The Ölüdeniz district in Fethiye, meaning “dead” or calm sea, takes its eerie name from the secluded lagoon at the beach’s western end by the 3-star 94-room Hotel Meri. Protected by hills and entered by a narrow channel, the lagoon is calm during even the worst storms.
Yet, don't let the name mislead you, Ölüdeniz is a vibrant center for adventure and activities in the Mediterranean Region, with everything from beautiful beaches and lively bars and cafes to paragliding, water sports, and stunning valleys.
Attractions and Activities in Ölüdeniz, Fethiye
When it comes to adventure, Ölüdeniz is a well-known destination in Turkey, and it is filled with loads of attractions, from paragliding and diving to boat tours and beaches:
1. Beaches
Ölüdeniz is home to several amazing beaches: Belcekız Beach, Ölüdeniz Beach, and Kumburnu Beach. However, the most popular beach is the secluded Blue Lagoon at the beach’s western end. The waters are calm even in the worst weather, and the lagoon's edge is also lined with numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Note that there is an entrance fee for the Blue Lagoon, but it's affordable and offers a worthwhile experience.
2. Water Sports
You'll find tons of options for water sports in Ölüdeniz. There are lots of choices like diving, boat tours, and jet skiing. You can also take advantage of the crystal clear waters and go scuba diving and snorkeling to explore all the cool underwater caves and marine life.
3. Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular activities among the visitors. Adventure-seekers who want to catch a glimpse of Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) from above can paraglide from Mt. Babadağ, soaring above the beach and sea while perfectly landing right on the beach. If this is your first time paragliding, have no fear because tandem paragliding is very popular, allowing an inexperienced person to be strapped together with a certified paraglider.
4. Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is a wide sand beach at the foothill of Babadağ. It takes its name from the large number of butterfly species found in the area, which you might be able to spot between June and September. It is a good spot if you want to camp during the summer. You can also hike, canoe, and scuba dive.
In order to get to Butterfly Valley, you can rent a car, use minibuses, or go with a taxi. However, the land route might take some time, and you will need to pass narrow mountain roads. The best way to get to Butterfly Valley is to take a boat to shuttle you there and back, or consider a boat tour. There are many large boats that offer group tours as well as smaller boats for private rental.
5. The Lycian Way
The Lycian Way, named after the ancient Lycian civilization that once thrived here, is one of Turkey's best long-distance hiking trails. This makes Ölüdeniz an ideal destination for those who want to reconnect with nature and hike up the mountains after a relaxing holiday on the beach.
The 500 km (311 mile) rustic footpath, The Lycian Way, starts in Fethiye and wanders through the hills, descending to Ölüdeniz before ascending again above Kıdrak and Faralya, passing the top of Butterfly Valley before wandering south-east toward Patara and ultimately, Antalya.
For those who love challenge and adventure, the Lycian Way Ultramarathon, an international multi-day marathon, takes place here every summer.
Accommodations
The fertile alluvial plain behind the beach is now filled with small hotels, pensions, and restaurants. There are a number of lodging options available in Oludeniz. Ölüdeniz is great if you’re looking for a more relaxed stay away from the city.
However, Fethiye is the city center hub where travelers usually flock to. If you plan only a short stay at Ölüdeniz beach before moving on, you might want to stay in Fethiye, where prices tend to be lower, and take one of the frequent minibuses to Ölüdeniz for the day.
Additionally, depending on what month you plan to visit, Ölüdeniz may have more budget-friendly accommodations than Fethiye.
Location & Transportation
Ölüdeniz is only 8.5 km (5.3 miles) south of Fethiye over the mountains (map), and has some of Mediterranean Turkey‘s most famous and beautiful beaches. This destination has hundreds of hotels, flats/apartments, and villas to accommodate the international sun-seekers who flock here in the warmer months.
Ölüdeniz is easily accessible by bus and taxi from Fethiye’s city center. In order to get to Ölüdeniz with public transportation, you will need to use the Fethiye-Ölüdeniz minibus. The bus stop near the Erasta AVM (map) is easy to find and remember. The journey to Ölüdeniz takes approximately half an hour, and the Fethiye-Ölüdeniz minibus route also passes by Mount Babadağ, where you can take a cable car to the top for breathtaking views and even try paragliding.
If you want to travel to a different city/town from Ölüdeniz, keep in mind, all intercity buses operate out of Fethiye’s bus terminal. For distances from Ölüdeniz to other places, see the distances on the Fethiye page, and add 8.5 km (5.3 miles).
—by İsmail Can Turan
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