Fethiye and Oludeniz together form one of the most naturally beautiful resort areas in the Mediterranean. Oludeniz — meaning Dead Sea in Turkish, a reference to the calm, sheltered waters of its famous lagoon — is home to the Blue Lagoon, a body of turquoise water enclosed by a white sand beach and pine-covered mountains that regularly appears in lists of the world's most beautiful beaches. Fethiye itself is a genuine market town with a harbour, Lycian rock tombs and a weekly market. Combined, they offer Irish visitors a Turkish holiday of extraordinary scenic beauty.
Location and Getting There
Fethiye is on Turkey's south-west Mediterranean coast. Dalaman Airport (DLM) is approximately one hour's drive. The flight from Dublin takes around four hours. Oludeniz is a further fifteen minutes from Fethiye, reached by a winding mountain road. Sunholidays.ie packages include transfers.
Beaches
The Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz is the headline — a shallow, intensely turquoise lagoon enclosed by a sand spit and surrounded by mountains. The lagoon itself is a protected nature park with an entry fee, and the water is exceptionally calm and warm. The public beach at Oludeniz, outside the lagoon, is a long stretch of shingle with sunbeds and facilities. Calis Beach, on the other side of Fethiye, is a long pebble beach popular at sunset. Butterfly Valley, accessible only by boat from Oludeniz, is one of the most dramatic and secluded beach destinations in Turkey — a deep gorge opening onto a small sandy beach, named for the Jersey Tiger butterflies that inhabit the valley.
Turkey's coastline stretches for over seven thousand kilometres, and the south-western coast in particular offers some of the most beautiful beach scenery in the Mediterranean. The water clarity along the Turquoise Coast lives up to the name — visibility of twenty to thirty metres is common, making the region excellent for snorkelling and diving. Many of Turkey's best beaches are within or adjacent to ancient archaeological sites, creating a unique combination of natural beauty and historical atmosphere. The all-inclusive culture in Turkish resorts means many hotels have private beach sections with complimentary sunbeds, parasols and beach service — a further advantage for families who want a hassle-free day at the beach.
Things to Do
Paragliding from Babadag Mountain above Oludeniz is one of Turkey's most iconic experiences — the tandem flight from nearly two thousand metres descends over the Blue Lagoon, offering views that are genuinely once-in-a-lifetime. No experience is needed, and the flight takes around thirty minutes. Boat trips from Oludeniz visit Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island (Gemiler) and the Twelve Islands. The Fethiye market, held on Tuesdays, is an authentic Turkish shopping experience — fresh produce, spices, textiles, leather and local honey. The Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff above Fethiye town are a striking sight, particularly the Tomb of Amyntas. The Saklikent Gorge, a dramatic canyon where you can wade through the icy river, is a popular day trip. Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek village in the hills above Fethiye, is an atmospheric and poignant historical site.
Dining and Nightlife
Fethiye's fish market is the must-do dining experience — choose your fish from the market stalls and have it cooked at an adjacent restaurant, accompanied by mezes and salad. It is fresh, fun and very good value. The harbour area has excellent restaurants. Oludeniz's beachfront has casual dining and bar options. Fethiye's old town has traditional Turkish restaurants and cafes. Nightlife is moderate — Fethiye has bars and a few clubs in the harbour area, while Hisaronu (between Fethiye and Oludeniz) has a compact but lively bar strip popular with Irish and British visitors.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. Paragliding operates year-round but is best in calm conditions — operators will advise. June and September are ideal for beach and activities. July and August are very hot. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful in any season.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
No visa needed for stays under ninety days. Turkish lira — ATMs for best rates. Two to three hours ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken in tourist areas.
The Turkish lira has fluctuated significantly in recent years, which has worked in favour of visitors from eurozone countries — Turkey offers extraordinary value for money at current exchange rates. ATMs are widely available and give a fair rate, while credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Haggling is expected in bazaars and markets — starting at around half the asking price is a reasonable approach. Turkish hospitality is legendary, and you will frequently be offered tea (cay) in shops, markets and even casual encounters. Healthcare in Turkey is not covered by the EHIC (as Turkey is not in the EU), so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Turkish cuisine is a genuine highlight — the quality and variety of food, from street-level simit (sesame bread rings) to multi-course restaurant meals, is consistently impressive.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team can arrange packages to the Fethiye and Oludeniz area, including all-inclusive options that offer exceptional value against this stunning natural backdrop.
Fethiye is a charming port town on the Turkish Riviera, rich in history with ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above. It serves as a gateway to some of the region's most stunning natural beauty, most notably Ölüdeniz, home to the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, one of Turkey's most photographed beaches. Ölüdeniz is also a world-renowned paragliding spot. From Fethiye, Irish travellers can explore Saklıkent Gorge, take boat trips to Butterfly Valley, or simply relax in a more authentic Turkish atmosphere.