Bucket list experience:
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey
The beach that launched a thousand brochure covers, Oludeniz combines a gorgeous swathe of sandy beach with a tranquil lagoon, backed by tamarisk trees and mountains.
The beach is the most famous in Turkey and does get busy – the further you walk from the resort end, the more chance of peace and quiet. The lagoon is ideal for families with clear, shallow, water and relaxed beach clubs, offering good Turkish food and loungers under the trees.
And while Turkey’s signature beach is busy with landing paragliders and banana boats, the adjacent lagoon is very much more somnolent: mountain-backed shallows, lined by tamarisk trees, loungers and ice-cream cabins, which offer easy swimming and shade.
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Destination Guide >Oludeniz beach is 20-minute drive south of Fethiye. The main beach immediately fronts the town, while the separate lagoon beach lies beyond the western end of the town (easily walkable). The town beach offers sailing and windsurfing facilities, and is the landing point for paragliders descending from Babadag Mountain.
There is parking for the lagoon, but it can get very busy in high season. The section of beach closest to the resort is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, many with rooftop decks that are fantastic for sunset drinks. The beach is free, but sun loungers and parasols are charged by beach attendants.
May to October has the best beach weather though most foreigners avoiding July and August, when Turkish visitors are in abundance. May to June and September to October, cooler but largely dry, are perfect.
April and November can bring rain but there are also long spells of lovely weather; these are great times of year to experience a quieter Turkey.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Fethiye
€49 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [29 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Oludeniz, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[0.8 miles]
Delightful retreat on a private bluff overlooking the sea, with seven bright and beautiful rooms and brilliantly attentive staff – just a ten-minute walk from Oludeniz Beach. Only children only 10+ years old permitted.
Official star rating:
Kabak, Aegean Region, Turkey[6.9 miles]
A romantic and traditionally styled bolt hole, in idyllic grounds with views over the sea. For those who want the stunning Turkish scenery without the crowds.
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Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[6.9 miles]
Family-friendly and classy holiday village in postcard-perfect setting, combining outstanding service and the full range of facilities to winning effect.
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Mugla, Aegean Region, Turkey[9.4 miles]
Idyllic back-to-nature forest camp with wonderful home-grown food, great woodland walks and a glorious beach just a few minutes’ walk away.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast offers an unbeatable mix of mountain-backed beaches, classical ruins and adventure activities, with superb food and delightful owner-run hotels.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Mediterranean Region, Turkey[3 miles]
An epic 540km hiking trail through magnificently rugged coastlands from Fethiye to Antalya, that immerses visitors in Turkey’s history, nature and culture.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1-30 days
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[6.1 miles]
Among the world’s top tandem paragliding experiences with stupendous coastal views, take off from the peak of Babadag Mountain to land half an hour later on Olu Deniz’s famed beach.
Best for ages: 13+ | £90 | 30 mins
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[8.4 miles]
Fun- and sun-filled boat tours to discover the beautiful scenery of Fethiye Bay, with the chance to swim and snorkel off unspoilt islands and tranquil coves.
Best for ages: 8+ | £20 | 6-9 hours
Turkey[18.3 miles]
Our summary of the typical foods, ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Kayakoy, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[4.6 miles]
A compellingly haunting ‘ghost town’, hidden in the mountains behind Oludeniz, providing moving insights into little-known aspects of modern Turkish history.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[5.7 miles]
One of the most beautiful coves on the Lycian coast, Butterfly Valley is either accessible by boat from Oludeniz, or by an extremely vertiginous walk down from Faralya. It’s not advised to try this hike without a guide and the right equipment.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[8.2 miles]
Held on a Tuesday, stretching out along the banks of a dry river bed, this is a market for both locals and tourists, with excellent leatherware and ceramics that are far cheaper than in the town’s shops.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | All day
Kayakoy, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[8.3 miles]
Afkule, which translates as ‘Tower of Forgiveness’, is an abandoned monastery in a remote and beautiful cliffside location, near Kayakoy. It’s a 20-minute walk through pine trees from the end of the dirt track – worth it to see the former monks’ cells, a cistern and lovely views over the sea.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 20 mins
