Ölüdeniz is only 8.5 km (5.3 miles) south of Fethiye over the mountains (map), and has some of Mediterranean Turkey‘s most famous and beautiful beaches. This destination has hundreds of hotels, flats/apartments and villas accommodate the international sun-seekers who flock here in the warmer months. Additionally, depending on what month you plan to visit, Ölüdeniz may have more budget-friendly accommodations than in Fethiye. However, Fethiye is the city-center hub where travelers usually flock to. Ölüdeniz is great if you’re looking for a more relaxed stay away from the city.
Attractions
Ölüdeniz is filled with loads of attractions from paragliding to boat tours and beaches.
Adventure-seekers who want to catch a glimpse of Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) from above can paraglide from Mt. Babadağ, soaring above the beach and sea while perfectly landing right on the beach. If this is your first time paragliding, have no fear because tandem paragliding is very popular, allowing an inexperienced person to be strapped together with a certified paraglider.
The Lycian Way, a 500km (311 mile) rustic footpath, starts in Fethiye and wanders through the hills, descending to Ölüdeniz before ascending again above Kıdrak and Faralya, passing the top of Butterfly Valley before wandering south-east toward Patara and ultimately, Antalya.
There are several beaches at Ölüdeniz: Belcekız Beach, Ölüdeniz Beach, and Kumburnu Beach. In order to get to Butterfly Valley, you’ll need to take a boat to shuttle you there and back or consider a boat tour. There are many large boats that offer group tours as well as smaller boats for private rental.
Location & Transportation
Ölüdeniz is easily accessible by bus, and taxi from Fethiye’s city center. For distances from Ölüdeniz to other places, see the distances on the Fethiye page, and add 8.5 km (5.3 miles).
Accommodations
There are a number of loding options available in Oludeniz. However, if you plan only a short stay at Ölüdeniz beach before moving on, you might want to stay in Fethiye, where prices tend to be lower, and take one of the frequent minibuses to Ölüdeniz for the day. All intercity buses operate out of Fethiye’s otogar (bus terminal).
More Information
The fertile alluvial plain behind the beach is now filled with small hotels, pensions and restaurants, and any further expansion has been relegated to the nearby hilltop towns of Ovacık and Hisarönü. Ölüdeniz, meaning “dead” or calm sea, takes its eerie name from the secluded lagoon at the beach’s western end by the 3-star 94-room Hotel Meri. Protected by hills and entered by a narrow channel, the lagoon is calm during even the worst storms.
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