There are so many things to do in Oludeniz Dalaman Turkey, you know that you are guaranteed to have an amazing holiday. From paragliding over the blue lagoon at one of the most famous spots in the world to turtle spotting in Dalyan.
As well as a coastline strung with stunning beaches, trendy cocktail bars, delicious restaurants. Not to mention the variety of ancient ruins to explore and history to learn.
Overlooking the Blue Lagoon from the road Ölüdeniz Dalaman Turkey
Things to Do in Ölüdeniz
If you don’t feel like doing sports activities then that is not a problem either. You can sit by the pool sipping cocktails or enjoy the many restaurants and bars. Your options are limitless really, with so many interesting things to do, see and places to eat. I can completely understand why it is such a popular destination.
Where is Ölüdeniz Dalaman
Ölüdeniz Dalaman is a beach village resort on the southwest coast of Turkey. It is only an hour from Dalaman International Airport and because of this, it is fast becoming incredibly more popular with the British especially for a summer holiday.
Best Things to do in and around Ölüdeniz
Here is a list of recommendations of top things to do in Ölüdeniz Dalaman Turkey, to help you get the most out of your time in this fantastic destination.
⇒ Do you require a visa or covid test for Ölüdeniz Dalaman before you go? You can check to see if you do and if there are any other requirements.
Wander through the Ghost Town of Kayaköy Village
The ghost town of Kayaköy village also known by the Greeks as Levessi is definitely worth a visit. It is a deserted ancient Greek village, located in the south of Fethiye. Wander around the 500 or so house ruins and two Greek Orthodox Churches that remain abandoned.
The History of Kayaköy village Turkey
Due to a combination of historical events Kayaköy village Turkey has been deserted and partially destroyed since the 1920s. When the Greeks were forced to leave with just their shirts on their back. Some of these uncontrollable events were the loss of the First World War and the end of the Ottoman Empire. As well as the attempted Greek occupation of the Anatolian region.
Then in 1957, an earthquake hit Kayaköy village destroying most of the abandoned buildings. Leaving them with no windows, doors and about half of the walls collapsed. Today Kayaköy village is preserved as a museum and a historical monument.
Wandering around Kayaköy village
I felt like I had stepped onto a movie set, as I wandered around the ghost town of Kayaköy village 500 abandoned buildings. I would have loved to be able to spend some more time here to really fully appreciate the area and explore more.
It is definitely a place I would highly recommend and is family-friendly. Take care as the village is on a hill and you are walking on rocks, uneven ground, and oversteps. Best to wear walking shoes, so you don’t slip, I wear Teva Women’s, Universal Sandal, which are great for the Turkish hot weather.
Tip for visiting Kayaköy village
- The best time to go is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is not so hot and you have a lovely breeze. It is also a great way to miss the crowds.
Fethiye Horse Safari,
Spend a fun few hours on a Fethiye Horse Safari adventure that includes a visit to kayaköy.ghost village. You will ride a horse through the mountains, given to take pictures and have a wander by foot. The duration of the horse tours being 3 hours.
It does not make if you are a beginner and advanced level tours are made for everyone to enjoy. Horse Tours are usually two times a day, morning or afternoon. Book a Horse Safari here that will pick you up from Oludeniz.
The weather in Ölüdeniz and Fethiye Turkey can be very hot and dry. Make sure to take a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated. I use one like this that not only keeps the water cold but is reasonably priced.
Paragliding over the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz
If you are up for an Adventure of a lifetime then you can’t go past Paragliding over the famous Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz with Sky Star Paragliding. Not only is it one of the top things to do from both Oludeniz and Fethiye but the most popular activity along the Turkish Riveria.
It is also a known hot spot with paragliders around the world because of being one of the highest commercial take-off points at near 2000 meters (6550 ft).
You will be excited and scared at the same time while taking in the views of both the mountains on the horizon and the Turkish coastline below. As it is tandem paragliding, your professional pilot will not only make sure that you are ok but will make you feel at ease during your flight, all the way to your landing point.
How paraglided in Ölüdeniz has changed for the better
This is the second time that I have paraglided in Ölüdeniz the first time being 15years ago. It has definitely changed a lot since then and now there is a purposely build platform made for takeoff and the road is much safer.
I had such a better experience my second time around and not only did I feel safer but my pilot instructor Erciyes Kayak Merkezi was very professional which put me at ease. Just remember when your pilot says run, you have to run!!!!!!!
