Fethiye guide · Beach & lagoon
A sheltered lagoon of impossibly turquoise water, a long beach backed by pine-covered mountains, and paragliders drifting down from 2,000 metres. Ölüdeniz is the postcard of the Turkish coast.
Why go
Ölüdeniz means "dead sea" in Turkish, a nod to the lagoon's glassy calm: even when the open sea is choppy, the water inside the sandbar barely moves. That makes it one of the safest and warmest places to swim on the whole coast, and a favourite with families.
The village has two faces. The lagoon itself sits inside the Ölüdeniz Natural Park, where you pay a small entrance fee for sunbeds, shade and the classic view of the sandbar. Right next to it, the long public beach of Belcekız is free, lined with cafés and the landing field for paragliders.
Look up and you will see Babadağ, the mountain that makes Ölüdeniz one of the most famous paragliding sites in the world. Look out to sea and the boats are lining up for Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island and the hidden bays further south.
Plan your day
Tandem paragliding from Babadağ, landing right on the beach. The view of the lagoon from above is the shot everyone wants.
Book paraglidingCalm, shallow and warm, the lagoon is perfect for children and for floating on your back staring at the mountain.
Day boats leave from the beach for Butterfly Valley, Cold Water Bay, St Nicholas Island and Camel Beach.
See the boat tripParasailing, jet ski, banana boats and SUP boards straight from the beach.
Water sports pricesShort beginner dives leave from Ölüdeniz to the Blue Cave and nearby reefs.
Scuba divingTurkey's famous long-distance trail starts in the hills above Ölüdeniz. Even the first hour gives superb views.
Frequent minibuses run from Fethiye centre via Hisarönü and Ovacık to Ölüdeniz. The ride takes about 25–30 minutes.
About 15 km from Fethiye on a winding mountain road. Parking near the beach fills up early in summer.
Most of our tours include hotel pick-up, so you can combine Ölüdeniz with paragliding or a boat trip without driving.
Gallery
Book with locals
Fly from Babadağ and land on Ölüdeniz beach with a licensed pilot.
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Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island and Camel Beach with lunch.
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Parasailing, jet ski, banana boat and SUP on Ölüdeniz beach.
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Two guided dives for beginners, lunch and equipment included.
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Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Our local team will put together the right mix of tours, transfers and tips.
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