This coastal town on Turkey's southwestern shore is known for its calm Blue Lagoon, 1,960m Mount Babadağ paragliding launches, and access to the ancient Lycian Way hiking trail.
Ölüdeniz sits on Turkey's southwestern coast, where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean Sea. You can swim in the calm waters of the Blue Lagoon, take off from Mount Babadağ's 1,960-meter peak for paragliding, or walk sections of the ancient Lycian Way. The area includes hidden spots like the waterfall-filled Butterfly Valley and the stone houses of Kayaköy village.
Getting to Ölüdeniz
You can reach Ölüdeniz from Dalaman Airport, 90 minutes away by car or bus. Regular dolmuş (minibuses) run between Ölüdeniz and Fethiye every 15-20 minutes in summer and hourly in winter. The 30-minute journey winds through pine-covered hills with sea views.
The Blue Lagoon
A curved sandy spit creates the Blue Lagoon's sheltered waters. The main beach has smooth pebbles, while the lagoon area combines sand and pebble sections. The surrounding hills block strong winds, keeping the water calm throughout summer. Environmental protection laws prevent building near the water's edge, preserving the pine forests and rocky shoreline.
Paragliding from Mount Babadağ
Mount Babadağ ranks among the world's most reliable paragliding spots, with takeoff points at 1,200m, 1,700m, and 1,960m. A tandem flight lasts 30-40 minutes, floating above the lagoon before landing on the beach promenade. The cable car (opened 2021) takes you to the summit where three restaurants serve Turkish and international dishes with views across the coast.
Water Activities
Dive sites around Ölüdeniz range from shallow reefs to deeper caves, with water temperatures staying above 16°C year-round. Local diving centers run PADI courses and guided dives. Daily boat tours stop at multiple swimming spots, including Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island, with most boats including lunch and snorkeling gear.
Weather and Timing
Summer temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Spring and fall (May, June, September, October) stay around 25-28°C (77-82°F) with smaller crowds. Most restaurants and activities operate from April through November. Winter temperatures average 15°C (59°F), when many businesses close.
Exploring the Surroundings
The first section of the Lycian Way starts at the lagoon's edge, climbing up for views of the coast. To reach Butterfly Valley, take a water taxi or hike down the steep canyon trail to see its three waterfalls. Kayaköy's 400 empty stone houses lie 8 kilometers away, connected to Ölüdeniz by a marked walking path through pine forests.
Where to Stay
The beachfront area has mid-range hotels and apartments. In Hisarönü, set in the hills 4 kilometers above Ölüdeniz, you'll find more accommodation choices and restaurants. Ovacık, a residential area next to Hisarönü, has private villas with pools. Book at least two months ahead for July-August stays.
