Olu Deniz: where beach bumming, paragliding, and cocktail-slurping become the ultimate holiday trifecta.
Destination Highlights
Home to the *iconic* Blue Lagoon
Long, sunny days in summer
Family-friendly fun
Tons of activities for the whole crew
What are the best beaches in Olu Deniz?
Olu Deniz is famous for the many shades of blue in its lagoon and sea, glistening away at the foot of the Babadağ mountain. Everything has been built within easy reach of both, so you get a big side of fun with all of the natural beauty, plus there are opportunities to explore along the coast if you get itchy feet.
The Blue Lagoon - basically the MVP, ranked as one of the best beaches in the world - no biggie. It's also a protected nature reserve, so you can swim with turtles in the shallows (*resists the urge to break into song*).
Belcekiz Beach - the main attraction with all the big hits: soft sand for sprawling out on, ideal swimming conditions and killer mountain views.
Kidrak Beach - a short trip via car or boat will get you to this cute spot, nicknamed 'Paradise Beach' for its calm shores and gorg cliffs.
Butterfly Valley Beach - for a true escape into nature, take a boat trip out to this tip-top beach where you can chill with the butterflies. 'Cause why not?
What are the top hotels in Olu Deniz?
Spoiler alert: Olu Deniz doesn't make you choose between beach vibes and nature escapes. These top hotels are your one-way ticket to making the most of your holiday in Turkey.
Manaspark Oludeniz - a luxury hotel in a peaceful area, but still close to all that beach action.
Let's talk Olu Deniz weather. Seriously, if this place were a Spotify playlist, it'd be all bangers, no clangers!
Picture this: swaying palm trees, clear blue skies, and a climate so consistent you could set your watch to it. Olu Deniz brings the heat, and we're not just talking about the beach volleyball games. In the summertime, we're talking scorching temps around 30°C—perfect for working on that tan or showing off your new swimwear. Winters? They're as mild as that 'spicy' ketchup your grandma loves, hanging around a pleasant 15°C.
Thinking of when to pack your bags? Well, if you fancy the kind of heat that has you reaching for the SPF 50, May to September is where it's at. But if you're more into that 'enjoying the beach without turning into a lobster' vibe, consider the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Olu Deniz Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
By Anthony TetleyVerified
Always use On the Beach for holidays...
Always use On the Beach for holidays abroad. Just an easy and simple way to book a holiday, and always had a great time.
By Tony FletcherVerified
Excellent
Always use on the beach and always have a fantastic pain free holiday, easy to use service and friendly helpful staff when needed, 😀
By Nigel HancockVerified
Absolutely brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service and excellent customer support 👏
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Olu Deniz?
It takes about four and a half hours to fly to Olu Deniz from the UK.
What's the time difference between the UK and Olu Deniz?
Olu Deniz is three hours ahead of the time in the UK.
What currency do they use in Olu Deniz?
The official currency of Olu Deniz is the Turkish Lira.
What language do they speak in Olu Deniz?
The official language spoken in Olu Deniz is Turkish.
Stride your own vibe
You know the Lycian Way? More like the "Ly-see-this-amazing-scenery" Way, right? Winding its swanky self around the coast for, like, forevaaar (AKA, several hundred miles), Olu Deniz is just one poppin' pitstop. A little FYI – it’s named after some ancient peeps who were big deals back in the day. So, lace up and channel your inner explorer! And hey, if you’re all about that Insta life, the panoramas here are going to break your 'like' button.
Get your head in the clouds
At Olu Deniz, the sky isn’t just the limit, it's the destination. Babadağ mountain’s got the winds that whisper, “Come, glide with me.” And the folks at Hanuman Paragliding? They’re waiting to give you a taste of the high life without breaking the bank. Side note: you'll have a pro with you, so your swag will be 100% certified.
Muddy the waters
Let’s get one thing straight: sea-level shenanigans? Totally a thing. Hop on a boat to Dalyan, and embrace the mud-bath life. Slide, slip, and channel all those spa-tastic vibes. And when you’re done being a muddy marvel, head to Iztuzu Beach. Why? Because turtles, that's why. Not just your run-of-the-mill turtles either, but the Beyoncés of the turtle world. Yup, they’re kind of a big deal, and they’ve claimed that sandy stage.
Let it go (minus Elsa)
If you come to this nation and don’t dip into an authentic bath, well, that's like going to a concert and not swaying to the beat. Got sore feet from traipsing the Lycian? Or maybe you just wanna pamper yourself silly because, hey, you're worth it! Either way, the Sanctuary Day Spa & Turkish Bath is calling. Answer it. It’s the relaxation hotline you didn’t know you needed.
What events can I go to in Olu Deniz?
Thinking about a 2024 Olu Deniz vacay? Time it with one of these events and elevate your holiday from "pretty cool" to "epic story for the grandkids." It's never too early to start collecting those.
Uzumlu Morel Mushroom Festival (April) - Yes, there's a party for shrooms 🍄 (not that kind, we're not in Amsterdam). Uzumlu's gone all out, throwing a bash that's all about the fun(gi). Taste 'em, hunt 'em, love 'em - all with some cool local peeps.
