At first glance, it feels like summer never left. The sun beats down from a cloudless sky, and the sea sparkles with a shade of blue you usually only see in postcards.
It’s late September, but the heat lingers, holding steady at 30°C, making this the ideal Mediterranean escape when much of Europe has already started cooling off.
Found along Turkey’s scenic southwest coast, this spot has a shimmering blue lagoon and one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also a surprisingly affordable destination for a slice of sun-soaked paradise in Autumn.
No wonder this coastal gem continues to draw visitors in search of warm waters, epic views, and a relaxed village feel. Welcome to Ölüdeniz, the beach break you didn’t know you needed.
Once a hideaway for pirates and smugglers, Ölüdeniz – on Turkey’s southwest coast – no longer keeps its treasures hidden.
Today, it’s one of the country’s most beloved holiday spots, famed for the Blue Lagoon – one of Turkey’s most photographed natural attractions. It regularly tops polls of the world’s best beaches, and for good reason.
The calm turquoise waters are dream-like, and the beach is still soaking up 30°C heat even as Autumn settles in elsewhere.
Hit the beach and lagoon
Ölüdeniz’s Blue Lagoon is actually part of a protected national park officially known as the Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parki. This area is a true gem, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, and visiting the lagoon means you’re stepping into a preserved piece of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline.
The park surrounds the famous Blue Lagoon, ensuring that the waters and surrounding environment remain clean and pristine and regulating development to keep the area as natural as possible.
There’s a small entrance fee to access the national park, which includes Belcekız Beach and the lagoon area. The facilities are well-maintained, with toilets, showers, and plenty of shaded areas to escape the baking midday sun.
The park also offers rental options for sunbeds and parasols, and there are also kayaks, pedalos and paddleboards for hire if you want to explore the tranquil lagoon waters.
Ölüdeniz’s Belcekız Beach offers a striking combination of sand and pebbles, curving gracefully along the coast. This Blue Flag-winning beach is wide and welcoming, ideal for long, lazy days by the water. It leads directly to the iconic Blue Lagoon, where the water is calm, crystal-clear, and perfect for a gentle swim.
Behind the beach, a range of pine-covered mountains rises dramatically, adding to the sense of escape. But they’re more than just a backdrop – they’re the starting point for one of the most popular activities in the area: paragliding.
Paragliding: Soar above the turquoise coast
If you’re craving adventure, Ölüdeniz is the ultimate paragliding destination.
The town’s famous Babadağ Mountain towers above the coastline at 1,960 metres, offering one of the best launch points in the world. From here, you can float high above the picturesque Blue Lagoon and the vast Mediterranean Sea, taking in the magnificent landscape from a bird’s eye view.
The thrilling descent offers sweeping views of not just the lagoon but also the spectacular Butterfly Valley, a deep canyon home to hundreds of species of butterflies. The vibrant greens of the valley, contrasted against the sparkling blue of the water, are an incredible sight to behold from above.
No need to be an expert – tandem paragliding flights with experienced instructors are available, so you can float to earth with a pro.
The take-off from Babadağ is exhilarating, and the experience of soaring through the air with the warm wind in your face is as close to flying as it gets.
Flights last around 25 to 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights before gently gliding back down to the beach to highfive your family and friends and purchase your pics.
Water adventures and boat trips
If you prefer staying closer to the water, Ölüdeniz offers many reasonably priced watersports. You can jump on a jet ski, snorkel in the clear waters, or paddleboard around the serene Blue Lagoon.
Hop aboard a boat trip to slowly explore the nearby coves and islands. The Butterfly Valley boat tour is a favourite. A secluded beach at the valley’s base provides a peaceful place to unwind or hike into the canyon to explore the rich wildlife.
A day out on the 12 Islands Tour is also popular. This all-day boat adventure takes you to pristine bays and uninhabited islands, where swimming and sunbathing in crystal-clear waters are the order of the day.
Day trip to Fethiye
A quick 25-minute ride on the local dolmuş takes you to Fethiye, a lively harbour town perfect for a change of scenery. Stroll along the marina, stop for a cold Efes beer at a waterfront bar, and admire the ancient Tomb of Amyntas that looms over the town.
This rock-carved tomb dates back to 400 BC and gives a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.
Fethiye’s bazaar is a great place to pick up Turkish souvenirs – from handwoven carpets to spices. The town’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal for wandering, and a cup of rich Turkish coffee in a quiet café will round off your day trip nicely.
Where to eat in Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz has a fantastic range of restaurants to choose from, whether you’re after authentic Turkish food or something more international.
Sey Beach Bar & Restaurant stands out, serving fresh seafood with views of the Blue Lagoon. Their grilled octopus is a local favourite and perfect for lunch or dinner by the sea.
For a more traditional taste of Turkey, Kumsal Pide offers a delicious selection of pide, a flatbread topped with ingredients like minced meat or cheese.
Joseph’s Restaurant is a go-to for international dishes if you’re in the mood for variety, while Buzz Beach Bar offers cocktails as the sun dips behind the mountains. The relaxed vibe and great service make it a must for a sunset drink.
Where to stay in Ölüdeniz
When it comes to accommodation, Ölüdeniz has options for every budget. If you want to be right on the beach, Belcekiz Beach Club is a fantastic choice. This all-inclusive resort offers direct beach access, multiple pools, and activities like yoga and watersports, so you’ll never be short on things to do.
For something smaller and quieter, Tonoz Beach Hotel is a boutique hotel just a short walk from the lagoon. It’s the perfect place if you want to be in the heart of the action but still have a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
Liberty Hotels Lykia is a stunning resort just outside Ölüdeniz for a more luxurious option. It’s family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids, and offers epic views of the mountains and sea for adults to enjoy.
How to get to the Dalaman region from the UK
Reaching Ölüdeniz and the wider Dalaman region from the UK is straightforward, with multiple options for both flights and holiday packages.
The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is around a 1-hour drive from Ölüdeniz. Several airlines offer direct flights from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
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Jet2 operates frequent direct flights from various UK airports to Dalaman, with flights typically taking around 4 hours. The company also offers convenient package holidays, combining flights, accommodation, and transfers. You can often find great value deals, particularly in the shoulder season, which extends into autumn when temperatures remain comfortably around 30°C.
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EasyJet and TUI also offer direct flights from several UK cities, with TUI being another great option for all-inclusive holiday packages. These packages often include flights, hotel stays, and airport transfers, taking the hassle out of planning your trip.
During peak summer, flights are frequent, but autumn sees fewer crowds, often allowing you to snag a last-minute deal or lower-cost flight options.
Once you land in Dalaman, getting to Ölüdeniz is easy – you can either pre-book a transfer through your holiday provider or hire a rental car for more flexibility. Taxis and shuttle buses are also available from the airport.
