Oludeniz holidays

How to reach Ölüdeniz

Flight time: Flights to Dalaman take approximately 4 hours 10 minutes from London.

Transfer time: Taxiing from Dalaman Airport to Ölüdeniz takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a 1-hour Havaş bus to Fethiye followed by a 25-minute taxi ride to Ölüdeniz.

Price: Taxi fare from the airport to Ölüdeniz will be around TRY1,600 (£36). A one-way bus ticket to Fethiye costs TRY150 (£3.50), and an onward taxi to Ölüdeniz around TRY500 (£12).

Best time to visit Ölüdeniz

With options ranging from sunny, beach-ready summers to milder, quieter shoulder seasons, the best time for your Ölüdeniz holidays largely depends on your vacation preferences.

• April to May experiences highs ranging from 23°C to 27°C and minimal rainfall, ideal conditions for outdoor activities, but it can get chilly at night.

• June to August is hot, dry and sunny. With temperatures reaching up to 36°C by July and with as much as 12 hours of sunshine, these are great months for swimming and sunbathing, but some may find the heat too intense for more strenuous activities.

• September to October sees temps drop to 32–27°C, plenty warm enough for beach days but not quite as oppressively hot for everything else. Tourists will evaporate in October as the main tourist season wraps up and rainfall picks up.

• November to March brings cooler, more variable weather. Rain is more frequent, while daily highs drop from 22°C in November to 16°C in January before climbing to 20°C by March. With most everywhere shut for the off-season, these are the months to visit if you want to have Ölüdeniz all to yourself.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language, but Ölüdeniz sees a lot of British tourists, so communicating in English shouldn’t be an issue.

• Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira.

• Getting around: The local dolmuş (minibus) system is popular and budget-friendly. Taxis are also available, but agree on a fare in advance or ensure the meter is running. Many prefer to hire a car to explore nearby areas, though roads can be narrow and winding.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 220V (frequency 50Hz). Turkey uses type C and F plug sockets.

• Time zone: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT year-round.

Best things to do in Ölüdeniz

Picture-perfect with its blue lagoon, scenic beaches and stunning mountainous backdrop, holidays to Ölüdeniz can be as active or relaxing as you want.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Babadağ Mountain: Not for the fainthearted, but the views are spectacular – cable up from the station on the main road of Ölüdeniz.

• Kıdrak Bay: Mountains, pines, golden-hued sand and azure waters. Check, check and double-check.

Best districts

• Ölüdeniz: Ölüdeniz is a full-fledged beach resort, with all the tourist infrastructure to go with it, rather than an authentic Turkish town, but the setting is genuinely breathtaking.

Parks and gardens

• Ölüdeniz Nature Park: Surrounded by pine trees and rugged mountains, the aptly-named Blue Lagoon is the pièce de résistance of this stunning protected nature park.

• Butterfly Valley: Accessible via water taxi, with a pristine beach and challenging hiking trail, this steep-sided valley is incredibly scenic, but there are fewer butterflies than you may expect from the name.

Museums

• Fethiye Museum: A hop, skip and jump away in Fethiye, this small archeology and ethnography museum showcases jewellery, pottery and sculpture from Fethiye and the surrounding region. The standout piece is the Trilingual Stele, which helped decipher the ancient Lycian language (one of the most important Anatolian cultures).

Historic monuments

• Kayaköy Ghost Village: Less than 20 minutes’ drive from Ölüdeniz, set against rolling hills, this village was home to Greek Orthodox Christians, expelled in the population exchange after the Greco-Turkish War. With its crumbling houses reclaimed by nature, this is an eerily spell-binding place with a palatable sadness.

Day trips in the area

• Saklikent National Park: At most a 1-hour-25-minute drive, this national park is home to Turkey’s longest canyon, Saklikent Gorge. With cliffs, rapids and narrow wooden walkways, it‘s perfect for adventurous types.

• Ancient City of Xanthos: Sited above the village of Kınık and UNESCO-listed with neighbouring site Letoon, this ancient Lycian city offers extraordinary funerary monuments, a fine theatre and a tragic history – in 540 BC, besieged by the Persians, its inhabitants committed mass suicide.

Activities for families in Ölüdeniz

Family holidays to Ölüdeniz are all about experiencing the great outdoors, but water and amusement parks are nearby.

• Family-friendly beaches: Ölüdeniz’s sheltered Blue Lagoon is ideal with calm, shallow waters for young children to splash about safely.

• Boat trips: Hop on a boat tour, many of which include lunch and stop at various secluded coves and bays, allowing families to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters. As a heads-up, the pirate ships, irresistible as they may be to kids, are geared towards the 18–30 age group.

• Amusement parks: From rollercoasters to merry-go-rounds, Aktur Lunapark in Hisarönü has something for everyone.

• Waterparks: Chutes, slides, pools and a lazy river, Orka World Waterpark in Ovacık offers all the usuals.

Free things to do in Ölüdeniz

Whether swimming and sunning, catching a sunset or a sky spectacle, you’ll find plenty of ways to while away days and nights.

• Free events: Throughout the summer, Ölüdeniz hosts open-air concerts and dance performances, often held along the beachfront, providing entertainment for all ages. Belceğiz Beach is also the main site for the Ölüdeniz Air Games in October.

