At the base of the dramatic Baba Dagi mountain range, the picture perfect lagoon at Oludeniz is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Oludeniz means "Dead Sea" in Turkish, on account of the calmness of the lagoon. A popular anchorage for visiting yachts - although boats are barred from the lagoon itself - in summer the sky is filled with colourful paragliders, soaring off the nearby mountain.
A variety of package hotels, as well as restaurants and bars, back the main beach or you may prefer one of the quieter hotels, guesthouses and campsites beside the lagoon.
A short distance from Oludeniz is Kaya Koyu, a village abandoned by its Greek population in 1923. You can wander round the deserted streets and explore the crumbling old houses and church. There are some nice cafes to have a snack afterwards.
There are some lovely walks in the surrounding countryside. Oludeniz is also the starting point of Turkey's first long distance footpath, the Lycian Way.
Getting There
Oludeniz is about a 90-minute drive from Dalaman airport.