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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jeremy Seal

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Oludeniz Boat Trip to Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island from Fethiye

Oludeniz Boat Trip to Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island from Fethiye

Fethiye

Take a fun boat trip around Ölüdeniz’ bays and islands on this full-day cruise. Admire the stellar views as you sail past mountains, headlan...

€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

Beyaz Yunus Hotel

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:

Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel

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.

Official star rating:

Hillside Beach Club

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.

Official star rating:

Turan Hill Lounge

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Turquoise Coast

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hike the Lycian Way

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

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Overview >

Paragliding off Babadag Mountain

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

Twelve Islands boat tours

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

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Kaya ‘Ghost Village’

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

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Overview >
Aerial view of the cove with bright blue waters and sand below
Experience

Butterfly Valley

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

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Overview >
Turkish ceramics on sale at the market
Experience

Fethiye Market

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

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Overview >
Cliffside view with greenery and the blue sea visible down below
Experience

Walk to the Monastery of Afkule

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

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Overview >