Ölüdeniz Guide: Where It Is and How to Get There
Prime Turist local team · Updated: October 2026 · 4 min read
Ölüdeniz is a beach resort in the Fethiye district of Muğla, about 12–14 km from Fethiye town centre. It is 20–25 minutes by car or about half an hour by the frequent dolmuş minibuses, and Dalaman Airport is 68 km away. The famous Blue Lagoon is protected as a nature park with an entry fee, while Belcekız beach right next to it is free and open to all. Paragliding from Babadağ runs all year round and the boat trip runs every day from April to October.
Where is Ölüdeniz?
Ölüdeniz is a beach resort at the foot of Babadağ mountain in the Fethiye district of Muğla province. It lies about 12–14 km from Fethiye town centre; the road climbs through Ovacık and Hisarönü, then winds down the slopes of Babadağ to the sea.
The resort has two parts: the Blue Lagoon, ringed by pine forest and separated from the sea by a narrow sand spit, and Belcekız beach stretching alongside it. The name, meaning "dead sea", is said to come from the lagoon's water, which stays calm even in stormy weather.
How to get from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz
By dolmuş: Minibuses leave Fethiye centre for Ölüdeniz frequently, running via Ovacık and Hisarönü; with the stops the ride takes about half an hour.
By car or taxi: It is a 20–25 minute drive from Fethiye. Parking in Ölüdeniz can be hard to find around midday in summer, so it pays to go early.
From the airport: Dalaman Airport is 68 km from Ölüdeniz, about 80 minutes by road. Our Dalaman to Ölüdeniz transfer takes you from the airport to your hotel door.
On a tour: The Ölüdeniz boat trip and the paragliding flight both come with an optional hotel pick-up, so if you are staying in Fethiye centre, Çalış or Hisarönü you need not worry about getting there.
The Blue Lagoon and Belcekız beach
The Blue Lagoon: One of the most photographed shores in Turkey. The lagoon is protected as the Ölüdeniz Nature Park and there is an entry fee; sunbeds and parasols can be hired inside. The sand spit that separates the lagoon from the sea is called Kumburnu. The water is shallow and calm, which makes it easy for families with small children.
Belcekız beach: The long public beach of sand and pebbles in front of the resort, next to the lagoon; entry is free. Paragliders flying from Babadağ land on its shore. Restaurants, cafés and sunbed hire line the seafront.
The sea is 24–28 °C from June to October. For month-by-month air and sea temperatures, see our Fethiye weather by month guide.
Things to do in Ölüdeniz
Paragliding: The symbol of Ölüdeniz. You take off from Babadağ, about 1,960 m high, on a tandem flight with an experienced pilot, glide over the lagoon and land on Belcekız beach. No experience is needed and there is no age limit; flights run all year round when the weather allows.
Cable car: If you would rather not fly, take the cable car from Ölüdeniz up Babadağ and look down on the lagoon from above.
Boat trip: The Ölüdeniz boat trip leaves the pier at 10:00 every day from April to October. It stops at the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas (Gemiler) Island, Camel Beach, Aquarium Bay and Soğuksu Bay, returning around 18:00. For families with children there is also a pirate boat with a foam party.
Diving: The Ölüdeniz scuba diving trip takes 3 hours in total, with a 20–30 minute dive alongside an instructor. It is open to ages 12 and over, and you do not even need to be able to swim.
Butterfly Valley: A cove between steep cliffs, reached by boat from Ölüdeniz; entry to the valley is charged separately. We explain how to get there in our Butterfly Valley guide.
The Lycian Way: Turkey's famous long-distance footpath starts in Ovacık, just above Ölüdeniz. You will find the starting points and how to reach them in our guide to the Lycian Way starting points.
When to go to Ölüdeniz
The best time for the beach and the boat trip is June to September, with the warmest sea in August (28 °C). May, late September and October are quieter and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
In winter Ölüdeniz is quiet and some hotels and restaurants close. On clear days, though, paragliding flights carry on.
Tips for your visit
Go early: In summer the lagoon and Belcekız get busy towards midday; mornings are cooler and calmer.
Bring water shoes: Parts of the Belcekız shoreline are pebbly.
Mind the sun: The summer UV index reaches 10–11, so wear a hat and SPF 50 sun cream.
Before you fly: We explain what to wear in our guide to what to wear for paragliding at Babadağ.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ölüdeniz from Fethiye? About 12–14 km from Fethiye centre: 20–25 minutes by car or about half an hour by dolmuş.
Is Ölüdeniz beach free? Belcekız public beach is free. The Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz Nature Park) charges an entry fee; you can check the current price at the gate.
How do you get from Dalaman Airport to Ölüdeniz? The airport is 68 km away and the drive takes about 80 minutes. The easiest option is a transfer booked in advance.
Is there an age limit for paragliding in Ölüdeniz? There is no age limit and no experience is needed. The weight limit is 130 kg; above 100 kg a pilot for heavier passengers is arranged.
