Oludeniz, located near Fethiye on the southwest coast of Turkey, is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world and a must-visit on any 7 day Turkey itinerary.
From paragliding over the Turkish Riviera to swimming in crystal-clear waters, chasing the most spectacular viewpoints, or exploring old ruins, there are so many things to do in Oludeniz, Turkey.
Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Oludeniz, including how to get there, the best places to stay, and a suggested Oludeniz itinerary.
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What to do in Oludeniz, Turkey?
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Paragliding is by far the most popular thing to do in Oludeniz and Fethiye. Thanks to its stunning turquoise coast bordered by mountains, Oludeniz is one of the best destinations for paragliding.
The takeoff site is found at Babadag mountain, the highest point in Oludeniz. And if gliding 2,000 meters above sea level still doesn’t give you a rush of adrenaline, you can also ask your pilot to do some acrobatics in the air!
Tip: Make sure to book in advance, at least a week before since it’s one of the most popular activities in Oludeniz. Also, just like the hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia, it’s best to schedule your paragliding activity for your first day in Oludeniz since it’s weather dependent.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PARAGLIDING ACTIVITY IN OLUDENIZ
The paragliding season in Oludeniz usually starts in April and ends in November. It costs around €100-200 depending on the company and time of the year.
This includes free pickup from Fethiye, transfer to Babadag mountain, mountain entrance fee, equipment, etc. Note that it’s usually more expensive during the peak season (June to August).
Relax on Oludeniz Beach
The second most popular thing to do in Oludeniz is to visit Oludeniz Beach. From lounging on the beach to swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or taking a boat trip, you definitely won’t feel bored here.
My favorite thing to do here is to watch the paragliders since this is where they usually land.
There are lots of facilities nearby such as hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, souvenir shops and free toilets and changing rooms.
If you’re coming by car, there are several parking spots around the beach. Alternatively, the bus station is located at the beach entrance.
The only downside is that there isn’t a lot of shade on the beach but you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella. Note that this is a pebble beach, so you might consider bringing a pair of water shoes.
For a quieter beach, you can visit Kidrak Koyu Beach located about a 10-minute drive away. Note that you need to pay a small fee to enter this beach.
Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon
Further away from Oludeniz beach is the Blue Lagoon. This area is almost completely surrounded by mountains, making the water calm and the perfect swimming spot for kids.
If you want to go there, I highly recommend going early in the morning as it gets very crowded during the day. Here also you can rent sun loungers, kayaks, or snorkeling gear.
Note: I heard that there was an entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon but it was actually free when I visited.
Ride in the Babadag Cable Car
For one of the best viewpoints in Oludeniz, I recommend taking a ride on the Babadag Cable Car (or Babadag Teleferik). This new attraction in Oludeniz offers incredible 360-degree views over the mountains and lagoon.
There are a few stops along the way – Station 1200 has a restaurant, an open-air theater, and a walking path to enjoy the view while Station 1700 has another restaurant and even better views.
You can stop there to watch the paragliders take off or hop on a chairlift to go even higher at 1800 meters.
Check the official website here for the updated opening hours.
Related post: Guide to visiting Babadag Cable Car (Babadag Teleferik)
Visit Butterfly Valley Viewpoint
Another best thing to do in Oludeniz is to visit Butterfly Valley viewpoint. Most tourists will visit the main viewpoint which is found here but this one is usually very crowded and can also be dangerous if you don’t watch out where you step.
Also, you won’t be able to get there by bus as there are no bus stops nearby. If you want to visit this particular viewpoint, I suggest renting a car.
Instead, I recommend visiting the lesser-known viewpoint found here which is also a camping site.
From here, you’ll get unobstructed views of the lagoon with tall cliffs on both sides. I was the only one there when I visited so it was very peaceful and quiet.
To get there, take the Faralya (Kabak) bus from either Fethiye or Oludeniz. The bus runs every hour and tickets cost about 20 TL from Oludeniz or 24 TL from Fethiye.
The bus stop is found along the main road opposite Zakkum Restoran. Just follow the road found beside the restaurant and turn right at the intersection to reach the viewpoint.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike down to the beach but I wouldn’t recommend going without a local guide as the path is very steep and slippery.
