Ölüdeniz Guide

Explore Ölüdeniz’s iconic Blue Lagoon, sunset cafés, paragliding, and nearby Saklikent Gorge – a 3‑day adventure in Muğla’s turquoise paradise.

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Ölüdeniz Guide44 spotsMuğla, TR

Last updated: Sep 23, 2026

Curated by Shlau

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Ölüdeniz is a turquoise lagoon resort in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province, Turkey. The lagoon itself is a shallow, crystal‑blue basin cut off from the open Mediterranean by a narrow sand bar, with Babadag Mountain rising behind the villages of Ovacık and Hisarönü. The name “Ölüdeniz” means “dead calm,” a fitting description of the tranquil waters that attract swimmers and snorkelers alike.

The resort developed rapidly in the mid‑1990s when large hotels began to appear along the beach strip. Today the area blends budget pensions, all‑inclusive hotels, beach clubs, and apartment rentals that climb toward Hisarönü. Most visitors stay three to seven nights, enough time for beach days, paragliding, and a boat excursion without needing a month‑long holiday.

Why go? The Blue Lagoon’s calm, turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Paragliders launch from the ridge above the lagoon and land on Belcekiz Beach, offering panoramic views of the bay and surrounding mountains. A short boat ride from the waterfront takes you to Butterfly Valley, a lush area where butterflies abound and the scenery is dramatic. A stage of the Lycian Way passes through Ölüdeniz, giving hikers a chance to explore the rugged coastline and nearby villages.

What to do: Day 1–2 – relax on Belcekiz Beach, walk the lagoon trail inside Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı, and try a paragliding slot if the wind permits. Day 3 – take a boat to Butterfly Valley; spend the afternoon hiking or simply enjoying the valley’s natural beauty. Day 4 – join a Lycian Way walk toward Faralya or explore the nearby villages of Ovacık and Hisarönü. Optional Day 5–7 – use extra days for leisurely beach time, sunset dining on the waterfront, or a second paragliding session.

When to visit: The best months are May, June, September, and October. These periods offer warm but not scorching weather, lower tourist numbers, and reliable wind conditions for paragliding.

Transport: Dalaman Airport is about 60 km northwest of Ölüdeniz. From the airport, taxis or minibus services run to Fethiye’s bus station (otogar). Regular dolmuş minibuses link Fethiye, Ovacık, and Ölüdeniz throughout the day. Walking is usually sufficient within Ölüdeniz; for longer distances, local taxis are available.

Nearby routes: Fethiye, the market town, offers supermarkets, a ferry terminal to Rhodes, and a Tuesday bazaar. It’s the ideal base if you need more amenities or harbour facilities. Kayaköy, an abandoned village inland, can be reached by a short drive from Ölüdeniz. The Lycian Way continues north toward Faralya and south toward Fethiye, providing scenic hiking options.

Who it suits: Families appreciate the lagoon’s calm waters for gentle swimming. Couples enjoy sunset paragliding and waterfront meals. Solo travelers find the area lively in summer, with boats and shuttles running late into the night. Wi‑Fi is available but the resort’s rhythm is beach‑centric, so expect a relaxed pace rather than a digital nomad hub.

Ölüdeniz History: From Quiet Cove to Iconic Paragliding Destination

Ölüdeniz was once a small Greek village called Karmylassos. The 1923 population exchange emptied the coast of its Greek inhabitants and the name changed to the Turkish Ölüdeniz, literally “dead lagoon.” For many decades it remained a quiet local beach, but the 1990s brought a turning point: the first resort hotels opened and the road from Fethiye was upgraded, making the area accessible to tourists. The nearby Babadag ridge had already attracted mountaineers, and in the early 2000s paragliding turned the ridge into a daily runway above Belcekiz, giving Ölüdeniz its reputation as a sky‑diving hotspot. The lagoon itself lies within Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı, a protected nature reserve where motorised boats are restricted to preserve the pristine sand bar that offers the iconic view. Nearby Butterfly Valley can only be reached by boat or a steep descent along the Lycian Way, and it has become a popular day‑trip destination. The villages of Ovacık and Hisarönü developed on the hillsides, offering higher‑altitude accommodation while still being within easy reach of the beach shuttle. Today Ölüdeniz is not an ancient city with a museum quarter; it is a Fethiye district that traded its quiet fishing past for seasonal tourism, sand, and the thrill of flight.