Here are related Paragliding tours in Oludeniz Turkey
Additional Information for Paragliding over Blue Lagoon
- Your journey from the top to the landing area should take around 25-45mins depending on wind conditions etc
- Most of the companies will pick you up from your hotel, so double check before you go.
- Price – £65 per person
Tips for Paragliding
- This is a great activity to do any time of day but if you love sunrise or sunsets, try to go then. Some of the photos I saw from these times of day looked amazing.
- Be aware that they do not like people taking camera’s or smartphones up in case you drop them. I had mine strapped to the paraglider. I would double check with your pilot what is ok to take up.
Watch what it feels like to Paragliding over Ölüdeniz
Swim and Kayak in the Blue Lagoon
Swimming and kayaking in the crystal blue water of the Blue Lagoon while watching the paragliders soar above, is something I will not forget. I never had a chance to go here the first time I was in Oludeniz Turkey but it was something that I was determined to do this time. Especially after seeing it from the sky above while paragliding.
The Blue Lagoon is located at the end of the beach in Ölüdeniz is a National Park. Spend a full day or half a day here while in the area. You can lay on a sunbed or enjoy one of the other many things you can do like hire a kayak or have a few drinks at the bars and cafes.
⇒ Do you know that you can swim in a blue lagoon in Malta? Read this guide on Places to visit in Malta and Gozo
Additional Information about the blue lagoon
- Entrance fee around £1 depending on the exchange rate
- 17€ for a sunbed standard in a popular tourist area especially in Europe
- 20€ for an hour on the kayak
- Note the beach here mostly pebbles not sand.
Tip for the Blue Lagoon
- It is a bit of a walk to the Blue Lagoon so check with your hotel if they do a free shuttle to the entrance. I know that a lot of the hotels offer this service.
Sailing around the 12 Islands of Gocek
One of my favourite days while in Oludeniz Turkey was sailing around the 12 Islands of Gocek on our own private boat. The water was so crystal clear and it was cool watching the fish & turtles swim about. It felt like we were in our own paradise and the best bit was finding our own secluded area to swim in.
There are various boat companies that will take you around the 12 Islands of Gocek, with most stopping in popular spots like Cleopatra’s Bath, Bedri Rahmi. As well as Aquarium Bay, Ancient Shipyard and Pancake Island. Get Your Guide offer a full day cruise with a BBQ that is reasonably priced.
Where we went sailing in Göcek
We set off early in the morning from Göcek Harbour Fethiye, sailing passing some beautiful mountains and seascapes. Before stopping off for a delicious lunch prepared by our captain which included grilled fresh fish and fresh salad. Topped off with a cold glass of wine to wash it all down. The crystal clear water reminded me of the beaches in Hammamet Tunisia.
Afterwards, we went for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, once our lunch settled down. If you are lucky enough, you will even get to see dolphins swimming.
⇒ Read More – Best things to do in Malta and Gozo
Top Tip
- If you love snorkelling, I would suggest taking your own stuff as you don’t want to miss out.
Gemile Island (St Nicholas Island) and Butterfly Valley
Spend a day doing a Butterfly Valley Tour & St. Nicholas Island cruise that includes lunch. You will go swimming and snorkelling at Blue Cave and Cold Spring Bay. Wander along the paths of Butterfly Valley and look for rare species.
Visting St. Nicholas Island
You will also go to Gemile Island (also known as St. Nicholas Island) believe to be the location of the original tomb of Saint Nicholas. Explore the island ruins dating back to the 4th and 6th centuries AD and climb to the viewpoint.
This is another great boat option from both Oludeniz and Fethiye while holidaying in Turkey, which can be booked online.
Top Tip
- The island is very uneven and rocky, so take shoes that won’t be slippery on rocks. I wear Teva Women’s, Universal Sandal, which are great for the hot weather.
Roll around in the Thermal Mud Baths -Dalyan Peloid
A trip to Dalyan is not complete without visiting the Thermal Mud Bath at Dalyan Peloid. Not only is it a lot of fun for adults but kids too looking for things to do in Oludeniz area Turkey. Research has shown it is really good for you and has many benefits like helping with arthritis and even infertility. No to mention it is a great exfoliating for your skin at the same time.
After layering yourself up with the mud and allowing it to dry for 15-20mins, then you can rinse it off under the shower and then relax in the thermal pool. I have to admit my skin really did feel great afterwards.
