board a spacious yacht and admire the beauty of the bay and capture it through your lenses. Get down at a scenic islet to watch the sunset and its hues spread across the sky.
Nearby Attractions
If you are in Fethiye, a few more places apart from the ‘Blue Lagoon’ beach you can’t afford to skip are Mount Babadag, the rattling Lycian Way walking the trail, Kidrak Natural Park, Water World Aqua Park, and the Grand Ucel Aqua Park.
Where is Ölüdeniz?
Ölüdeniz is a tiny village and beach resort in Mugla Province. It is 15km south of Fethiye.
Map of Ölüdeniz, Turkey
How to Reach?
By Air: The Dalaman Airport in Fethiye is around 60km from Ölüdeniz. An hour-long drive from the airport is enough to take you to the resort.
By Road: You can take dolmuşes (bus service), which leaves from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz every 10 minutes during peak season. During the off season, these buses leave at a succession of 20 minutes during daytime and every hour during nights. The 15-km journey takes not more than 15-20 minutes.
Best time to visit Ölüdeniz
The best time to visit Ölüdeniz is between October and January when the sky remains bright and weather remains pleasant.
Things to Remember
- The access to Ölüdeniz beach is shut by around six in the evening.
- The deserted ghost town of Kayaköy, which is known for ruined houses, is quite close to this beach resort.
Hotels in Ölüdeniz
Name of Hotel | Website | Type | Address |
The Oyster Residences | www.oysterresidences.com | Boutique Hotel | Belcekiz Mevkii 1. Sokak, Denizen, 48340, Turkey , oludeniz@oysterresidences.com |
Sugar Beach Club | www.thesugarbeachclub.com | Boutique Hotel | Ölüdeniz Caddesi no: 63 Ölüdeniz, TURKEY, info@thesugarbeachclub.com |
Blue Star Hotel | www.hotelbluestaroludeniz.com | 2-Star Hotel | Öüdeniz Mahalesi Blue Star Hotel No:8 Ölüdeniz | Fethiye | Türkiye – 48300, info@bluestarhoteloludeniz.com |
Unsal Hotel | www.unsalhotel.net | Serviced Accommodation | Belceğiz Mh., 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey, info@unsalhotel.net |
Liberty Hotels | www.libertyhotelsoludeniz.com | 3-Star Hotel | Belcegiz Mah. Carsi Cad. No:10 | Turkey, Oludeniz 48340, Turkey, info@libertyhotelsoludeniz.com |
La Boutique Maya | www.laboutiquemaya.com | Serviced Accommodation | Oludeniz Carsi Cad. No:23 Fethiye, MG, Turkey, info@laboutiquemaya.com |
Jade Residence | www.jade-residence.com | Lodging | 30. Sokak 1 Belcekız, 48300, Turkey, info@jade-residence.com |
Morina Deluxe Hotel | www.morinahotel.com/en/ | 3-star hotel | Belcekiz Mh. 236. Sokak, Ölüdeniz Cd., 48340 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey, info@morinahotel.com |
Restaurants
To try the best sea food and sample local and continental cuisines, you must visit Cloud 9, Buzz Beach Bar, Club Belcekiz Beach, Sun Cafe, and Oba Motel Restaurant.
Facts about Ölüdeniz
- Ölüdeniz is also known as ‘Dead Sea’ and the beach is also known as ‘Blue Lagoon.’
- Lycian Way Ultramarathon is an international trail running competition held here every year.
Related: Turkey Travel Information | Mount Nemrut Travel Information | Hierapolis Travel Information
Image Credit: Guety