11 Amazing Things to do in Oludeniz, Turkey

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When you’re looking at photographs of gorgeous beaches in Turkey – or even beaches in Europe for that matter – you’ll likely come across a picture of Oludeniz. The deep turquoise of the Blue Lagoon is framed by lush green mountains and a golden strip of sand running around the bay. It truly is beautiful. But there are many more wonderful things to do in Oludeniz than simply lounging on the sand. 

The area is home to some wonderful history and beautiful nature. There are tombs to explore, mountains to climb, and gorgeous valleys that are only reachable by boat. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg! So, if you’re planning a trip to this lovely Turkish town, here are some of the best things to do in Oludeniz.

How to get to Oludinez

Luckily, being a popular tourist destination, Oludeniz is pretty easy to get to. The simplest way to get there is to fly into Dalaman airport. 

These flights can be pretty cheap too. In summer I’ve seen deals as low as £80 return from London (using Jack’s Flight Club). Or regularly for about £120 return if you know where (and when) to look. I use Skyscanner to search for flights and they’re great for finding a cheap deal. 

However, in winter, fewer airlines operate flights to Dalaman, so you may have to get there via Istanbul if you’re travelling in the cooler months.

Tip: Plus, don’t forget your insurance when booking a trip, I always use Safety Wing to ensure I’m covered if anything was to go wrong. Click here to grab a quote.

Where to stay in Oludeniz

There are many different areas to stay in Ölüdeniz, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some of the best areas:

1. Ölüdeniz Beach: This area is perfect if you want to stay close to the beach and enjoy water activities. There are many hotels and resorts located right on the beach, offering stunning views of the lagoon and easy access to the water.
2. Hisarönü: This area is a little further inland and offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a great option if you want to stay in a lively area with plenty of entertainment options, but still be close to the beach.
3. Ovacık: Located just up the hill from Ölüdeniz Beach, this area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a quieter alternative to the busy beachfront. There are many hotels and villas in this area, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
4. Fethiye: If you want to stay in a larger town with more amenities, consider staying in Fethiye. This bustling town is located just a short drive from Ölüdeniz and offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, a lively market, and lots more history.

For more of the best places to stay in Oludeniz, click here.

How to get around Oludeniz

We found getting around Oludeniz pretty easy as well. There are regular dolmuş buses between the main resort town and the neighbouring town of Fethiye. These buses also take you to some of the top attractions in Oludeniz like Saklikent Gorge and Babadag Cable Car.

You can catch a bus by simply flagging it down. The buses accept debit cards and you just have to tap your card on the machine to pay for a ticket. Each ticket is also super cheap (about £0.50), so you won’t have to pay a lot to explore the area.

Of course, if you’d rather, you can also get taxis around Oludeniz. This is more convenient and more direct, however, it’s also more expensive. Make sure the taxi driver turns his meter on before you set off.

Which is better, Antalya or Oludeniz?

In my opinion, this really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re really into history, I’d argue that Antalya might be better for you. If you want an even split of history and natural beauty, with a dash of relaxing on the beach, then I’d opt for Oludeniz. Let me explain.

Antalya is home to an amphitheatre half-buried in the jungle, the stunning town of Side, Perge, and the ruins of Olympus. Plus, it’s a much larger area and the old town of Antalya itself is full of history. 

In terms of beaches in Antalya, Lara Beach is the best, closely followed by Konyalti. But neither has the kind of beauty that you get with Oludeniz. Lara is also near a shopping centre and plenty of high-rise all-inclusive resorts.

In comparison, Oludeniz is, at its heart, a tourist town. The town itself consists of a lot of shops and bars and pubs aimed at the English with neon ‘Sky Sports’ or ‘English Breakfast’ signs that don’t really make you feel like you’re in Turkey. I mean, yes, outside of the town centre, there’s plenty of history – like the Lycian Way scattered with tombs, Xanthos Ruins is great to explore. But I feel that Oludeniz’s real charm lies in its natural beauty. 

The Blue Lagoon truly is stunning and coupled with other sites like the Babadag Mountain and the Butterfly Valley, there are some lovely places to explore. Plus, Oludeniz is generally cheaper when it comes to accommodation, so it might be a better choice if you’re trying to budget.

Overall, if you’re looking for a beach break, with plenty of home comforts, I’d recommend Oludeniz. If you want to dive deeper into the history of the Turkish coast and see a fascinating old town, I’d recommend Antalya.

The best things to do in Oludeniz

So, without further ado, these are the best things to do in Oludeniz.