Hıdırellez (May) - spring's epic launch party! There’s food that makes your taste buds groove, dances you've never seen, and - wait for it - fire-jumping. Yep, you read that right.
Victory Day (August) - this is when the whole country goes a bit wild (in the best way). Think parades that scream 'swag' and concerts that make you wanna shake it. It’s all about celebrating a 1922 battle win, but even if you couldn't give a hoot about the history, you're still in for a good time.
Lycian Way Ultra Marathon (September) - a multi-day trail-running event over the historic Lycian Way, with race lengths of up to one hundred kilometres! Wowzers.
International Music & Folk-Dance Festival (September/October) - Fethiye invites performers from around the globe to showcase the best traditional music and dance styles.
Oludeniz International Air Games (October) - the resort’s most famous event, drawing worldwide adrenaline-seekers to compete in sky sports (not the TV channel) - like paragliding and base-jumping 🪂
Where’s the best nightlife in Olu Deniz?
There are plenty of fun bars to choose from on beach holidays to Olu Deniz, with the resort itself being home to several spots that visitors love. The neighbouring town of Hisaronu also has some fun options and is just a short bus ride away. Don’t miss our favourite places to spend the evening:
Cherry Pub - The liveliest nights in the resort, with all-night DJ parties that often lead to dancing on the bar.
One For the Road - This bar is beloved for its friendly owners, great music, and buzzing atmosphere.
Mojito Bar - Enjoy cocktails and golden oldies at this bar, known for its Motown and Northern Soul playlist.
Glamour, Hisaronu - Take a ten-minute bus and you’ll find a drag extravaganza for all ages at this fun dinner show spot.
What's the food like in Olu Deniz?
Buckle up, taste-buds: Olu Deniz is ready to take you on a ride! First up, you've got the Turkish meze – kinda like a mixtape of all the best bites, perfect for food commitment-phobes. And if you're diving deep into the seaside munchies, there are plenty of chart-toppers for that too.
Midye dolma - mussels that have their party pants on, all stuffed with spicy rice, pine nuts - and occasionally - currants. It's a mouth-party if we've ever seen one.
Balik Ekmek - the street food rockstar! Grilled fish chilling in a baguette. So simple, so darn good.
Pazıda Levrek - a speciality of seabass all snuggled up and cooked in chard leaves.
Pide - imagine dough balls living their best life, stretched out, loaded with yummy fillings, and baked 'til they're golden and crispy.
Baklava - the dessert diva of Turkey. Flaky pastry layers jamming with nuts and swimming in honey or syrup. Delish.
Now, where to feast? Olu Deniz ain’t short of cool hangouts:
Buzz Beach Bar - sunsets, seafood, and seriously scrumptious local dishes. It's all the buzz for a reason.
Kumsal Pide - think of it as Pide Paradise. Affordable, home-cooked, and a must-try for any Olu Deniz rookies.
Blue Star Restaurant - worked up an appetite after all that exploring? This joint serves hearty helpings with a side of killer cocktails and a dash of top-tier service. Win-win-win!
The Secret Garden - it’s less "Where's Waldo?" and more "Where's that incredible Turkish food?" Escape the hustle and dive into a dreamy garden, munching on authentic treats.
Places to visit
The Blue Lagoon
If you haven't heard of the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz, then you're seriously missing out. And if you have, then you know what's up. It's got waters so vibrant you'll think your sunglasses are having you on, and sands softer than a marshmallow pillow fight. Whether you're looking for a gorg location to let your worries float away (literally) or the ultimate backdrop for that golden Instagram shot, this place has you covered.
Saklikent Gorge
If you think you've seen the best of what Mother Nature has to offer, hold onto your hats (literally, the winds can get a bit gusty 'round here), because Saklikent Gorge in Olu Deniz is here to prove you wrong. It's like nature's secret corridor, with a massive canyon, dramatic cliffs, and fresh mountain water streaming through. Whether you're channelling your inner geologist, fancy a paddle, or you're just there for the eye-candy views, Saklikent is the real-deal wilderness wonderland just waiting to be added to your bucket list. (And then ticked off.)
Babadag Mountain
This place is the go-to for paragliders, giving them a launchpad to soar with views that can make eagles jealous. But even if you're not about that adrenaline life, the panoramas up top are kinda like Earth's version of HD 4K resolution - but better. You can hop in a cable car to see the best of it, or just kick back and relax, sipping a coffee (or, you know, something stronger) while the world stretches out below. So, if your heart's set on feeling on top of the world (literally), Babadag's your VIP pass.
Key facts about Olu Deniz
Flight Time
4.5 hours
Time Difference
+3 hrs
Currency
Turkish Lira
Language
Turkish
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Olu Deniz?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Olu Deniz?
There is currently no tourist tax in Olu Deniz.
Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Olu Deniz?
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Olu Deniz on the FCDO website.
Observing Ramadan
Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 22/03/2023 and 20/04/2023. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.
