I found an affordable holiday destination with a turquoise lagoon and 25C heat in May

Found along Turkey’s scenic southwest coast, this popular destination has a shimmering blue lagoon and one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

At first glance, it feels like summer is finally on its way. The sun beats down from a cloudless sky, and the sea sparkles with a shade of blue you usually only see in postcards. It's late Spring, but things are already heating up with an impressive 25°C, making this the ideal Mediterranean escape when much of northern Europe is still cool.

Found along Turkey’s scenic southwest coast, this popular destination has a shimmering blue lagoon and one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also a surprisingly affordable destination for a slice of sun-soaked paradise before the schools kick out for summer. Once a hideaway for pirates and smugglers, Ölüdeniz, in the Dalaman region, no longer keeps its beachy treasures hidden.

Today, it’s one of the country’s most beloved holiday spots for locals and sun-seeking Brits, famed for the Blue Lagoon, one of Turkey’s most photographed natural attractions. It regularly tops polls of the world’s best beaches, and for good reason.

The calm, turquoise waters are dream-like, and the beach is still soaking up 25°C heat even as other parts of Europe have spring showers. For travellers on a budget, this region has a range of affordable hotels (prices off-season start from £36) and a glass of beer will set you back £1.50. Lush.

Here's how to make the most of a beach break in dreamy Ölüdeniz.

Hit the beach and lagoon

Ölüdeniz’s beautiful Blue Lagoon is part of a protected national park officially known as the Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parki. This area is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, and visiting the lagoon means you’re stepping into a carefully preserved piece of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline.

The park surrounds the famous Blue Lagoon, ensuring that the waters and surrounding environment remain clean and pristine and regulating development to keep the area as natural as possible.

There’s a small entrance fee to access the national park, which includes Belcekız Beach and the lagoon area. The facilities are well-maintained, with toilets, showers, and plenty of shaded areas to escape the baking midday sun.

The park also offers rental options for sunbeds and parasols, and there are also kayaks, pedalos and paddleboards for hire if you want to explore the tranquil lagoon waters.

Ölüdeniz’s Belcekız Beach offers a striking combination of sand and pebbles, curving gracefully along the coast. This Blue Flag-winning beach is wide and welcoming, ideal for long, lazy days by the water. It leads directly to the iconic Blue Lagoon, where the water is calm, crystal-clear, and perfect for a gentle swim.

Behind the beach, a range of pine-covered mountains rises dramatically, adding to the sense of escape. But they’re more than just a backdrop; they’re the starting point for one of the most popular activities in the area: paragliding.

Paragliding: Soar above the turquoise coast

If you’re bored of sunbathing and craving a spot of holiday adventure, Ölüdeniz is the ultimate paragliding destination and offers epic coastline views from a unique vantage point.

The town’s famous Babadağ Mountain towers above the coastline at 1,960 metres, offering one of the best launch points in the world. From here, you can float high above the picturesque Blue Lagoon and the vast Mediterranean Sea, taking in the magnificent landscape from a bird's-eye view. Just don't look down!

The thrilling descent offers sweeping views of not just the lagoon but also the spectacular Butterfly Valley, a deep canyon home to hundreds of species of butterflies. The vibrant greens of the valley, contrasted against the sparkling blue of the water, are an incredible sight to behold from above.

No need to be a gliding expert, tandem paragliding flights with experienced instructors are available so that you can float to earth with a pro. Thank god!

The take-off from Babadağ is exhilarating, and the experience of soaring through the air with the warm wind in your face is as close to flying as it gets and is an incredible rush.

Flights last around 25 to 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights before gently gliding back down to the beach to high-five your family and friends and purchase your pics.

Water adventures and boat trips

If you prefer staying closer to the water, Ölüdeniz offers many reasonably priced watersports. You can jump on a jet ski, snorkel in the clear waters, or paddleboard around the serene Blue Lagoon.

Hop aboard a boat trip to slowly explore the nearby coves and islands. The Butterfly Valley boat tour is a favourite. A secluded beach at the valley’s base provides a peaceful place to unwind or hike into the canyon to explore the rich wildlife.