1. Visit the famous Blue Lagoon

Easily one of the top things to do in Oludeniz and the thing many people come to the area specifically to do. The Blue Lagoon is a stunning turquoise-coloured bay surrounded by towering mountains and sandy beaches. It’s known for its unique, crystal-clear waters, which are a result of the mixture of fresh water from the nearby hills and saltwater from the Mediterranean Sea.

The lagoon is a protected area and swimming is only allowed in designated areas, which helps maintain its natural beauty. Nonetheless, it’s still a great beach to relax on and the water isn’t too deep near the sand either. It’s good for families.

Additionally, the lagoon is surrounded by scenic hiking trails and offers views of the beautiful landscape. It’s a popular tourist destination for both adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike. Head to the top of Babadag mountain for the best views of the lagoon.

2. Go Paragliding

While the Blue Lagoon is the thing most people come to see in Oludeniz, if you’re an adventurer, you might want to view it from a different angle. How about from directly above?

Paragliding is one of the most popular things to do in Ölüdeniz. And it’s easy to see why with views as stunning as the ones you get here. This spot has been rated as one of the best spots for paragliding in the world with its perfect weather and breathtaking scenery.

You can easily book a tandem flight with a licensed instructor online. These flights take off from the top of Babadag mountain and last about 30 minutes. You’ll descend on Oludeniz beach, about a 20-minute walk from the beautiful bay of Oludeniz, but right next to restaurants if all the excitement makes you peckish!

The combination of the stunning views, the sensation of flight, and the peaceful atmosphere make paragliding in Ölüdeniz a memorable experience for many visitors.

3. Cable Car to the Top of Babadag Mountain

Nonetheless, if jumping off a mountain isn’t your idea of good fun you can always head to the top of Babadag Mountain in a cable car instead. Both on your ride and at the top, you’ll be treated to running views over the mountainous landscape and the ocean. 

The ride itself lasts about 15 minutes and is a pretty relaxing experience. At the top of the mountain, there are viewing platforms. There’s also a cafe where you can relax and take in the views. I recommend the smoothies here because they are delicious! 

4. Take a Boat to Butterfly Valley

Another of the best things to do in Oludeniz is to take a boat to the secluded Butterfly Valley. Located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, this valley is named after the hundreds of species of butterflies that inhabit the area, particularly the rare Jersey tiger butterfly.

The valley is surrounded by towering cliffs and can only be accessed by boat. This makes it a secluded and peaceful escape from the bustling tourist areas nearby. Of course, it is also a popular destination for tour boats to stop. But, if you time it right, you’ll have the island almost to yourself for a short while.

To get to the valley, you can either book a tour (which will go to several other islands and beach spots as well) or catch the 20-minute boat ride from Oludinez beach. The boat is pretty easy to book. You simply turn up at the beach, head to one of the stalls, pay a small fee of about £5 per person, and board the next available boat to the island. The last boat back is at 5pm, however, to make sure you don’t miss it or you’ll be stranded there!

Butterfly valley is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, and sunbathing, and is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine natural areas in Turkey. There is also a small cafe and shop for buying food and drinks as well as a small camping site for those who want to spend the night. You can also pay a small fee to take a hike up the valley to a waterfall at the other end. On this hike is where you’re most likely to see the butterflies.

5. Sunbathe on Oludeniz Beach

With its long stretch of sand, picturesque mountain backdrop, and promenade of restaurants lining the sand, Oludeniz Beach is a great place to relax. This is the final stop for the bus between Fethiye and Oludeniz, and it’s a perfect place to sit and have a cocktail. It’s also where the paragliders come down, so you can watch them land while catching a tan.

You can also go swimming here, sunbathe, and partake in water sports such as parasailing. You can buy souvenirs, ice creams, or a boat tour, and generally relax by the ocean. It’s a pretty central spot and one of the best places to visit in Oludeniz.

6. Visit the Ghost Town of Kayakoy

This was one of my favourite things to do in Oludeniz. Once a thriving Greek-speaking village, this town was completely abandoned in the early 20th century following the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey.

Today, the abandoned village is a wonderful place to explore and a great way to soak in the rich culture of Turkey. You can wander the ruins of old homes and buildings, many of which have been expertly preserved. The village offers a unique and eerie experience, as well as a glimpse into the area’s past.

7. Visit the nearby Fethiye

A charming and historic coastal town located just 15 minutes by bus from Oludeniz, Fethiye is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Like Oludeniz, the town is surrounded by lush green hills and forests. But what Oludeniz has in natural beauty, Fethiye has in history.

