Do you have to pay for the beach in Ölüdeniz?+
The main beach in the bay is open to everyone; you only pay if you want a sunbed and umbrella. The Blue Lagoon, though, has its own gate and a small entrance fee, because it's a protected nature reserve. Inside, a sunbed costs extra again if you want one.
How far is Ölüdeniz from Fethiye and how do you get there?+
It's fifteen kilometres over the mountain road through Ovacık and Hisarönü, about twenty-five minutes by car. Dolmuş minibuses run from morning until midnight every ten to fifteen minutes and cost a few tens of lira, so you don't need a car just for the connection to Fethiye.
Do I need to book paragliding in advance?+
In May and September usually not — agencies along the promenade fill the next available slot going up the mountain. In July and August it's worth booking a day ahead. The main reason to keep flexibility is the weather: in strong wind there's no flying off Babadağ, so leave at least two spare days in your plans.
Is Ölüdeniz suitable for small children?+
The lagoon is — it's shallow, wave-free and closed to motorboats, with a pebbly bottom and water warmer than the open sea. Behind the spit, on the main beach, there are already waves and the seabed drops off faster. Water shoes help, since the pebbles are coarse and get hot at midday.
Can you walk down to Butterfly Valley?+
There is a descent from the village of Faralya above, but it runs down a steep cliff with fixed ropes and has caused several fatal accidents. For an ordinary visitor the only sensible way in is by boat from Ölüdeniz beach; the crossing takes about twenty minutes and the last boat back leaves in the afternoon.
How long is the season?+
Hotels and restaurants run from April to the end of October; outside that window the bay is nearly empty and some places close. Swimming works from June to October, when the sea sits between twenty-five and twenty-nine degrees. Paragliding operates through the whole season, wind permitting.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?+
It depends on your nationality — many EU citizens can stay up to ninety days without a visa, but check your own country's requirement before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid at least sixty days beyond your stay. A national ID card is not accepted as travel document into Turkey.
Is it worth renting a car in Ölüdeniz?+
Not for staying in the bay itself — everything is walkable and a dolmuş runs to Fethiye. A car makes sense for two or three days of trips to Lycian sites, Saklıkent or Dalyan. Expect paid parking near the beach, which fills up at midday in high season.