Ask if the thermal mud bath has a licence from the Ministry of Health
Make sure that the thermal mud bath has a licence from the Ministry of Health in Oludeniz Turkey. Unfortunately, there are a few imitation thermal mud baths that are considered not safe. Double-check with either your guide or hotel if unsure if it is regulated.
Additional Information about Dalayn Mud Baths
- Entrance Fee £2.50 depending on currency conversion.
- For an extra cost, you can get a message
Take a Boat Ride in Dalyan
After going to the Thermal Mud Baths, spend the rest of the day exploring the Dalyan Delta by boat. While stopping off to admire the Lycian tombs, having lunch and going for a swim in Iztuzu Beach. At the same time look for sea turtles (Loggerhead) and other wildlife that have made the nature conservation area their home.
Where you go
Cruise through the network of windy water channels towards the ocean. Before making your first stop admire the Lycian tombs carved into the rocks high up on the cliff face. I was so intrigued and fascinated by how they were able to build these tombs over 2,000 years ago. If you look carefully, further down the channel, you will see the ancient city of Kaunos.
The boat then cruised along the river and out to sea where we stopped just offshore on a secluded beach with crystal blue water. It was a great spot for lunch and swimming before.
Turtle Beach
On our way back stop off at the unspoilt sands of Iztuzu Beach (Also known as Turtle Beach) for another swim. The beach is protected because Loggerhead Turtles lay their eggs there. At the eastern end of the beach, there is a turtle hospital, caring for injured turtles.
The best bit was that we had our own private boat, where you were able to sit on the roof and take in the 360 degree views, which were nothing but stunning and it was also a great spot for turtle spotting.
Tip for taking a cruise along the Dalyan
If you are unable to catch a boat you can get a Dolmus (Bus), which drops you off near the Turtle Hospital and you can walk the short distance from there.
Plan in advance by booking your cruise along the Dalyan
Visit the Grand Bazaar and dine at the Fish Market
Due to its location, Oludeniz Turkey has an abundance of seafood that you must try. If you want to try fresh local seafood you can’t go past the Seafood market for dinner one night. Stroll through the Grand Bazaar taking in all the smells of the herbs and spices.
You can buy your fresh fish and then the surrounding restaurants will cook it for you for a small fee. If you are unsure what fish to buy then that is not a problem because most of the restaurants also have menus with fresh seafood.
Hotels in Oludeniz Turkey
Ölüdeniz Dalaman Turkey has a wide variety of accommodation spread out in the resort village. Most of the main hotels being situated about 5-10 mins from the beach and in the centre. Don’t be discouraged about staying further out as most of the accommodation is within walking distance and most of the hotels have regular shuttle buses.
⇒ Check the current availability of accommodation for the Ölüdeniz DalamanTurkey area.
All-Inclusive Liberty Hotel
I stayed at Liberty Hotel Oludeniz centrally located and only 5 mins walk from the stunning Belcekiz beach. The hotel had 3 outdoor pools including a children’s pool (freshwater) and an adults pool. Two restaurants including 1 buffet restaurant and 1 à la carte restaurant, as well as a pool bar to enjoy that much needed drink in the sun.
If you feel like indulging then that is not a problem either, as the hotel has a health club, with a sauna, Turkish Bath and massage services.
The Rooms
I had a spacious room on the second floor with a lovely private balcony with views of the surrounding mountains and hotel. The bed was comfy, the air conditioning was good and the WiFi worked really well in the room. Something I always look for when staying in a hotel.
My favourite thing to do was sit on the balcony and watch the paraglider’s fly over in the morning and when the sun was setting in the afternoon.
Whether you are on an adventure holiday with friends, a romantic getaway with your partner or holidaying with family, Liberty Hotel is the perfect spot to stay.
Tip for staying at Liberty Hotel
- Beware that there are no lifts in the Hotel if you have trouble getting up the stairs. Please let the hotel or holiday provider know beforehand, so they can give you a room on the lower level.
- The Hotel offers a free shuttle service to the Blue Lagoon, which you have to visit at least once when in the area.
Where is Ölüdeniz and How to get there
Dalaman International Airport
Oludeniz is part of the Dalaman Region on the southwestern coast of Turkey. The closest international airport is Dalaman International Airport. It is about 57kms away from the airport and should take around a 1hr 15mins to get to Oludeniz via car.
I flew with Jet2 airlines as a part of Dalaman with Jet2 Holidays, which currently services 9 airports routes from the UK and various other areas in Europe. From Dalaman airport, it is easily accessible to reach the 7 Resorts areas that are currently serviced by Jet2 in the Dalaman area.