Within this town, you’ll find a series of rock-cut tombs from the Lycian period, a hilltop castle, and a vibrant market.

Fethiye is also a hub for food and shopping, with a bustling old town and a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes, serving traditional Turkish dishes, fresh seafood, and more. The town also has a vibrant nightlife, with several bars and nightclubs.

8. Take a Day Trip to Saklikent Gorge

This utterly gorge-ous (get it?) natural beauty is about 30 minutes from Fethiye by bus and easily one of the best things to do in Oludeniz. The gorge is a narrow and steep-walled canyon, over 18 kilometres long and up to 300 meters deep. It’s considered one of the deepest gorges in Europe.

We took the bus to Saklikent, but you can also get a guided tour of the area, usually paired with a visit to the ruins of Tlos. If you do get the bus, you’ll have to go from the Fethiye bus station. Once you get to the gorge, you’ll see a few restaurants, and comfy seating over the river  -the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat. Then, head into the gorge. 

You have to pay a small fee of 10 TL to enter the gorge. Once you’re in, walk along the riverbed, wading through the clear and chilly waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and scenic natural beauty. The water provides a thankful break from the heat and the landscapes are so beautiful. Make sure you pack your water shoes though because the rocks can get sharp.

Tip: If you visit in late June or earlier, there will likely still be water in the gorge. But in the heat of summer, almost the whole trail dries up, making it a mush crier experience.

9. Explore the Ruins of Xanthos

Located near the village of Kınık, the Ruins of Xanthos was once the capital of the ancient Lycian civilization. One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey, the ruins of Xanthos date back to the 4th century BC. You can see the Nereid Monument, a monumental tomb, and the Xanthos theatre, a large open-air amphitheatre. 

You can also explore the remains of the city’s fortifications, houses, and streets, as well as see several inscriptions and reliefs in the ancient Lycian language. It’s also located in an incredibly scenic area surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The site offers panoramic views of the nearby coastline and the ocean.

10. Hike Some of the Lycian Way

One of the most famous hiking trails in the world, The Lycian Way is a long-distance walking trail in southwestern Turkey. It stretches over 500 kilometres along the coast of the Lycian Peninsula. The trail passes through several ancient Lycian cities, including Xanthos, Letoon, and Patara, as well as several cute little Turkish villages. 

While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to hike the entire Lycian Way – the full trail will take between 30 and 45 days. But you can hike sections of it in shorter, one-day hikes. You can see signs of the Lycian Way at other spots on this list, such as in the ghost town, and near the rock tombs in Fethiye. The most popular routes from Oludeniz are:

• Oludeniz to Kabak – takes about 4 hours one way
• Kayakoy to Oludeniz – takes about 2-3 hours one way
• Oludeniz to Faralya – takes about 2-3 hours one way
• Oludeniz to the Butterfly Valley – takes about 2-3 hours one way

Obviously, the first one is the most challenging. But Kabak is such a chilled-out hidden gem in Turkey that it’s well worth the effort. However, I wouldn’t even think about attempting any of these hikes in the heat of the summer. Wait until October or November, or come early in March or April otherwise, the heat will really get too much. 

The Lycian Way is a challenging and rewarding hike, suitable for experienced hikers and trekkers. The trail follows (mostly) well-marked paths, and offers a variety of landscapes, from coastal cliffs and forests to rugged mountain landscapes and rolling hills. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning ocean views, as well as experience the rich history and culture of the ancient Lycian civilization.

11. Go on a Boat Trip

Boat trips are incredibly popular in Oludeniz. And for good reason. The area is full of coves and wonderful beaches. There’s often nothing quite like feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your back out on the open water. 

There are plenty of boat tours that depart from Oludeniz and offer a leisurely sail along the coastline, providing panoramic ocean views, the nearby mountains, and the lush green landscape. 

The boat trips typically include stops at secluded bays and beaches, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, or snorkel. Some boat trips also include lunch or dinner on board, and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenic views in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

Overall…

There are plenty of great things to do in Oludeniz. From paragliding to taking a leisurely boat cruise; from swimming in the ocean to wading through a beautiful gorge, there is something for everyone in this Turkish coastal town.

Of course, don’t get me wrong, Oludeniz is pretty touristy – I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t – but if you head outside of the main town, there’s beauty to be found. Whether you spend your time on a sun lounger at the Blue Lagoon or hiking the Lycian Way, have a great time in Oludeniz.

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