Overview
Ölüdeniz is a sheltered lagoon on the Turkish Riviera, near Fethiye, with calm turquoise water, a long sandy spit and pine-covered mountains behind. The Blue Lagoon in the nature park is the main swimming spot, with soft sand and shallow, warm water. Cafes and shops line the main beach, and boats run to nearby coves and the Butterfly Valley.
Above the beach, Babadağ ("Father Mountain") rises to nearly 2,000 m. A cable car carries visitors to about 1,700 m, where there is a viewing platform, and from there tandem paragliders launch and glide down to the beach. It is considered one of the best paragliding sites in Europe. The Lycian Way, a long-distance footpath, begins nearby, and the ghost village of Kayaköy is a short drive away.
Highlights
- The turquoise Blue Lagoon and the sandy spit
- A tandem paraglide from Babadağ
- The cable car and the views from the top
- The Butterfly Valley and boat trips to coves
Best time to visit
May to October is the main season, with warm sea and reliable weather for paragliding. July and August are hot and crowded, and September is warm and quieter. Winter is mild but most things close.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Good
- AugAugust: Good
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Dalaman (DLM), about 1 hour by road from Ölüdeniz. Minibuses (dolmuş) run from Fethiye to the beach, and transfers can be booked from the airport. Many people rent a car for day trips.
What to expect
The Blue Lagoon charges entry, and the main beach is free. Paragliding is booked with licensed operators, with a safety briefing and insurance, and flights depend on the wind. The cable car can have queues in summer.
Practical tips
- Book a paragliding flight with a licensed operator and check the insurance.
- Visit the Blue Lagoon early in the day, when it is quieter.
- Bring sun protection and water shoes.
- Check the weather and the cable car timetable before you go up.
Frequently asked questions
Is paragliding safe?
Tandem flights are widely done with licensed pilots, though there are always risks. Choose a reputable operator.
What is the Blue Lagoon?
A sheltered lagoon with calm, shallow water, in a nature park with an entry fee.
How high is Babadağ?
The mountain rises to nearly 2,000 m, and the cable car goes to about 1,700 m.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: rheins (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, dronepicr (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, allen watkin from London, UK (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
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