⇒ Take your holiday to the next level and obtain a Priority Pass Membership. Where you can gain access to over 1500 lounges that offer complimentary refreshments, FREE Wi-Fi and so much more.
Transfers to Ölüdeniz and Surrounding Areas
The best way to get to Oludeniz Turkey is via transfer, whether shared or private. If you are taking a Jet2 package, they will give you a choice of options.
Hire a car to drive around Ölüdeniz
Alternatively, you can hire a car to get around Oludeniz and Turkey’s top attractions, especially if there is a group of you. There are numerous companies at Dalaman Airport where you can hire a car.
⇒ Check out Travel Supermarket for FREE, easy fast comparison on car hire in Dalaman.
Here are some amazing activities that you can book while in Oludeniz Turkey before you go.
Tips for visiting Oludeniz Turkey
- Go to the viewpoint on your way up to Paragliding, where you can get a great picture of the whole beach.
- If you are wanting nightlife and clubs then head to Fethiye town, which is only 13km away.
- Sunscreen: Marmaris gets really hot during the summer period, please make sure to wear the appropriate lotion.
- Have cocktails on the beach one night and not only watch the sunset but also the paragliders landing
- If you decide to stay in Marmaris instead, I highly recommend D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris
Boats along the Dalyan Delta Dalaman Turkey
Discover more places around the Mediterranean Sea
Millions of people flock to seaside cities along the Mediterranean coast every year for a summer holiday. Discover some of these places around the Mediterranean, which are just pure paradise. Feel free to read the following articles.
⇒ Do you require a visa for Oludeniz Turkey before you go? You can check and see if there are any requirement.
Thank you for reading Top Things to do in Oludeniz Turkey. I hope it helped you to decide what to do and where to stay in Ölüdeniz. It is one of my favourite countries to explore.
⇒ Please feel free to head to my Mediterranean page, if you are wanting to read about other locations.
Have you been to Ölüdeniz Dalaman Turkey before? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments below or if you know of any other places to see while in Dalaman or the surrounding area.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Jet2 & Jet2Holidays. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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Oh my gosh! That ghost town looks amazing. I would love to go there!!
I have never heard of Oludeniz in Turkey before and WOW I am glad I stumbled upon your post! What a gorgeous place! I dont like to lay by the beach all day like you so I am happy to see that there are much other more adventurious things to do! Paraglading over the lagoon is beautiful! And the sailing and the boat cruise are definitely a must! I love kayaking although 20€ for an hour is a bit too expensive for me.
That said, I am adding Oludeniz to my travel wish list!
This one of my favourite spots in Turkey and I have been a couple of times now. The paragliding is so much fun to do and I highly recommend it if you ever get the chance
This is a pretty perfect itinerary to Oludeniz Mel! I’ve not yet been anywhere in Turkey, but absolutely love the landscape. You’re so brave doing paragliding there; I’m quite scared of heights so not sure I could do it. The fish market would be a must for me; I adore seafood, and that octopus looks incredible, especially with a chilled glass of white too. Really hope to visit one day soon!
Thanks very much, Lisa, you would love it there. Turkey is one of my favourite countries to explore it is just so full of history and fun things to do. I hope that you get there one day.
This is such a comprehensive guide! I adore the Mediterranean Sea, and Turkey looks amazing. I had no idea about the thermal mud baths, that is the perfect way to relax after kayaking and snorkeling.
It is really weird being in that mud but a lot of fun. I never realised that it has so many benefits for your body and health which is amazing.
Wow. Thanks for sharing a great post. I have visited Turkey and done Istanbul and Antalya. This is another luxe toon surely to be visited. Thanks for the details. Would love the paragliding and the rafting. The photos and video add so
Much depth to the post. Great going and top tips.
I have been to Istanbul and Antalya too and they are very nice but Oludeniz is definitely a favourite for me. I could easily relax and stay there for a while
What a lovely post. I don’t know about gliding but I am in for kayaking. The water looks amazing. And those ruins – I would love to discover those.
Kayaking there was a lot of fun, wished that we had it longer so we could have explored of the area. Paragliding was definitely a lot of fun
Oludeniz Dalaman looks so gorgeous, I would love to visit this place when I visit Turkey. The activities you have listed sound so much fun and interesting. Exploring the old ruins in the ghost town and sailing across the 12 islands would be my top choice. Thanks for sharing such a detailed itinerary.
