Ölüdeniz is a beautiful resort on the Turkish coast, close to a national park and only 15km from the delightful city of Fethiye. To many, it has all you need for the perfect summer holiday. Long stretches of sandy beach, a sheltered lagoon and a magnificent backdrop of the Taurus Mountains all combine to make Ölüdeniz the popular holiday destination it is.
But if you are of the opinion that relaxing on the beach is all very well for a day or two and instead you prefer to explore more of the surrounding area, here are some tips on what you can get up to.
Take a Boat Trip
There is nothing quite as relaxing as taking a boat trip, and Ölüdeniz has several companies offering all kinds of packages. While you sit back and soak up the sunshine on the deck of the boat, your chef on board prepares a delicious freshly cooked lunch for all the guests. There are stops for swimming or snorkeling and visits to St Nicholas monastery Island, Cold Water Springs and Camel Beach, which are big attractions in the area.
These trips cost around £15 but prices vary depending on the company you book with and the package you choose.
Dalyan Mud Bath
You can’t go to this part of Turkey without indulging in the purifying mud bath experience. This tour begins with a gentle sail through The Dalyan delta and a great view of the famous rock tombs of Canous, where the ‘African Queen’ was filmed. Then it’s on to the mud baths, where dipping yourself in the sulfurous mud reportedly makes you look 10 years younger! Lunch is always included in the village of Dalyan before you get a chance to swim in either fresh or salt water at the stunning beach close by, which is also a conservation area for the endangered Caretta Caretta Turtles.
This tour will cost you around £20.
Jeep Safari
For something a little different, how about exploring off the beaten path Turkey on a jeep safari? Travel in open top jeeps through fabulous rural scenery before discovering the magnificent Saklikent Gorge. You get a chance to drive if you like, or you can simply enjoy the ride as a passenger. After a delicious lunch, you will be driven to Xanthos, the ancient Lycian city, before heading to Patara for a swim.
Costing around £18, this is a bargain day out.
All of the above tours can be booked at http://www.oludeniz-excursions.com/ and you will be picked up and dropped at one of the set points in town, none of which will be far from your hotel.
How To Get to Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz is a short transfer from Dalaman, the main airport serving the seaside towns in the area. Dalaman is a popular international airport with direct flights arriving regularly from London, Birmingham and Manchester.
A Dalaman transfer to Ölüdeniz takes around an hour. In order to make your journey as seamless as possible, book a Dalaman transfer in advance with us here at Shuttle Direct. We have an experienced fleet of drivers, excellent vehicles and we pride ourselves on offering competitive rates. Book with us and you can rest assured that we will take the stress out of getting you to resort at the start of your holiday – and back to the airport at the end.
Of course, you can hire a car on arrival and drive yourself, or alternatively take the public bus. You need to check the timetables though, as they vary seasonally.
Where to Stay
Mellis Beach Hotel – Perfect for the sun seeker and beach lover, Mellis Beach Hotel, located 350 yards from Belcekiz Beach, also has its own swimming pool! This hotel is perfect if you want to save on accommodation so that you have plenty to spend on your day trips. Reasonably priced with well-appointed rooms with balconies, you get plenty for your cash. After a long day relaxing on the beach or sailing around the coast you can dine on local or international gastronomic fare in the a la carte restaurant. A Dalaman transfer will have you at this hotel in around an hour.
Pinehill Hotel & Suites – Looking to spend a little more on your holiday accommodation, then take a look at Pinehill Hotel & Suites. Set out in sprawling grounds, the hotel has some beautiful outdoor areas. You can escape and get lost in a book on a sun lounger in the gardens by day and indulge in a romantic meal on the subtly lit terrace by night. If you prefer to self cater, go for a suite with a private kitchenette and make use of the barbeque facilities, but otherwise – with Ölüdeniz just on the doorstep – you can wander into town to enjoy a local eating experience.
Sentido Lykia Resort & Spa – If luxury is on the agenda for your holiday in Ölüdeniz, then Sentido Lykia Resort & Spa could be the place for you. Boasting a stunning location backed by a pine forest and fronted by the azure blue waters of the sea, this hotel has real charm. If you like to get active on your holiday, then you can make use of the 3-hole golf course and any one of the 19 swimming pools. The spa is the big attraction here and offers typical Turkish hammams and massage treatments. You will never be short of dining choices here either, as the place has 9 restaurants, 10 bars, 2 cafes and a wine house!
