Bucket list experience:
The unique topography of Babadag Mountain, which rises 2,000m above the resort beach at Oludeniz, makes this one of the world’s top sites for tandem paragliding.
Take the road or newly-opened cable car to the summit where, harnessed to your pilot-guide and paraglider, you’ll step off the launch platform for thin air where the warm thermals will sweep you up and away.
The route taken by your pilot will depend upon the wind conditions, but expect him/her to make zig-zags on your descent before landing.
Your descent, with spectacular views over the famed lagoon, the Bay of Fethiye and Greek Rhodes, may take as much as half an hour before your guide brings you safely to land on Oludeniz’s wide sand beach. Step out of your harness – and straight into the sea.
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Destination Guide >Book through one of the adventure companies in Oludeniz, who will organise your transfer to the summit and provide all necessary kit, including flying suits, and briefing. Booking ahead is essential.
Any age (who’s brave enough) can do it – apparently they’ve flown passengers aged 4-84.
The paragliding season runs from April to the beginning of November. Flights leave 4 to 5 times per day, from morning to late afternoon. There may be cancellations due to the weather conditions.
Views are especially good early or late in the afternoon, while the thermals in the hottest part of the day tend to offer greater lift and a more dramatic flight.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Oludeniz, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[5.4 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[7.5 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:
Mugla, Aegean Region, Turkey[8.9 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:
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[12.2 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:
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
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[6.1 miles]
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.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[12.4 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
Kalkan, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[20.6 miles]
A memorable 4km walk and wade along Turkey’s most dramatic canyon, followed by a stop at one of the charming waterside eat stops clustered beyond the entrance.
Best for ages: 6+ | £4 | 2 hours
Turkey[22.9 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..
Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[6 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[7.9 miles]
The most beautiful of all Lycian cities, Pinara is a tumble-down joy set deep in the hills above the Xanthos Valley. The theatre is especially beautiful, as are the so-called Royal Tombs set in a glade of ancient plane trees.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Kabak, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[9.2 miles]
A former hippie hangout, now a mindfulness and yoga mecca, Kabak occupies a lovely beach at the end of the road east of Oludeniz. Campsites and simple bungalows close to the Lycian Way.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Kayakoy, Mediterranean Region, Turkey[10.3 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