A day out on the 12 Islands tour is also popular. This all-day boat adventure takes you to pristine bays and uninhabited islands in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, including Red Island, Göcek Island and Rabbit Island, where many local rabbits roam free.

Many of these trips also include fresh fish BBQS and scenic stops where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and look for marine life.

Day trip to Fethiye

A quick 25-minute ride on the local dolmuş (a shared taxi) takes you to Fethiye, a buzzing harbour town and cruise port sheltered by green pine and cedar forests.

This seaside spot is best known for its natural harbour, blue waters and numerous rock tombs, including the 4th-century B.C. Tomb of Amyntas, carved into a bluff overlooking the city. Here you can stroll along the yacht-packed marina, stop for a cold Efes beer at a waterfront bar and explore Paspatur, the old quarter, for cobbled streets that curve past whitewashed mosques.

Take the time also to visit the impressive 4th century BCE Lycian Rock Tombs on the hillside south of downtown Fethiye. The only way to reach the tombs is on foot; the steep uphill climb takes about 15 minutes.

Ancient rock tombs like these are primarily found in cities and towns of ancient Lycia (a historical region in Anatolia from 15th–14th century), and were used as burial chambers for the deceased.

They were typically reserved for the elite, aristocrats, and important members of society, and they were often located in high locations, overlooking valleys and landscapes. The belief was that it would be easier for winged creatures to carry them through to the afterlife.

After exploring the tombs, why not have a spot of shopping? Fethiye’s bazaar is a great place to pick up Turkish souvenirs, from handwoven carpets to spices. The town’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal for wandering, and a cup of rich Turkish coffee in a quiet café will round off your day trip nicely.

Where to eat in Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz has a fantastic range of restaurants to choose from, whether you’re after authentic Turkish food or zingy international flavours plated with style.

Sey Beach Bar & Restaurant stands out, serving fresh seafood with views of the Blue Lagoon. Their grilled octopus is a local favourite and perfect for lunch or dinner by the sea.

For a more traditional taste of Turkey, Kumsal Pide offers a delicious selection of pide, a flatbread topped with ingredients like minced meat or cheese.

Joseph’s Restaurant is a go-to for international dishes, while Buzz Beach Bar offers cocktails as the sun dips behind the mountain. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here

Where to stay in Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz has an impressive range of accommodation options for different travel styles and budgets. If you want to be right on the sand, Belcekiz Beach Club is a fantastic choice.

This swish all-inclusive resort offers direct beach access, multiple pools, and activities like yoga and watersports, so you’ll never be short on things to do.

For something smaller and quieter, Tonoz Beach Hotel is a boutique hotel just a short walk from the lagoon. It’s the perfect place if you want to be in the heart of the action but still have a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

Liberty Hotels Lykia is a stunning resort just outside Ölüdeniz for a more luxurious option. It’s family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids, and offers epic views of the mountains and sea for adults to enjoy.

You can search for accommodation options on booking.com and filter them according to price, room size, and location.

How to get to the Dalaman region from the UK

Reaching Ölüdeniz and the wider Dalaman region from the UK is straightforward, with multiple options for both flights and holiday packages.

The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), a 1-hour drive from Ölüdeniz. Several airlines offer direct flights from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

Jet2 operates frequent direct flights from various UK airports to Dalaman, with flights typically taking around 4 hours. The company also offers convenient package holidays, combining flights, accommodation, and transfers.

EasyJet and TUI also offer direct flights from several UK cities, with TUI being another great option for all-inclusive holiday packages. These packages often include flights, hotel stays, and airport transfers, taking the hassle out of planning your trip.

During peak summer, flights are frequent, but autumn sees fewer crowds, often allowing you to snag a last-minute deal or lower-cost flight options.

Once you land in Dalaman, getting to Ölüdeniz is easy. You can either pre-book a transfer through your holiday provider or hire a rental car for more flexibility. Taxis and shuttle buses are also available from the airport.