Oludeniz

A tree-lined route spanning 14 kilometers connects Ölüdeniz to the Fethiye district center. At the journey's end, the azure hues of the Mediterranean Sea and the welcoming Belcekız Bay unfold before you. Belcekız Bay, encompassing a roughly 4 km long beach, forms a spacious inlet that includes Ölüdeniz Lagoon, Kumburnu, and Belcekız Beach. To clarify, the lagoon and the beaches are not distinct; they exist adjacent to each other. When viewed from the land, Belcekız Beach is situated on the left, while Kumburnu is on the right. The lagoon, an inland natural wonder resembling a turquoise lake, connects to the Mediterranean through Kumburnu.

Ölüdeniz name comes from the lagoon

The lagoon nestled between Kumburnu and the shore exudes an extraordinary serenity, devoid of waves or movement, prompting those who witnessed it to dub it Ölüdeniz. In fact, this name has become the widely accepted general term for the entire region. An alternate version of the name's origin is explored in the legend of Belcekız and Ölüdeniz in the subsequent lines. Remarkably, the lagoon's seabed lacks even algae, while the white, fine sand beneath contributes to the turquoise hue of the water. A significant portion of the indented coastline is veiled by pine trees, and their reflection in the water paints picturesque landscapes.

Swimming in the lagoon is another pleasure

Swimming in the lagoon is an option, with its water being warmer than the adjacent open sea. Access to the lagoon for swimming requires entry into Kumburnu Nature Park, and this entails a fee along with the purchase of sunbeds and umbrellas. There's also a parking facility for those arriving by car. Beach clubs situated along the inner shores of the lagoon offer the opportunity to swim and enjoy a pleasant day. One drawback in this natural wonder is the prevalence of sunbeds and businesses covering the sandy shores. However, despite this, the lagoon's water remains consistently clean. Rumor has it that there are freshwater springs within the lagoon, contributing to its lower salinity, and this difference in salt levels facilitates a continuous circulation between the open sea and the lagoon.

Belcekiz Beach

On the left side of Kumburnu lies Belcekız Beach, stretching long and wide. While the beach itself is open to the public at no cost, certain areas feature sunbeds and umbrellas placed by cafes and hotels along the shore. If you opt not to rent these sunbeds, you have the liberty to sunbathe and relish the sea with your personal loungers without incurring any charges. The beach comprises pebbles rather than fine sand, and the sea, though quickly deepening and somewhat choppy, consistently maintains its cleanliness. During mornings, excursion boats set off from the central area of the beach, heading towards destinations such as Butterfly Valley and Kabak Bay, and later return in the afternoons. Alternatively, the captivating panoramic view of the 4 km long coastline is truly enchanting.

The legend of Belcekız and Ölüdeniz

Throughout its history, Ölüdeniz has been a sought-after refuge for sailors due to its tranquil and secure nature. In the past, when larger ships anchored offshore, sailors would navigate small boats into the lagoon to procure drinking water. One day, the son of an experienced captain entered the lagoon in a dinghy and, while filling water barrels at the shore fountain, caught sight of Belcekız. In that moment, they both fell deeply in love. However, as the young man often had to embark on sea voyages, their meetings were brief and always at the fountain. One fateful day, the young man and his father's ship encountered a storm at sea. The young man steered towards Ölüdeniz, known for its calm waters, but his father, fearing the rocks at the lagoon's entrance, misunderstood, thinking his son wanted to go there to be with Belcekız. An argument ensued, and as the ship approached the lagoon's entrance, the father attempted to avoid the rocks. Tragically, the young man fell into the sea and disappeared amid the waves, just a few meters away from entering the lagoon. The father successfully guided the ship into calm waters, but upon learning of her beloved's demise, the girl sorrowfully threw herself from the rocks. The location where she met her end became known as Belcekız, and the place where the young man lost his life was named Ölüdeniz.

Ölüdeniz is the center of many activities

Ölüdeniz and its vicinity offer a plethora of activities. From various water sports and diving to options like rafting, trekking, paragliding, and jeep and ATV safaris, there's no shortage of adventure. Exploring the deserted Greek town of Kayaköy, the historical Gemiler Island (also known as Aya Nikola Island, associated with St. Nicholas), the picturesque Butterfly Valley, and Kabak Bay are just a handful of the many intriguing destinations awaiting discovery. For those seeking to venture into the less crowded coves around Ölüdeniz, renting a yacht is a viable option. It's worth noting that individuals who find the utmost enjoyment in Ölüdeniz and its environs are often those who opt for yacht travel and accommodation.

The symbol of Ölüdeniz: Paragliders

Swimming at Belcekız Beach or Kumburnu offers a unique spectacle as you observe paragliders in action. Babadağ, standing at 1969 meters and providing a stunning backdrop to Ölüdeniz, is renowned as one of the world's premier paragliding hubs, boasting three runways at varying elevations. Thousands of tourists and athletes flock here each year, both in summer and winter, to engage in this exhilarating sport. Paragliders gracefully dance in the sky like butterflies before descending to the beach where sunbathers and swimmers enjoy their time. Witnessing their acrobatic maneuvers in the air is a truly extraordinary delight. For those inclined towards adrenaline, there's also the option to take a leap and experience Ölüdeniz and Belcekız Bay from the skies. Numerous paragliding agencies along the coast are available to assist you in this adventure. September and October stand out as the most delightful seasons in Ölüdeniz, characterized by reduced crowds and a return to normal air temperatures. Additionally, the International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games, held in October, grace the sky with an increased number of parachutists, creating a truly spectacular atmosphere.

Nightlife is very lively

Despite its name, Ölüdeniz boasts a vibrant atmosphere on its small beach. The inland settlement area offers hotels and guesthouses catering to various budgets. Additionally, a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and bars, particularly active in the afternoons and evenings, contribute to the lively ambiance. Even in the nighttime, the energetic vibe persists as adventurous paragliders, enthusiasts of the sport, gather here. The positive energy is palpable and adds to the lively atmosphere. The towns of Hisarönü and Ovacık, situated between the Fethiye and Ölüdeniz coasts, offer excellent accommodation and entertainment options. This is particularly beneficial as the capacity of hotels on Ölüdeniz beach may not suffice for all tourists. Hisarönü and Ovacık are essentially interconnected and just 4 km away from the beach. Accommodation choices include hotels, hostels, and campgrounds, allowing visitors to enjoy vibrant nightlife with DJ performances, dance shows, neon-lit bars, and diverse cuisine restaurants. During the day, you can easily access Ölüdeniz beach, which is merely 10 minutes away, using minibuses. Furthermore, Ovacik-Hisaronu, being at a higher elevation, offers a cooler and more breezy atmosphere compared to the beach.

Transportation to Ölüdeniz

Fethiye, the district linked to Ölüdeniz, is accessible by road from various cities. You can reach the district either by private car or through bus services offered from all cities. For air travel, Dalaman Airport is conveniently located just 45 minutes away from Fethiye. Ölüdeniz experiences significant crowding, particularly during July and August. The road leading to Ölüdeniz beach is frequently congested, often due to inadequate parking space. Consequently, opting for minibuses departing from Fethiye and Hisarönü/Ovacık proves to be a more convenient means of reaching the seaside.