Ölüdeniz is a small place, especially when compared to its beach’s far-reaching reputation. Even if you don’t know Ölüdeniz Beach (also known as Blue Lagoon) by name, you might well know it by sight: a slender crescent slicing out into that almost unbelievably blue ocean with the bright white sand radiating from the lush, forested landscape like a corona – it’s a photograph that graces holiday brochures and travel blogs worldwide, and with good reason.
While a swim through the waters and even a paraglide over the beach is highly recommended if you do visit the area, there’s a lot more to do near Ölüdeniz, in the area evocatively known as the Turquoise Coast.
Coastal Road
Take a walk, a ride or a drive south towards Uzunyurt. You won’t find any specific attractions along the way, but the views are nothing short of spectacular. As well as the famous turquoise sea and skies, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of rolling hilltops, dusted with greenery and cut into tiers before dropping into the ocean in sheer, red-hued cliffs. The coastal road also offers a respite from the frequently crowded beaches and tourist attractions, and you’ll find that you could just walk for hours, watching the sun playing on the water and searing the earth.
The Peace and Quiet of Kidrak Beach
Ölüdeniz Beach may be famously beautiful, but its fame makes it very crowded. If you want to enjoy the beach but avoid the crowds of Ölüdeniz Beach (especially important if you’re visiting at the height of summer), consider Kidrak Beach. 30 minutes outside Ölüdeniz itself, Kidrak is expansive, sandy, beautiful and quiet. Here’s where to come if you want to enjoy the crystal clear, legendarily blue waters of Ölüdeniz Beach, but in a clean, crowd-free environment.
Dalyan’s Turtle Beach
A short distance up the coast from Ölüdeniz is Dalyan. Reachable in a couple of hours by bus or a little over an hour by dolmus, there’s plenty to do along the coast in Dalyan.
If you do decide to spend some time here, consider visiting Turtle Beach. Not visually dissimilar to Ölüdeniz Beach and backlit with those inimitable cyan tones, Turtle Beach is home to a turtle sanctuary. Sightseers will love the scenery, and wildlife lovers will have a rare opportunity to see the beautiful creatures up close.
Close to Turtle Beach is the Dalyan Delta. The broad, flat expanse, composed of a network of streams between little reedy islets, is not a sight you’ll soon forget. Dalyan’s location on the delta also means that the town is equipped with famous mud baths. Said to be highly beneficial, a mud bath is a unique experience, and well worth a try if you find yourself in the area.
How to get to Ölüdeniz:
The easiest way to get to Ölüdeniz from London is to fly to Dalaman, about 36 miles from Ölüdeniz. Easyjet, Monarch, and Thomas Cook Airlines offer nonstop London-Dalaman flights from £124 for the four-hour flight.
No public buses operate from the Dalaman Airport and there are no rail links, but our online booking system can help you to arrange a quick and easy Dalaman transfer to your final destination.
Where to stay:
Ova Resort Hotel – With quality rooms and an outdoor pool, Ova Resort Hotel is a good budget option. For beach lovers, it has a shuttle service directly to its own designated area of the beach, and the hotel includes a bar and restaurant to ensure you’ll have everything you need.
Pine Valley Hotel – Located amidst beautiful pine forests, Pine Valley Hotel offers excellent accommodation and quality service. As well as having a unique location and picturesque outdoor pool area, activities such as fishing and horse-riding are on offer. This is one to consider for anyone holidaying with children, as the activities and mysterious setting are sure to appeal.
Lykia World Hotel – The ultimate hotel for those who love to pack their holiday full of activities, Lykia World Hotel has nineteen swimming pools and half a mile of private beach. You’ll be staying in a villa with its own kitchen, but with a choice of nine different restaurants for those who’d rather not cook. As well as an impressive range of swimming pools, the hotel offers activities such as archery, diving and paragliding – the latter offers possibly the best vantage point from which to see the magnificent Turquoise Coast.
