Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon: Beach, Paragliding & Costs 2026

Quick answer: The Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon is a protected national nature reserve near Fethiye on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, famous for its impossibly calm, turquoise waters. Access to the lagoon itself requires a small entrance fee for its pristine beaches, while the adjacent public Belcekız Beach offers stunning views and is the main landing spot for paragliders descending from Babadağ mountain. An Introduction to Turkey's "Dead Sea" Welcome to Ölüdeniz, a place whose name translates to "Dead Sea" in Turkish (*Ölüdeniz*). But don't let the name fool you; this corner of the Mediterranean is vibrantly alive. The name refers to the lagoon's legendary stillness, a vast, protected inlet of water so calm it seems to hold its breath. This stunning natural wonder is arguably the most photographed beach in Turkey, and for good reason. It's a national park, a sanctuary of pine-forested hills tumbling down to meet a symphony of blue. The area consists of two distinct parts. First, there's Belcekız Beach, a long, wide arc of pebbles and coarse sand that faces the open sea. It’s a lively public beach, fringed with restaurants and cafes, and it serves as the spectacular landing strip for hundreds of paragliders each day. A short walk from Belcekız brings you to the entrance of the main attraction: the Blue Lagoon itself. This is a protected area where a sandbar creates a secluded, shallow, and unbelievably turquoise bay, perfect for families and those seeking tranquil waters. As a TURSAB-licensed guide, I've seen many beaches, but the sheer beauty of the Blue Lagoon is something I recommend to every traveler visiting this coast. How to Get to Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon Reaching this slice of paradise is straightforward, making it a popular hub on the Lycian Coast. Most international and domestic visitors arrive by air. By Air: The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), located approximately 55 kilometres (about 34 miles) away. The transfer from the airport to Ölüdeniz typically