Ölüdeniz: the lagoon on every Türkiye poster
Ölüdeniz is the turquoise lagoon and long beach at the foot of Babadağ mountain that appears on almost every Türkiye brochure, with paragliders drifting down from 1,900 m overhead. It is an hour from Dalaman Airport and the classic beach holiday of the Turquoise Coast.
Ölüdeniz or Hisarönü?
Ölüdeniz itself is a small strip of hotels behind the beach. Most apartments, bars and cheaper hotels are in Hisarönü and Ovacık on the hill above, 10 minutes away by dolmuş.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From DLM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ölüdeniz beachfront | Hotels and restaurants along the promenade, paraglider landing zone, boat jetty | Long pebble beach; the calm, shallow Blue Lagoon next to it | Beach holidays, families, walking to the sea | 1 h |
| Hisarönü & Ovacık | Busy villages on the hill with bars, restaurants, nightlife and many apartments | No beach; frequent dolmuş to Ölüdeniz | Budget holidays, nightlife, groups | 55 min |
| Kıdrak & Faralya | A few upmarket hotels on Kıdrak bay south of the lagoon, and village pensions on the cliffs at Faralya | Kıdrak: sandy bay; Faralya: steep paths to the sea | Peace, views, hiking | 1 h |
Times are from Dalaman Airport (DLM).
Things to do
The Blue Lagoon
Behind the open beach, a sheltered lagoon of shallow, very calm water sits inside a protected nature park, ideal for small children and paddle boarding. There is a small entry fee for the park side; the main beach is free.
Paragliding from Babadağ
Ölüdeniz is one of the most famous paragliding sites in the world. Tandem flights take off from Babadağ mountain at around 1,700 to 1,900 m and glide for 20 to 40 minutes down to the beach. No experience needed; flights run most of the year when the wind allows.
Butterfly Valley
A steep-sided valley ending in a small beach, reachable only by boat from Ölüdeniz (about 30 minutes) or by a dangerous cliff path that should be avoided. A waterfall at the back and, in summer, a resident population of Jersey tiger moths that gave it its name.
Boat trips
Daily boats from the beach visit Butterfly Valley, the Blue Cave, St Nicholas Island with its Byzantine ruins and swimming bays along the coast. Most return by late afternoon.
Lycian Way and Kayaköy
The Lycian Way starts nearby and climbs above the lagoon towards Faralya with stunning views. A shorter, popular walk crosses the hill from Ölüdeniz to the ghost village of Kayaköy in about two hours; see our Fethiye guide.
Getting there and around
Dalaman Airport is about 65 km away, around an hour; see the transfer guide. The last stretch down to the beach is steep and winding. Dolmuş minibuses run every few minutes between Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, Ovacık and Fethiye until late at night in summer.
When to go
May to October. June and September are ideal for beach and paragliding; July and August are hot and very busy, especially in Hisarönü. Many hotels close in winter. See our weather guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ölüdeniz beach sandy?
The main beach is fine pebble; the Blue Lagoon has a sandier, shallow edge. Water shoes help small children.
How much does paragliding in Ölüdeniz cost?
Tandem flights are sold by many operators in Ölüdeniz and Hisarönü; prices vary by season and include the drive up the mountain and the photos are usually extra. Book with a licensed company.
How do you get to Butterfly Valley?
By boat from Ölüdeniz beach, about 30 minutes. Avoid the steep cliff path from Faralya, which has caused serious accidents.
Is Ölüdeniz good for families?
Yes, especially the calm lagoon. Families who want quieter evenings stay by the beach rather than in Hisarönü.