Image: Crescent shaped Ölüdeniz Plaji (Beach) from one of the viewpoint going to Butterfly Valley.
Highlights
– What to see and do in Ölüdeniz, Turkey.
Time of Visit: October 2025
Duration of Visit: Two Nights
Description
Ölüdeniz is located on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast near Fethiye. It is one of the country’s most iconic seaside destinations. Its name, meaning “Dead Sea,” refers to the calm, crystal-clear Mavi (blue) Lagoon that remains placid even during rough weather.
Adjacent to the lagoon is the crescent shaped Ölüdeniz Beach. Its surreal shade of blue water and golden sand is very inviting. The beach area, including the lagoon stretches for almost three kilometers. The area is very popular with beachgoers.
Ölüdeniz is a haven for both relaxation and adventure. It offers a range of activities, from leisurely sunbathing and swimming to exploring hidden coves and hiking along the Lycian Way.. The town itself is vibrant yet laid-back, with seaside restaurants, boutique hotels, and beach bars that capture the busy yet easy rhythm of coastal life. Whether arriving for a day or staying for a week, visitors are enchanted by the combination of natural beauty and serene atmosphere that defines this coastal gem.
Activities
We would have stayed longer had we known there were so many things to do in Ölüdeniz. The activities written below are not comprehensive. These are what we were able to do during the two nights we were in Ölüdeniz.
Adventure Sports
Tandem paragliding is the most popular adventure sport in Ölüdeniz. You will see paragliders circling above Ölüdeniz Beach. They take off from the cable car station up Babadağ mountain and land on the grassy areas by the beach. The air time is around 30 minutes and the cost is very reasonable. Tandem paragliding rides can be booked through any of the tour agencies along Çarşı Caddesi (Çarşı Street).
Another adventure sport is whitewater rafting. Rafting season, according to one tour operator, is during the spring and fall. Summer tends to be dry which results in low river levels. However, rain occurs during spring and fall and raises the river level. Rafting is done at the Dalaman River, about a couple of hours away from Ölüdeniz.
Beaches
Ölüdeniz Beach is a long crescent beach. It may not have sugar white sand but the water’s light blue color is very inviting. Do not expect to have solitude on the beach as it is very popular especially with British folks.
If the water of Ölüdeniz Beach is too rough for your liking, head to the Northern end to Kumburnu Plajı which is at the Mavi Lagoon.
Island Hopping
Several tour companies offer island hopping tours (see photo in Expected Expenses for list of tours)
Kayaköy
Kayaköy is a small community not far from both Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. The attraction here is an abandoned Greek settlement called Levissi. The stone structures were built on the mountain slopes during the second half of the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century.
Old Town Fethiye
Old town Fethiye is really a misnomer. The old town is commercialized with covered pedestrian only streets lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. If shopping is your game, this is the place for you.
Fethiye does have a marina that is lined with boats and yachts. Strolling along the marina can be quite enjoyable and refreshing.
Saklikent Gorge
Just a little over an hour drive from either Kaş or Ölüdeniz is Saklikent Gorge. The gorge is accessed by an elevated walkway that is about 300 m (1,000 ft) long. At the end of the walkway are crystal clear natural springs that flow out of the base of the mountain. This is also where people can wade 1.5 km (1 mi) upstream into the river, provided that it had not recently rained. Wading past the 1.5 km mark requires a guide. The pictures remind us of the Narrows in Zion National Park.
It rained the day before our visit and the wading section of the river was closed. The river was gray colored too because of the runoff.
Kayaking and river tubing are also popular activities on the river.
Shopping
If you like shopping, then there is no shortage of shops in both Ölüdeniz and Fethiye. The tourist shopping area of Ölüdeniz is in Çarşı Street (pedestrian only street to Ölüdeniz Beach. In Fethiye, Old Town is the place to spend your holiday and money. Cheap knockoffs are very common.
Viewpoints
There is no shortage of viewpoints because Ölüdeniz is surrounded by mountains. We drove the road to Butterfly Valley and stopped at three amazing viewpoints. Two had fantastic views of Ölüdeniz Beach and one had a heart pounding view of Kelebekler Vadisi Beach (Butterfly Valley). We even saw a couple having lunch on the roadside under a folding umbrella and chairs while the wonderful view was in front of them.
Xanthos Ancient City
Xanthos Ancient City is located between Kaş and Ölüdeniz. It was once the capital of ancient Lycia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich history. Set on a hillside overlooking the Xanthos River Valley, the site features a blend of Lycian and later Greek and Roman influences, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.
Much of the ancient city is in ruins with piles of carved stones here and there. There are plenty of marble columns either standing or on the ground. The only thing worth seeing is the crumbling amphitheater.
How To Get There
The nearest domestic airport to Ölüdeniz is Dalaman, code DLM. We drove ourselves from Kaş to Ölüdeniz and it took about two hours, not including stops at Xanthos and Saklikent Gorge.
While driving from Kaş, we saw buses on the D400 highway which had Ölüdeniz signs so it must be reachable by public transportation. The Obilet App is what most travelers use to book public transportation in Turkey.
Where To Stay
We stayed in Midpoint Suites which is in the heart of Ölüdeniz. It is close to shops and lively restaurants as well as grocery stores. However, it is about a 10 minute drive to Ölüdeniz Beach.
If you intend to just lounge around the beach and be near all the travel agencies, then stay within walking distance to Ölüdeniz Beach. There are a number of accommodations near the beach. .
How To Get Around
Having your own vehicle is the most efficient way to get around Ölüdeniz. Parking was not normally a problem, especially before 10 AM. There are taxis and buses if you prefer not to drive. Walking around in Ölüdeniz, except at the beach area, can be challenging as the terrain is hilly.
Expected Expenses
Prices are in TRY and per person, unless noted otherwise.
Tour Companies: See photo.
Kayaköy: 150
Paragliding: Prices vary by company so shop around. Typically 50 British pound (GBP) for ride only or 75 BP for ride and photos/video. Amount charged converted to TRY.
Saklikent Gorge: 65, parking – 200
Xanthos: 150
Summary
Ölüdeniz is a must-visit because it delivers the quintessential Mediterranean experience in one unforgettable setting. The turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz Beach and Mavi Lagoon are inviting and offer a postcard-perfect scene that epitomizes relaxation and tranquil water.
Adventure seekers can take to the skies on one of the world’s top paragliding routes. Paragliders launch from Babadağ Mountain for an exhilarating flight over the turquoise bay — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is also Saklikent Gorge where visitors can wade the Dargaz Stream to explore the gorge’s inner reaches.
Beyond its natural beauty, Ölüdeniz also serves as a gateway to explore southwest Turkey’s cultural and historical treasures. Visitors can take short boat trips to Butterfly Valley, kayak over ancient ruins submerged in the sea, or wander through the nearby ghost village of Kayaköy, abandoned since the 1920s and steeped in history.
Combined with its stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and easy access from Fethiye, Ölüdeniz stands out as a place where relaxation, adventure, and discovery harmoniously meet — making it an essential stop on any Turkish itinerary.