Food in Ölüdeniz, Muğla Province, Turkey

Ölüdeniz’s culinary scene mirrors that of a typical Turkish resort strip, with a focus on fresh Aegean fare and casual beachside dining. The most common offerings are grilled fish, meze platters, gözleme (savory flatbread), and pizza for children. Beer is widely available at sunset, especially along the waterfront where the evening trade thrives. The main promenade near the lagoon hosts a range of restaurants that cater to tourists, but the side streets of Hisarönü and Ovacık offer more affordable options when the front‑of‑lagoon tables are full. Most hotels provide a package‑hotel breakfast that includes local staples such as cheese, olives, and fresh bread. Seasonal variations affect dining availability. July and August are peak months, so terraces fill quickly and many restaurants close early in the evening. In May or October, you’ll find more relaxed hours and fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy a leisurely meal by the sea. If you plan a day trip to Butterfly Valley, bring your own lunch or eat before boarding the boat, as the valley’s limited service is geared mainly toward visitors on the water. For a broader selection of dishes, Fethiye harbour is only a short ride away and offers a wider range of restaurants without requiring a hotel change.

Getting there: Take a bus or dolmuş from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz, or drive via the scenic coastal road; the Blue Lagoon is a short walk from the beach.

Getting there The most common entry point is Dalaman Airport, about 60 km northwest of Ölüdeniz. Shared transfers and taxis meet most flights; agree on the fare before you board. If you arrive late in the season, book a transfer in advance because the last dolmuş (shared minibus) may leave before your plane lands. From Fethiye’s bus station (otogar) regular dolmuş and minibuses run to Ölüdeniz throughout the day during the high‑season months. The journey takes roughly 20 minutes when traffic is light. There is no train service to the area, and long bus rides from Antalya or Izmir are not practical for a short visit. A hired car is useful if you plan to visit nearby attractions such as Saklıkent Gorge, Kayaköy ghost village, or Babadag for early‑morning paragliding. Parking near Belcekiz Beach can fill up in August, so consider arriving earlier in the day.

Getting Around Ölüdeniz

Getting around Ölüdeniz From the town centre you can walk to Belcekiz Beach and the Blue Lagoon entrance; many waterfront hotels are within a short stroll. If you prefer to stay in the hills, Ovacık and Hisarönü are uphill villages that can be reached by dolmuş or taxi. There is no metro or tram service in the area. Taxis operate throughout the day but become scarce after midnight, especially outside the peak July season. For water‑based activities, boats are the main transport: they ferry visitors to Butterfly Valley, snorkel stops, and private coves. Paragliding companies run shuttle buses to the Babadag launch sites. The Lycian Way hiking trail passes above the lagoon toward Faralya; it is a footpath, not a public bus line. If you plan to walk along the lagoon trail during hot weather, start early, bring plenty of water, and note that the park gate has specific opening hours.

Money & Staying Connected in Ölüdeniz: How to Pay, Use Wi‑Fi, and Keep Your Phone Charged on Turkey’s Blue Lagoon Coast

Ölüdeniz sits on Turkey’s southwestern Aegean coast, in Muğla Province. Its turquoise lagoon—shallow, crystal‑clear, and framed by dramatic cliffs—is the region’s signature attraction. The best times to visit are May–June or October–November when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner. A typical stay of three to five days lets you soak up the beach, try tandem paragliding over the sea, and explore nearby hikes and boat trips. Getting there is straightforward. A dolmuş (shared minibus) runs regularly from Ölüdeniz to Fethiye and surrounding villages, so a car isn’t essential. Renting a vehicle gives freedom to visit the karst landscapes and hidden coves on your own schedule. The local currency is the Turkish lira; cards work at hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is handy for dolmuş fares, beach vendors, and small cafés. Electric plugs are type C or F, 230 V. The emergency number is 112. Mobile coverage remains strong along the coast, though it can drop during boat trips or valley walks; café Wi‑Fi is available but not office‑ready.

