Ölüdeniz beach, Fethiye, Turkey

Ölüdeniz Beach is one of Turkey’s most famous coastal destinations, located in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province along the southwestern Turquoise Coast. It is renowned for its calm, turquoise lagoon, fine white sand, and surrounding pine-covered mountains. The lagoon and the sand spit around it are protected as the Ölüdeniz Nature Park, which helps preserve its natural beauty.

Location & Setting

Ölüdeniz has two parts. The long public Belcekız Beach curves along the open bay in front of the resort, while the famous Blue Lagoon lies behind a sand spit at the end of the bay, sheltered by pine-covered hills. The lagoon is especially calm and shallow, ideal for swimming and families. Above it rises Mount Babadağ (1,969 m), one of the world’s best-known paragliding sites, and the Lycian Way long-distance trail starts nearby.

How to Get There

By car: Ölüdeniz is approximately 14 kilometers from Fethiye city center. Visitors can drive along well-maintained roads and find paid parking areas near the beach. During peak summer months, parking spaces may fill quickly, so early arrival is recommended.

By bus/minibus: Local minibuses (dolmuş) run regularly from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz, providing an affordable option for tourists without a car. The journey typically takes 20–25 minutes.

By boat: Day cruises from Ölüdeniz also visit Butterfly Valley and other coves along the coast.

Water Temperature & Swimming Conditions

The water at Ölüdeniz Beach is typically calm and clear, with temperatures varying by season:

• May–June: around 19–28 °C, rising quickly in June.
• July–September: around 26–30 °C, ideal for long swims.
• October: around 26–27 °C, still warm and pleasant.

The gentle slope and sheltered lagoon make swimming safe and suitable for children and inexperienced swimmers.

Facilities & Access Cost

Beach access: Belcekız Beach is free. The Blue Lagoon (Kumburnu) is a nature park with an entrance gate and a small fee per person (roughly 100–150 TL in 2026); sunbeds and umbrellas inside cost extra.

Parking/vehicle access: Paid parking is available near the beach, particularly during the high season.