Found on the south coast of Turkey and once a hideaway for pirates and smugglers, the beach of Oludeniz is about half an hour’s drive, or nine miles, from Fethiye in the province of Mugla.
It is so renowned for its calm waters even during stormy weather that its name literally means “Dead Sea”. Officially, it translates as “Blue Lagoon”, owing to its particularly iconic characteristic.
The beach resort lies on the Turkish Riviera at the conjunction point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Surrounded by pine mountains, Oludeniz is recognised as a Blue Flag beach, an international award presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental educational programmes.
It is also a national nature reserve, with construction in the area strictly prohibited, making it the perfect place for an idyllic getaway.
Its hidden lagoon is separated from the main beach by a sandbar and a narrow channel, where one can then swim in its shallow waters. The seawater in Oludeniz is famous for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine. The beach itself is a pebble beach, emitting a gorgeous yellow sand-like hue.
No boats are allowed in the area, and there are no shows or clubs with loud music, offering the epitome of a quiet and peaceful beach day.
In August, temperatures reach around 33C, which, compared to the heatwave that has gripped much of the rest of Europe with temperatures of over 40C in other countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece, is positively balmy.
The beach is also famous for its paragliding opportunities due to the views on offer and stable weather conditions. Oludeniz lies near Mount Babadag, which is of exceptional height, and perfect for the sport. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also extremely popular thanks to the crystal clear waters, underground caves and rich fauna.
Stunning beaches like Belcekz Beach and Kidrak Beach feature pristine white sands and are perfect for activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Tourists can also experience the beauty of the local area by hiking the local trails or embarking on boat trips to secluded coves and beaches.
For archaeology fanatics, the ancient city of Fethiye is home to Lycian rock tombs etched into cliffs, dating back to the fourth century. Meanwhile, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Letoon is less than three miles away, where visitors can explore the remnants of temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo, as well as a Nymphaeum and an agora or market.
According to Hiker’s Bay, the area is also perfect for cheap eats, with a meal in a budget restaurant costing around £3.67 and a three-course dinner for two priced at around £18.79. Even pints sell for as little as £1.20.
The nearest airport to Oludeniz is Dalaman Airport, approximately 60 kilometres away or just over an hour’s drive. Skyscanner offers flights from the UK to Dalaman starting from £83 for a return. Cheap accommodation is also available in the area, including a hotel, two miles from the centre with a swimming pool for just £11.50 per person per night.