Practical Visit Guide – Ölüdeniz, Muğla (May–June or Oct–Nov, 3‑5 days, local dolmuş transport)

Ölüdeniz, in Muğla Province on Turkey’s southwestern Aegean coast, is famous for its Blue Lagoon—clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and paragliding. A stay of three to five days lets you enjoy the lagoon, visit Butterfly Valley, and explore nearby Fethiye. The best months are May–June and September–October, when temperatures are warm but not scorching and crowds are thinner. July and August attract more visitors and higher prices, with peak beach activity and more frequent paragliding flights. Getting there is easiest by dolmuş (shared minibus) from Fethiye harbour, which is reachable by flight into Antalya or Bodrum airports. A car is handy for trips to karst caves and Butterfly Valley, but most tourists rely on regular dolmuş services. Activities include swimming in the lagoon, taking boat tours, and tandem paragliding from the cliff above—prices range from about thirty dollars for a short flight to two hundred fifty dollars for a longer one. Weather dictates flight availability; cancellations are common, so plan flexibility into your itinerary. A walk or boat to Butterfly Valley offers lush scenery and waterfalls—bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Belcekiz Beach is a popular sunset spot with cafés and music, but be aware of rip currents during peak season. In Fethiye town centre you can stroll the historic harbour, browse bazaars, and visit local mosques; the town lies 15 km north of Ölüdeniz and is easily reached by dolmuş. Late‑arrival travelers should not miss the last dolmuş after a late flight. Overall, Ölüdeniz offers relaxed coastal charm, water sports, and easy access to nearby natural attractions.

FAQ

1 / 10

What is covered in the Ölüdeniz guide?

Ölüdeniz in Fethiye district: the blue lagoon, Babadag paragliding, Butterfly Valley boats, and how to reach the resort from Dalaman. It includes 44 recommendations across 10 hotels, 5 cafes, 3 restaurants, 1 pharmacies, 2 beaches, 5 places, 4 taxis, 5 car rentals, 9 creator picks.

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How many places are in the Ölüdeniz guide?

The Ölüdeniz guide lists 44 places: 10 hotels, 5 cafes, 3 restaurants, 1 pharmacies, 2 beaches, 5 places, 4 taxis, 5 car rentals, 9 creator picks.

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Where is Ölüdeniz?

Ölüdeniz is in Muğla, TR (36.5709, 29.1403).

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How do you get to Ölüdeniz?

5 / 10

What should you eat in Ölüdeniz?

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Are there beaches in Ölüdeniz?

Yes — this guide lists 2 beach spots for Ölüdeniz.

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Is there camping in Ölüdeniz?

No camping listings in this pack yet — we do not invent venues. Entries will appear once verified.

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Can you rent a bike in Ölüdeniz?

No bike rental listings in this pack yet. Verified shops will be added when available.

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Is Ölüdeniz quieter than fethiye?

Ölüdeniz is the Fethiye district lagoon resort: sand bar, paragliding, Butterfly Valley boats. Three to seven nights for beach and flight; Fethiye is the harbour base north.

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What are recommended hotels in Ölüdeniz?

Highlighted hotels in the Ölüdeniz guide: Elze Hotel (4.8/5, 298 reviews); Montana Pine Resort (4.7/5, 1170 reviews); Morina Deluxe Hotel (4.7/5, 625 reviews).

Turquoise Hotel Restaurant (5/5) — Turquoise Hotel Restaurant is located close to the beach and main street.
Keçi Plus Ölüdeniz - Meşhur Bazlama Tostçusu (5/5) — Keçi Plus Ölüdeniz is known for its famous Bazlama Toast.
Smart Cafe (5/5) — Smart Cafe offers a warm atmosphere with fresh and delicious food.
anka kafe (5/5) — Anka Kafe serves fresh coffee and snacks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Friendz coffee time Cocktail bar & Restaurant (5/5) — Friendz Coffee Time serves as both a cocktail bar and restaurant.

