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Framed
on three sides by rugged, pine-clad slopes and on the fourth by a bank of
almost white sand and shingle, the azure lagoon of Oludeniz is undoubtedly one
of Turkey’s most photographed images, adorning countless picture postcards as
well as seemingly every other tourist board poster.
Given the stunning natural beauty of the setting, it is no
surprise that the long, adjoining beach has over the years grown into a popular
resort. First discovered by hippies in
the 1970s, Oludeniz has undergone a process of gentrification since the opening
of Dalaman airport to international flights, and most of the original campsites
have since been replaced by attractively-designed, low-rise hotels.
A paved, pedestrian promenade runs the
length of the beach, lined with appealing bars and restaurants so there is no
shortage of venues for dinner or an evening’s entertainment.
At the same time, Oludeniz has managed to
avoid the high-rise developments that have spoilt Marmaris and some of the
resorts on the coast east of Antalya, and whilst the resort can be lively in
high season, the atmosphere remains appealingly laid back, largely due to the
broad mix of nationalities attracted to this beautiful spot, where Turkish
holidaymakers from the cities mingle with visitors from all over Europe and as
far afield as the Antipodes.
Part
of the appeal of Oludeniz lies in the unrivalled range of activities on offer
here. The lagoon (which is now a
protected area attracting a nominal entrance fee) is a wonderfully sheltered
venue for kayaking, whilst a selection of watersports are available from the
resort beach. The sea around Oludeniz
offers superb possibilities for scuba diving, with a renowned dive centre
located right on the beach, and mighty Mount Babadag overlooking
the eastern end of the bay serves as a unique launch pad for paragliding.
Even if launching yourself on
the wind from a height of nearly 2,000 metres is not your own idea of fun,
watching the procession of brightly coloured sails on their gradual descent
towards the bay is an interesting diversion as you lie relaxing on the beach.
Those who prefer somewhat more genteel activities will find a number of
splendid walking trails in the forested hinterland, or may perhaps opt for a
leisurely cruise along the coast.
For
those who wish to occasionally sample all the delights of a proper Turkish
town, Fethiye is less than 8 miles away and is served by a very frequent dolmus
(minibus) service. Here you can stroll
along the harbour and admire the beautiful wooden gulets, enjoy the uniquely
cleansing experience of a proper Turkish bath, shop till you drop in the
picturesque back streets or barter for bargains in the colourful market. Along
the bus route towards Fethiye, some of the villages just inland from Oludeniz
have grown into small resorts in their own right.
Of these, Hisaronu is rather too lively for our liking, catering
mostly to the young party crowd, but nearby Ovacik is much more family-orientated,
combining a decent range of facilities with a laid-back holiday atmosphere.
The
range of facilities and activities offered in Oludeniz and Ovacik and the
availability of reliable public transport makes this area ideal for those who
do not wish to have to rely on a hire car on holiday.
However, just a little further afield, there are also numerous
archaeological sites just waiting to be explored, including Pinara, Tlos and
Xanthos, as well as the stunning gorge of Saklikent.
Some of these can be visited on organised excursions for those
who prefer not to drive themselves, but hiring a car for at least part of your
stay is of course the best way to do the cultural and natural riches of the
surrounding region full justice.
And you needn’t venture far from here to get truly off the
beaten track, as some of the Turquoise Coast’s most gloriously unspoilt coastal
scenery lies just to the south of Oludeniz. Just a 10-km drive from here takes
you past the magnificent Butterfly Valley to the sleepy hamlet of Faralya – the
perfect retreat for walkers and nature-lovers and those simply seeking complete
tranquillity and relaxation, yet within easy driving distance from the
sophisticated facilities of Oludeniz itself. Whilst remaining very much a rural
hamlet, Faralya now boasts a small range of accommodation of an excellent
standard, including a few private villas and a small exclusive hotel so nature
lovers can enjoy the countryside and contemplate the views across the
Mediterranean to Rhodes without sacrificing their comfort.
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