Take a boat trip to Butterfly Valley Beach
Butterfly Valley Beach, also known as Kelebekler Vadisi Beach is another popular place to visit in Oludeniz. The cheapest way to get there is by taking a boat taxi from Oludeniz beach.
Another option is to take a boat tour from Oludeniz. You’ll first stop at the Blue Cave for swimming and then head to Butterfly Valley beach for more swimming and a short hike to a waterfall.
After lunch, you’ll visit the ruins on St. Nicholas Island and finally end at Cold Springs Bay. Hotel transfers, lunch, and a guide are included in the tour price.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A BUTTERFLY VALLEY BOAT TOUR
If you’re visiting on your own (without a tour), I recommend going in the morning as the beach is quite small and thus gets crowded fast.
Hike part of the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) is a 540-km hiking trail stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. It boasts some of the most incredible views of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and is one of my favorite things to do in Oludeniz Turkey.
Although it takes over 30 days to do the whole hike, you can still walk part of the Lycian Way to witness some pretty epic views.
I started the hike in Oludeniz, near Montana Pine Resort, and just followed the signs until I found the trail. After about 30-45 minutes, I was greeted with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Oludeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon.
There’s only a gentle incline up to the viewpoint, so the hike isn’t too strenuous.
I recommend doing the hike in the morning or in the evening as it can be very hot during the day and there isn’t a lot of shade along the trail.
To get there, ask the bus driver to drop off you near Montana Pine Resort and follow the trail to Montana Seyir Tepesi.
You’ll pass a small campground on your right and further away, you’ll find the Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) sign.
Day trip to Saklikent Gorge and Tlos Ruins
If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Oludeniz, make sure to visit Saklikent Gorge and Tlos Ruins.
Both attractions are located about a 1-hour drive from Oludeniz and are best visited as part of a tour since public buses aren’t available to Tlos Ruins.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF SAKLIKENT GORGE AND TLOS RUINS
If you’re planning to visit Saklikent Gorge only, you can get there by bus from Fethiye.
Saklikent Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The trail begins along a wooden pathway but later on, you’ll have to wade through the water to go deeper into the gorge.
Depending on the season, the water can sometimes rise up to knee-level, which is why it’s recommended to wear water shoes or anything else you don’t mind getting wet.
At Tlos Ruins, you’ll explore ancient tombs similar to Amyntas Rock Tombs in Fethiye. Since the tombs are built over the hills, you’ll get fantastic views from up there.
Take an Island Hopping Tour
One of the most popular activities in Oludeniz is the so-called 12 Island tour. Although it’s advertised everywhere as a 12 island tour, you’ll actually stop at 4 or 5 locations for swimming and snorkeling while you’ll just cruise by the other islands.
Some notable stops include Flat Island, Red Island, and Tersane (Dockyard) Island.
Lunch and hotel transfers are included in the tour price, making it one of the cheapest ways to explore the coast of Oludeniz and Fethiye.
Explore Kayakoy Abandoned Village
Another thing to do in Oludeniz is to check out Kayakoy Abandoned Village.
The village was once occupied by the Greek settlement, Levissi but was abandoned in 1923 due to the population exchange between Turkey and Greece.
Nowadays, you can visit the village for a small fee and wander around the old buildings made up of churches, schools, and houses.
Shop at Hisaronu (Oludeniz Town Center)
For shopping, head to Hisaronu which is found about a 5-minute drive from the beach. This spot is filled with shops selling fake designer goods, restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Oludeniz, I recommend this area since hotels here are much cheaper compared to those found near the beach.
Explore the ruins of Amyntas Rock Tombs
Dating back to the 4th century, the Amyntas Rock Tombs are one of the most popular attractions near Oludeniz. You can easily see the tombs from Fethiye Old Town as they are carved high up into the mountain slopes.
To get there, you’ll need to walk along a long set of stairs but it’s totally worth it as you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Fethiye.
Related post: The ultimate 7 day Turkey itinerary
Wander around Fethiye Old Town
During your visit to Oludeniz, don’t forget to explore Fethiye Old Town to do some shopping or just take in the sights.
I recommend checking out the shopping street which has rows of colorful umbrellas (you can find the exact location here).
You can also head over to the marina during sunset or take a stroll around Ugur Mumcu Park.
Take a day trip to Pamukkale
Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle, is a series of cascading thermal pools and no doubt the most popular attraction in all of Turkey.
