How to Plan a Day Trip to Turkey’s Blue Lagoon

Ölüdeniz is very close to Fethiye, so if you have rented a car, the ride there (about 20 minutes) is quite comfortable, as it’s a wide road that is well paved. If you’re on a budget, then you can take the dolmuş (minibus) from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz and pay a small fee of five Turkish liras. The dolmuş departs from the PO Petrol Station that’s right by the bus terminal and makes a few stops before it arrives at Ölüdeniz. For a more comfortable ride, you can also choose to hire a cab from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz, which will cost you around 80 Turkish liras.

Of course, the most popular activity is to rent a beach chair and enjoy the sun and the beautiful calm waters of Ölüdeniz. If you’d rather hang out at a private beach with a restaurant and bar, then check out Sugar Beach, which also has bungalows in case you want to stay overnight. For the more active travelers, the Blue Lagoon just happens to be one of Turkey’s best spots for paragliding, given its amazing view of the lagoon and surrounding coves.

There are plenty of paragliding companies for both experts and novices, and the approximately one-hour ride takes you from nearby Babadağ mountain (at an elevation of 1,900 meters, or 6,234 feet) and all around the lagoon and its surrounding mountains and valleys. If flying around is not really your thing, you can stay on the ground and rent a small motorboat from one of the many rental companies on the beach. Traveling from the sea will allow you to view many of the area’s hidden coves and beaches that you wouldn’t discover otherwise.

If you haven’t opted for hanging out at Sugar Beach, there’s plenty to eat in Ölüdeniz, with some options better than others. For something a bit authentic, check out İnci Restaurant, which serves up delicious Turkish home cooking as well as a few international dishes. The restaurant belonging to Oba Hotel is also another favorite with classic Turkish dishes at very affordable prices. The restaurant’s location in a wooden cabin surrounded by trees is also quite noteworthy and a great break from all the sun and sand.

İnci Restaurant, Ölüdeniz Mahallesi, Belcekız Caddesi, 48340 Fethiye-Muğla, Turkey, +90 537 498 59 37

Oba Hotel, Ölüdeniz Mahallesi, Oludeniz Caddesi, 48340 Muğla, Turkey, +90 252 617 01 58

It’s no secret that the Blue Lagoon can become a bit too much after a while due to the high population of tourists all around. That’s why a side break to another more quiet corner comes highly recommended.

If you’re a nature lover, make sure to check out the Butterfly Valley, a remote beach and nature preserve tucked between the mountains. You’ll find boats and minibuses that will take you to this small bit of paradise right from Ölüdeniz.

If you’re more of a history buff, then the nearby ghost town of Kayaköy is a must-see. Once a thriving community of Muslims and Christians, the town was abandoned during the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Nowadays, the beautiful homes, churches, and shops continue to stand in the sun, dilapidated but still filled with a certain air of mystery.

Kelebek Vadisi (Butterfly Valley), Muğla, Turkey

Kayaköy, Muğla, Turkey