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Hotels

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Elze Hotel
4.8(298 reviews)
Elze Hotel offers a comfortable stay with a relaxing atmosphere.
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Montana Pine Resort
4.7(1170 reviews)
Montana Pine Resort blends comfort and nature.
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Morina Deluxe Hotel
4.7(625 reviews)
Morina Deluxe Hotel offers a comfortable stay in nature.
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Unsal Hotel
4.6(522 reviews)
Ünsal Hotel offers comfortable accommodation in central Ölüdeniz.
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Sea Breeze Hotel And Apartments
4.6(318 reviews)
Sea Breeze Hotel and Apartments is a family-run establishment in a tranquil setting.
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Belcekiz Beach Club
4.5(1470 reviews)
Belcekiz Beach Club is located near one of the most popular beaches in Ölüdeniz.
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Green Peace Hotel
4.4(672 reviews)
Green Peace Hotel is located just 4 km from the famous Ölüdeniz beach.
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Gokcen Hotel & Apartments
4.4(370 reviews)
Gokcen Hotel & Apartments has been a family-run establishment in Ölüdeniz since 1987.
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Green Anatolia Club Hotel
4.3(524 reviews)
Green Anatolia Club Hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis.
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White Hotel
4.3(495 reviews)
White Hotel provides a friendly holiday atmosphere.
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Cafes

5 · 5 selected · View all Cafes

Keçi Plus Ölüdeniz - Meşhur Bazlama Tostçusu
5.0(72 reviews)
Keçi Plus Ölüdeniz is known for its famous Bazlama Toast.
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Smart Cafe
5.0(45 reviews)
Smart Cafe offers a warm atmosphere with fresh and delicious food.
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anka kafe
5.0(6 reviews)
Anka Kafe serves fresh coffee and snacks in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Friendz coffee time Cocktail bar & Restaurant
5.0(1 reviews)
Friendz Coffee Time serves as both a cocktail bar and restaurant.
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Cafe Folia
4.9(30 reviews)
Cafe Folia offers delicious drinks in a welcoming environment.
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Restaurants

3 · 3 selected · View all Restaurants

Turquoise Hotel Restaurant
5.0(5 reviews)
Turquoise Hotel Restaurant is located close to the beach and main street.
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The Olive Tree Studios
4.6(149 reviews)
The Olive Tree Studios stands out with its delicious dishes.
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Mountain Valley Oludeniz
4.6(140 reviews)
Mountain Valley Oludeniz offers stunning mountain views.
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Pharmacies

1 · 1 selected · View all Pharmacies

Yardım Eczanesi
5.0(5 reviews)
Yardım Eczanesi is a trusted address for health products and medications.
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Beaches

2 · 2 selected · View all Beaches

Ölüdeniz Beach
4.4(22059 reviews)
Ölüdeniz Beach is one of Turkey's most beautiful beaches.
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Könül Beach
4.4(223 reviews)
Könül Beach is a peaceful spot in the Ölüdeniz region.
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Places

5 · 5 selected · View all Places

Fethiye Paragliding | Fethiye Yamaç Paraşütü | Sky Fethiye
5.0(1789 reviews)
Fethiye Paragliding offers a paragliding experience with stunning views of Ölüdeniz.
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Paraglajding iznad Oludeniza
5.0(3 reviews)
Offers the chance to paraglide over the stunning views of Ölüdeniz.
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Akdağ - Capella Villaları
5.0(2 reviews)
Akdağ - Capella Villas offers comfortable and stylish accommodations.
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Görgülüarslan's Home
5.0(2 reviews)
Görgülüarslan's Home offers homemade delights that reflect local culture.
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Oludeniz Paragliding | Book Now
5.0(1 reviews)
Experience paragliding in Ölüdeniz.
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Taxis

4 · 4 selected · View all Taxis

Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi
4.1(47 reviews)
Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi offers reliable transportation services.
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Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi Ofisi
4.1(34 reviews)
Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taxi Office provides reliable transportation services.
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Taxi office
3.8(17 reviews)
Located at Cumhuriyet Cd. No:34, this taxi office offers reliable service for your travel needs.
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Ölüdeniz Taksi
2.5(28 reviews)
Ölüdeniz Taksi provides a transportation option in Fethiye.
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Car Rentals

