The Blue Lagoon and Belcekiz beach
Oludeniz's emblem is the Blue Lagoon, a protected nature park: sheltered from the wind, shallow and crystal clear, it is ideal for swimming. Right next door, Belcekiz beach is livelier, buzzing all day with cafés and water sports.
Babadag and paragliding
Oludeniz is one of the world's premier paragliding spots. Gliding over the lagoon from the summit of Babadag — more than 1,700 metres high — is unforgettable. Even if you don't fly, you can ride the cable car up for the panorama. Calmest conditions are usually early morning and early afternoon.
Butterfly Valley and Kayakoy
Reached by boat or via Faralya, Butterfly Valley is a protected canyon with steep walls and a waterfall. A little inland, between Fethiye and Oludeniz, Kayakoy is a striking 'ghost village' of stone houses abandoned in the early 20th century.
Both make excellent half-day trips for anyone wanting an alternative to a beach day.
The 12 Islands boat tour
Daily '12 Islands' boat tours depart from Oludeniz harbour and work their way along the Gulf of Fethiye, stopping for swims in clear bays; Aquarium Bay and Cold Water Bay are among the well-known stops. Boats usually leave in the morning and return by early evening, with lunch served on board. If you are prone to seasickness, sitting on deck and watching the horizon helps.
Practical tips
There is a small nature-park fee at the lagoon entrance. Summer middays are intense — shade, water and a hat are essential. Ovacik and Hisaronu are a short minibus ride from central Oludeniz, but your airport transfer needs to be arranged separately.
