Olu Deniz is a coastal resort located in south west Turkey, famed for its beautiful beach.
TYPES OF HOLIDAYS
Turkey is a very popular holiday destination due to being just four hoursâ flight time from the UK and boasts excellent weather, a diverse range of resorts and wide variety of activities to enjoy.
This makes it ideal for short breaks of just seven nights, or a longer break of a fortnight or more.
There are bars and nightclubs for younger travellers to enjoy, water parks for kids and relaxing Turkish baths for anyone seeking the ultimate in relaxation.
And of course, every type of holiday maker will enjoy the miles of sandy beach and beautiful scenery!
BEST TIME TO GO
The Mediterranean climate in Olu Deniz means that there is mild weather all year round, though it is hotter in the summer and cooler in winter.
The summer months of April to October are the best time to go; the sun is shining, the full range of accommodation is open and all tourist activities are available.
Naturally prices may be higher at this time of year, but this area of Turkey is packed with all types of accommodation options, meaning you can often find a very good competitive deal.
SIGHTS TO SEE
As well as the astounding array of nature to be explored in the area, there are several trips you can take to see some of the historical sites surrounding Olu Deniz.
Kaya Village and the Kaya Valley are a great way to soak up local culture as you wander through the winding hilltop streets and sample the best cuisine in various tiny cafes and restaurants.
The clay mud baths of Pamukkale are not to be missed as the mud to be found here is said to be extremely nourishing for your skin â" why not take a visit and you may come out looking ten years younger!
Just below these calcium cliffs you can visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is over 2500 years old and features a remarkably well preserved amphitheatre.
There are also other ancient sites to be seen such as Letoon and Xanthos, both of which feature extensive ruins including temples, agoras and an amphitheatre.
ACTIVITIES
The main activities to take part in while staying in Olu Deniz are undoubtedly the wide variety of water sports.
Water skiing, parasailing and wakeboarding are all available on the blue flag beach, with many resorts providing lessons for beginners.
Scuba diving is also very popular, with a PADI certified diving school providing equipment and lessons so you can explore the array of marine life in the area.
If you wish to stay above water, there are many boat trips available around the bay that provide a unique way to enjoy the stunning coastline.
Olu Deniz is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with the town and beach being shadowed by Babadag Mountain. You can go hiking, climbing and mountain biking through the scenery and get up close with the wildlife of the area.
And if youâre feeling very brave you can even go paragliding and enjoy a birdâs eye view of Olu Deniz.
The Lycian Way is a 500km walk that leads all the way to Mount Olympus, and is one of the most popular walking routes in the entire world.
BEACHES
The lagoon that Olu Deniz beach is on is a national nature reserve and so is protected from over development. This means it retains its natural rugged charm for you to enjoy, and many water sports are available.
The beach can become very busy as it is the main beach for the resort. If you would prefer somewhere more secluded, you can head 2km away to Paradise Beach, or even take a boat trip to Butterfly Valley Beach. Here you can even stay over in a tepee and enjoy a meal in the tiny restaurant.
NIGHTLIFE
Many of the resorts in Olu Deniz have their own restaurants but there are many more to be enjoyed if you venture out into the town.
Olu Deniz also has a wealth of bars to choose from, with many being located on the seafront. This allows you to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the ocean.
There is only one nightclub in Olu Deniz itself so for all the best all night bars and clubs you should take a short taxi or dolmus ride to nearby Fethiye or Hisaronu. Here you will find streets packed with places to dance the night away!
ACCOMMODATION
There is plenty of accommodation in Olu Deniz and the surrounding area to suit everybodyâs needs.
The Belcekiz Beach Hotel is an extremely popular all inclusive resort located right on the beach front. Within the resort there is a tennis court, gym and outdoor swimming pool as well as a Turkish bath to relax in. There is a buffet style restaurant as well as three a la carte restaurants and five bars.
The Asena Beach Hotel has something for everyone in a beach side location. With swimming pools, table tennis, pool tables, a sauna, fitness centre and Turkish nights with live music, youâll certainly never be bored! There is also the Captain Hook restaurant serving a range of international food, or the Moonlight Restaurant for an intimate romantic meal.
For more traditional accommodation, the Oyster Residence is an old stone house in Fethiye surrounded by olive trees. The resort also features an outdoor pool, a la carte restaurant, library and beauty treatments.
Jade Residence is just 50m from the beach and is set in a lush 250 year old tropical garden. The hotel has excellent transport links with a dolmus stop nearby. If you wish to stay within the resort, there is a restaurant serving both traditional Turkish and international dishes.