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Fethiye Motor ve atv Kiralama
5.0(21 reviews)
Fethiye Motor and ATV Rental offers vehicle rental services.
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Olive Rent a Car
5.0(5 reviews)
Olive Rent a Car provides vehicle rental services.
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Eren Rent a Car
5.0(4 reviews)
Eren Rent a Car offers vehicle rental services.
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Ölüdeniz Rent a Car
4.9(190 reviews)
Ölüdeniz Rent a Car offers car rental services.
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Easy Smart Rent a Car
4.9(11 reviews)
Easy Smart Rent a Car provides car rental services.
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Creator picks

9 · 9 selected

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Ölüdeniz: A Slice of Paradise in Turkey
Ölüdeniz is a destination known for its natural beauty.
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Experience the Thrill of Paragliding in Ölüdeniz! 🪂
Ölüdeniz is known for paragliding.
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Escape to the Shore: Chasing Serenity
Spending time by the sea opens doors to new adventures.
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Sunset at St. Nicholas Island: A Boat Trip Finale
Experience sunset at St. Nicholas Island.
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Safe Swimming Spots During Storms
Safe beaches for enjoying the sea during storms.
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Paragliding Adventure in Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz offers stunning views for paragliding enthusiasts.
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A Week on a Private Yacht in Turkey
Explore the beauty of Turkey from your own yacht.
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Ölüdeniz & Butterfly Valley: A Slice of Paradise
Explore the natural beauty of Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley.
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Discovering the Hidden Beach of Oludeniz
Embark on an exciting hike to reach Oludeniz's hidden beach.
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Ölüdeniz Guide

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Overview44 spots · guide notesOpen overview

Explore on the map

Recommended places

Hotels

Elze Hotel

Elze Hotel

Montana Pine Resort

Montana Pine Resort

Morina Deluxe Hotel

Morina Deluxe Hotel

Unsal Hotel

Unsal Hotel

Sea Breeze Hotel And Apartments

Sea Breeze Hotel And Apartments

Belcekiz Beach Club

Belcekiz Beach Club

Green Peace Hotel

Green Peace Hotel

Gokcen Hotel & Apartments

Gokcen Hotel & Apartments

Green Anatolia Club Hotel

Green Anatolia Club Hotel

White Hotel

White Hotel

Cafes

Keçi Plus Ölüdeniz - Meşhur Bazlama Tostçusu

Keçi Plus Ölüdeniz - Meşhur Bazlama Tostçusu

Smart Cafe

Smart Cafe

anka kafe

anka kafe

Friendz coffee time Cocktail bar & Restaurant

Friendz coffee time Cocktail bar & Restaurant

Cafe Folia

Cafe Folia

Restaurants

Turquoise Hotel Restaurant

Turquoise Hotel Restaurant

The Olive Tree Studios

The Olive Tree Studios

Mountain Valley Oludeniz

Mountain Valley Oludeniz

Pharmacies

Yardım Eczanesi

Yardım Eczanesi

Beaches

Ölüdeniz Beach

Ölüdeniz Beach

Könül Beach

Könül Beach

Places

Fethiye Paragliding | Fethiye Yamaç Paraşütü | Sky Fethiye

Fethiye Paragliding | Fethiye Yamaç Paraşütü | Sky Fethiye

Paraglajding iznad Oludeniza

Paraglajding iznad Oludeniza

Akdağ - Capella Villaları

Akdağ - Capella Villaları

Görgülüarslan's Home

Görgülüarslan's Home

Oludeniz Paragliding | Book Now

Oludeniz Paragliding | Book Now

Taxis

Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi

Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi

Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi Ofisi

Ölüdeniz Ovacık Taksi Ofisi

Taxi office

Taxi office

Ölüdeniz Taksi

Ölüdeniz Taksi

Car Rentals

Fethiye Motor ve atv Kiralama

Fethiye Motor ve atv Kiralama

Olive Rent a Car

Olive Rent a Car

Eren Rent a Car

Eren Rent a Car

Ölüdeniz Rent a Car