Things to do In Ölüdeniz

Hey friends, I recently spent a few days in the scenic beach town of Ölüdeniz in southwestern Turkey, and I have to say it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Nestled between the Turquoise Coast and Babadag Mountain, Ölüdeniz is famous for having one of the clearest shades of turquoise water you’ll find anywhere. But beyond lounging on its famous beach, there’s also lots of exciting activities to fill your days in this picturesque area. Here are some of my recommendations for things to do in Ölüdeniz:

One experience you absolutely must have is a hot air balloon ride over the valleys and lakes at dawn. I did this on my first morning and was blown away (no pun intended!) by the surreal beauty of floating over the terrain as the sun rose and painted the landscape pink and orange. It was magical seeing all the cute towns and hillside farms in the early light. Our pilot was super knowledgeable and even landed in a olive grove so we could enjoy some breakfast amongst the trees before flying back. It alone made the trip worthwhile.

If you’re feeling more active, you can’t leave Ölüdeniz without doing some hiking. The Kayaköy hike takes you through lush forests and limestone cliffs with postcard views of the beach below. I liked starting early to avoid the heat and getting some exercise in before lounging on the sand for the rest of the day. Babadag Mountain also offers superb multi-hour hike if you’re feeling ambitious, passing through rural villages with panoramic vistas from the summit. Wear good shoes and pack water/snacks for both trails.

Of course, one of the biggest draws of Ölüdeniz is relaxing on its famous beach. I spent whole afternoons chilling in the turquoise waters, occasionally wading over to grab snacks from the beach clubs. If you want to venture out to sea, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards or sea bikes to play on the water. Paragliding is also immensely popular—I watched the colorful parachutes float by from my towel as local pilots offered tandem flights.

For an evening activity, I’d recommend taking a Turkish cooking class. I met up with a local chef who walked me through preparing classic dishes like pide bread, manti dumplings and baklava in a traditional Ottoman farmhouse kitchen. It was so much fun getting hands-on experience with the cooking techniques and ingredients. We finished by feasting on what we made!

On my last day, I finally visited the crowds of Butterfly Valley. Walking amongst tens of thousands of brightly colored butterflies fluttering around was nothing short of magical. Be sure to go early or late to avoid the densest tourist groups. Nearby Ölüdeniz Lake is also serenely beautiful, with its emerald water surrounded by ancient olive trees and farms. I spent hours losing track of time in this picturesque oasis.

I hope these recommendations give you a taste of all the breathtaking natural scenery and activities awaiting in Ölüdeniz. It’s the ideal Turkish beach escape with something exciting or relaxing for every kind of traveler.