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.
When you see beach photographs in tourism pamphlets, chances are it's Olu Deniz - it's one of the world's most snapped beaches. The golden sands overlooking the pure waters are flanked by a beautiful blue lagoon on one side and sheltered by the pine-covered Babadag mountain. For some incredible views away from the beach itself, scale the mountain to reach the hilltop towns of Hisaronu and Ovacik, where you can sit amidst the forest and watch the sun's slow retreat. One thing is for certain; the photographs of your Olu Deniz holidays will be amazing!