• Beaches: There’s no entrance charge for Belceğiz, Ölüdeniz’s main beach, but you will have to pay for sunbeds and brollies if you can’t go without your creature comforts.

• Watch the sunset: The sun disappears behind the peninsula at the end of the beach, so anywhere along the promenade is a good vantage point.

Wellness in Ölüdeniz

• Traditional body care: You can’t go to Turkey and not experience a hammam (Turkish bath), where you can enjoy steam rooms, exfoliating kese scrubs, foam washes and massages. There are a couple of spa hammams in and around Ölüdeniz – for instance, the Palm Spa Ölüdeniz.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Ölüdeniz is the start point of the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail known for its coastal views, historical sites and scenic routes through pine forests.

• Paragliding: One of Ölüdeniz’s most iconic experiences is paragliding from Babadağ Mountain. Take in panoramic views of the Blue Lagoon, forested mountains and pristine beaches on a solo or tandem flight.

• Scuba diving: Ölüdeniz offers excellent diving conditions, with warm, clear water and plenty of marine life. Diving excursions cater to all levels, from beginners trying an introductory dive to certified divers exploring underwater caves and reefs.

• SUP and kayaking: You can rent equipment along the beach and paddle out along the coast to explore hidden coves and sea caves.

• Jeep safaris: Adventure-seekers will enjoy a jeep safari through the rugged countryside. Tours combine off-road exploration with visits to natural sights like Saklikent Gorge and Yakapark. It’s a great way to see more of the region’s landscape, with stops at local villages and scenic viewpoints.

Beaches to enjoy on Ölüdeniz holidays

Ölüdeniz holidays are synonymous with stunning beaches, where turquoise waters meet golden sands and dramatic mountain backdrops. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or scenic beauty, Ölüdeniz’s beaches promise unforgettable seaside experiences.

• Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz Beach): The crown jewel of the Turquoise Coast, the Blue Lagoon is famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores. Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and sunbathing, this protected area offers a serene escape with spectacular views.

• Belcekiz Beach: Stretching along the main waterfront of Ölüdeniz, Belcekiz Beach is vibrant and lively. Known for its larger waves, it’s a favourite spot for paragliders landing after their flights from Babadağ Mountain. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy a mix of seaside fun and nearby cafes and restaurants.

• Butterfly Valley Beach: Accessible by boat or a scenic hike, Butterfly Valley is a secluded gem surrounded by steep cliffs. Its untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

• Kabak Beach: Just a short distance from Ölüdeniz, Kabak Beach offers a remote and serene experience. This pebbled beach, surrounded by lush forests, is ideal for couples and those looking to escape the crowds.

• Gemiler Beach: Located near the ancient ruins of Gemiler Island, this quiet beach provides a mix of history and relaxation. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkelling, with calm waters and a laid-back vibe.

• Kidrak Beach: Known as Paradise Beach, Kidrak offers a quieter alternative to the more popular spots. Just a short drive from Ölüdeniz, this beach is surrounded by pine trees and perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.

Whether you’re lounging on the iconic Blue Lagoon, exploring hidden coves like Butterfly Valley, or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Belcekiz Beach, Ölüdeniz’s beaches are a highlight of any holiday. With their unparalleled beauty and variety, they provide the perfect setting for your coastal escape.

Local dishes in Ölüdeniz

There are plenty of international favourites on restaurant menus, but you’ll have no problem getting traditional Turkish dishes on Ölüdeniz holidays, too.

Some typical dishes

• Pide: This boat-shaped flatbread comes with everything from cheese to minced beef or lamb.

• Gözleme: Filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat, this Turkish flatbread is baked on a griddle for a crisp finish.

Meze dishes

• Kalamar Tava: Battered fried squid rings with a dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

• Baba Ghanoush: This dip is made with roasted and puréed aubergines, olive oil, lemon juice and tahini.

Meat dishes

• Manti: Filled with spiced minced meat and onions, these traditional dumplings are usually topped with a garlicky yoghurt sauce.

• Kuzu Tandır: Perfect for meat lovers, slow-cooked fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Izgara Çipura: Grilled with simple seasonings, sea bream is typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil, allowing the delicate flavours to shine.

• Izgara Levrek: Prepared in a similar fashion, grilled sea bass is another popular option.

Street food

• Döner Kebab: Turkey’s best-known kebab – grilled meat (traditionally beef) shaved from a vertical skewer, wrapped in flatbread with salad and a sauce.

• Balık Ekmek: Fish sandwiches are made with deep-fried battered whiting (mezgit) around these parts.

Sweets and desserts

• Baklava: Thin filo, chopped nuts and sweet syrup – this dessert is a classic.

• Künefe: Flavoured cream cheese layered between shredded and buttered pastry and drenched in syrup.

Local drinks

• Rakı (Aslan Sütü): Commonly drunk with meze, this sociable spirit is best drunk with water, which turns it cloudy (explaining the “Lion’s Milk” moniker).

• Efes Pilsner: This refreshing Turkish brew is just the ticket when you want to kick back after a hard day’s swimming and sunning.