Meaning “dead sea” in Turkish, Ölüdeniz is a village and beach resort neighboring the tranquil Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is renowned for its perfect stillness even during storms. Visit Ölüdeniz to experience the lagoon’s soothing waters and setting in a national nature reserve. Go scuba diving in underwater caves, paraglide from nearby mountain peaks or simply stretch out on a beach lounge on the shore and enjoy the warmth of the Turquoise Coast sun.
Arrive early to secure a good spot on the sandbar that splits the Blue Lagoon from Ölüdeniz Beach. Rent a beach lounge and sun umbrella and take in the views. The lagoon’s blue waters lap gently at the shoreline and pine trees line the dramatic mountainside that rises up from the lagoon’s west end. Go swimming in the lagoon’s warm waters.
Stroll along Ölüdeniz Beach, a long and pebbly beach with views of the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas. The resort area behind this beach is named Belcekız and features a strip of restaurants, bars and cafés. Enjoy a lunch of Turkish pide bread and dips as you watch yachts cross the bay.
Join a paragliding tour and soar from the nearby peak of Mount Babadağ. Take in unparalleled views of the lagoon, the beach and the beautiful pine-forested hills and valleys. Try snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters and awe-inspiring underwater rock formations.
Watch a sunset from one of the shorefront bars and see paragliders coming in to land. Bars in Ölüdeniz close around midnight. If you want to keep dancing, continue your night in nearby Hisarönü, a 10-minute trip on a dolmuş (minibus).
Explore outside Ölüdeniz to find Kayaköy, the nearby ghost town. Visit Fethiye, a bustling resort village with a fantastic Tuesday market. Ovacık, in Ölüdeniz’s north, marks the trailhead of the Lycian Way hiking trail.
Ölüdeniz is located on Turkey’s southwest coast. Reach the Blue Lagoon resort village by dolmuş, cab or rented car from Fethiye, 6.9 miles (11.2 kilometres) away. Ölüdeniz is warm year-round and a great destination for a daytrip from Fethiye.
