On the southwestern coast of Turkey, where the waters of the Aegean Sea merge with the Mediterranean, lies the resort of Oludeniz. This is a place that cannot be confused with any other: the famous Blue Lagoon, the majestic Mount Babadag, and beautiful sandy beaches make it a true gem of the coastline. The name Oludeniz translates as "Dead Sea." It was nicknamed this because of the unusually calm water in the lagoon, which is protected from the winds and appears motionless.
A Bit of History: From Women`s Lands to the World Capital of Paragliding
The history of Oludeniz as a resort is surprising and relatively young. Just 30 years ago, few people outside of Turkey knew about this place. An interesting fact: the resort owes its development largely to women. In the old days, when the focus was on agriculture, the fertile lands in the vicinity of Fethiye went to men, while women, as a residual principle, got the rocky areas in the mountains, which are now occupied by Oludeniz. Today, this land is one of the most expensive in Turkey, and many hotels here are still owned by women.
The tourism boom began in the 1990s and is associated with paragliding. In 1988, a German athlete made the first flight from Mount Babadag, and by 1991, the first tandem masters appeared here, ready to take tourists flying. This is how Oludeniz became a place of pilgrimage for sky enthusiasts from all over the world.
Deciphering the Geographical Confusion of Oludeniz: What is Where
Tourists, especially independent ones, often get confused with the names. Sometimes Oludeniz is called Fethiye. Let`s clarify this, as it will help you choose the ideal place to stay.
Fethiye and Oludeniz are not the same thing. Fethiye is a large district center and port city, located approximately twelve to sixteen kilometers from Oludeniz. It is a genuine Turkish city with a yacht marina, a fish market, and historical attractions, such as the Lycian Rock Tombs, but the situation with beaches there is worse – you need to travel to the best ones. Oludeniz, on the other hand, is a small resort town that exists exclusively for tourism.
Oludeniz consists of two parts, which are drastically different in atmosphere and location: Upper and Lower. Understanding this difference is the key to an ideal vacation.
Lower Oludeniz, also called Coastal Oludeniz, is the part of the town right by the sea, a true paradise for beachgoers. This is where the famous Blue Lagoon and the huge sandy beach of Belcekiz are located. All life here is concentrated around the sea: hotels on the front line, restaurants by the water, shops. The atmosphere is maximally resort-like and relaxed.
Upper Oludeniz is located on a mountain plateau, a few kilometers from the coast. It takes about an hour to walk to the sea, so everyone travels by bus or taxi. In fact, Upper Oludeniz is a collective name for two neighboring towns: Hisaronu and Ovacik. This is the center of hangouts, nightlife, discos, and bars. There are many budget hotels and apartments here. If you are traveling by car or prioritize an active holiday, Upper Oludeniz will be an excellent base, as accommodation prices are lower here, and you can get to all the beaches and attractions in just five to fifteen minutes.
Sights of Oludeniz
Oludeniz and its surroundings are a true treasure trove for a traveler. Here everyone can find something for themselves: from world-famous beaches to ancient ruins and breathtaking natural parks.
In the very heart of the town is its main pride – the Blue Lagoon. This is perhaps the most photographed bay in Turkey, a protected natural area with water of an incredible turquoise shade. Entry to the lagoon beach is paid, but the view that opens up is so picturesque that these small expenses are completely unnoticeable.
Next to the lagoon lies the town`s central beach – Belcekiz Beach. It stretches along the entire promenade and is famous not only for its well-developed infrastructure but also because it is here, onto this wide sandy-pebble beach, that paragliders land after their flight from Babadag. Watching their soft landings against the sunset backdrop is a special, incomparable pleasure.
Towering over all this magnificence is Mount Babadag, which is called the "Father Mountain." A modern cable car leads up it, taking tourists to heights of one thousand two hundred and one thousand seven hundred meters. From there, fantastic panoramic views open up onto the lagoon, the endless sea, and the picturesque surroundings.
This is where Oludeniz`s world fame as the capital of paragliding originates. The secret is simple: the unique geology allows pilots, having launched from the summit, to fly directly over the bay at an altitude of over a kilometer and glide to the coast for up to half an hour. Every day you can see hundreds of colorful canopies in the sky – a spectacle that is mesmerizing no less than the flight itself. Tandem flights with an experienced instructor are available for beginners: it is absolutely safe and gives emotions that are remembered for a lifetime.
Leaving Oludeniz, you enter a world of amazing natural and historical attractions. Just a few kilometers away is the famous Butterfly Valley. This is a picturesque canyon with a waterfall and a secluded beach, which can only be reached by sea or via a difficult hiking route. The valley got its name due to the many species of butterflies living in this microclimate.
Very close by, just eight kilometers from Oludeniz, lies the Abandoned Village of Kayakoy. This is a deserted Greek town that became empty after the tragic population exchange in the twenties of the last century. More than five hundred stone houses, churches, and schools stand in ruins, creating a unique, slightly mystical atmosphere that attracts history lovers and those seeking beautiful photos.
Not far from the shore is St. Nicholas Island, also called Gemiler. On this small island, the ruins of Byzantine churches from the 4th–6th centuries have been preserved. Historians suggest that St. Nicholas himself may have been buried here. A magnificent view of the sea opens from the top of the island, and you can only get here as part of a boat trip.
For lovers of wild holidays, Kidrak Beach is ideal. This is a more secluded and picturesque place, located in a pine forest and being part of a nature park. Centuries-old trees create natural shade, and the clearest water brings coolness on the hottest day.
Another wonder of nature near Oludeniz is the Saklikent Gorge, one of the deepest in Turkey, reaching a height of three hundred meters. A walk through the icy mountain water among sheer cliffs is a real adventure for those seeking thrills and unity with wild nature.
Boat Trips from Oludeniz: Seeing All the Beauty from the Water
A boat trip on a yacht or ship is a must-do item on the program, which will allow you to see those places that are impossible to reach by land. Usually, such an excursion lasts the whole day, from morning to evening. The classic route necessarily includes a stop at Butterfly Valley, where you can swim and stroll along the beach.
Then the ship heads to St. Nicholas Island, where travelers have time to explore the ancient ruins and take stunning photos. The trip ends with swimming at Camel Beach and Cold Water Bay – places with crystal clear water, where the anchor is dropped right in the open sea. The cost of such a trip usually includes lunch, and drinks can be purchased on board.
Oludeniz is a unique resort that organically combines relaxing beach holidays, extreme entertainment, and a rich historical program. Unlike many other Turkish resorts, there are almost no hotels operating on an "ultra all-inclusive" system here, which creates a completely different atmosphere: tourists spend a lot of time outside the hotel, exploring the surroundings, dining in local restaurants, and interacting with residents.
The resort season here lasts from the end of April to the end of October. The peak falls in July and August, when the sea warms up to a comfortable twenty-eight degrees, and the air to thirty-five degrees. The velvet season in September-October is considered the best time for excursions and hiking: the heat subsides, but the sea remains warm.
