Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey / Aegean Coast / Fethiye / Olu Deniz
 |  | Destination Guide : Olu Deniz |
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| | | Miles of white sand |  | Why go on holiday to Olu Deniz?
Because it's a beach-lovers' paradise with miles of white sand and shingle beaches. Plenty of watersports are available and regular excursion boats take you to more isolated and picturesque spots.
In the off-season you can get the time and space to appreciate the beauty of the coastline and mountains.
How much does it cost?
As a rough guide, seven-day packages start at around £470 in the peak months and fall to around £300 off-season. Return flights to Dalaman cost around £180 but can be much cheaper in the quiet months.
Mid-range hotel accommodation in a double room costs about £30 per night. The Dolmus (minibus) to Dalaman costs approximately £1.
When should I go?
If you want a tranquil beach holiday, August may not be the best time to go. Temperatures soar to 90F (33C) and the package holiday crowds are at their peak.
The weather can be fine in May and June and October (26C or 77F) and the cost is considerably less.
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| | | Flit through Butterfly Valley |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Olu Deniz has some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and a landlocked lagoon which is marvellous for children. Some beaches charge a small fee but Belcekiz beach, which is very much the centre of town life, is free.
Are there any day trips available?
The beautiful Kidrak Forest Park is two kilometres from the town. Excursion boats, operating though the summer, can help you explore the coastline. They charge around £8 for a day trip, including lunch.
Excursions tend to take in Gemile Beach, the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island.
Is Butterfly Valley worth seeing?
The home of the unique Jersey tiger butterfly is a great place for a day trip.
If you want to spend more time there you can spend the night on a treehouse platform for about £2.50 a head - not to be advised in the cooler months, or for lone female travellers.
Are there any large towns nearby?
Fethiye is only 8.5km away and is easy to get to by bus from Olu Deniz. There are also excellent facilities for diving here.
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| | | Enjoy Mediterranean cooking | | Where's good for nightlife?
Up above the harbour, Liman Caddesi boasts several bars. Towards the end of the street an old house has been converted into the Yasmin Bar, which is classically decorated and offers an odd mix of music.
The adjoining Lycian Fire is also worth checking out. Locals prefer the Yes Bar in Cumhuriyet Caddesi in the bazaar.
What's the food like?
Turkish cuisine is at the heart of Mediterranean cooking. The ingredients are often simple but high-quality and usually fresh. Try dolma (stuffed vine leaves), fresh fish and seafood, local varieties of bread and fresh fruit and veg.
What should I buy?
There's not much in the way of shops in Olu Deniz and if you want to do some serious shopping your best bet is to take a bus to Fethiye.
As well as locally-produced honey, Turkish delight and other traditional Turkish sweets, popular souvenirs include onyx, leather clothing and accessories, carpets, jewellery and crafts, meerschaum pipes, sandals and beach wear.
What is there for children to do?
Kids will love swimming in the lagoon. They also enjoy boat trips and a lot of the bigger hotels offer entertainment for children.
Tourist office
Turkish Tourist Office, 170-173 Piccadilly, 1st Floor, London, W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7355 4207.
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| | Available rental properties in Olu Deniz |
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| |  | | Villa Jolio
Luxury detached 3 bedroom mountain side villa. Air-con, private pool, gardens and wilderness views. Hisaronu, Olu-Deniz and Fethiye nearby. High quality at low cost for tranquillity.
|  | | Villa Lauray Turkey
luxury 3 bed air conditioned villa with own freshwater pool, Peaceful location in foothills of mt. Bagadad with beautiful views of valley and mountain. Central for Olu Deniz, Fethiye and Hisaronu.
|  | | Villa Pembe D
Ideally located 4 bedroom 3 bathroom detached villa with pool. 10min walk to bustling Hisaronu. 10min dolmus(bus) to Olu Deniz/Blue Lagoon or Fethiye
|  | | Ovacik Residences
Ovacik Apartments with full facilities are situated in the foothills of the Babadag mountains - 10 mins from the famous beach and lagoon of Olu Deniz.
|  | | Chateaux Apartment A2
Luxury three bedroomed apartment in an ideal location, stunning mountain views, private pool, aircon, two balconies, close to Fethiye and Oludeniz.
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