Oludeniz is one of my favourite places to go. Turkey has so many amazing things about the place and you definitely do not run out of things to do.
I’ve never been to Turkey but it looks fantastic. The paragliding sounds like so much fun! I think it would take a lot of ‘mind over matter’ to get me to do that but I think I would enjoy it once I’d started. The Blue lagoon and mud bathes sound like fun too.
You are so right it is definitely a mind over matter at the start when you are running of the edge of the mountain but once your up all is good.
It looks like you had so much fun kayaking, flying and bathing in mud baths! What an epic destination. I would also love to visit the ghost town of Kayaköy village. Great advice concerning the best time to visit and appropriate footwear!
It is such a great place to explore and there is so much to do. I hope you get there one day
So many fun and interesting things to do! How do you ever pick one…. Oh, I get it, don’t do them all!
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
It is a great place to go if you love outdoor activities.
What a visually stunning destination! I love your aerial shots which really show off the natural beauty of Oludeniz. Kayaköy village looks like the kind of photogenic ruins I’d enjoy exploring and I’d love to try the paragliding too, though I’m a bit of a scaredy cat! Of course, would love to explore the islands and marine life too.
I’ve never been to Turkey but this looks stunning! I LOVE that you went paragliding! That would never have made my radar but now I feel like I have to do it! And I would love to visit the fish market you suggest!
The paragliding was scary and exciting at the same time and I highly recommend gong there if you can.
D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris looks gorgeous. Paragliding to turtle spotting, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, indulging in great food, lots to explore makes Ölüdeniz Dalaman Turkey makes a great place for holidaying. Honestly, I had never heard about it but it was refreshing to read your blog. I love learning about new places. Paragliding is fun. I quite enjoy doing it. Your pictures tell me that you had a great experience too. It was intriguing to learn about Kayakoy village.
I was super impressed with Azur Resort and I loved the turtle spotting and kayaking. I hope you get there one day
I’ve never been to that part of Turkey but it looks very picturesque. How fun to do the paragliding, and the mud bath looks great too!
This is the second time that I have been here and I forgot how nice the area was. Definitely get your self to one of the 5 star resorts down here 🙂
Ghost towns are so fascinating. Yet we have seen a lot in the US and Kayakoy village looks quite different from what we’re used to! It’s incredible that it’s so ancient and that it was partly destroyed due to a series of events, but I like the fact that there are still people who want to preserve what is left of it!
I have never been to a ghost town in the USA but I would love to. I am always watching documentaries about them on tv. I would have loved to spend longer in Kayakoy and explore the whole area.
I love visiting ghost towns so I’d have to check out Kayaköy Village. The day sailing sounds lovely too and a great way to see the land from the water, and of course, all that fish looked super tasty. I haven’t been to Turkey yet, and this area sounds like it has many things I like to experience when traveling. Saving!
I really enjoyed Kayakoy and I wished that I could have been there longer to explore. Such an intriguing place to wander around in.
Not sure I would call the events and consequences of World War 1 an uncontrollable event or the end of the Ottoman Empire (which brought with it its own set of consequences) or the Greek’s attempt to invade the Anatolian region. Kayaköy is a good historical reminder of the price of conflict and war and love the fact the Turks are now protecting the site. Just added another place on our “must see” list. Thank you!
Turkey is an interesting place for many reasons including history. I do hope that you get to go there one day.
This is so different from the part of Turkey I’ve seen! Love it! Kayaking and sailing sound especially enticing.
I have been all over Turkey through the years and I can agree that is totally different in all areas. Hopefully you get to go down to this stunning area one day
I love that there are so many things to do on the water. The kayaking and the boat trips would definitely be on my list, as would visiting the deserted village. And the mud bath sounds fascinating too, although a good call on checking for a place that is properly accredited.
That ghost town is so eerie but your photos are hauntingly beautiful. I’d love to explore more of Turkey, this post is inspiring! I’ve only been to Istanbul
It was really interesting walking through the ghost town and I would have loved to have stayed longer there. It definitely one part of the world that I do love visiting.
I had never heard of Oludeniz before, but based on this is sounds absolutely amazing! I’d love to visit some day! I’ve never had to chance to visit Turkey, but I really would love to!
I am happy to know more about Dalaman region. Perfect tips with fewer words. I do appreciate for putting your efforts. Surely, it is a helpful itinerary. Thanks.