It’s very touristy but totally worth the hype and something that you should experience when visiting Turkey.
You can take a dip in the thermal pools and even watch the hot air balloons from there. Make sure to also explore the ancient city of Hierapolis to see the ruins as well as swim in the Cleopatra antique pool.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PAMUKKALE DAY TRIP
Related post: Guide to visiting the Pamukkale travertines
Other things to do around Oludeniz
- Quad bike adventure (including hotel transfers)
- Scuba diving experience (including lunch and hotel transfers)
- Horse riding
Where to stay in Oludeniz?
Is it better to stay in Oludeniz or Fethiye? Well, lots of people actually stay in Fethiye and take a day trip to Oludeniz.
I personally stayed at Blue Bells Hostel and S3 King Residence in Fethiye. Despite both being centrally located and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and the bus station, I wished I stayed in Oludeniz since most of the attractions are located close by.
If you choose to stay on Oludeniz Beach, note that hotels there are slightly more expensive. So, if you’re on a budget, I recommend staying in Hisaronu, Oludeniz town center which is about a 5-minute drive from the beach.
Whether you choose to stay near the beach or the town center, you’ll still have access to plenty of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and all the best things to do in Oludeniz.
Suggested places to stay in Oludeniz:
Tonoz Beach Hotel: What’s great about this hotel is that it’s located within walking distance to the beach and restaurants but tucked away in a quiet location. They have both double and family room options. If you want to have a full kitchen, make sure to book their duplex suite which is also equipped with a washing machine. Check latest rates here
CC’s Butik Hotel: This is a great budget hotel located in the town center. Rooms are equipped with either double or twin beds, a private bathroom, a mini-fridge, and kettle. There’s also a nice swimming pool. Check latest rates here
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN OLUDENIZ
How to get to Oludeniz?
The best way to get to Oludeniz is to fly to Dalaman Airport. Oludeniz is very popular among British travelers, so you can easily find direct flights from the UK to Dalaman Airport.
Flights are also available from Istanbul to Oludeniz.
From the airport, you can just take the bus or if you’re traveling with a group, you can book a private airport transfer below.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you’re coming from other parts of Türkiye, I recommend taking the bus. Note that there are no direct buses to Oludeniz. The only way to get there is to go to Fethiye first and then take a minibus to Oludeniz.
The bus ride from Fethiye bus station to Oludeniz takes about 30 minutes.
Istanbul to Fethiye by bus: If you’re on a budget, you can take the night bus from Istanbul. Tickets cost about €45 and the journey lasts about 13 hours. Click here to book.
Pamukkale to Fethiye by bus: If you’re coming from Pamukkale, you first need to transfer to Denizli bus station. From there, it should take about 3.5 hours to get to Fethiye. Ticket price starts at €9. Click here to book.
Antalya to Fethiye by bus: The bus from Antalya to Fethiye takes about 3.5 hours and tickets cost about €9. Click here to book.
How to get around Oludeniz?
What I love about Oludeniz is that you can get pretty much everywhere by minibus (commonly known as dolmus in Turkey). Buses from Fethiye to Oluzeniz run every 5 minutes and tickets cost about 18 TL.
Driving in Turkey is relatively easy, so another option is to rent a car and take a little road trip around Oludeniz.
CLICK HERE TO COMPARE CAR RENTAL RATES IN OLUDENIZ
How many days in Oludeniz?
With so many things to do, I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Oludeniz. Below is a suggested 4-day Oludeniz itinerary:
Day 1: Paragliding, Oludeniz beach, Blue Lagoon, short hike along the Lycian Way
Day 2: Butterfly Valley viewpoint, boat trip to Butterfly Valley beach, watch the sunset from Babadag Mountain
Day 3: Kayakoy Abandoned Village, Fethiye Old Town, Amyntas Rock Tombs
Day 4: Choose between a 12 Island tour, day trip to Saklikent Canyon and Tlos Ruins, or Pamukkale day trip
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Oludeniz is between April and October, especially if you want to do paragliding. The weather is also nice during this time and not too cold, so great for a dip in the ocean.
The peak season is between June and August, meaning more crowds, plus hotels, paragliding activities and boat tours will be more expensive.
If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting in April/May or September/October.
I hope that you found this guide to the best things to do in Oludeniz helpful. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.
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