Explore Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon): tandem paragliding from Babadağ, lagoon swims, and day trips to Butterfly Valley, Gemiler and the Blue Cave. Learn access tips and why gulet cruises and sailing tours in turkey make this an essential stop.
About 15 km south of Fethiye, Ölüdeniz pairs a sweeping sand-and-shingle strand with the famous Blue Lagoon, all under the towering presence of Mount Babadağ. Its dramatic setting draws travellers from around the world, so the vibe is lively without losing the area’s natural charm. Thanks to steady conditions and big-sky views, this is one of the world’s go-to spots for tandem paragliding: you launch from Babadağ and glide over pine slopes to a landing beside waters that fade from pale aquamarine to deep cobalt.
The name “Ölüdeniz” literally means “dead sea” in Turkish, a local shorthand for the lagoon’s glass-calm, crystal-clear water. Reaching the beach is straightforward—regular minibuses run from Fethiye, self-drivers can follow the coastal road, and private transfers for groups are easy to arrange. The lagoon itself is a favourite pause for gulet cruises, with skippers anchoring outside the protected area so guests can swim from the rocks or paddle to shore.
On our sailing tours in Turkey, we plan generous time here: wander the long beachfront, swim in the lagoon’s warm shallows, or book that bucket-list paraglide over the bay—keep an eye out for your boat below. Many turkey sailing boats include Ölüdeniz on Fethiye–Kekova routes, and it pairs perfectly with classic 4-day journeys between Fethiye and Olympos.
Day-boat outings from Ölüdeniz make it easy to sample nearby gems—Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas (Gemiler) Island, Cold Spring Bay and the Blue Cave; meanwhile, trekkers can join stretches of the Lycian Way that traverse Babadağ’s slopes and lead to sweeping cliff-top viewpoints. As the day winds down, grab a seafront table: sunsets here pour gold across the bay, and the beachfront bars are made for that last swim followed by an easy cocktail as the sun slips under the horizon.
