Ölüdeniz, south of Fethiye, is one of the most photographed coastlines in Turkey: a sheltered lagoon of pale turquoise water, a long pebbly beach and pine-covered mountains rising straight from the sea.
The lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a protected nature area, which keeps its shores largely free of buildings. The water inside the lagoon is shallow and calm, ideal for swimming, while Belcekız beach faces the open sea.
Paragliding from Babadağ
Above the bay rises Babadağ mountain, one of the best-known paragliding spots in Europe. Tandem flights land on the beach after a long glide over the lagoon.
Around Ölüdeniz
Boats run along the coast to Butterfly Valley, a steep-sided bay reachable only by sea, and the Lycian Way long-distance trail starts nearby. Fethiye, Kayaköy's abandoned stone village and the beaches of Patara and Kaputaş are all within a comfortable drive.
